Eco-Friendly Activities

Awareness of our fragile planet has never been higher, nor has the impulse to take positive steps to reverse its decline. How can you reconcile that with the desire to take a well-deserved vacation? On the Currituck Outer Banks, you can have an eco-friendly vacation by participating in green activities that leave little or no carbon footprint. If you're looking to have a great time and minimize your travel-inspired carbon trail in the process, see our list below for ideas that our both fun and environmentally conscious.

-Walk to the beach from your rental house and spend the day by the ocean! While there, spend your time collecting seashells, playing a game of beach volleyball, walking along the water's edge or just relaxing in the sun. At night, bring a flashlight and watch for the tiny ghost crabs that run along the sand.

-Spend the day shopping at one of our many shopping centers, like Timbuck II, where you can park your car and spend the day perusing the unique shops and dining at local restaurants. There is even a playground for the kids!

-Tour historic Corolla Village on a Segway or rented bicycle and get a glimpse of what life was like on the Currituck Outer Banks a century ago.

-During your visit to historic Corolla Village, be sure to stop by the Wild Horse Museum, where you can participate in interactive games that teach you about the Wild Mustangs that roam our beaches.

-Tour the Whalehead Club. This magnificent hunt club was built in the 1920s and hosts a variety of specialty tours. On Thursdays in July and August, bring a blanket and spend the evening listening to music during their Summer Concert Series on the Lawn.

-Learn to surf or take an ocean safety class taught by Corolla Ocean Rescue. Many surf shops in the area offer board rentals and surfing lessons. Corolla Ocean Rescue hosts the SEAL Program, which teaches children ages 7-14 about the ocean, first aid, and physical fitness. Parents and guardians are invited to attend a free, two hour seminar offered at the same time.

-Take a free class at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, where you can learn participate in kayaking, surf fishing, photography, bird watching, and more! Programs are free of charge, but pre-registration is required.

-Go fishing or crabbing in the Currituck Sound. The public boat basin located at Currituck Heritage Park is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon catching tasty fish and crabs.

-Pack a picnic lunch, grab a Frisbee, and head to Currituck Heritage Park. Encompassing almost forty acres of land along the Currituck Sound, Currituck Heritage Park is a great place to spend an idyllic day by the water.

-Burn off some human energy and climb the 214 steps to the top of the Currituck Lighthouse for a spectacular view of the area.

-Go for a hike on the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary trail or at the Estuarine Research Reserve, where you'll see a variety of local wildlife that call the Currituck Outer Banks home.

-Play a round of golf at one of the many golf courses located in the area.

-Save gas and ride the ferry to Knott's Island, where you can explore the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge by bicycle, foot, or kayak.

-Spend the day exploring the wineries located on the mainland and Knott's Island. Stroll through the vineyards and participate in wine tastings.

-Go bird-watching and observe an assortment of coastal and migratory birds.

-Paddle the Currituck Sound in a kayak or canoe. Many companies offer guided tours that explore the marshy waters and islands of the sound.