Exploring Corolla: A Guide to Free Activities & Events
Welcome to Corolla, NC – a wonderful vacation spot for families and solo travelers! Whether you're seeking indoor or outdoor activities, Corolla offers diverse options to suit your interests. Our team has compiled a list of the top free things to do to help you make the most of your vacation.
Wild Horses of Corolla - One of the biggest attractions is the herd of wild Spanish Mustangs that roam the beaches of Carova. With a proper 4x4 vehicle, you can score the beaches of Carova and enjoy your private wild horse tour. Be respectful and remember that it's illegal to approach, feed, or touch the horses. We recommend brushing up on tips for driving to the beach and current permit laws.
Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum - Visit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum to learn more about the history of the "Banker" herd. There are touch exhibits for kids, a wall-sized map of the range, video displays, and a staff of experts to answer your questions. There are additional activities for children during the summer months for a nominal fee.
Currituck Heritage Park - Located just past milepost 11, Currituck Heritage Park is an epicenter for free activities and historical significance in Currituck County. The park is over 40 acres of land and includes historical/educational sites like the Whalehead Club, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, and the Currituck Maritime Museum. The park hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and has plenty of space for your engagements. There are picnic tables throughout, a public boat ramp, free parking, and restrooms. The park is one of the most popular destinations in Corolla for crabbing and fishing... but remember, you'll need a license for these!
Free Annual Events in Corolla - Corolla Cork & Craft, Fourth of July Fireworks, and Under the Oaks Art Festival are popular free annual events in Corolla. These events occur in the Currituck Heritage Park and are perfect for enjoying food, drinks, and music. There is a nominal charge for wine sampling and food sold by independent vendors.
The Whalehead Club - The Whalehead Club is one of the most recognizable icons of Corolla and the Outer Banks. It was built as a private hunting retreat for the wealthy in the early 1920s and officially entered the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. You can walk the grounds and take in all the beautiful architecture and attention to detail. Tours are offered inside for a small fee.
Historic Corolla Village - Take a step back without spending a dime! A short stroll from the Whalehead Club is additional structures from the Historic Corolla Village. You'll find a mix of restored residences, small shops, and historical stops. Take your time wandering the unpaved roads and relax while you stroll amongst the beautiful trees. Notable stops include the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum, The Corolla Schoolhouse, The Island Bookstore, and Spry Creek.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse - The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is an unmistakable landmark of the Outer Banks and makes for a great sightseeing stop and photo op! The lighthouse is 162 feet tall (making it the second tallest on the Outer Banks), has 220 steps inside, is estimated to have 1 million bricks, and was first erected in 1875. While not free to climb, the grounds are beautiful and offer semi-shaded walks on cobblestone paths.
The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Corolla. This amazing center boasts over 5,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing the rich history of wildlife and outdoor sports in the Outer Banks. The center also features an auditorium that plays educational films on rotation. Did you know that the Outer Banks was once one of the most popular largemouth bass fishing destinations in the country? You'll learn all about that and more here.
Currituck Maritime Museum is a fascinating destination located in Historic Corolla Park. The museum features exhibits that highlight the region's maritime history, including the stories of the people who lived and worked along the Currituck Sound. Admission is FREE!
Corolla offers budget- and family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities for vacationers of all ages and interests. Whether observing the Wild Horses or immersing oneself in the town's rich history, there's something for everyone in your group to enjoy.
