Why Vacation on the Outer Banks 4×4 Beaches?

Why Vacation on the 4×4 Beaches?

✅Unlike any other OBX town – no paved roads, no shops and no restaurants!

✅Plenty of space and less people – easy to social distance!

✅Low light pollution – incredible stargazing!

✅See wild horses roaming in your front yard

✅Find tons of shells and beach glass

✅Very quiet and peaceful

The 1920s brought the first glimpse of a community with the construction of a schoolhouse, post office, and two churches. However, restrictions on hunting and fishing due to federal legislation and World War II caused the population to dwindle. In response, all five of the lifesaving stations closed. Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Carova Beach was home to a small population of residents. It wasn’t until the development boom in the 1990s and 2000s that Carova began to be the vacation destination that it is today. Now, hundreds of vacation homes sparsely fill the stretch of 4×4 beaches known as Carova Beach.

This uncomplicated area is made up of dense maritime forests, marshy soundside coves, and protected nature preserves. Home to the Corolla wild horses of Currituck County, the 4×4 beaches make the extraordinary possibility of catching a glimpse of these unique creatures practically commonplace whether on the beach or in the yard of your 4×4 vacation rental! There are fences at both the north and south end of Carova Beach that keep the wild horses contained and protected. Also, be on the lookout for seals, whales, and dolphins!

Where to Stay on the 4×4 Beaches?

One of the last and least developed areas of the Outer Banks, vacation rental homes on the 4×4 beaches range greatly in size, available amenities, and cost. This special area of the OBX is the perfect vacation spot for families looking to spend more time together, artists seeking inspiration and solitude, and for those seeking a more adventurous beach vacation. Twiddy & Company invites you to experience the hidden treasure of the Outer Banks…the untouched, wide-open rarity that is Carova Beach!

If you’re coming with just a few family members:

“Sea Blessing” (S21689T)

A four-bedroom semi-oceanfront home located in Swan Beach. Approximately 3.5 miles up the beach.

If you’re coming with your extended family:

“Bayberry Cottage” (R11479)

An eight-bedroom oceanfront home located in Ocean Beach. Approximately 2.3 miles up the beach.

If you’re coming with multiple families and friends:

“Wild Horse” (T11870)

A 23-bedroom oceanfront home located in Swan Island Estates. Approximately 5.9 miles up the beach.

Browse more vacation rentals on the 4×4 Beach here.

Tips and Tricks

Driving on the 4×4:

• We strongly recommend 4×4 or AWD vehicles with at least 7.5 inches of ground clearance.
• Bring a tire pressure gauge. Reduced tired pressure is critical to driving on the beach.
• Check the tide prior to arrival; low tide is ideal for beach driving: Outer Banks Tide Chart.
• Arrive before dark, as the beach is more difficult to navigate at night.
• The speed limit is 25 mph unless posted otherwise (15 mph when within 300 feet of pedestrians or wild horses).
• Avoid driving through the surf – salt water is extremely corrosive. Drive either on the hard-packed sand near the edge of the water or on the soft sand just east of the dune line.
• All parked vehicles should be in the middle of the beach (east of the dune line and west of the hard-packed sand near the water’s edge).
• A 4×4 Parking Pass is required if you are parking on the beach during certain times of the year. Visit the County Website for more information.

Fun things to do:

• Rent surfboards and catch some waves. Or take a lesson!
• Go shelling! For knowledge, tips and tricks, take a look at Our Guide to Shelling on the Outer Banks.
• Go on a wild horse tour with Wild Horse Adventure Tours:

Sources:

https://www.outerbanks.com/carova.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carova_Beach,_North_Carolina