Off the Beaten Path: Distanced Destinations on the OBX

Distance does not mean you need to despair when you are on the amazing barrier islands of the Outer Banks. There are several hidden gems that provide adventure, beauty and a little something different.

Mustangs dance on the seashore giving distance a whole new meaning.

Our Corolla store manager Colby knows that the word “distance” on the northern beaches can take a couple different meanings. He suggests distancing yourself from the rest of the world by venturing onto the 4×4 regions of Carova Beach. There you will see the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming freely. Their protection as well as the preservation of the land as a permanent sanctuary is coordinated by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (LINK). A number of businesses have paid tours of the 4×4 area and a chance to see the horses, but Corolla Outback Adventures offers additional scenery on land that most other tour groups cannot access. “We are very fortunate to have private access into the Wild Horse Conservation Easement, situated on secluded land our family donated for additional habitat area for the Colonial Spanish Mustangs,” said Jay Bender, President of Corolla Outback Adventures. When booking your 4×4 tour, mention Ocean Atlantic Rentals for a VIP exclusive discount!

Our Kill Devil Hills manager Dave suggests “distance” on the main beaches can be found as you step back in time and distance yourself to Roanoke Island. Though the sand and surf are typical Outer Banks vacation ideals Roanoke Island holds new adventures in an old world of many distant memories, folklore and mysteries of settlers from The Lost Colony. Take your time to visit Roanoke Island Festival Park (RIFP) which boasts a historic 25-acre settlement site that gives you a glimpse of life, work and play for the first English settlers on Roanoke Island in 1585. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the costumed historic interpreters, the American Indian Town, interactive exhibits at the Adventure Museum along with the Elizabeth II ship. Learn more about what RIFP has to offer and plan your daytrip now.

While on Roanoke Island Dave also suggests distancing from others while growing close to nature at The Elizabethan Gardens. Elaborate gardens such as these were designed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I during her reign and now can entertain your love of nature. The Gardens were created by the Garden Club of North Carolina for both enjoyment by locals and vacationers alike and as a living memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists that settled here over 400 years ago. Check out the blooms and book your time at The Elizabethan Gardens here.

Our Avon manager Savannah can tell you that “distance” is a real thing when you cross the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge to the various villages on Hatteras Island. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is chock full of places to camp, fish, drive off-road and more. One place in particular is the Day Use Area in Salvo. As the main public access to the Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island located just south of Salvo the area has a bathhouse, picnic tables, grills, large parking lot and an open field making it the perfect place to ‘distance’. Nighttime or overnight activities are not permitted.

No matter where you find yourself on the Outer Banks, it is your perfect place to ‘distance’ yourself from the everyday hustle and grow close to family, history, adventure and nature.