Helpful Links

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    Currituck Outer Banks Tips and Articles

    Have you been to the Currituck Outer Banks? Do you want to share helpful and interesting information about Corolla, Carova, or any other area of Currituck Outer Banks? Submit your articles, pictures, or helpful tips to our website, blog, Facebook page, or tag us on Instagram.

    Here are a few helpful links that might come in handy when planning your vacation to Currituck County on the Outer Banks, NC:

    Spread the word about one of the greatest vacation destinations, Currituck Outer Banks!

    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!

    -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 thhttps://www.visitcurrituck.com/things-to-do/knotts-islande 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.

    Pet Safety

    If you plan on bringing your pet to the Currituck Outer Banks, please follow these safety tips:

    • If you plan on sitting on the beach for a long period of time, make sure you have a good amount of water available for your pet and a shady spot for them to cool off. It is not easy wearing a fur coat during the summer, and overheating and heat prostration are possibilities.
    • If possible, don’t let your pet ingest too much salt water while playing in the surf. The most common side effects of ingesting salt water are diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms should subside over the course of the day.  If you are in doubt about the amount of salt water ingested, call one of the local veterinarians listed here for more advice.
    • Pay close attention to warnings issued due to rip currents or high surf.  Your pets are just as susceptible to water hazards as you and your family, so always make sure to keep a close eye on them in the water.
    • Roadways and sand can get extremely hot during the summer.  If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot on, then it is probably too hot for your pet as well.
    • Watch out for sand spurs
    • Fleas and ticks are present on the beaches of the Outer Banks, so make sure to apply your pet’s medication in plenty of time so it can take effect.

    Local Animal Hospital Information

    Moyock Animal Hospital
    188 Caratoke Highway
    Moyock, NC 27958
    252-435-2250

    Eastern Shore Animal Hospital
    6421 Caratoke Highway
    Grandy, NC 27939
    252-453-8200

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    Leash Laws

    Corolla Leash Laws
    Leashes are required in Corolla, NC; however, there are no length requirements. For more information, contact Currituck County at 252-453-8555.

    Duck Leash Laws
    Dogs are allowed on the beaches of Duck, NC unleashed, but as a matter of public safety and courtesy, they should be under the watchful eye and contact of their owner. For more information contact the town of Duck at 252-255-1234.

    Southern Shores Leash Laws
    Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Southern Shores, NC from May 15 – September 15. Southern Shores enforces a year-round leash law. For more information, contact the town of Southern Shores at 252-261-2394.

    Kitty Hawk Leash Laws
    Dogs are allowed on the beaches of Kitty Hawk, NC from the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM and they must be on a leash no longer than 6′. During other times of the year, dogs are permitted on the beach at anytime but must be restrained on a retractable leash no longer than 12′ long. For more information, contact the town of Kitty Hawk at 252-261-3552.

    Kill Devil Hills Leash Laws
    Dogs are allowed on the beaches of Kill Devil Hills, NC from mid-September to mid-May. Dogs aiding the handicapped are allowed year-round. Kill Devil Hills has a year round leash law. For more information, contact the town of Kill Devil Hills 252-480-4000.

    Nags Head Leash Laws
    Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are restrained by a leash not exceeding 10 feet. For more information, contact the town of Nags Head 252-441- 5508.

    Cape Hatteras National Seashore Leash Laws
    Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round if they are restrained with a leash 6 feet or less at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of by owners. For more information, contact the National Park Service 252-473-2111.

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    About Us

    Located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, Currituck County on the Outer Banks offers visitors an intriguing and diverse environment. While we are famous for our pristine family-friendly beaches, the truth is that the magic of Currituck speaks to all ages, genders and interests. Bring yourself, and let us do the rest.

    Every season lends a unique and beautiful tint to the Currituck Outer Banks. Bring your kayak, hiking boots, birdwatcher’s handbook and camera, because you won’t want to miss a moment.

    Throughout the summer and into fall, the beaches are filled with surfers, sunbathers and vacationers from all around the country, drawn to the sunny days, warm waves and serene beaches. Visitors to Currituck in the spring may be lucky enough to see the young foals returning to join the last herd of wild Spanish Mustangs in the world.

    As the sweetness of summer begins to fade along with tans, the winter months settle over Currituck like a comforting blanket. Our off-season offers a uniquely secluded and peaceful holiday opportunity. Enjoy a romantic seaside getaway or plan a weekend retreat with friends.

    We’re easy going and up for anything, so stop on by and see us.

    Surfing

    Surfing

    Find the ultimate escape in Currituck, Outer Banks with barrel waves and frothy breaks perfect for novices to experienced enthusiasts. Experience a side of Currituck, Outer Banks both locals and seasoned surfers the world over have known for generations.

    Download our Free Visitor’s Guide, filled with indispensable information about all the perfect surf spots, maps, and lodgings. You can also pick up a copy at our Visitor’s Center.

    Currituck Lighthouse 5k

    Currituck Lighthouse 5K

    Lace up your running shoes and see the sights. Add the fun of a run and fitness to your vacation joining us for a Summer morning 5k run/walk through the Historic Village of Corolla Light. Enjoy the sights of the Northern Outer Banks. The Whalehead Club, Corolla Light and the magnificent Currituck Beach Lighthouse are all along the course.

    For more information contact:

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: (252) 489-8239

    This is a family fun event sponsored by Brindley Beach Vacations touring the historic attractions of the Northern beaches of the Outer Banks!

    Click Here to Learn More.

    Barnes Hunting Lodge

    Many people come to the Currituck area to enjoy the beach, the wild horse sightings, and the great fishing, but did you know it’s an ideal vacation spot for hunters? Duck season is especially popular, and each year hunters come to Knotts Island is hopes of capturing some wild waterfowl. While Knotts Island is small, there are accommodations available for hunters, including Sandy Point Campground Resort and Barnes Hunting Lodge.=

    Open to hunters since the 1920s, Barnes Hunting Lodge has room for up to ten people and offers meals with the room rates. Each room sleeps two people and has a fireplace and other amenities to keep you comfortable. Pets are welcome.

    The lodge is open usually through the waterfowl season – November through January – and rates vary. If you have several people in your party, be sure to call ahead for reservations at 252-429-3163.

    Guided tours of hunting areas are also available if you’re not familiar with Currituck, North Carolina.

    Barnes Hunting Lodge is close to the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Knotts Island Market if you need provisions for your trip. If you’re coming from mainland Currituck you can take the ferry into Knotts Island and enjoy your stay!

    Market

    On Knotts Island, there’s one place where you can literally find anything you need to enjoy a day in Currituck County. The Knotts Island Market is the area’s only full-service grocery store with gas, and when you come inside you’ll find there’s so much more to the place. It’s a favorite stop for locals and visitors passing through either via Pungo in Virginia Beach or the Knotts Island ferry. Seven days a week, all year round, the Knotts Island Market is here to serve you.

    Depending on the season, the market closes around 9 or 10PM, but they are typically open early each morning for the breakfast shift. The grocery features a full-service deli where you can pick up some hot biscuit sandwiches, cold milk, and other goodies for a fishing trip. Yes, you can even buy bait there if you don’t have enough! For lunch, there’s fresh, hot pizza slices and sandwiches, and other home-cooked meals you can eat there or take home for dinner.

    knotts-island-market-obxKnotts Island Market also serves at your anything and everything store while you stay in Currituck. Movie rentals, office supplies, auto accessories, and of course gas are available during business hours. You could spend an hour or more just looking around.

    Knotts Island Market is easy to find on Knotts Island Road – it’s not far from the ferry and a short trip into Virginia Beach without having to take any toll roads. Find something good to eat and something to take home today.

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    Goose Hunting

    goose hunting

    As part of the Atlantic Flyway, Currituck County – and the Currituck Sound in particular – is an ideal location for waterfowl hunting during the fall and winter months. Migratory birds such as geese and swans make their way south along the Atlantic coast, and many choose Currituck as their resting area for the winter months. Due to the extremely high population of resident and migratory geese, the Algonquian Indians actually named this area “Carotank”, which means “land of the wild goose.”

    The most popular North Carolina Goose Hunting consists of the Canada goose and the snow goose. While Canada goose hunting season changes frequently, please refer to the NC Wildlife website for season dates.  Fortunately, waterfowl hunters in North Carolina can hunt the numerous snow geese from November to March. Most geese hunts are combined with other types of waterfowl hunting in North Carolina in order to maximize the excitement and challenge of the hunt.

    The greater snow goose, a subspecies of the snow goose, is known to be most sought-after goose for avid waterfowl hunters. With over 40,000 acres of farmland and marshland in the Currituck Sound, hunters have plenty of room to harvest some of the estimated 2 million snow geese that make this land their wintering home.

    Goose hunting in North Carolina is regarded as a more challenging choice of waterfowl hunting, so the reward and excitement is always worth the price of admission. Decoys are permitted, but electronic callers are not permitted; so strap up your waders and practice your goose calls for the best goose hunting in North America.

    Season Dates and Bag Limits provided by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission.

    Duck Hunting

    duck hunting

    Waterfowl hunting in North Carolina is in high demand by all hunters, and there is no shortage of duck hunting in Currituck County. Various habitats in and around the Currituck Sound, from open water territories to marsh estuaries and grassy flats, are home to several species of ducks.

    North Carolina duck hunting allows for a long season during the winter months as long as one possesses a North Carolina hunting license and a duck stamp. Different species of duck that are common in the area include: teal, pintails, mallards, black ducks, blackheads, ruddy ducks, buffleheads, canvasbacks, and redheads.

    To take full advantage of North Carolina waterfowl hunting environments, one should have a good set of waders and rain gear on hand. Warm clothes are also a must during the time of year that duck hunting is available in Currituck County.

    Many hunters combine duck hunting with other waterfowl or deer hunting in North Carolina. By choosing a reputable guide, some quality decoys, and a trusty canine companion, duck hunting in North Carolina can be a rewarding and exhilarating waterfowl hunting experience.

    Season Dates and Bag Limits provided by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission