In continuing our series of Things to Do on the Outer Banks when you arrive early, we are featuring activities in Corolla. Due to the heavy weekend traffic on the the 2 lane road that is Route 12 in Duck and Corolla, we recommend these activities for guests staying in the Northern Beaches. While we encourage all guests to visit Duck and Corolla during their Outer Banks vacation, we’ve found that mid week and sunny days are the least crowded times.
Corolla
Corolla is the Northernmost point of the Outer Banks and is a world onto itself. With its own movie theatres, grocery stores, entertainments, restaurants and lighthouse, you never have to leave Corolla for your entire vacation unless you want to.
Take A Horse Tour
With the average horse tour lasting 2+ hours, this is a great way to kick off your vacation with a fun activity everyone will love. Best of all, the crowds are lightest on the weekends. Atlantic Realty guests get a FREE Back Country Outfitters tour each anc every day of their stay with the Fun N Sun Pass Program.
Go To The Beach
Corolla has a beautiful beach. The access across from the Visitors Center is halfway between Duck and the main part of Corolla, so you donâ??t have to travel very far to get to it. It has bathrooms, showers and a place to change into your swimsuit. Pets on leashes can play on the beach too. Need beach chairs? Our Fun N Sun Partner Just For The Beach has 2 free beach chairs set aside for you. And did we mention this beach is lifeguarded in season?
The Wildlife Education Center
One of the best kept secrets in Corolla is the Wildlife Education Center. Run by the park service, this center has an impressive display of taxidermied animals, antique duck decoys and a nice size aquarium filled with fish from the local sound.
The Historic Shopping Village
Nestled in the historic triangle is one the cutest little shopping centers youâ??ll ever see. Known as the Historic Shopping Village, it features dozens of boutique shops housed in what used to be private historical homes. There are places to shop for gifts, souvenirs, clothing, a two story bookstore and even lunch.
Harnessed Adventure Park
New to Corolla in 2016, the Harnessed Adventure Park is a great way to test your skills and get some extreme exercise. Climb rope towers and zip line across. They have courses available for all ages and fitness levels. They even rent GoPro helmets so you can catch all the action hands free.
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While not as famous at itâ??s sister to the south, The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Currituck Lighthouse is still a lighthouse worth seeing. There are 220 steps to climb, 9 landings to rest on, and a spectacular view waiting for you at the top. Donâ??t forget the camera!
Pedal Boats
At the main shopping strip are pedal boats. These are the type of two person boats you take out into the sound and pedal around in. Itâ??s a great place to make some memories. Pictures of your family peddling is always fun, as is peddling yourself. Itâ??s a great way to explore the sound and work out some of that excess energy from being cooped up in the car.
Mini Golf
There are several min golf courses in Corolla where you can play. They have everything from a thoroughly modern course with bumper cars before or after, all the way to the last grass miniature golf course in the country. Itâ??s just like a real golf course, but everythingâ??s on a smaller scale. Itâ??s a great way to introduce your kids to real golf while theyâ??re young.
The Whalehead Club
This restored 1920â??s hunt club is a beautiful example of art deco and 1920â??s living at itâ??s finest. Mr. Knight built it as a testament to his wife. (She always wanted to belong to a hunt club, but women werenâ??t allowed to join in the 1920â??s.) Youâ??ll find one free admission to a legacy tour in your Fun N Sun electronic packet.
The Main Shopping Strip
The town of Corolla has two main shopping centers across the street from each other. They are known as Monterey Plaza and Tim Buck II. Between the two of them, youâ??ll find a plethora of shops, eateries, homemade ice-cream, cupcakeries, and even some hair salons and spas. The family can split up with everyone doing their own thing then meet back for a late lunch before heading to the house to check in.
Movies
A movie is always a good way to use up a few hours on a hot day. Of course, this just isnâ??t any movie theater. This is one of those â??dinner and showâ?? places. (it also does lunch.) Itâ??s a great place to see a movie, eat lunch, cool off, and just unwind after a day in the car.
