How to See Wild Horses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
Visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina offers endless options for fun and adventure, but one of the best things to do is to go find the wild horses of Corolla Beach. These long standing residents of the area are also some of the most popular, and a can’t miss for locals and visitors alike.
Let’s take a look at the many ways you can visit the wild horses in the OBX to make your beach vacation the trip of a lifetime!
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About the Wild Horses of the Outer Banks
The wild horses of Corolla are the oldest and most popular residents of the Outer Banks. Today they wander freely, grazing on the beach grasses and meandering through the sand dunes. This makes them a beautiful sight to see and one of the most unique things to do in the Outer Banks.
Where to Find the Outer Banks Wild Horses
The wild horses in the OBX can be found on the northern Currituck County beaches of Corolla and Carova. These beaches are only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles as you have to drive on the beach itself.
This makes finding the North Carolina Outer Banks wild horses a fun adventure for all visitors. However, it can require some planning ahead if you’re not driving or renting a 4WD vehicle.
How the Wild Horses Got to Corolla
The Corolla Beach wild horses in North Carolina Outer Banks are descendants of the Spanish mustangs that first arrived in America back in the 16th century. They are believed to have come from some of the early expeditions to the area by the Spanish and English.
While there is some uncertainty as to exactly how they got here, whether it was a shipwreck vs. landing here, they have survived and thrived for hundreds of years.
3 Popular Ways to See the OBX Wild Horses
The famous wild horses in North Carolina are easy to visit as they roam freely on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. This gives you great options for visiting them. You can take a self-guided wild horse tour or plan a guided wild horse tour.
1. Self-Drive to See the Corolla Wild Horses for Free
As the horses are free roaming among the sand dunes of Corolla and Carova, you can visit them on your own for free! You just need a four wheel drive vehicle as you’ll be driving onto the sand beaches in search of these beautiful creatures.
To visit the wild horses of Corolla on your own, head north in the Outer Banks until the road dead ends into the sand. Here you’ll enter the Corolla wild horse territory. You can drive down the beach and even into “town” on the sand roads in search of the horses. Sometimes they are easy to spot, sometimes they are harder, but you are able to search to your hearts content!
2. Take a Guided Corolla Wild Horse Tour
If you don’t have a four wheel drive vehicle or you’d rather relax and trust the expertise of the local guides, plan a wild horse tour in the Outer Banks! These two hour tours take you by open-air 4WD vehicle along the sand dunes and ocean to find the Outer Banks wild horses.
There are plenty of perks to taking an OBX wild horse tour, beyond just relaxing. You’ll be with knowledgable guides who know where the horses like to roam and hang out increasing your odds of seeing them. You’ll also learn about the history and ecology of the island as you off road around Corolla, including private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area.
3. Rent a 4WD Vehicle to Visit the Wild OBX Horses
Another option, if you don’t have a 4WD vehicle and don’t want to take a guided tour (or have found the tours to be sold out!), is to rent a vehicle and do it yourself!
That’s right, there are places in the Outer Banks that rent four wheel drive vehicles specifically for this reason. They can be quite pricey, but if you’re coming with a group, it may be more cost effective than taking a wild horse tour!
Choose from jeeps, trucks, SUVs, and other off roading vehicles. Just make sure your rental agreement allows you to take them onto the beach!
Some of the most popular 4WD rental places in the OBX are Beach 4×4, Outer Banks Jeep Rentals, and Island Jeep and Car Rentals, all of which are located in Kill Devil Hills.
BONUS: Visit the Corolla Wild Horse Museum
Want to learn more about the wild Outer Banks horses? Visit the Corolla Wild Horse Museum located in Historic Corolla Village. You’ll find information about their origins and of course a gift shop, where all proceeds go towards preservation of the herd.
Address: 1130 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC
Hours: Typically 11am to 3pm Monday through Friday
Find the latest information on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund website.
Check out the top 10 things to do in the Outer Banks!
Tips for Visiting the Wild Horses
Here are some need to know facts and pointers to make sure you and the Corolla horses stay safe during your visit.
Drive Safely on the 4WD Beach in the Outer Banks
Taking a car onto the 4WD beaches in the OBX comes with a few extra precautions that you don’t normally find on the road. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ensure your vehicle is four wheel drive. Otherwise you are sure to get stuck in the sand! Ideally, ground clearance should also be 7.5+ inches on your 4WD vehicle.
- Deflate the air in your tires to help drive on the sand. 18-20 PSI is strongly encouraged. Similarly, refill your tires with air when you return to the pavement. There is a free air fill station in Historic Corolla Village. Just follow the signs.
- Fill your gas tank before heading out. You certainly won’t find a gas station out there!
- Drive safely and keep your eyes open for horses, people, and pets that may be enjoying the beach. They can run across the beach at any time.
- Speed limit in this area is 35 mph, unless posted otherwise. It’s 15 mph when within 300 feet of pedestrians or wild horses.
- While it is free to drive onto the beach, if you want to park on the 4WD beaches of Corolla between April 30 and October 1 you will need to purchase a parking permit. View full details about 4WD beach parking on the Currituck County website.
Remain 50 Feet Away from Wild Horses
While the horses are beautiful, they are wild. Do not attempt to get close to them, pet them, or feed them. Stay at least 50 feet away to give them room. They can act unpredictably, particularly if they are feeling threatened.
Do Not Feed the Horses
While we did touch on this in terms of staying away from the horses, it’s worth repeating. The wild horses of Corolla live off of the natural beach grasses. Feeding them apples, carrots, or other food can cause health problems and potentially death. Do not feed them.
Keep Your Children and Pets Close
With so many dog friendly and family friendly beaches, the Outer Banks are a prime destination for family vacations. That being said, when you are hanging out on the 4WD beaches, please keep all family members, particularly the young and furry, close by! Many drivers do not obey the speed limits on the beaches, which can make it a bit dangerous.
FAQs about the Wild Horses in North Carolina
I know when I first came to this area I was most excited about seeing the Outer Banks horses. I mean, wild horses? Yes please! Wild horses on the beach? Even better!
It also left me with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the wild horses of the OBX.
What beach has wild horses in NC?
If your goal is to see wild horses on a beach in NC, the Outer Banks are a great choice! The Currituck County beaches of Corolla and Carova are home to the famous wild horses of the North Carolina Outer Banks, and it’s an easy place to admire them in their natural habitat.
Do wild horses live in the Outer Banks?
You bet! There are wild horses located in the northern parts of the Outer Banks in Corolla and Carova. However, you will not find wild horses further down in Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras, etc.
Where is the best place to see wild horses in the Outer Banks?
The wild horses freely roam the beaches of Corolla and Carova. As such, you’ll need to head to these 4×4 beaches in the Outer Banks to look for the horses. There is no guarantee of where in this area they will be, so plan to walk or drive around in search of them.
When is the best time to see wild horses on Corolla Beach?
Spring and Summer are the best times to see the Corolla horses. This is mating season and foaling season, as well as being the season when they are most active. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, it also coincides with the busiest season in the Outer Banks. If you want to take a wild horse tour in the Spring or Summer, book ahead!
Can you see wild horses in the OBX without a tour?
You 100% can see the wild horses in Corolla or Carova without a tour, if you have a 4WD vehicle. They actually have a road grate and fence keeping the wild horses corralled in the northern end of the Outer Banks, so you will not find them wandering further south.
Can you walk to see the Corolla horses?
Yes and no. Typically the wild horses in Corolla are not near the entrance to the 4×4 beaches in Currituck County where the wild horses live. This means you’ll require a 4WD vehicle to get to where the horses are.
However, you can try walking to the 4×4 beach in Corolla to see if its your lucky day! Additionally, you are able to exit your 4WD vehicle to admire the horses and the beaches by foot. Just stay back at least 50 feet.
How many Corolla wild horses are there today?
Current count puts the Corolla herd at only 100 horses. Each September the Corolla Wild Horse Fund does an official count by helicopter to help track how things are going.
What is the 4×4 beach in OBX?
Technically there are 2 key 4×4 beaches in the Outer Banks, the North end of the Outer Banks in Corolla and Carova, home to the wild OBX horses, and the South end of the Outer Banks in South Nags Head, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Island.
Know what to pack for the OBX with an all-inclusive Beach Packing List.
Where to Stay in the Outer Banks for Wild Horses
Due to their remote location in the northern Outer Banks, the wild horses are difficult to stay near, but there are a couple of accommodation options to choose from.
Carova Accommodations near the Wild Horses
The closest option to the wild horses, is finding a rental house up in the sandy town of Carova. This secluded Outer Banks town has no hotels, just vacation homes. It’s also only accessible by 4WD and boat as there are no paved roads in this area, only beach driving.
This makes it a very quiet place to stay, far from any restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. However, you’ll find horses roam freely between the houses and the beaches are beautiful.
Popular rental companies in the Outer Banks include Sun Realty, Twiddy & Company’s, and Beach Realty.
Corolla Hotel near the Wild Horses
For those looking for a bit more activity, plan to stay in Corolla. This town offers one awesome hotel near the wild horses in the Outer Banks, the Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks.
This beachfront hotel offers resort like amenities including a variety of pools, a microwave, refrigerator, and cable tv, while being close to restaurants, shops, and bars.
Check rates for the Hampton Inn & Suites now.
Duck Resort near the Wild Horses
Alternatively, you can head a little further south to Duck. This desirable town offers one of the best hotels for a romantic weekend away in the Outer Banks at the Sanderling Resort. This oceanfront resort offers beautiful decor, lots of activities, and stunning ocean views from private balconies.
You’ll also find high-end amenities at the Sanderling which will make you never want to leave! Choose from 3 pools, including an adults-only, kid-friendly, and indoor options, a jacuzzi, beach chairs with umbrellas, and of course their award-winning spa!
Check rates for the Sanderling Resort now.
Check out the best places to stay in the Outer Banks!
Learn More about Visiting the Outer Banks
While one of the best things to do in the Outer Banks is to visit the wild horses of Corolla, you won’t want to miss all of the other amazing activities. Check out these inspiring posts to make the most of your time in the OBX!
- The Best Hotels in the Outer Banks, NC
- 10 Fun Things to Do in the Outer Banks for a Perfect Vacation
- Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Explore other parts of North Carolina, like Asheville, Raleigh, Durham, and beyond!
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