Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is OBX?
A: It is simply a shortened version of Outer Banks. You will see it everywhere.
Q: I have never been to the Outer Banks before, please tell me the differences between Corolla, Nags Head, South Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and so on.
A: The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands in North Carolina. We are about 90 miles south of Norfolk, VA and 320 miles north of Myrtle Beach, SC. The island is long and narrow … and extending through Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties. You can find homes and condos in every price range here. There are smaller golf villas and condos with community amenities like swimming pools and tennis and larger homes located within communities on the Oceanside and the soundside.
Corolla is part of Currituck County, so if you are coming from the north you will drive through the mainland of Currituck County until you get to the Wright Memorial Bridge. Corolla (pronounced Kuh-RAH-Luh, not the Japanese car) in Currituck County and at the northernmost part of the Outer Banks. One difference is that Corolla is fairly new. It was one of the last beach frontiers on the East Coast and had miles of empty land and just a few vacation homes. Today Corolla is a very popular vacation destination boasting golf villas, luxurious beach homes, upscale resorts and of course the beautiful beaches.
Q: So Corolla is not in Dare County?
A: Correct. Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Manteo, Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras are located in Dare County.
The town of Kill Devil Hills spans Milepost 5 to Milepost 10 and offers a great variety of vacation accommodations, from large properties several families can share to townhomes, condos, and single-family houses perfect for smaller groups and couples. There are 25 public beach accesses with ample parking for your convenience, several sound side water accesses, as well as community parks. Kill Devil Hills is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Outer Banks. Vacationers are drawn to its magnificent beaches, distinctive history, endless activities and unique variety of shops and restaurants, as well as its central location along the Outer Banks.
The town of Nags Head is in Dare County and stretches from Milepost 10 to 22. Northern Nags Head offers great variety in activities, shopping, restaurants and well-appointed communities, oceanfront to sound front, like Old Nags Head Place at Milepost 12 and The Village at Nags Head at Milepost 15. The area south of Milepost 16.5 known as South Nags Head is primarily residential and backs up to Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, allowing a feeling of being away from it all yet within minutes of the action. The Town of Nags Head has over 30 public beach accesses with ample parking for your convenience and several sound side water access points.
Q: What is the “soundside”?
A: The soundside of the island is located on the other side of Highway 12 in Corolla and US158 in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk. Many homes are located on or very close to the soundfront and feature beautiful views of the water. These waters are great for parasailing, water skiing, boating and crabbing, fishing and family fun. If you have never stayed on the “other side” of the island before we urge you to give it a try. Many homes offer amenities and features such as private pools, hot tubs, movie rooms and more. Many visitors prefer the soundside communities as it is quieter and often less expensive.
What is the difference between a sound and a bay?
A: A bay is essentially a curved inlet of the sea enclosed by a coastline such as the Chesapeake Bay. A sound is a broad channel between an island and the mainland, such as the Pamlico, Albemarle, and Currituck Sounds.
Q: What do all the different designations for area mean, like semi-oceanfront for example?
A: Here you go ...
Oceanfront: There is no other buildable lot or road between you and the beach. There may or may not be ocean views depending on the house and the dunes. Distance to the beach varies by property as do views.
Semi-Oceanfront properties are located one lot back from the oceanfront. The distance to the ocean and views will vary by property. Many Semi-Oceanfront homes offer wonderful views.
Oceanside:
In Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, these homes are east of Croatan Hwy (the Big Road, also known as the Bypass) with one or more properties between you and the Ocean. Depending on the location and subdivision you may need to cross the 2 lane Beach Road to get to the nearest beach access. Distances vary by home and each home has been categorized for approx distance.
In Corolla: Those homes east of Hwy 12 with one or more properties between you and the Ocean. Distances vary by home and each home has been categorized for approx distance. It is generally a short walk to the beach access/Ocean and you do not cross any major roads.
Homes on the Fairways
In Nags Head: This term applies to homes located within The Village at Nags Head. The property is located on the Nags Head Golf Links course, on the Westside/Soundside of the island. Distance to the Roanoke Sound and views vary by property. If the property offers golf privileges that will be indicated.
In Corolla: These homes are located within The Currituck Club Golf community, on the Westside/Soundside of the island on the northern Outer Banks. Distances to the Currituck Sound and views vary by property. If the property offers golf privileges that will be indicated.
Soundside*
In Nags Head: Those homes west of US 158 Bypass. Distance to the Sound varies as do views and access. Generally, if there is a view of the Roanoke Sound that will be mentioned in the description. Many homes are located on the Soundside (Westside) of the island and are also located on the Nags Head Links Golf course.
In Corolla: Those homes west of Hwy 12 in Corolla. Distance to the Currituck Sound varies as do views and access. Generally, if there is a view of the Currituck Sound that is mentioned in the description. Many homes are located on the Soundside (Westside) of the island and for homes in The Currituck Club may also be right on the fairway. Please read the description for the homes for more information.
Sound Front*
Properties fronting or backing up to either the Roanoke Sound (Nags Head) or the Currituck Sound (Corolla). Sound access, views and distances to the body of water will vary by home. Some homes, although located on the sound front will not have access to the sound due to marsh. This is especially true for homes in The Currituck Club in Corolla. Homes classified as Soundfront are usually fairly close or very close to the actual body of water and there will generally be a view, often an excellent one, of some kind. Sunsets are beautiful!
* From Wikipedia.com: In geography a sound is a large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, deeper than a bight, wider than a ford, or it may identify a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land.
Q: Are linens included?
A: Yes, in every home.
Q: Does that include towels?
A: Yes, in every home. Bath towels are included; please bring your own beach towels.
Q: Are the beds made or do we pick up linens somewhere?
A: Beds are made in every home so you can start your vacation right away
Q: What fees are there in addition to the rent? Cleaning fees? Linen fees?
A: There are only three costs that are not included in our rents. These are:
- Optional trip insurance
- NC sales tax
- A pet fee, if applicable (non-refundable)
All other costs are included in the rents you see online or have been quoted over the phone.
Q: How much does it cost to go to the beach?
A: There is no cost to access the beach. However, certain communities do have private beaches.
Q: Where is the nearest major airport?
A: Norfolk, International in Norfolk, VA. www.NorfolkAirport.com. The airport is about 90 miles north of the Outer Banks. Carriers include American, Continental, Delta, Southwest, US Airways and Independence Air. Phone Number: 757-857-3200
Q: Are shuttles or car services available to get us from the Norfolk airport to the Outer Banks?
A: There are several:
The Connection: 252-449-2777
Island Hopper Shuttle: 252-995-6771
Island Limousine: 800-828-5466 or 252-441-5466
Karat Limo: 252-473-9827
Sandy Beach Tours: 252-441-9800
Q: Are car rentals available on the Outer Banks?
A: Yes
ABCO Auto Rental: 252-473-4508
B & R Rent-A-Car: 252-473-2141
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 252-480-1838
Outer Banks Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep: 252-441-1146
Q: What is check in time?
A: Check in time is 4:00 pm. but if you arrive earlier please stop by your check in office and let the front desk know you are here. They can take your cell phone number and call you when the house is ready.
Q: What time do I need to check out?
A: Please vacate the home by 10 am on check out day. With our express check out system, just call a special number to let us know you are departing, and leave the keys on the kitchen counter. If you leave before 8:30 am you can also leave the keys in the pick-up box located outside of the office.)
Q: Do I need to clean the house?
A: We ask that you make sure all dishes are washed and put away. Remove all your food from the refrigerator and cabinets. If you have moved any furniture around please put it back in place. Do not strip the beds, we will do that. Please take out the trash. We do have a Food Pantry at each office where you can drop off non-perishable foods.
Q: Are there large grocery stores in the area?
A: Yes, there are five Food Lions; one in Southern Shores, one in Kill Devil Hills, one in Corolla and two in Nags Head. There are three Harris-Teeters on the Outer Banks; one in Kitty Hawk, one in Kill Devil Hills and one in Corolla. All stores are open year ‘round.
Q: Where is the nearest hospital?
A: The Outer Banks Hospital is located at Mile Post 14 in Nags Head. www.TheOuterBanksHospital.com
Boating and Fishing
Q: You mention fishing; do I need a license?
A: Any person 16 and older who wants to fish recreationally in any water designated as coastal and joint waters of North Carolina must purchase a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL). If you do not already have one you can buy one at TW’s Bait and Tackle with locations in Corolla, Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. You may also purchase a fishing license at Wal-Mart, Kmart and online at www.ncwildlife.org.
Q: Where are the public boat ramps located in Dare and Currituck Counties?
A: Several places in Dare County and one public ramp in Corolla.
Dare County Public Boat Ramp - Kitty Hawk
Turn west off 158 bypass on to Kitty Hawk Road and follow for approximately three miles. Turn left on to Bob Perry Road. Follow Bob Perry Road for approximately one mile and turn right at the Dare County Public Boat Ramp sign. The canal to the sound is about 200 feet long, with a depth of approximately 5 feet.
North Carolina Wildlife Boat Ramp and Access - Dock Street, Kill Devil Hills
Ramps, docks, breakwater and 12 paved parking spaces. Located off Bay Drive (shallow draft vessels recommended).
National Park Service Boat Ramp - Oregon Inlet, Nags Head
Located at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center off Hwy. 12 behind the fishing center.
Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp - Washington Baum Bridge
Located on the west side of the Washington Baum Bridge, directly across from Pirate’s Cove Marina. Several railed walkways that provide easy access for recreational fishing.
Dare County Boat Ramp - Wanchese, Roanoke Island
Enter the Village of Wanchese, bear left at the intersection and continue for approximately one mile to Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant. The boat ramp is on the south side between Fisherman’sWharf Restaurant and Moon Tillett’s Fish Company. Parking is very limited depending on commercial activity.
Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp - Manteo, Roanoke Island
Turn left onto Bowsertown Road located at the intersection of Hwy. 64 and Bowsertown Road (at stoplight). Follow Bowsertown Road approximately one mile and make a left on California St. (you will be facing EMS Station 2). Stay on California St. for about 1/8 mile and the boat ramp is on the right hand side. There is parking available for approximately 30 vehicles and trailers.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Public Boat Ramp - Stumpy Point
From the junction of US 64 and US 264 near Manns Harbor, take US 264 west 12.7miles to SR 1100 (Bayview Drive). Turn left onto SR 1100 and travel 2.5 miles to the area. The area is located on the right at the end of SR 1100.
Dare County Public Boat Ramp - Manteo, Roanoke Island
Turn right at the stop light on Budleigh Street and follow to the end and make a left. The boat ramp is adjacent to the bridge that goes to the Roanoke Island Festival Park. There is very limited parking.
Dare County Public Boat Ramp - Manns Harbor
In the Village of Manns Harbor located on the mainland. Cross the William B. Umstead Bridge going west and turn left off Hwy. 64 on to Old Ferry Dock Road. Very limited access.
Fish & Wildlife Public Boat Ramp - Buffalo City Road, Hwy. 64
Small craft only.
Fish & Wildlife Boat Ramp - Mashoes Road, Manns Harbor
Cross over William B. Umstead Bridge going west approximately 1/8 mile and turn right onto Mashoes Road. Follow Mashoes Road about four miles and turn left at the Fish and Wildlife sign. Parking is available for approximately 15 vehicles and trailers.
Fish & Wildlife Public Boat Ramp - East Lake
Located one mile east of the Alligator River Bridge off Hwy. 64. Parking available.
Currituck Heritage Park - located on NC Rt. 12 in Corolla
Public boat ramp from sunrise until dusk. Due to shallow water and grass, this ramp is suitable for small craft only.
Handicap Friendly
Q: One person in our group is in a wheelchair; how can we get them on the beach?
A: We want everyone who visits the Outer Banks to enjoy our beautiful beaches. Please contact these free Beach Wheelchair locations for more information. Beach wheelchairs can also be rented from local equipment rental companies. Call 252-441-5909 for a list of companies. Beach wheelchair locations include:
Corolla
Fire Department - (252) 453-3242
Kitty Hawk
Fire Department - (252) 261-2666
Kill Devil Hills
Fire Department - (252) 480-4060
Jockey's Ridge State Park
(252) 441-7132
Nags Head
Fire Department - (252) 441-5909
Coquina Beach
Bodie Island Lighthouse Visitor Center - (252) 441-5711
Buxton
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Visitor Information Center - (252) 995-4474
Ocracoke
National Seashore/Ocracoke Visitor Center - (252) 928-4531
Q: Someone in my family needs assistance to get to the beach. Is there help available?
A: Yes. Additional assistance is available in the town of Nags Head. Call Nags Head Ocean Rescue at 252-305-6068 for assistance. A stability mat is in place at the Eighth Street access for enhanced access to the beach for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.
Q: Do you have any homes that are accessible to someone in a wheelchair or with limited mobility?
A: Village Realty represents many homes that offer disability accessibility. Please contact our office 800-548-9688 for specific details on these homes.
Pets
Q: Are dogs allowed on the beach?
A: That depends on the town (see restrictions below) and time of year. Please keep our shores clean and beautiful and always pick up after your dog.
Kill Devil Hills
Between May 15 and September 15 of each year, no dogs shall be permitted on the public beach between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless being used to aid a handicapped person. At all other times, no dogs shall be permitted on the public beaches except upon a leash and under the control of owner or handler
Nags Head
Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times as long as they are leashed. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Corolla
Leashes are required; however there are no length requirements. For more information, contact Currituck County 252-453-8555.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Leash Laws
Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, if they are restrained with a leash 6 feet or less at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of by owners. For more information, contact the National Park Service 252-473-2111.
Q: Is there a pet fee for vacation homes?
A: Yes, in homes that allow pets, there is a non-refundable pet fee of $75.
Beach Access and Lifeguards
Q: Are there lifeguards on duty in Corolla?
A. Glad you asked. Yes, lifeguards are on duty from 9:30 am until 5:30pm daily. Roving Patrols (4 wheel drive trucks and ATV's) travel from the county line, north to Penny's Hill.
Fixed lifeguard stands are located at:
Villages at Ocean Hill, Corolla Village Road, Shad Street, Bonito Street, and Sailfish Street (Whalehead Beach), Section P, Section F, and Section D (Ocean Sands), and the Currituck County Public Beach Access (Pine Island). We caution you, ask you, urge you strongly NOT to enter the water after the lifeguards go off duty. Do not ever swim after dark, period.
Q: Are there lifeguards on the beach?
A: Please see the information below for Dare and Currituck Counties.
In Dare County, lifeguards are on the beach from Memorial Day weekend through the Labor Day weekend in Outer Banks towns except for Duck where lifeguards are on duty from the beginning of May through the end of October. Most of the beaches also have roving lifeguards. Keep in mind that locations and hours are subject to change.
Corolla has twelve stationary lifeguard stands, seven roving ATV patrols and one Quick Response Vehicle. The Ocean Rescue season begins Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day.
Q: Is there parking at the beach?
A: In Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, there are many public beach accesses, most with free parking, several with bath houses and handicapped access. We are happy to send you a map of these accesses and amenities.
In Corolla, most beach accesses are private and maintained by separate community associations. All of our homes have access to the beach, whether by footpath, trolley or with a community parking pass. Please ask about beach access when making your reservation.
Fireworks and Bonfires
Q: Are Fireworks allowed on the Outer Banks?
A: North Carolina prohibits the possession of any pyrotechnics which launch or propel into the air, or which explode making a sound or "report." Sparklers, fountains and ground displays are allowed only with adult supervision and when exercising extreme caution and fire prevention. Fireworks are illegal in Currituck and Dare County, including all towns and villages.
Q: Can we have a bonfire on the beach?
A: Beach fires are not permitted in the Towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills or Corolla.
Nags Head beaches and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area permit beach fires, with regulations. The regulations are as follows:
Nags Head
Permits are required and are obtained from the Nags Head Fire Department Headquarters located at MP 14.5, Bypass, 5314 South Croatan Highway and Station 21 on 8806 Old Oregon Inlet Road after 5 p.m. on the specific day the fire is requested. Fires will not be permitted if winds are 10 knots or more. A picture ID, the address of applicant, and the location for the requested fire are required. Fires cannot be built within 50 feet of any combustible material. In addition, the hollowed-out pit must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and not less than 1 foot in depth. The fire must be attended by an adult and must be completely extinguished prior to leaving.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area
Small ground fires are permitted on the beach below the high tide line and a minimum 100 feet from dune vegetation. Ground fires must be attended by an adult and be completely extinguished using water, not sand, before leaving. Permits are not required.
Beach Driving and All Terrain Vehicles
Q: Is beach driving allowed?
A: Yes with restrictions for both Dare and Currituck County beaches.
In Currituck County during the summer months, beach driving is only allowed from the North Beach Access only (north of Corolla) in what is referred to as the 4 Wheel Drive area or Carova. Limited beach driving is allowed in Corolla during the off-season. Please check with the town offices for current regulations.
In Dare County during the summer months, beach driving is only allowed in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (south of Nags Head). For information on southern beach driving, visit www.nps.gov. Limited beach driving is allowed in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head during the off-season. Please check with the town offices for current regulations.
Q: Can I bring my ATV to use on the beach in Corolla?
A: No. Only local residents and property owners, who have the proper permits, can operate an ATV in Currituck County.
Rip Currents, Sand Dunes and Average Temps
Q: What are rip currents?
A: Rip currents are very powerful currents of water moving away from the shore. They occur where there is a build up of water in front of a sandbar. The water tries to flow downhill, through the sandbar, but is blocked and then pressure builds up. This pressure is released through the weakest point of the sand bar. This creates a hole in the sand bar and all of the excess water builds up at a very fast rate. Anyone or anything caught in a rip current will be pulled out past the sand bar until the pressure is alleviated.
More people die each year from rip currents than from tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning or shark attacks. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues can be attributed to rip currents. Annually, more than 100 people die drowning when they are unable to escape a rip current. These currents can get to speeds of over eight feet per second; faster than an Olympic swimmer’s sprint. These dangerous currents can last for hour … some are permanent. They range from 50 to 100 feet, or more, in width and can extend up to 1,000 feet offshore.
Q: What can I do if I get caught in a rip current?
A: Pay attention to the lifeguard warnings and flags posted on the beach.
Swim near lifeguarded beaches only.
Remain calm. You will be able to conserve energy and think more clearly.
Swim out of the current in the direction of the shoreline. Never fight against the current.
If you cannot swim out of the rip current, float or tread water. When you are out of the current, head towards the shore
If you just cannot reach the shore, start waving your arms and yelling for help—anything to draw attention to yourself.
Q: I see signs asking people to stay off the sand dunes … and I want to know why?
A: The sand dunes along the Outer Banks are all part of the very delicate system that helps protect land, bays and marshes from high water and stormy seas.
Q: What are average temperatures there during the summer months? Water temperature too, please.
A: Please go to OBX Weather
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