If you’re heading to the Outer Banks with a 4×4, you’re in for more than just a scenic drive—you’re opening the door to remote adventures, wild beauty, and a kind of freedom you just can’t find on paved roads. Whether you’re cruising the sand in Corolla, Carova, or the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the OBX 4×4 experience is full of unforgettable moments. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Indulge in Gourmet Catering or a Private Chef Experience
Imagine enjoying a delicious meal right on the beach without lifting a finger! Services like Red Sky (a renowned local caterer also offering private chef options) bring culinary excellence directly to your 4×4 campsite or rental home. For another fantastic catering option, Kill Devil Grill offers their Grill ‘Em All food truck, available for weddings, birthday parties, and other social gatherings. This mobile service brings a delicious mix of Kill Devil Grill classics and South of Kill Devil’s Latin-inspired flavors to your special event.
Bring the Bar to You with a Traveling Cocktail Service
For larger groups or special events on the 4×4 beaches (where permitted and following all regulations), consider a traveling bar service like Camp Cocktail. They can set up a unique and memorable bar experience right on the sand, adding a touch of fun and sophistication to your gathering.
See the Wild Horses of Corolla and Carova
One of the Outer Banks’ most iconic sights is the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam freely north of Corolla. These majestic horses have lived on these beaches for centuries. You can spot them along the dunes, near beach houses, or even walking along the shoreline.
🚨 Important: Stay at least 50 feet away—it’s the law and helps keep both visitors and horses safe.
Have a Beach Day… With No Crowds
The 4×4-access beaches let you drive far from the crowds and find your own private patch of sand. Pack your chairs, umbrella, cooler, and a beach tent. Once you’re set up, it’s just you, the surf, and miles of coastline.
Tip: Go early to snag a great spot and avoid the heat while setting up.
Try Surf Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, bring your rods and cast right from the beach. The OBX is known for great surf fishing.
You might catch:
- Red drum
- Bluefish
- Spanish mackerel
- Flounder
Make sure to have a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License, and check the local catch limits.
Watch a Sunrise or Sunset (Or Both)
With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Currituck Sound or Pamlico Sound to the west, 4×4 beaches give you front-row seats to both sunrise and sunset—no crowds, no noise, just nature doing its thing.
Bring a camera, a blanket, and some coffee for a moment you won’t forget.
Go Shell Hunting and Beachcombing
The further out you go on a 4×4 beach, the more untouched treasures you’ll find. Shells, driftwood, and even old sea glass often wash up in these less-traveled areas.
Try beachcombing at low tide for the best haul.
Take a Scenic Drive Through the Sand
Sometimes the best activity is no activity at all. Just rolling along the shoreline, windows down, ocean breeze in your face—this is what OBX 4×4 driving is all about. Look for sea birds, dolphins, or even a ghost crab darting across your path.
Stargaze Like Never Before
With virtually no light pollution in remote areas, the night sky on the OBX 4×4 beaches is dazzling. You can clearly see the Milky Way on clear nights, and meteor showers are unforgettable out here.
Bring a blanket and a stargazing guide—you won’t regret it.
The Outer Banks 4×4 experience is more than just driving on the beach. It’s a passport to a quieter, wilder side of the coast—where every moment feels like your own little secret. Whether you’re observing wild horses, grilling dinner to the sound of the waves, or watching stars fall into the sea, it’s the kind of trip that sticks with you.
- | April 10, 2025