Currituck County: Coast, Nature and History
Accommodation in Currituck County
Currituck County combines impressive coastal landscapes with nature observation, maritime history and special places of regional remembrance. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home for a varied stay can plan their trip around their preferred experiences: coast and lighthouse, wetlands and waterfowl, historic buildings or a ferry ride to the islands.
Coastal Landscape and Birdlife
One defining natural area is the Currituck Banks Reserve. It borders Currituck Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Across 965 acres, ocean beach, sand dunes, grassland, scrubland and maritime forest meet. The area also includes brackish and freshwater marshes, mudflats and subtidal soft-bottom habitats. This diversity makes it an interesting destination for travelers who want to experience different coastal environments.
The reserve is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail and is known for its winter waterfowl population. Those wishing to include nature observation in their trip will find a clear seasonal focus here. Depending on the desired mix of landscapes, culture and excursions, this natural area can be an important reason to choose accommodation in Currituck County as a base for several different vacation days.
Lighthouse and Maritime History
Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the last brick lighthouse built in North Carolina. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and enjoy extensive views of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the northern Outer Banks from the top. A visit therefore combines a historic building with a landscape experience, without requiring both to be explored in the same way.
Whalehead is listed in the National Register of Historic Places; its rooms have been restored to their 1925 condition. At the Currituck Maritime Museum, you will also find a 10,000-square-foot self-guided exhibition about restored boats that shaped Currituck’s maritime history. These destinations give a trip a distinct cultural and historical dimension alongside beach and nature experiences.
Historic Corolla Village offers another form of exploration. Visitors can walk along the paths and tour carefully restored homes. Unpaved sand roads, live oaks and scrub pines shape the surroundings, which can be explored on foot and lie close to numerous shops, stores and museums. Travelers who enjoy combining historical impressions with a stroll can make this a distinct part of their day.
Islands, Protected Areas and Activities
Knotts Island is home to the 8,219-acre Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. It provides habitat for threatened and endangered species as well as wintering grounds for waterfowl. From Currituck on the mainland, visitors can reach Knotts Island and Mackay Island by a 45-minute ferry ride across Currituck Sound. Those wishing to include this part of the region should make the ferry ride a fixed part of their day’s itinerary.
The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education has a 4,000-square-foot gallery featuring historic decoys and exhibits on the region’s hunting heritage. Programs on fishing, crabbing, archery and dragonfly excursions are also offered. The programs are free to the public; registration is required because space is limited. The Currituck County Rural Center has equestrian facilities, access to the sound for kayaks and canoes, fishing ponds, disc golf baskets, playground equipment and a waterfront boardwalk. The grounds are free for public use and are dog-friendly.
Unique Experiences and Regional Flavors
Among the region’s extraordinary symbols are Corolla’s free-roaming wild horses. They are considered descendants of Spanish mustangs that are said to have been brought here by explorers more than 400 years ago. A guided tour is recommended for visiting them. Those interested in African American heritage can include the Historic Jarvisburg Colored School in their itinerary. Because of its African American heritage and architectural features, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a rare example of an African American school from the period before the Rosenwald program in North Carolina. It also represents a historic and cultural connection to schools for African American children in Currituck County from 1868 through the 1950s.
Sanctuary Vineyards provides a culinary addition. More than a dozen wines are produced there each year from European-style grape varieties; complimentary wine tastings are also offered. This allows travelers to add a regional culinary element to their trip, while nature, history and the coast remain the primary points of reference when choosing your vacation rental or vacation home.
Places for Further Planning
Depending on which part of the region interests you most, you can also view the local pages for Corolla, Knotts Island and Poplar Branch. This allows you to connect your search for suitable accommodation with your preferred landscapes, excursions and cultural interests.
For the main travel overview: North Carolina.
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