Corolla

The Corolla area is characterized by beautiful wide beaches and offers many different communities with varying amenities.  There really is something for everyone - see below to explore the neighborhoods.

What's in a Name?

Corolla is located in the Northern Outer Banks, north of Duck.  The pronunciation of the name is often confused with the Toyota Corolla car (Kuh-ROE-Luh) but is actually pronounced Kuh-RAH-Luh.

Origin of the Name-  originally, Corolla was the name for a small village that sat at the base of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This area has been inhabited since the 1800's but was only easily accessible by public paved road since October 1984. 

Things to do:

  • Currituck Beach Lighthouse - First lit on December 1, 1875, "Corolla Light" is the last major brick lighthouse built on the Outer Banks and was built to fill in the "dark spot" along the coast between Cape Henry (VA) and Bodie Island to the south. Its light flashes on 20-second intervals from dusk 'til dawn and is 220 steps from base to top. The lighthouse is open to climbing from Mid-March through November 30 (closed Thanksgiving Day) with varied dates open in December. Click here for more information.

  • Whalehead Club - This 21,000 square foot waterfront mansion, completed in 1925, is set on a 39-acre parcel on the Currituck Sound. Industrialist Edward Collings Knight, Jr. built the luxurious art-nouveau style home for himself and his wife, Marie Louise, as a waterfowl-hunting retreat. The property boasts modern conveniences not found in many homes constructed in that era, including electricity, running hot and cold water, interior bathrooms and a refrigerator. In 1992, Currituck County purchased the property and ten years later, the home had been restored to its 1920s glory. Click here to learn more about tour admissions and fees.

  • Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve - This 965-acre haven for nature enthusiasts consists of several sub-ecosystems including salt and freshwater marshes, maritime forests, shrub thickets, and tidal flats, offering a diverse range of habitats for plant and animal life. Explore year-round via a 1/3-mile handicap-accessible boardwalk, along with a rugged 1.5-mile trail through the heart of the reserve.

  • Northern Outer Banks 4x4 Beaches - Set along the 11 miles that stretch from Corolla to the Virginia state line, the Northern Outer Banks (including the communities of Seagull, Penny's Hill, Carova Beach, Swan Beach and Ocean Beach) offers unspoiled beauty in an area that is quite literally off the beaten path given that it can only be accessed by four-wheel drive vehicles.  With no grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants etc. you will want to plan ahead for your trip, but the results will be worth it.

    As an added bonus, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the Outer Banks Spanish mustangs that roam free along the dunes and the beach.  It is important not to approach, attempt to ride, pet or feed the horses, though - it is against the law and puts both animals and people in danger.  Keep your distance and enjoy their majesty and beauty in their natural environment.  If you would like to learn more about the horses and how you can help protect them, visit http://www.corollawildhorses.com/.

    Explore the communities of Corolla...

    • Corolla Light Resort Community  

      • 2023 Season dates:

        • Heated Oceanfront pool open May 13 - Oct 19; all other Oceanfront pools May 27 - Sept 22

        • Soundside Pool - May 27 - Sep 8

        • Trolley Service - Every 20-25 minutes, 9am-6pm from May 27 - Sep 8

        • Seasonal activities - May 29 - Sep 1. Scheduled activities are subject to change and weather permitting

      • 400 homes on 250 acres; two oceanside swimming pools, one soundside swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, shuffle board, walking trails, sports center and more! Trolley to get you around the community.

    • Whalehead Club

      • Named in reference to the Whalehead Club historic House museum, located north of the community.

      • Characterized by larger 20,000+ sq ft lots, organized on 3 north/south oceanside streets.

    • Currituck Club

      • The Currituck Club is a gated community located between the beautiful, unspoiled, northern Outer Banks beaches and the famous Currituck Sound. 

      • The Currituck Club offers access to not only beautiful beaches, but to an 18 hole Rees Jones-designed links-style golf course that is also an Audubon Society Cooperative Sanctuary. 

      • Families can take advantage of lighted tennis, pickleball, basketball and volleyball courts, many swimming pools and well-appointed Fitness Center.  In-season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), you can enjoy a casual, open-air ride on a trolley to the beach where you can enjoy their unique beach valet service. 

    • Buck Island

      • Buck Island is one of only a handful of communities on the Outer Banks offering gate access, paved streets, and lighted sidewalks that lead to a beach boardwalk available only to residents and their guests.

      • Their Olympic sized swimming pool complex (open mid-May through mid-Oct), tennis courts, half court basketball, playground, and cabana house are well maintained and waiting for you!

      • Being located adjacent to TimBuck II and Monteray Plaza shopping plazas (see Area Information) allows you to park your car and walk to all the shopping, dining, and entertainment you can imagine.

    • Corolla Bay

      • Corolla Bay runs along the calming waters of the Currituck Sound and stretches east to an area that is a short walk to the ocean. Enjoy fishing, paddle boarding, bird-watching, or simply relaxing while watching a colorful sunset from the community pier.

    • Crown Point

      • Neighborhood featuring predominantly 4 to 7-bedroom homes, just minutes from Corolla restaurants, shopping and attractions, and a short drive to the 4x4 beaches.

      • Amenities include a community pool (in season), tennis courts, ponds and natural spaces, as well as private walkways to the beach.

    • Monteray Shores

      • A 329-acre planned unit development situated between the ocean and sound, with a focus on tree-lined lots and preserved wetlands.

      • Amenities include:

        • Basketball courts: available 8am-dusk daily

        • Tennis courts, boat launch, and fitness center: available by reservation

        • Community Pool: open Memorial Day-Labor Day (hours vary)

    • Ocean Hill

      • Small oceanside community located just north of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

      • All roads and rights-of-way are privately owned by the Ocean Hill Association.

      • Click on the links to find the community's HOA Covenants and Bylaws.

    • Villages at Ocean Hill

      • Located at the north end of Route 12, just before the 4x4 beaches and adjacent to the Currituck Banks Natural Estuarine Area, with wooden walkways meandering through the maritime forest and back to the Currituck Sound.

      • Community amenities include:

        • Two community pools, one on Sandcastle Drive at the oceanfront and the other adjacent to the fitness center on Lakeside Drive. Open annually from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Monday from 10am - 6pm

        • Basketball court, sports courts including volleyball and shuffleboard, and playground

        • Two tennis courts and two pickleball courts, located off Lakeside Drive. Reservations recommended by calling 252-453-9604.

        • Community fitness center (hours vary based on seasonality)

    • Ocean Sands

      • A large community of oceanside homes on the southern end of Corolla. This planned unit development was developed in sections starting at the south end, with each section identified by a letter.

      • This community is dedicated to maintaining natural areas, with 35% of the land area set aside as open space. There's also a large private lake, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or paddle boarding.

      • The neighborhood offers private beach access boardwalks and lifeguarded beaches in-season, in addition to tennis and pickleball courts.

      • Section O offers a private community pool and tennis courts.

    • Pine Island

      • Situated on the southern end of Corolla, along 3.5 miles of coastline to the east and pristine marsh to the west, on one of the narrowest stretches of land, resulting in a less densely-populated area and uncrowded beaches.

      • One of the most sought-after destinations on the Outer Banks known for its luxurious vacation homes.

      • Community Amenities include:

        • Daily seasonal activities for all ages at Pine Island Beach Club

        • Oceanfront community pool complex (open Mid-June through late August from 9am-8pm), with a wading pool for young children and private oceanfront beach access, as well as poolside games including ping pong, billiards, and corn hole

        • Additional North Pool, located off North Cove Road

        • Outdoor recreational and sports activity courts such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis, as well as playground equipment

        • Trails for biking and walking

        • Thirteen private oceanfront beach accesses

        • Pine Island Racquet and Fitness Center, with 3 climate-controlled indoor tennis courts, 2 clay outdoor courts, and a fully-equipped fitness center, is available for an additional fee.

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