Jul 07, 2025

Your OBX Vacation in Carova Beach

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Blog / OBX Guides
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Welcome to Carova Beach!

At the northern tip of Highway 12, where the road gives way to sand, Outer Banks visitors are treated to a truly unique experience. On the 4×4 Beaches, you can drive along the shoreline between the dunes and the ocean, catching sight of wild horses roaming freely and even playing in the surf. Carova Beach is the perfect destination for a blend of relaxation and wildlife.

Give your family a one-of-a-kind coastal getaway in a Carova Beach vacation home! Our selection includes everything from spacious luxury homes to cozy, traditional beach retreats whether you’re looking for oceanfront views, canal access, or something in between.

Carova Beach homes provide the ideal setting for rest, fun, and quality time with loved ones in a truly unique Outer Banks location.

What Sets Carova Beach Apart?

Carova Beach sits at the very northern tip of the Outer Banks, right along the Virginia state line. It is the most remote and undeveloped of all the 4×4 beaches, offering a level of seclusion that is hard to find anywhere else on the coast.

The atmosphere in Carova is wild, quiet, and serene. The iconic wild horses of the Outer Banks roam freely across the dunes and along the shore, creating a one-of-a-kind environment. With minimal vehicle traffic and wide-open beaches, it is a place to truly unwind.

Carova Beach is perfect for those who crave adventure and solitude. It is especially appealing to seasoned OBX visitors who are looking for a deeper connection to nature and a slower pace away from the typical vacation scene. If your ideal getaway involves quiet days, natural surroundings, and complete disconnection, Carova Beach offers an experience that is as pure and peaceful as it gets.

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

Carova Beach is full of 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 and Historic Corolla Village.

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 to Carova, 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 Carova Beach community site.

Ready to Experience Carova Beach?

Whether you’re driving among the golden sand, admiring the Corolla Wild Horses, or soaking in the beauty of the ocean waves, Carova 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 Road, Corolla, 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 07, 2025

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