How long is the Outer Banks Coastal Drive: Corolla to Ocracoke route?

This route takes 6 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Corolla, North Carolina to Ocracoke, North Carolina in Outer Banks, North Carolina, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Coastal, Beach, Scenic, Classic road trip, Nature.

Outer Banks Coastal Drive: Corolla to Ocracoke

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The route · 6 stops

3 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 2 stops on the way

On the way

Corolla
Quick stop
The wild northern tip, where the paved road ends and Spanish mustangs roam the 4WD beaches and maritime forest. Climb the red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse for the first long view down the islands, then book a guided wild-horse tour up the sand. One relaxed night sets the tone before heading south.The wild northern tip, where the paved road ends and Spanish mustangs roam the 4WD beaches and maritime forest. Climb the red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse for the first long view down the islands, then book a guided wild-horse tour up the sand. One relaxed night sets the tone before heading south.
Recommendations
Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: The birthplace of flight. At the Wright Brothers National Memorial you walk the marked flight line where the first powered aeroplane lifted off in 1903 and climb Big Kill Devil Hill to the granite monument. The central beach towns add easy swimming, fishing piers and casual seafood.Worth a stop on the drive: The birthplace of flight. At the Wright Brothers National Memorial you walk the marked flight line where the first powered aeroplane lifted off in 1903 and climb Big Kill Devil Hill to the granite monument. The central beach towns add easy swimming, fishing piers and casual seafood.
Recommendations

On to Nags Head

Nags Head

2 nights

Home to Jockey's Ridge, the tallest living sand dune on the US East Coast and the spot for sunset, kite-flying and beginner hang-gliding. Use two nights to mix dune time with wide Atlantic beaches, the Nags Head Woods preserve and the old fishing piers.Home to Jockey's Ridge, the tallest living sand dune on the US East Coast and the spot for sunset, kite-flying and beginner hang-gliding. Use two nights to mix dune time with wide Atlantic beaches, the Nags Head Woods preserve and the old fishing piers.

Recommendations

Day trip from Nags Head

4
Manteo
A quieter detour onto Roanoke Island and the historic heart of the Outer Banks. Wander the waterfront town, then visit Fort Raleigh, site of the vanished 1587 Lost Colony, the Elizabethan Gardens and the North Carolina Aquarium with its Graveyard of the Atlantic shipwreck tank.A quieter detour onto Roanoke Island and the historic heart of the Outer Banks. Wander the waterfront town, then visit Fort Raleigh, site of the vanished 1587 Lost Colony, the Elizabethan Gardens and the North Carolina Aquarium with its Graveyard of the Atlantic shipwreck tank.

On to Buxton

Buxton

1 night

Deep in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where the island narrows to dune and open ocean. Climb the black-and-white spiral of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in the country, then surf, fish or beachcomb the wild, uncrowded shore known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.Deep in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where the island narrows to dune and open ocean. Climb the black-and-white spiral of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in the country, then surf, fish or beachcomb the wild, uncrowded shore known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Recommendations

On to Ocracoke

Ocracoke

2 nights

The end of the road, reached only by the free Hatteras ferry. A tiny village wraps the Silver Lake harbour, with the 1823 Ocracoke Lighthouse, Blackbeard history at Springer's Point and miles of wide, empty National Seashore beach. Cycle the lanes and slow right down.The end of the road, reached only by the free Hatteras ferry. A tiny village wraps the Silver Lake harbour, with the 1823 Ocracoke Lighthouse, Blackbeard history at Springer's Point and miles of wide, empty National Seashore beach. Cycle the lanes and slow right down.

Recommendations

Outer Banks Coastal Drive: Corolla to Ocracoke

The route · 6 stops

Corolla

Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills

Nags Head

Manteo

Buxton

Ocracoke

Route highlights

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Outer Banks Coastal Drive: Corolla to Ocracoke

The route · 6 stops

Corolla

Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills

Nags Head

Manteo

Buxton

Ocracoke

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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