Year after year, travelers from across the map are drawn to the beautiful beaches of North Carolina’s coast. The Outer Banks have a way with sensational shorelines, stunning views, gentle waves, and even a population of wild ponies. It’s common for those that come for the first time to make the trip back time and again in the name of adventure, fun, and inspiring moments enjoyed alongside family and friends. While every Outer Banks destination has its own unique charms and landmarks, the overall appeal of this area isn’t lost on locals or visitors alike. In fact, this year, the team at TheDiscoverer.com named 3 Outer Banks beaches as part of a lineup of the 7 Best in all of North Carolina!

Corolla, Kill Devil Hills, and Ocracoke all secured top places on the list deeming these stretches of shoreline impeccable places to visit when beach-hopping is top of mind in North Carolina. The Discoverer team pointed out the highlights of each destination as well as the activities and views as combined reasons travelers would be right to want to linger on the sand at these locales. In addition to Corolla, Kill Devil Hills, and Ocracoke, The Discoverer team pointed to Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks, Atlantic Beach, Wrightsville Beach as well as Carolina & Kure Beach moving south along the coastline.

The Endless Appeal of Corolla’s Beautiful Beaches

Situated on the north end of the Outer Banks, Corolla was highlighted on the list as a place that’s not only brimming over with inviting beaches but offers up sensationally scenic shorelines for visitors as well. One of the more unique aspects of the beaches in Corolla is the fact that they are accessible to vehicles, offering up a route where you can leave the road behind and swap it out for a new mode of transportation instead.

The reason so many visitors opt to put their 4WD vehicle to work on the sand is because roaming the beaches of Corolla, there’s also a good chance that you’ll encounter a population of wild horses. These thriving groups are believed to be the descendants of horses originally left behind by early European settlers. Some believe they’re the descendants of horses that survived nearby shipwrecks as Europeans scoured the coastline, eventually finding their way to shore and making the beaches their forever home over hundreds of years. There are ample opportunities for visitors to Corolla’s Beaches to book guided tours that provide an up-close look at these wild horse populations—another major draw noted in Corolla’s beach ranking on the list.

A visit to Historic Corolla Village is another draw that makes the beaches of Corolla absolutely captivating. Deemed adorable by the team at The Discoverer, Historic Corolla Village provides the opportunity for visitors to also check out Currituck Lighthouse where a sweeping view is available from the observation deck between mid-March and December. It’s pointed out that a trip up the lighthouse and a view of this kind over the coastline is a good way to get into the mindset of what it must have been like to be a resident or visitor here in the early 1900s. Book your Corolla vacation rental.

The Captivating Allure of the Beaches of Kill Devil Hills

Where the beaches of Corolla are highlighted for the way they showcase the rugged beauty of nature, the beaches of Kill Devil Hills are highlighted by the team at The Discoverer for their well-maintained coastal beauty as well as their family-friendly appeal. Here, visitors will find the beaches are well patrolled by lifeguards, providing swimmers, sunbathers, and water recreation enthusiasts with plenty of reasons to feel safe while focusing on the fun.

The Avalon Fishing Pier is pointed out as a prime place for anglers to enjoy day or night and it’s also mentioned as a great place to take a stroll and soak up the fact that you’re wandering along one of the very last wooden piers that the Carolina coast calls it’s own. For those that are looking for a place to enjoy a beach day in good company, they can count on finding in Kill Devil Hills which boasts the title of most populated destination along the upper Outer Banks. The population here is around 7,500 which means there are plenty of beachside shops and eateries to enjoy year-round.

The rich history of this area is also noted as a factor in Kill Devil Hills finding its way onto the best beaches list. Visitors can pair their day on the sand with time at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum. It’s a wonderful way to pay homage to the first powered flight and a must-see for beach lovers who also happen to be history buffs.

Book Your Outer Banks Adventure Today

The next time travel plans bring you to the Outer Banks, be sure you have luxurious accommodations in place too by partnering with Shoreline OBX. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and to start planning your adventure. 

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