Sure, you can bring your bikes, rent a golf cart, or drive to all the amazing attractions the Outer Banks has to offer—beaches included, of course. But if you're hoping to get your steps in, this blog is for you!
Looking to grab a cup of coffee in the morning? Want to take the dog for a walk to a nearby park or trail? Hoping to end the evening with some FroYo after some fun in the sun? We've got you covered.
We make it easy to find a vacation home that suits your vibe and your preferred mode of getting around. Want to wake up and walk straight to the sand? Check out our Oceanfront homes or those just steps away on the Semi-Oceanfront and Oceanside lots. We even include the exact number of yards to the beach for homes deemed “walkable,” so you can plan whether you’ll need a beach buggy, wagon, or bike for your gear.
Prefer a peaceful retreat by the sound? Our Soundside and Soundfront homes offer serenity and stunning sunsets over the water—and yes, you’ll find some lovely walkable spots there, too. For those bringing a boat, we’ve even got Canalfront homes with deep-water access, perfect for docking and paddling out.
But walkability isn’t just about beach access. Once you’ve found the perfect home base, it’s time to explore what’s around. Many of our homes are situated near fantastic, locally owned coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques that are within walking distance.
Each town also offers trails and nature preserves—perfect for incorporating a little hiking into your stay...whether it's a casual stroll through a maritime forest, exploring a bit of history, or a more scenic route along the sound or dunes.
If you've already booked your stay—or maybe you're already here (yay!)—and want to see what's nearby...check out our custom map, which shows all of our homes and uses the convenience of Google’s mapping tools to help you navigate, zoom, and explore digitally before setting out in person.
Duck Walkability
The town's walkability is one of its most enchanting features, offering visitors a delightful experience as they explore its treasures on foot. Paved walking and biking paths are available throughout the entire town.
Duck's village is a pedestrian-friendly hub featuring an array of charming shops, boutiques, and galleries. Take a leisurely walk through the village lined with inviting storefronts. Discover unique treasures, local artwork, and coastal-inspired fashion, all within easy reach as you explore the walkable village.
The Duck Town Park Boardwalk is a standout feature, stretching nearly a mile along the Currituck Sound. This boardwalk meanders through maritime forests and offers stunning soundside views, providing visitors with opportunities to observe local wildlife and lush vegetation.
At the northern end of the boardwalk, you'll find The Waterfront Shops, a delightful collection of over 27 boutiques, restaurants, and eateries. This shopping village offers a unique experience, with shops and dining options nestled along the sound, allowing visitors to enjoy the coastal ambiance while exploring local offerings. Whether you're seeking coastal-inspired fashion, unique gifts, or a relaxing meal with a view, The Waterfront Shops complement Duck's walkable charm perfectly.
Just a short stroll away, Scarborough Faire Shopping Village invites visitors to explore its tree-covered walkways connecting a variety of specialty shops and eateries. This quaint shopping destination offers a serene environment where guests can discover unique boutiques, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy the natural surroundings. The village's design harmonizes with the coastal landscape, providing a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience.
Together, the Duck Town Park Boardwalk, the Waterfront Shops, and Scarborough Faire Shopping Village provide a harmonious blend of nature and community, making Duck a must-visit destination for those seeking a leisurely and immersive Outer Banks experience.
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Carova Beach Walkability
Unlike the town of Duck, Carova Beach is completely off the beaten path. Our northernmost town is a popular attraction for both adventure seekers and those seeking serenity. There are no paved roads, no sidewalks, and no local businesses or attractions to walk to—just wide open spaces and raw coastal beauty. But that’s part of the charm. Carova is one of the best places to take a peaceful stroll through nature. With no commercial development, the landscape is quiet, untouched, and teeming with natural wonder. You might even spot one of the area’s famous wild horses roaming nearby—just remember to admire them from a safe distance.
While the beach here also serves as a driving route for 4x4 vehicles, beachgoers are allowed to park right on the sand with a permit. Our Carova Beach guests receive two parking passes to use. If you are not staying in Carova, passes can be purchased online, but are limited in quantity. You can learn more here about driving on the beach in the 4x4 area and where to obtain passes.
As for exploring by foot, most visitors drive onto the beach and set up for the day along the shore, which means a leisurely stroll up and down the beach is definitely doable since you reserved all the energy you didn't spend lugging beach gear. It may not be your typical pedestrian-friendly beach town, but if your idea of walkability involves seclusion, nature, and the sound of waves—you’ll find it here.
Beyond the shoreline, Carova's unpaved interior neighborhoods offer additional opportunities for exploration. Winding sandy paths meander through clusters of vacation homes nestled among live oaks and maritime forests. These quiet lanes provide a serene setting for walks, where you might encounter local wildlife or catch glimpses of the wild horses grazing nearby. The absence of commercial development and vehicular traffic in these areas enhances the peaceful atmosphere, making them ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Together, the expansive beaches and tranquil neighborhoods of Carova Beach offer a unique and immersive walking experience, perfect for visitors looking to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the Outer Banks.
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Corolla Walkability
Many vacation rentals in Corolla are situated in oceanside or soundside communities, providing easy access to the beach. This ensures that seaside strolls and relaxation by the ocean are just a short walk away from your vacation home.
Embrace the charm of Historic Corolla Village, where you can explore on foot and discover the town's rich history. Walk through tree-lined streets, visit the Whalehead Club, and admire the iconic Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The village exudes a quaint, walkable appeal with its boutique shops and local attractions.
Corolla's pedestrian path, also known as Corolla Greenway, is a 9-mile path throughout the town and connects vacation homes from Ocean Sands to Monteray Plaza and Tim Buck II Shopping Center.
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Southern Shores Walkability
Southern Shores is the first town you’ll encounter upon crossing the Wright Memorial Bridge into the Outer Banks, nestled between the charming towns of Duck and Kitty Hawk. While conveniently close to shopping, dining, and attractions, Southern Shores maintains a tranquil, residential atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the network of sidewalks, paved multi-use paths, and hiking trails that wind through the town, offering scenic routes through beautiful maritime forests filled with live oaks and diverse wildlife, including deer and a variety of bird species. These pathways provide safe and enjoyable options for walking, jogging, or biking, connecting various parts of the community and access to the beach!
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Kitty Hawk Walkability
Known as the birthplace of powered flight, Kitty Hawk proudly embraces its legacy as "First in Flight," a title commemorated on town signs and North Carolina license plates. Beyond its historical significance, Kitty Hawk offers a harmonious blend of coastal charm and natural beauty, making it a delightful destination for those who enjoy exploring on foot. The town features a variety of walking and biking paths that meander through maritime forests, wetlands, and residential neighborhoods, providing both scenic and convenient routes for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Sandy Run Park
Located at 4343 The Woods Road, Sandy Run Park is a serene 16-acre sanctuary nestled within Kitty Hawk’s maritime forest. The park boasts a half-mile loop trail composed of elevated boardwalks that meander through lush wetlands and shaded woodlands. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of ponds and marshes, with opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles basking in the sun. Informative signage along the path provides insights into the local flora and fauna, enhancing the educational experience.
Amenities at Sandy Run Park include picnic areas with grills, a basketball half-court, and a fishing pier where anglers can engage in catch-and-release fishing for species like bluegill and largemouth bass. The park also offers kayak and canoe launch points, allowing visitors to explore the tranquil waters of the surrounding wetlands. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian population, with sightings of ospreys, herons, woodpeckers, and various songbirds common throughout the year.
Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Adjacent to Sandy Run Park lies the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, a dedicated nature preserve encompassing over 1,800 acres of protected maritime forest, marshes, and swamplands. This reserve offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, including ancient dune ridges and freshwater swales. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, river otters, raccoons, and a variety of bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll, a family bike ride, or a peaceful jog, Kitty Hawk's network of trails and parks offers a safe and enjoyable path through the natural beauty of the Outer Banks. The reserve is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with visitors encouraged to stay on designated trails and respect the natural environment to preserve its pristine condition.
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Kill Devil Hills Walkability
Kill Devil Hills is not only central to the Outer Banks, it’s also surrounded by some of the most unique and walkable natural and historical spots in the area.
Take a peaceful stroll through the Nags Head Woods Preserve, a dedicated nature preserve that protects one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. With shaded trails, elevated boardwalks, and quiet views of ponds and sand dunes, it’s a serene retreat right in the heart of the beach.
Just a short walk or bike ride away is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where history buffs and aviation fans alike can walk the very paths where the first flight took place. The monument offers paved walkways, interactive exhibits, and panoramic views from the top of Big Kill Devil Hill.
Looking for something a little less known? The Run Hill State Natural Area—also a dedicated preserve—is tucked behind the Wright Brothers site and offers a hidden expanse of dunes and trails. It’s a great spot for a quiet hike, birdwatching, or watching the sun go down with hardly another person in sight.
And for a relaxing and educational walk, check out the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden, a peaceful, volunteer-maintained garden filled with native plants and pollinators. It's small, but a perfect quick stop if you’re looking for a calm moment in nature.
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Nags Head Walkability
Nags Head, a quintessential Outer Banks town, offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and coastal charm. Its diverse landscapes—from towering sand dunes to lush maritime forests—provide an array of walkable experiences for visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
At the heart of Nags Head lies Jockey's Ridge State Park, home to the tallest active sand dune system on the East Coast. Covering approximately 427 acres, the park's ever-shifting dunes can reach heights of up to 100 feet, offering panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. Visitors often ascend the dunes in the evening to witness breathtaking sunsets over the sound. Despite its seemingly barren landscape, the park supports a variety of plant and animal life adapted to the harsh sandy environment, including sea oats and various wildlife species. The park also features a visitor center with exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history, as well as opportunities for hang-gliding, kite-flying, and sandboarding.
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Just north of Jockey's Ridge, the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offers a stark contrast to the sandy dunes. This 1,092-acre preserve is a National Natural Landmark, featuring a rich tapestry of maritime forests, interdune ponds, and wetlands. A network of trails winds through the preserve, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and immersing oneself in the serene natural environment. The diverse habitats support a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
A short drive south of Nags Head brings visitors to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for over 370 species of birds and other wildlife. The refuge's North Pond Wildlife Trail begins just behind the Visitor Center and offers a half-mile (one-way) accessible path along the top of a dike between North Pond and New Field Ponds. The trail features a boardwalk over a "turtle pond," three observation platforms, and a double-decker tower, all equipped with interpretive panels and mounted binoculars for wildlife observation. The trail's combination of gravel, boardwalk, and concrete surfaces ensures a comfortable experience for visitors of all abilities.
Don't forget you can use our Searchable Map to view homes near the above-mentioned attractions!
Whether you're craving a morning stroll to grab coffee and watch the sunrise, or an evening walk to dinner and a local boutique, our custom map makes it easy to find the perfect Beach Realty vacation home near your favorite Outer Banks spots. Start exploring and discover how walkable your next vacation can be!