At Currituck Banks Reserve, Currituck Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east mark the boundaries of a landscape that encompasses far more than beaches. Its 965 acres include ocean beach, sand dunes, grassland, shrubland and maritime forest, as well as brackish- and freshwater marshes, tidal flats and subtidal soft bottoms.

Currituck Banks Reserve is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail and is known for its wintering waterfowl. This makes winter a clear seasonal focus for birdwatching. Knotts Island is also home to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 8,219 acres, it provides habitat for threatened and endangered species, as well as wintering grounds for waterfowl.

From mainland Currituck, a 45-minute ferry ride crosses Currituck Sound to Knotts Island and Mackay Island. Check the schedule before your trip and plan the crossing into your journey. The free-roaming wild horses of Corolla are believed to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs that researchers are said to have brought here more than 400 years ago. A guided tour is recommended for visiting them.

Lighthouse and Maritime History

Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the last brick lighthouse built in North Carolina. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy sweeping views of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the northern Outer Banks. Weather and seasonal operating conditions may affect access to the lighthouse, so check visiting conditions in advance.

Whalehead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its rooms have been restored to their 1925 condition. The Currituck Maritime Museum is dedicated to restored boats that have shaped Currituck’s maritime history. Its 10,000-square-foot exhibition is designed for self-guided visits.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education offers another perspective on history and nature. Its 4,000-square-foot gallery features historic decoys and exhibits on the region’s hunting heritage; the exhibition may be updated. The center also offers programs on fishing, crabbing, archery and dragonfly excursions. Admission is free to the public. Space is limited, so registration is required; topics and registration requirements may vary seasonally.

Historic Sites and Outdoor Experiences

At Historic Corolla Village, visitors can stroll along the paths and tour carefully restored homes. Unpaved sandy roads, live oaks and scrub pines characterize the village. Explore the area on foot, with numerous shops, stores and museums nearby.

The Historic Jarvisburg Colored School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its African American heritage and architectural features, as a rare example in North Carolina of an African American school from the pre-Rosenwald era. It represents a historic and cultural link to the schools for African American children in Currituck County that operated from 1868 through the 1950s.

Currituck County Rural Center offers the public equestrian facilities, access to the Sound for kayaks and canoes, fishing ponds, disc golf baskets, playground equipment and a boardwalk. Use is free, and dogs are welcome. Facilities and conditions of use may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Corolla, Knotts Island, Poplar Branch. Also: Mitchell County, Wilson County, Carteret County, Lenoir, Union County.

Go to the main travel overview: North Carolina.