Located along the northern Outer Banks, the village of Corolla, North Carolina is a popular vacation destination for beach-goers. While this idyllic community is quaint in size and population, thousands of visitors travel to Corolla during the summer months. Corolla has it all — from relaxation to excitement. Attractions range from peaceful lighthouse tours to adventurous safaris. Book your Corolla vacation rental today, and start planning your itinerary with this list of top 10 activities.
1. Visit a Museum
The Whalehead serves as one of Corolla’s most popular attractions. Visit this stately 1920s era mansion to learn about local history. Consider a special ghost tour to hear about the spirits said to haunt this 39-acre estate. The Wild Horse Museum is a must for animal lovers of all ages. Check out the interactive exhibits, photos, and displays that inhabit the museum, which is housed in the Old Corolla Schoolhouse from 1901.
2. Hit the Beach
If you want to spend a relaxing day on the sand, make your way to Carova Beach. Book an oceanfront vacation rental to enjoy the gorgeous sunrise and see the wild horses roaming your front yard. Four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed on the beach, so keep an eye on your kids and pets. Currituck Beach is as natural as it gets. This scenic spot has everything you need for tranquility: sand, ocean, and sky.
3. Discover the Wildlife
If you want to explore the wildlife of Corolla, stop by the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Learn all about local birds, fish, flora, and fauna. Watch informative videos, and let the kids take a few of the fun classes, which range from fish painting to crabbing. If you want to step it up a notch, book with Back Country Safari Tours. Pack the family into an open-air beach cruiser for an off-road adventure through the Outer Banks’ northern beaches, and see the wild horses up close.
4. Play Golf
When you’re ready for a lazy day on the links, plan a golf outing at the Currituck Club. Enjoy stunning views of the Currituck Sound as you play on this well-maintained course. The Grass Course miniature golf course has real grass on the greens, providing a challenge for all. If regular mini golf is more your speed, head to Corolla Adventure Golf. Ride the bumper cars before going back to your vacation rental.
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5. Go Shopping
Corolla offers plenty of shopping options when you’re looking for that special souvenir or trying to find indoor activities on a rainy day. Timbuck II is a unique shopping mall with an eclectic array of shops. Stop by The Island Bookstore to find that perfect read for a day on the beach. Flying Smiles Kites sells jigsaw puzzles, games, and, of course, kites. Prepare an amazing dinner at your vacation rental with the fresh scallops and grouper you pick up at Seaside Farm Market. The fresh fruits and vegetables here are the best around.
6. Take a Tour
Explore all that Corolla has to offer when you take a tour of the area. Corolla Outback Adventures lets you explore the “outback” of the Outer Banks to see shore birds and sanctuary sites, and Corolla Jeep Adventures takes you on a wild 4×4 ride through the dunes. Coastal Explorations offers tours by kayak or boat, while Segway of the Outer Banks keeps you on land. Choose a Segway tour of the historic Village of Corolla or the Spanish Mustang Preserve.
7. Try the Local Flavors
When your belly’s growling, Corolla serves up some incredible dinner options to delight the whole gang. You can’t go wrong with Corolla Pizza & Deli. Stop in for lunch to try the Philly cheese steaks. Fill up on pulled pork and baked beans at Corolla Village Barbecue, or enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as you dine on seafood at Uncle Ike’s Sandbar & Grill. Make time for dinner at Mama Easley’s, and be sure to start with the fried green tomato appetizer.
8. Have an Aerial Adventure
See Corolla from above when you try parasailing over the ocean. North Beach Watersports employs friendly staffers who are great with kids and beginners. They ensure a smooth takeoff and landing, and you can call ahead to check availability. Corolla Adventure Park is another way to enjoy high-flying acrobatics. A treat for the whole family, this adventure park offers self-paced courses that consist of three levels, six ziplines, and 54 obstacles.
9. Explore a Lighthouse
The beautiful Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a perfect location to snap some stunning photos. Built in 1875, this picturesque lighthouse features a 150-foot spiral staircase that you can climb to see incredible views from the top. Stroll along the peaceful walking path outside the lighthouse, and stop by the gift shop before you leave.
10. Venture Onto the Water
Learn to hang ten when you take lessons from Corolla Surf School, or rent jet skis from Kitty Hawk Water Sports to splash around in the surf. If you’re new to kiteboarding, let the staff at Corolla Kiteboarding show you the ropes. Avid anglers can book a fishing charter with Corolla Bait and Tackle. You may even catch some crabs to take back to your vacation rental for dinner.
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