The Beach Road is officially N.C. Highway 12 and the street signs read Virginia Dare Trail. From Plymouth, NC keep going east to Roanoke Island and The Outer Banks. Outer Banks Beach Driving 115 Baycliff Trail, Kill Devil Hills (252) 564-4218 Email us Website The Outer Banks is one of the few coastal places where you can actually drive on the beach. 4x4 access South of this point is permitted between October 1 and April 30. Driving within 300 feet of any person, the speed limit is 15 mph. . ORV Permits are available online only. Access is subject to change, and you are encouraged to be familiar with current beach conditions prior to your visit. Tips for Driving in the Outer Banks . Reduced tire pressure is critical to a good beach driving experience and 18-20 psi is strongly encouraged. The Outer Banks of North Carolina - Driving Tour By Sheridan Alexander Updated on 06/26/19 Mark Wilson / Getty Images The string of islands known as the Outer Banks stretches approximately 130 miles. Drive at a slow, even pace. For current Nags Head Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) usage, go here. It's located in Hatteras Village and is open year-round. When you're driving on the Outer Banks, it soon becomes clear that your orientation on both the Bypass and the Beach Road is north to south (or vice versa). Many of the Outer Banks beaches are open to beach driving at least part of the year. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, in partnership with Outer Banks Forever and the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, will celebrate the 150 th anniversary of the lighting of the Bodie Island Lighthouse at 4 p.m. Nov. 12, 2022.. First lit on Oct. 1, 1872, the current Bodie Island Lighthouse replaced the previous lighthouse which was destroyed during the Civil War. If this happens, it's time to bread out the jack and shovel. Corolla beach rental homes in 4WD area Here, you can drive your off-road vehicle along many miles of accessible beach as you search for that . Beach Driving Lane Shift to Dune Line | From the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the beach traffic lane will shift from the foreshore to a lane adjacent to the dune line only in the area 1.5 miles north of the beach access ramp to Mile Post 17. Reducing air pressure increases each tire's footprint, helping you drive over the sand instead of pushing through it. It is famous for its soft sandy beaches, renowned fishing opportunities, excellent surfing, coastal lighthouses and dynamic coastal processes. Be alert for wildlife and lane shifts. National Park Service General Beach Access Cape Hatteras allows beach driving in certain areas with a off-road vehicle permit. Driving on the 4x4 beaches is much different than driving on paved roads. Same with U.S. Highway 64 and N.C. Highway 345 that run the length of Roanoke Island. Whether you are looking for solitude and exploration on a remote section of beach, creating family memories with beach day trips, or fishing in world renowned waters, Outer Banks beach driving is a way to have a unique recreational experience on your next vacation. These fragile yet enduring islands are home to some of the most pristine beaches and one of the largest estuary systems in the world. With an Off-Road Vehicle Permit, you can access some great sections of beach NPS PHOTO Off-road Vehicle (ORV) Use Permits Obtaining an ORV permit is an easy process that takes only minutes from start to finish. Driving times are thirty minutes prior to sunrise through thirty minutes after sunset daily. Get your beach driving permit. Driving on The Beach in The Outer Banks The use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) is a long-standing way for visitors to enjoy the Seashore's ocean beaches and soundside waters. The Outer Banks tourism website lists beach driving rules here . surfing, and beach driving. The Outer Banks is one of the few coastal places where you can actually drive on the beach. It's located in Buxton and is open from April through October. What is Corolla NC known for? Whether you are looking for solitude and exploration on a remote section of beach, creating family memories with beach day trips, or fishing in world renowned waters, beach driving is a way to have a unique recreational experience on the Outer Banks. Some OBX Beach Driving Details. to obtain your permit 24 hours a day. Try to stay in the ruts made by other vehicles unless they are deep enought to let you bottom out. To provide for both visitor enjoyment and the protection of park resources, please observe the following regulations and recommendations when using ORVs at the Seashore. 2. Learn more about driving on the 44 beaches in Corolla. Beach driving permits for 22/23 Season starting October 1st, are on sale 9/1/22. Nags Head-- Beach Driving is permitted from October 1st through April 30th with a permit ($25 available at the Nags Head Town Hall. Do Not Block the Traffic Lane | All vehicles . Follow the tire tracks that you see along the high tide line. Within 300 feet of any person, the speed limit is 15 mph. Keep in mind, rules and regulations . Use 4-wheel drive (4WD) when entering the ramp and maintain a slow, steady speed. The Town of Kill Devil Hills' beach driving permits will be available for purchase for the 2022-2023 beach driving season beginning Monday, 9/26. If this happens, it's time to break out the jack and shovel. It takes about 58 minutes to drive from Corolla, NC to Nags Head, NC - the two coastal towns are about 32 miles apart from one another. We serve thousands of happy Outer Banks vacationers every year and look forward to seeing you at the beach this year! Air stations are located at the Historic Corolla Park. Designated beach access areas across Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Parking is free at Hatteras beach access points and many offer bathrooms, showers and handicap access. The Beach Road. Same with N.C. Highway 12 that runs through Duck to Corolla. Cape Hatteras National Seashore generally allows beach driving year-round. The Outer Banks, with its spectacular natural beauty and unique environment, offers visitors opportunities to enjoy pleasures that are far from commonplace. Do not stop or park on the beach ramp area. Driving at night is allowed. Driving times are thirty minutes prior to sunrise through thirty minutes after sunset daily. Good Vibrations Beach Rides Kitty Hawk Call: (252) 619-7897 Vehicle delivery available. 115 Baycliff Trail, Kill Devil Hills. Where to drive on the Outer Banks beaches Town Information Corolla - 4x4 vehicles can access the beach at the Northern end of NC 12 where the paved road ends. Island Jeep & Car Rentals Kill Devil Hills Driving on the Beach Road is like a step back in time. See their website or this one for more information on regulations. Beach Driving is allowed in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head from October 1st - April 30th Four-wheel drive vehicles with a proper Town permit, are allowed on the beach in both Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills from October 1st through April 30th each year. Depending on the season, some ramps may be closed . Outer Banks Beach Driving Rules. Hatteras Realty has a large selection of Hatteras Island rental homes perched in the best locations. Drive at a slow, even pace. Upon purchasing a permit, be sure to pick up a map denoting vehicular accesses to the beach and Kill Devil Hills' and Nags Head's a beach driving rules and regulations booklet. Trying to take off too fast will cause loss of traction and bury you to the axle. If your vehicle is not equipped with 4WD, do not attempt to drive on the beach. Follow NC-343 south to US-158 South to The Outer Banks. Use 4-wheel drive (4WD) when entering the ramp and maintain a slow, steady speed. Please visit Recreation.gov. The 4WD area of Corolla in the Outer Banks allows you to take your 4WD vehicle to the beach. Download a PDF of this map. For more information, please call the Kill Devil Hills Police Department at 252-449-5337 National Park Service The beaches north of Corolla (aka Carova, home of the wild horses) and the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Hatteras and Ocracoke islands) are open to beach driving year . It parallels the beach, and much of the road is lined with . Beach4x4. Do not stop or park on the beach ramp area. You'll need a permit from the National Park Service to drive on the beach. Find the right vacation home that fits your budget. The maximun speed limit on all beaches is 25 MPH. The use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) is a long-standing way for visitors to enjoy the ocean . Our 4x4 beach driving expert, Edward, has tips and tricks to help make your 4x4 bea. Follow US-64 East through Williamston and Plymouth, NC. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour (mph). The ride will be more comfortable, your vehicle won't strain, and you increase traction and greatly reduce the chance of sinking into soft sand. 35 per square inch for ton 4X4 Air stations are located at the Historic Corolla Park. Not all the places to visit are on well-paved roads. We're here to give you the 4-1-1 on 44 as you plan your first trip cruising the sand. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Take US-64 East toward Rocky Mount. We understand that not all permittees have the ability to print their permits. NPS image. In an October 26 update, Outer Banks Forever, (the official nonprofit partner of the Cape Hatteras National), shared the detailed plans for the upcoming pathway by the lighthouse, which will entail a mile-long paved path for walking, running, cycling, and more. Trying to take off too fast will cause loss of traction and bury you to the axle. Visit http://www.surforsound.com or call 866-628-0368 for more information. The maximun speed limit on all beaches is 25 MPH. Driving with underinflated tires can be dangerous. Surfing, sea shells, and sunbathing all await you on Cape Hatteras. It is important that all permitted drivers print proof of permit purchase and display proof on their dashboard or windshield. You can purchase the off-season beach driving permits at the town hall or area tackle shops in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills. The speed limit is 35 mph. A few things to note: KDH seasonal permits. 20 PSI for SUV's & ton 4X4. Please see the link below for current use of Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off Road Vehicles (ORVs). Driving on the beach has historically been a unique way of life on The Outer Banks and is still required in some communities. Outer Banks beach driving is one of the most unique adventures our area has to offer. Over the next several years, "Pathways [.] 35 PSI for ton 4X4. Outer Banks Beach Information Driving on the Beach in the Outer Banks. Outer Banks beach driving is permitted all year on Hatteras Island, and Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are both open from October 1 to April 30. Driving on the beach is allowed from October 1 - April 30 in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills although a permit is required. The beach access is open year round (with some limitations), and there is no fee to enjoy the beach driving! Even if you're lifted and running wide tires, airing down is a smart move on the beach. Bodie Island Lighthouse. From The West Via I-95 or I-85 into North Carolina. Website. Outer Banks beach driving On the beach, the speed limit is 35 mph. If your vehicle is not equipped with 4-wheel drive, do not attempt to drive on the beach. From The South Take I-95 to Rocky Mount, NC. Watch out for pedestrians, especially children. The seasonal beach driving permit fee has increased from $25 for everyone to $50 for Nags Head residents and. Please be attentive when driving as beach conditions continually change. "This project will only be possible through the generosity of people like you who . 4WD Vehicle Rentals If you are interested in renting a 4-Wheel drive vehicle for off-roading during your stay, here are some local options. Beach Driving is allowed in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head from October 1st - April 30th Four-wheel drive vehicles with a proper Town permit, are allowed on the beach in both Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills from October 1st through April 30th each year. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Ocracoke Island-- an ORV Special Use Permit . To learn more about the majestic wild Outer Banks horses, click here. There are two types of permits that you can purchase: A 10-day permit for $50.00 OR A year-long permit for $120.00 Before you start driving on the beaches of the Outer Banks, you need to know some basic information. You see more of the old Outer Banks along this road, including the signature cedar-shake cottages and mom-n-pop businesses. Driving on Outer Banks Beaches General Tips The beach is a state road. Hatteras Island beach access is available at numbered ramps which will be marked for pedestrian or off-road vehicle use. (252) 564-4218. Kill Devil Hills-- Beach Driving is permitted from October 1st through April 30th with a permit.More information is available through the Kill Devil Hills Police Dept at 252-449-5537. Check out our Area Directory online with a few recommendations for beach vehicle rentals. While heading south from Corolla towards Nags Head, you'll be on NC 12 (two lanes) or "beach road" as the locals call it until you reach the town of Kitty Hawk. Outer Banks Forever the official nonprofit partner of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Outer Banks Group of the National Park Service are pleased to announce the official launch of their joint "Pathways to Your National Parks" project. The entire beach, including parking areas, becomes a driving area after dark. This lighthouse is the tallest in North America and offers visitors stunning views of the Outer Banks coastline. Seashore News . 4x4 access North of this point is permitted year round. Beach Driving Permits are available on weekly or annual basis, and generally cost around $50 for a weekly permit and $120 for an annual permit.