Outer Banks

[Ann-Marie]

My family is renting a house in the Outer Banks for 2 weeks. We are going to be closer to the sound side, not ocean. Does anyone know if you have to walk over dunes to get onto the beach? I can’t walk very well anymore due to illness, and I was wondering how it’s going to work out.

 

[Brett]

My family is renting a house in the Outer Banks for 2 weeks. We are going to be closer to the sound side, not ocean. Does anyone know if you have to walk over dunes to get onto the beach? I can’t walk very well anymore due to illness, and I was wondering how it’s going to work out.

yes, depending on the location. Also north of Nags Head crossing NC 12 "Outer Banks Scenic Byway" can be a challenge depending on traffic.

 

[tschwa2]

Where I've stayed in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, there were wooden walkways (with steps) to get over the dunes.

 

[mark201235]

My family is renting a house in the Outer Banks for 2 weeks. We are going to be closer to the sound side, not ocean. Does anyone know if you have to walk over dunes to get onto the beach? I can’t walk very well anymore due to illness, and I was wondering how it’s going to work out.

We were in Salvo a few weeks ago. Gradual, but somewhat lengthy walk from oceanfront homes over the dunes. I found it to be easier then going up and down boardwalks and steps, especially when carrying umbrellas, chairs, sand toys, etc. We've always set our stuff along the dunes when finished each day instead of taking it back to the house. Can't get away with that at alot of other beaches. OBX is great !

Mark

 

[harveyhaddixfan]

It all depends on where you stay and if you want to walk to the beach from there or drive and park in one of the beach access lots, but you don’t typically climb over the dunes. That’s frowned upon as they plant grasses and plants on the dunes to help with erosion.

From Kitty Hawk down to Nags Head, there’s plenty of public beach access and parking. If you go to the Ocean Bay Blvd access in KDH, there’s a ramp and restrooms. South across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse is Coquina Beach Day Use area. Large parking lot with restrooms and ramps. There was also somewhere along the beach road (NC 12) that had the mats for wheelchair access.

And don’t do what Mark suggested. You never leave stuff on the beach overnight. You carry it in, you carry it out. Beach etiquette 101.

 

[Ann-Marie]

T

It all depends on where you stay and if you want to walk to the beach from there or drive and park in one of the beach access lots, but you don’t typically climb over the dunes. That’s frowned upon as they plant grasses and plants on the dunes to help with erosion.

From Kitty Hawk down to Nags Head, there’s plenty of public beach access and parking. If you go to the Ocean Bay Blvd access in KDH, there’s a ramp and restrooms. South across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse is Coquina Beach Day Use area. Large parking lot with restrooms and ramps. There was also somewhere along the beach road (NC 12) that had the mats for wheelchair access.

And don’t do what Mark suggested. You never leave stuff on the beach overnight. You carry it in, you carry it out. Beach etiquette 101.

Thank you. We are staying in Corolla.

 

[pedro47]

Suggestion only: You can call your rental agent or google the address of the rental homes to obtain a feel of the property.
There are some rental homes in Corolla where there are no dunes. But I feel you will be face with some form of sand dunes everywhere in Corolla.

 

[harveyhaddixfan]

T

Thank you. We are staying in Corolla.

I don’t believe there are many parking areas for public access in Corolla so you might be stuck walking to the beach. Ugh.

 

[mark201235]

And don’t do what Mark suggested. You never leave stuff on the beach overnight. You carry it in, you carry it out. Beach etiquette 101.

Chairs and umbrellas always stacked and stored neatly and out of the way after each days use. I see nothing wrong with this.

 

[harveyhaddixfan]

Chairs and umbrellas always stacked and stored neatly and out of the way after each days use. I see nothing wrong this.

There are signs about not leaving anything overnight. And then there’s this, from the National Park Service. So don’t leave anything out overnight. And if you dig a hole on the beach, fill it in so a turtle or another person doesn’t fall into it.

 

[Brett]

T

Thank you. We are staying in Corolla.

Then you probably won't be climbing sand dunes to get to the ocean
Be sure to check out the Whalehead club and park, Currituck Lighthouse, & wild horses

 

[Old Hickory]

1. Google the address and look at it on the satellite photo to see the area.

2. Most populated beaches prohibit walking on the dunes. You'll need to find the beach access point and use it. This could be a simple sandy trail or an elaborate boardwalk (from my experience).

3. Call the rental company and ask them.

Corrolla is a nice area of the OBX. You'll enjoy it. While there, drive south to Cape Hatteras as in some places the "banks" is only as wide as the road.

 

[Big Matt]

T

Thank you. We are staying in Corolla.

Tell us at which neighborhood you are going to be staying. I can give you some good advice. Corolla is much easier than Nags Head

 

[RonB]

Please don't feed the wild horses. They have adapted to a very special diet and things other horses eat can be disastrous for them. BUT, do feed yourself at the Lighthouse Bagels and Deli. Great breakfast sandwiches and pastries. The apple fritters are divine.