Jul 15, 2025

Your OBX Stay in Penny’s Hills Beach Club

Wild dunes, wild horses, pure escape.

Blog / OBX Guides
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Welcome to Penny’s Hill Beach Club!

Penny’s Hill Beach Club offers a truly unique Outer Banks escape, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound on the scenic 4×4 beaches north of Corolla. Just 2.5 miles past the paved road, this peaceful neighborhood sits beside the towering Penny’s Hill sand dune, the second largest in North Carolina. Surrounded by natural beauty and just minutes from Corolla’s shopping, dining, and entertainment, it’s the perfect blend of remote adventure and nearby convenience.

 

What Sets Penny’s Hills Beach Club Apart?

What makes Penny’s Hill Beach Club so special is its breathtaking natural setting and sense of seclusion. With minimal development, ever-shifting dunes, and a prime location near a protected nature preserve, the area invites guests to slow down and reconnect with the coastal landscape. While there are no community amenities, the Corolla Wild Horses frequently roam the area, and the sound of ocean waves is never far away. Climb to the top of Penny’s Hill for panoramic views, watch the sunset over the sound, and enjoy a rare slice of OBX where nature still takes center stage.

The Corolla Wild Horses

The Corolla Wild horses roam freely on the 4×4 and are unique to the Outer Banks. They are descended from the Spanish Mustangs who were originally brought over on Spanish ships in the 1500’s. Outer Banks folklore is rich with theories about how the horses thrived and became a wild herd. The horses are untamed and can exhibit territorial tendencies, such as stallions battling over a mare or food.

Visitors to the 4×4 beaches are advised to never approach or feed the Corolla Wild Horses for the safety of both. Watch the wild horses from a safe distance of at least 50 feet away. A wild horse’s temperament can change quickly, so approaching them can be dangerous. It is illegal to be within 50 feet of a Corolla Wild Horse. If a wild horse approaches you, cautiously move away from them. Planning a trip to the Outer Banks? Check out our Guide to the Corolla Wild Horses.

4×4 Beach Access

Driving on the 4×4 beaches is much different than driving on paved roads. First and foremost, check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to be sure that your particular make and model is sufficient for driving on the beach. 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles with higher clearance tend to perform well on the beach; we recommend at least 7.5 inches of ground clearance. We strongly encourage your tire pressure to be 18-20 psi.

The speed limit on the beach is 35 mph when no people or horses are around and 15 mph when within 300 feet of people, but be aware of your speed around horses as well!When parking on the 4×4 beach, your vehicle should be perpendicular to the ocean, east of the dune line, and west of the high tide line. During certain times of the year, a 4×4 parking pass is required to park on the beach. Two parking passes will be at your Twiddy home upon arrival. Additional parking passes must be purchased from Currituck County. See Currituck County’s website for the most recent information on 4×4 beach parking passes. Check out our Trips and Tricks for driving on the 4×4

Explore Local Attractions

Penny’s Hills Beach Club is a drive away from 4×4 hidden gems. Challenge the family to a game of volleyball and hang out at Carova Beach Park or stop by Wash Woods Station, an original U.S. Coast Guard lifesaving station built in 1917. Need a break from the sand? Explore nearby Corolla through Currituck National Wildlife Refuge or Historic Corolla Park and Historic Corolla Village.

multi generation obx girls trip

Enjoy Local Shopping and Dining

Experience mouthwatering Outer Banks flavors and shop for coastal treasures, just a quick drive from the 4×4. There are limited business that deliver, such as Lighthouse Pizza and Outer Banks Boil Company.

Tips Before You Arrive

Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind as you plan your stay:

  • Check-in Instructions and details are available in your guest portal.

  • Review community rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

  • For the most up-to-date information on events, amenities, and map, be sure to visit Penny’s Hill Beach Club community site.

Ready to Experience Penny’s Hill Beach Club?

Whether you’re driving among the golden sand, admiring the Corolla Wild Horses, or soaking in the beauty of the ocean waves, Penny’s Hill Beach Club offers more than just a getaway, it’s where unforgettable moments and lasting memories come to life.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

FAQ’s

Where is the closest grocery store?

The closest grocery store is food lion, which is about 2 miles from the 4×4 entrance.

What happens if my car gets stuck in the 4×4?

Contact North Beach Recovery (252-453-0573) for assistance. North Beach Recovery also offers valet beach parking, wedding transportation, and car towing.

Where is the closest public boat ramp?

Carova Beach Park features a public boat ramp (2011 Ocean Pearl RoadCorolla, North Carolina 27927), as well as The Whalehead Club at the end of the parking lot.

Discover Corolla: the Ultimate Scavenger Hunt

Embark on an adventure with the family with our Corolla Scavenger Hunt!

If you have any questions, our Vacation Specialists on our Guest Services team are happy to help! Please chat with us on our website, call (866) 457-1190, or text us at (252) 888-2598.

Mali Goebel

Mali Goebel

Jul 15, 2025

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