Jun 13, 2023

Know Before You Go: Beach Driving on the 4×4

Blog / OBX Guides
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The 4×4 beaches of the Outer Banks bring a unique experience of exploration. Being one of the least developed stretches of the region, there are no shops, no restaurants, and, perhaps most notably, no paved roads. It’s simply 11 miles of beautiful seashore, complete with Corolla Wild Horses. 

That’s right! This stretch, spanning from the last road in Corolla up to the Virginia state line, is the perfect location for anyone looking for a remote getaway. But in order to have an extraordinary off-road OBX adventure, one must come prepared for a bit of beach driving on the 4×4. That’s where we come in!

beach driving on the 4x4 (4)

Beach Driving on the 4×4

There’s only one way onto the 4×4 and one way off. And it requires traversing the sandy shores. Making sure you have the correct vehicle is a must before you head up the beach. Whether your car is 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, we recommend that you have at least 7.5 inches of ground clearance and ALWAYS air down to 18-20 psi.

Check out our comprehensive guide to beach driving on the 4×4 to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

We’re Here To Help

Upon your arrival, we are happy to provide you with a Twiddy tire gauge at our front desk. Our Corolla office is located less than a mile from the 4×4 beach access ramp. It acts as the perfect location to prep your vehicle. Tire pressure can be lowered in our Corolla office parking lot and re-inflated with our complimentary air hoses.

 

preparing to drive on the 4x4 beach

Air Force One

On weekends from May to September before you jump in your car and head out into the sand, stop by our Corolla office and have a quick chat with our “Air Force One” team. Not only are you sure to be greeted with a smile, but these gentlemen will also keep you in the know with tide and forecast info and be happy to assist in lowering tire pressures on your vehicle. When you’re done exploring, stop back on by and those same smiling faces will make sure you’re aired up and back on the road.

Meet The Team

From left to right: Gray is joining for his first season and currently attends First Flight High School. Ben is returning again this season and has been working for us part-time since March 2022 as a Field Technician. Dalton is returning for another season and currently attends Currituck High School. (Not Pictured) Bradyn is joining us for his first season and currently attends First Flight High School.

2023 air force one team

Non-4×4 Vehicles

If you decide to drive your non-4×4 vehicle and need to park it during your stay, there is limited parking available at Twiddy’s Corolla office. For guests vacationing on the 4×4, passes can be purchased prior to or upon arrival at our Corolla office. Please contact us at (800) 489-4339 or rent@twiddy.com if you wish to purchase your parking pass in advance. Or contact Corolla and Carova Parking at (252) 453-9999.

*Please plan accordingly. There are no overnight public parking lots in Corolla for beachgoers who are not staying on the 4×4 beaches and do not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 

oceans, T12009 on the 4x4

Get Away From It All

Maybe you love the idea of getting away from it all but want the modern conveniences of the mainland. You’re in luck! We offer a wide range of amenities. — From homes with private pools to special event venues and everything in between. Luckily, no matter where you choose to stay on the 4×4, you’ll always be at the beach.

Search all of our 4×4 rentals here or take a look at a few of our picks below.

Oceans

Oceans

  • 4x4
  • Oceanfront
  • 5 bedrooms • 5 bathrooms

Experience the feeling of being one with the sea at “Oceans!” This unique retreat features a spacious designer pool with multiple layers of seating in a beautiful volcanic black sanctuary. Featuring seamless glass deck railings and soaring windows, unobstructed ocean views are yours throughout your stay.

Available from $2,430/week
The Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald

  • 4x4
  • Oceanfront
  • 14 bedrooms
  • 11 bathrooms

Gather family and friends to enjoy this 14-bedroom oceanfront retreat. With extensive upgrades throughout, “The Fitzgerald” is appointed in a grand-manor style similar to that of “The Hemingway” and “The Mark Twain”. Spacious common areas and luxury amenities offer comfort and entertainment for your large group to make and share beach vacation memories. Explore the expansive northern beaches and delight in views of both the ocean and Currituck sound from the abundant decking on all levels of this home.

Available from $28,452/week
After Dune Delight

After Dune Delight

  • 4x4
  • Oceanfront
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 7 bathrooms

This well-designed oceanfront retreat boasts incredible ocean views from not one, but two levels! Enjoy one of the widest and cleanest beaches in the Outer Banks with easy access from the pool area or simply relax at the private heated pool and hot tub. If you’re looking for a unique vacation location, come and enjoy “After Dune Delight.”

Available from $2,235/week
Sea Shells

Sea Shells

  • 4x4
  • Oceanfront
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 7 bathrooms

Located on the four-wheel drive beaches of the northern Outer Banks, this bright and sunny oceanfront home offers your family a beach vacation unlike any other. Fabulous ocean views and decks all around invite you to watch for the wild Spanish Mustang horses of Currituck, search the ocean for schools of dolphins, or watch the family playing in the private pool below. “Sea Shells” will have you coming back year after year.

Available from $7,150/week
Buffet’s Beach

Buffet’s Beach

  • 4x4
  • Oceanfront
  • 8 bedrooms
  • 9 bathrooms

Nestled within one of the most exclusive sections of the 4×4 beaches, Buffet’s Beach provides for gracious living, magnificent ocean views and the opportunity to relax in this unique, unspoiled beach paradise.

May & August Availability!
Ro’Shell

Ro’Shell

  • Swan Beach
  • Semi-Oceanfront

Boasting beautifully decorated interiors and unobstructed ocean views, this retreat holds breathtaking scenes inside and out.

$1,610-$6,995

From the moment you consider booking a remote getaway to the time you hit the paved road home, we’re here to help your 4×4 vacation dreams come true. Call our Guest Services team at (252) 457-1100 or text us at (252) 888-2598.

Laurel Burgam

Laurel Burgam

Jun 13, 2023

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