Corolla, North Carolina
It’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago, Corolla was practically a deserted island. In the 1970’s it had a population of only 15 people!
Today, Corolla is truly a premier vacation destination especially suited to large family getaways or reunions with friends.
Consisting of mostly vacation rentals, this upscale resort community offers something for everyone.
History buffs will love learning about shipwrecks and lighthouses. Design enthusiasts will be enchanted by the Great Gatsby-era charm of The Whalehead Club. Shoppers will find unique, delightful boutiques. And foodies are always impressed with the fresh, local options available for every palate and budget.
The beach is obviously the main attraction in Corolla. Known for being clean, safe, and tons of fun, you can access the water from your Great Escapes OBX rental property or from a public beach access. If you aren’t up for a beach day, many of our Great Escapes rentals have private pools, too!
Read here for great information about beach access, lifeguards and beach rules & regulations.
Corolla History
Native Americans first used the island for hunting and fishing, and in the early 1700’s Europeans began to settle the mainland.
By the mid-1800’s several small towns popped up in Currituck County, but the only one to stick around was Corolla.
More jobs arrived with the construction of a massive house on Corolla Island (renamed The Whalehead Club in the 1940’s). The Whalehead, originally intended as a hunting retreat, was used as a home base for the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, making it a bustling hub of activity.
After the war, however, the population dwindled to practically nothing. People left for jobs on the mainland and the buildings fell into disrepair. One of the largest hurdles was the fact that there was no easy way to get on or off the island. In 1984, the State gained control of the main road to Corolla and it became the N.C. Highway 12 we know today.
This new road prompted enormous growth in Corolla, as you can imagine! The 1990’s brought home building and development to Corolla that was unprecedented. Today, most of the homes are used as rental or vacation homes and are some of the most beautiful and impressive on the Outer Banks (more than half of these homes are over 5,000 square feet!).
That being said, the town of Corolla has done a fantastic job maintaining the small town feel of the village and they maintain the puzzle pieces of their history with integrity. Check the boxes below to get a true feel for this island’s heritage and beauty.
Things to do in Corolla, NC
The Whalehead Historic Museum
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Climb the 220 steps to the top of this unassuming lighthouse and be rewarded with awesome views of the ocean and sound. With a light that shines 18 nautical miles, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse has been guiding sailors home since 1875.
From the grounds, gaze up and try to wrap your head around the fact that it took one million bricks to build this lighthouse! Enjoy the museum on site. Visit the grounds, museum shop and park for free.
Tickets are $10 to climb (kids 7 and under are free and there is no minimum height). Children 12 and under must climb with an adult. Tickets can be purchased on site.
See the Wild Ponies
Corolla is famous for its herd of wild Mustangs and for good reason! These hardy little ponies descend from the Colonial Spanish Mustangs that swam ashore from shipwrecks back in the 1500’s. They live in a protected area on the northern end of the island called Carova, which is only accessible by 4×4.
The best way to see the horses is by taking a guided tour, because you will also learn more about their fascinating history, diet, and how they have survived and thrived.
Historic Corolla Park
Interesting Facts about Corolla
Not a Toyota!
This Outer Banks community is pronounced Kuh-RAH-Luh by the locals, not Kah-roh-lah like the car.
There are no white horses here
Because they are isolated, the Corolla Wild Horse are purebred Spanish Colonial Mustangs and are only black or brown. There is no white or gray in the bloodline.
Flower Power
Together, all of the petals of a flower are called a corolla. The town comes together in an equally beautiful way!
Corolla: An amazing vacation awaits!
Corolla is the perfect spot for your next vacation. Where else in the world can you find exciting water sports, a pristine beach, great shopping and awesome restaurants without big, touristy crowds? Corolla delivers all this and more.