Enjoy the outdoors

Hiking/Walking – There’s over 4,500 acres in the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge to explore. For an easier hike, there’s the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Preserve, which has a path to the Currituck Soundfront. There’s also an accessible elevated boardwalk that goes through the maritime forest.

Biking – There is a sandy and dirt path throug the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Preserve. If the bike is equipped for sand, there’s also biking along the vehicle tracks along the Carova shoreline – just note this is also shared by vehicles. Nearby in the town of Corolla there are paved bike lanes and sidewalks that run alongside NC Highway 12.

Kayaking – There are multiple different docks that provide easy paddling across the Currituck Sound. There’s also a public boat ramp at 2100 Ocean Pearl Road at the Carova Beach Park. In the town of Corolla there are rentals and watersport tours and guide companies.

Surfing, Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, and Paddling – These activities are allowed with plenty of locations to choose from for the best shore breaks. Equipment, rentals, and lessons can also be found at the town of Corolla.

Fishing – Fishing is allowed, however a NC Saltwater Fishing License is required in order to cast from the shoreline. Fishing licenses can be picked up at the tackle stores in Corolla. More information can be found at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision (NCWRC’s) website at www.ncwildlife.org.

Swimming – Swimming is allowed in the pool at Sandy Paws in addition to the ocean. Waters are usually warm enough to enjoy from May to about mid-September. Most of the shoreline has an easy slope that produce smaller waves, allowing easy access into the water.

Boating – A public boat launch is located at the Carova Beach Park that has access to the Currituck Sound. There’s another public boat launch a few miles south at the Currituck Heritage Club in Corolla.

Educational and Museums – The elevated boardwalk at the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Preserve has numerous plaques and provides a semi-self-guided tour. You can also go to the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla for information regarding the wildlife and ecosystem of the Currituck Banks. The Whalehead in Historic Corolla features information regarding the history of the area. There’s also the Currituck Beach Lighthouse that was built in 1875 whose museum is open to visitors. In addition, there’s the Wild Horse Museum in Corolla which teaches of the history of the Corolla Wild Horses.

Shelling – Carova is regarded as one of the best region along the Outer Banks for shelling due to its isolation and sloping shoreline. Periwinkles, Olive shells, augers, and coquinas wash up on a regular basis. Occasionally a lightning or knobbed whelk may wash up after a storm. It’s not uncommon to find multiple intact and beautiful shells along the beaches.