Ocean City, MD

Virginia Beach, VA

Myrtle Beach, SC

Outer Banks Vacation Guide

Home | Contact Us | Advertise with Us

Find an Outer Banks Hotel...
Book Online - Fast & Easy!

Share your photos, videos, and vacation stories!

Be the first to hear about Hotel Discounts and Special Offers!

by Corolla Classic Vacations

Carolina by the Sea
Oceanfront: Pine Island
Bedrooms: 9 Sleeps: 22

A View to Sea
Oceanside: Ocean Sands
Bedrooms: 7 Sleeps: 18

Waverly
Semi-Oceanfront: Whalehead
Bedrooms: 9 Sleeps: 22

Dune Deck
Oceanside: Ocean Hill
Bedrooms: 7 Sleeps: 16

More...

Outer Banks Message Board

Our Outer Banks message board is a community where anyone can ask questions, share comments, and post recommendations about the Outer Banks. By participating on this message board you acknowledge that you have read and agree to any and all of the conditions in this notice.
Popular Message Board Topics!

General Discussion

Area Information

Where To Eat

Topic: General Information

Message Board Main Page > General Information

Main Topic Post: General Information

Posted By: Guest

Subject: 4x4 rentals/beaches

thinking about renting a cottage on the beach in a 4x4 area. never been to the obx so how safe is it for kids to play on the beach with the vehicles allowed? is there a separate area for the vehicles to go on? not sure how "kid-friendly those areas would be.
thanks!

Message Replies:

9387: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/14/2007 12:17:14 PM

Posted By: Guest

I was there last summer. The vehicles literally drive right on the beach. I would not feel safe at all letting my small kids run on the beach there. There is quite a bit of traffic.

9392: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/14/2007 2:55:30 PM

Posted By: Guest

Let me preface this by saying that we always rent on Hatteras. We did have an opportunity, though, to stay on the 4x4 beach area, around the 15 mile marker, in Sept. of 2005, without kids. And while it was absolutely beautiful...the horses alone were unbeleivable! And the solitude was fantastic. The only drawback was the beach. For me at least. I almost got run over by a dump struck, of all things, and I had one foot in the surf! It wasn't like I was running around not paying attention. The wind and the surf sounds also seem to drown the sound of the vehicles. I would be way too worried about our kids hanging out on the beach and they are 13 and 17 years old. Maybe regulars to this area have better advice to offer on how to make it work. All I know is that we still rent in Salvo and plan to continue to do so. But the 4x4 area is really very special and very beautiful.I can totally understand why so many people want to be there!

9395: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/14/2007 3:17:24 PM

Posted By: Guest

Rent on the north end of Corolla and take your 4WD to the off road area to sight see. You'll have safer beaches for kids.
Look around Ocean Hill or Corolla Light or Whalehead in Northern Corolla.

9404: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/15/2007 9:23:34 AM

Posted By: Guest

thanks so much for the answers! sounds like it will be better with the kids if we rent on a non-4x4 beach.

9426: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/16/2007 2:50:19 PM

Posted By: Danny

We have a house 8 miles up 4x4 you will be better off the farther up the beach you go its not as bad on traffic but if you like wild horses thats where you want to be to see them more often stay away from Hatteras to conjested

10333: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

2/25/2007 6:44:25 PM

Posted By: Guest

Why not rent a house with a pool to keep the kids occupied and confined to a fenced-in area...easier to keep an eye on them. Then enjoy shell-searching walks on the beach...early morning and early evening are my favorite times. Get oceanfront views at semi-oceanfront prices in Swan Beach!

14083: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

7/9/2007 1:44:08 PM

Posted By: Guest

We just got back from OBX (second trip and loved it) We did not stay in the 4x4 area but went up there to check it out. The beach really scared me with the kids, you just are not used to looking out for cars. I also think it brings out the worst in some people, "look at me I'm off road" and not paying attention to the fact there are people around.

21369: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

4/8/2008 9:58:24 AM

Posted By: MovieMaven

Hello- Our friends sold there home in the 4x4 area of Swan Beach and we have already bought 5 airline tickets to stay there for 2 weeks in early May. WE did not have it in our budget to pay for a rental ( it was a stretch to buy the airline tickets) Any ideas as to how we can find a reasonable rental on the beach? We can do cleaning and minor maintenance. Thanks

21599: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

4/21/2008 12:06:42 PM

Posted By: Angie

The 4x4 beaches are nice, but to make sure your kids are protected you may want to sit closer to the water. Most times the cars will go up by the dunes to drive around. But then you sometimes get idiots that like to think they are cool and come down far enough to scare people as they are driving by.

21709: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

4/27/2008 10:54:23 AM

Posted By: Bri

My family of about 27 and I vacation in OBX every year for the last maybe 8 years, it's extremely family friendly. In the 4x4 areas setting up closer to the water and making an invisable dividing line as to where your kids can and cannot go is all you need to do. We have 8 little ones in the family, and that works everytime.

HAve a great trip!

25044: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

7/18/2008 9:04:16 AM

Posted By: corolla local

Angie is mistaken when she says it is idiots who are trying to scare people that drive on the low beach. In fact, if one would look at some of the rules and regulations of the off road area - at low tide it is illegal to block the vehicular travel lane that is below the bean high water mark ( known as the foreshore) This is an emergency travel lane as well as the road most local people use at low tide to ingress egress to their homes. Anyone staying in this area can do it safely - just watch your children and be careful it is not simply a beach to play on but also a highway to Carova Beach. It is a great place and I encourage people to stay here but just be careful and be aware - Hope this would help some potential vacationers - I will add that in the last 10 years - to my knowledge there has been only one child that made contact with a vehicle and the father told me it was his fault - he let his 4 year old go and he ran into the side of a car - he was fine though

34192: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

4/20/2009 6:32:36 AM

Posted By: Guest

It's an accident waiting to happen up there. Half the traffic is folks who rent about 30 some jeeps for periods of about 90 minutes and run up the beach in search of horses. On any afternoon, more than half the traffic on the beach can be attributed to these self guided tours. Unfortunatley, until a child is killed, it will remain out of control up there. Way too much traffic on the beach and neighborhood roads.

36468: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

5/20/2009 11:01:38 AM

Posted By: Guest

We spent a week on the 4x4 beach last Spring. It was early, a little chilly for a lot of beach activity, but we spent a couple of days on the beach anyway. It was FANTASTIC. My kids (17 & 7) were never in danger. I was nervous about the "no paved roads" issue - but I'm glad we went. I drove on the beaches without any problem. The horses were a huge thrill for my 7 yr old. We will certainly be back!

36681: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

5/23/2009 11:44:18 AM

Posted By: Carova Area

WE are heading down for a week in Carova coming very soon and have b een told about he 4x4 requirement. We have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4x4...should we expect any trouble getting around?

38083: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

6/10/2009 11:18:20 AM

Posted By: Guest

We stayed 7.5 miles up the beach last year for the first time & had 15 kids with us (ages 2-15). From my experience with the kids on the beach it was fine. On every beach you need to monitor your children, but we all crossed the beach frequently to & from our house with no problems. You can see the vehicles coming clearly from a great distance and they never drove close to us. Yes there were people coming & going but I wouldn't have called it traffic by any means.
This was the best & most relaxing vacation we have ever taken & are returning in just a few days. (so excited!)
I think it's something you need to try & see for yourself. But certainly don't let a few idiotic drivers stop you from staying here. Mostly all of the other drivers are respectful & cautious of people and especially children.

38338: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

6/12/2009 10:20:27 AM

Posted By: Chuckie

I would not stay in the 4x4 area with small kids. The drivers are crazy! I was doing about 25-30 mph when a pickup with duallys and a construction trailer breezed by me.

38429: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

6/13/2009 10:39:10 AM

Posted By: Guest

I was actually on the beach yesterday, talked to the local currituck sherrif, he said they have added an extra 6 patrols per shift, and are enforcing the speed limit after hearing numerous complaints. I told him about this message board how i had read on here the "local" were complaining about the speeding and the horses being hit, he said hence the reason the addition to the force. I watched several people get pulled over yesterday. The speed limit on the 4x4 area is 15 and he said it is enforced to the max.

Just wanted to throw that out there....

39345: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

6/21/2009 1:33:43 PM

Posted By: Guest

Has anyone ever stayed at "ARGO" by twiddy vacations? If so do you have any info on it? thanks

42425: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

7/11/2009 8:07:24 PM

Posted By: Guest

I just returned from the 4X4 area today and vacationed with my two children (ages 2 and 7) and our friends' children (ages 2 and 5). We had to definitely keep a close eye on all of them in relation to the cars, but everything was fine. Our house had a private pool and hot tub, which is where we spent most of our time, as well as several oceanview decks. This made it nice for early morning coffee-drinking and late evening wine-drinking when kids where in bed, where we could relax and enjoy the view and sounds of the ocean. We went out on the beach several days, which were not relaxing because of the lack of lifeguards and cars going by, but all the children were interested in shell-hunting and sand castle building. We kept life vests on the kids and all four adults just kept a constant eye on the kids.

43487: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

7/17/2009 11:14:28 AM

Posted By: Guest

We just got back from the OBX last week and we drove to the 4x4 beach every day. We love the lack of crowds. But there did seem te be more traffic this year and they were enforcing the fact that the road is near the ocean. We had a 2 and 4 year old with us and had to watch them constantly as there are some maniacs out there who think they are driving on an interstate. My grandson was riding in on boogie board and was in the water and almost got hit by a car going about 35 MPH. He nver even slowed down. Just be prepared to watch small children constantly.

46908: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/3/2009 10:59:27 AM

Posted By: Guest

I've been going to the 4WD portion of OBX for years now.
The same idiots that drive on the highways drive on the beach. That being said, I'd rather be there than trying to cross the road somewhere else. We stay 10 plus miles back towards Va. line, and always enjoy it. We have 5 kids, and they know the rules. I would NEVER stay in a house down on the ramp end. WAY TOO MANY CARS there.
To the poster that said we had a 2 and 4 year old and had to watch them constantly... I WOULD HOPE SO ! Hello, they are 2 and 4... they shouldn't have been in the water without you. More traffic each year it seems, but as I said, better at the Virginia end. Watch your kids, watch yourselves, and enjoy some of the last unspoiled spots.

49172: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/16/2009 9:57:42 AM

Posted By: Guest

How is the traffic, if any, in November and December?

50974: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/24/2009 7:42:23 AM

Posted By: janey d.

love it out there!! don't forget to let some air out of the tires to 20-25 even though the ford dealer will tell you there is no need to do that!!! ask the firemen 1/2 way up the beach!!! always watch kids carefully....surf rough at times....enjoy yourself but remember the ocean is way more powerful than it looks at times

51129: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/25/2009 7:57:47 AM

Posted By: Guest

This is the 3rd time to 4x4 beach in corolla and we take small childern with us. People are nice and dont drive to close to the water so ppl can enjoy the water. and its not a busy beach.

52157: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

9/1/2009 6:37:22 AM

Posted By: Tim G.

I dunno, 129....we just got back from Corolla yesterday (we stayed 2.4 miles up the beach) and most of the time we were there, it was the polar opposite of what you've stated; lots of traffic, and the vast majority of people not following the 15 MPH limit. We're easy going people, but it was very nerve-wracking having to watch the kids' every movement for fear they might be clipped walking to the water's edge--or back to the house. That's not a relaxing day at the beach in any sense.

They really need to work on segregating vehicle traffic and beach goers before someone is seriously hurt.

Tim

53175: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

9/9/2009 8:38:03 PM

Posted By: Guest

We are having a family reunion next May 2010 in the 4x4 area. Can anyone tell me about rentals of these vehicles in those areas? Do you really need one? We have never been to this area so we really need some help! ThanksC!

53386: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

9/11/2009 9:30:43 AM

Posted By: guest

YES! You can't drive with out one. It's like driving in a foot of snow! Took our Jeep Cherokee it is hard on your vehicle to drive in the sand especially when tide is up and you drive on the soft sand

56185: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

10/8/2009 1:10:23 PM

Posted By: KRISTEN

Staying on the 4x4 beach for the first time at the end of May 2010. I have a Jeep Compass and it is 4x4...do you guys think that vehicle will do well on the beach. Just worried about clearance and all. This house that we are staying in is 8 miles up the beach it says. Any info on the beach in this area? Busy...? Traffic...? Any info or suggestions is really appreciated! :)

56279: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

10/9/2009 2:58:49 PM

Posted By: Guest

The compass should be "ok". Air down to 20 psi. Just stay out of any deep ruts cause of your limited ground clearance. Our liberty did great out there, but the liberty sits up higher.

56297: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

10/9/2009 9:02:18 PM

Posted By: Kristen

Thx 56279!

I'm trying to talk my husband into upgrading before the trip, but just incase we still have the Compass, I wanted to make sure we would be ok! :)

59635: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

12/27/2009 10:12:20 PM

Posted By: Dan

The Compass will do just fine. I have an Explorer and it worked well and it doesn't even have the best ground clearance. So areas are a bit rough and have some deep ruts and may have to power through a few but as other posters said just let out some are in your tires.

59865: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/3/2010 6:53:13 PM

Posted By: Guest

I'm planning a wedding in one of the Twiddy rentals, the Fitzgerald about 2 miles up on the 4x4 area. I was hoping to do a wedding on the beach. Is that possible in this area?

59928: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/5/2010 8:40:39 PM

Posted By: Guest

We've never been to OBX and we were wondering if you need to get a permit to access the 4x4 beach area. We will be staying in Nags Head in Aug. 2010 and want to take our Jeep Wrangler up to the 4x4 beach access area for a day. At what point can you go on the beach and is there an area to pull over to decrease/increase tire air pressure?

60335: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

1/16/2010 7:30:35 AM

Posted By: Guest

No - you do not need a permit. If you are staying in Nags Head there is a drive on beach at Oregon Inlet ...just past the marina but on the other side of the road. You can pull over and let your air out there before you drive onto the beach. When you are done for the day go to the marina and put the air back in your tires.

61792: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

2/9/2010 8:11:22 PM

Posted By: CarovaRealtor

Yes Beach weddings are possible, but remember that this is a road also and there will be traffic going by during the event.

61832: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

2/10/2010 8:32:41 PM

Posted By: Guest

We've stayed in Duck and Corolla before and loved it, but I want to try the seclusion of the Carova area this year. We have a Durango 4x4 with regular all season tires, will we have any problems getting to a house 8-10 miles up the beach? We will of course air down the tires to 20psi as recommended by several people here. Thanks!

62949: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

3/2/2010 11:50:27 PM

Posted By: Guest

Can dogs be offleash before Memorial Day weekend? Thanks.

63920: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

3/21/2010 9:13:28 PM

Posted By: Guest

The 4x4 beach is by far the best. We rent a lot of children and feel like we have the beach to ourselves. Nothing compares!!! Long live the CAROVA! BTW its completely safe

65216: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

4/17/2010 1:38:57 AM

Posted By: Guest

I have two lots on Corova and wated to know if anyone knows how expensive it is to build here?
How hard is it to drive on the beach.

66929: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

5/20/2010 9:38:16 AM

Posted By: 22 yr property owner

It amazes me that people are on here complaining about having to watch their kids. The "4x4 beach" is a NC State road.Do you let your kids just run around in traffic at home?If you visit this area take the time to stop, before entering the beach, and read the big sing (most people dont) that explains where to park and where not to park where to drive and where not to drive.Do this and you will have a very enjoyable time.

70438: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

7/6/2010 5:44:15 PM

Posted By: Guest

I agree with the Property owner. It is a road first. It is the only way in and out and vehicles have no other choice. There is a very large sign that states the rules of driving and parking on the beach. I find it aggrivating that people playing in the roadway yell and cuss at the the drivers for being in their way! People just there for the day may not realize that there are alot of homes the whole length of the beach road and many many roads back. Its not just a renatla vacation beach, locals live there too.Road conditions vary. Sometimes its like Daytona beach and other times people are stuck everywhere.

70523: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

7/7/2010 6:34:34 PM

Posted By: Guest

I understand the traffic from the locals and renters, and expected to watch my kids constantly as I would anywhere, but I didn't think about people renting vehicles just to drive "off-road". I am really picturing it not to be a nice "day at the beach"...can you set up chairs and ez-ups as you would in Nags and spend hours out there swimming, building sand castles and playing or laying on towels?

72216: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/3/2010 2:25:49 PM

Posted By: Guest

My wife and I go to Nags Head every year, but we have never been to Duck or Corrolla to see the wild horses and ride on the beach.
This year we plan to go. I have a 4 wheel drive truck. Can anyone tell me where the access to the 4x4 beaches are and can you use your own 4x4 or do you have to rent one and do you need a permit. Thanks to anyone who replies.

73842: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/23/2010 2:16:38 PM

Posted By: Guest

I just came back from the OBX. I drove on the beach for the first time. I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 4X4. I lowered the tire pressure to 20 psi, put it in 4 high and had absolutely no issues. I drive in the snow and mud in New England so I'm used to 4X4 driving. Take your time and enjoy. There is no need to rent a jeep and no permit is needed. Get off the beach and go to the back roads and you'll enjoy the wild horses too.

73908: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/24/2010 6:40:55 AM

Posted By: Guest

The best place to stay is Carova--all the way up (~10 miles) the 4x4 beaches to the state line. This year, lifeguards and police are patrolling heaavily but you get away from the crowds and can keep kids safer by parking near the fence at the NC/VA line. At that location, there is no reason a vehicle would need to pass by your beach tailgate at all. As a dad of 3 kids, it's a HUGE plus that you stay safe AND don't drag all the playtoys, coolers and surf gear from the rental home to the beach...just leave it in the SUV and tailgate from there. (The convenience expense of oceanfront rental isn't really needed either--just get oceanview.) And for NO vehicles (minus a park ranger or special-access vehicle) walk just beyond the fence and enjoy the most unused beaches on the East Coast. There's hiking/biking trails and a nature center (2 miles in) if you want to get some exercise.

74002: RE: 4x4 rentals/beaches

8/25/2010 2:43:06 PM

Posted By: Guest

Check here for more info:http://www.visitob.com/community/Topics/4wd-Area/
Wedding on the beach? Ha.
Completely safe? Ha.
Stay in Corolla and you can drive up there and se the whole mess.

Post A New Reply

Posted By: (Leave blank for 'Guest')

Subject:

Message:

Please Click Button Once!

You may also be interested in:
Ocean City, MD Message Board
Virginia Beach, VA Message Board
Myrtle Beach, SC Message Board

Google Analytics Alternative