Last Updated: May 1, 2023

Published: March 13, 2023

How to See Wild Horses at Outer Banks blog banner

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Visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina is an experience like no other. This stunning coastline is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild horses. Seeing these gorgeous animals in their natural habitat is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Luckily, the Outer Banks offer tourists several opportunities to view wild horses in their natural habitat. Whether you choose to take a guided tour or explore on your own, you are sure to be captivated by these beautiful horses.

Visit Corolla Beach, North Carolina

I was lucky enough to visit Corolla Beach in late July 2021. Corolla Beach is just one of the beautiful beaches located on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It is known for its breathtaking views of the ocean, amazing sunsets, and wildlife. The beach is especially known for its abundance of wild horses that can be seen roaming free on the beach and surrounding areas. Corolla Beach is the perfect spot to see wild horses at the Outer Banks!

Wild horses at Corolla Beach are a common sight for visitors and locals alike. This is because the area is part of the Currituck Outer Banks and home to the Corolla Wild Horses. These horses have been a part of the Outer Banks ecosystem for hundreds of years and are now part of their local identity. It’s a beautiful sight to see these horses galloping along the waves of the ocean and the sandy shores of Corolla Beach. Visitors come to Corolla Beach every year to experience the beauty of the wild horses and the surrounding nature of the Outer Banks.

Why Are There Wild Horses at Corolla Beach?

The wild horses of Corolla Beach have a fascinating history. They are thought to have descended from Spanish mustangs brought to the area by 16th-century explorers. Over the years, the horses have become an integral part of the Corolla Beach community and a popular attraction for visitors. The wild horses can be seen roaming the beaches, dunes, and sound-side waters of the area.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund was established to ensure their well-being and habitat protection. The fund works to manage the herd through birth control, medical care, and education outreach. Visitors can help support the wild horses of the Outer Banks by donating to the fund, which helps ensure they remain a beloved part of Corolla Beach!

You Will Need a 4×4 Vehicle

If you want to visit Corolla Beach to see the wild horses at Outer Banks, the first thing you will need is a four wheel-drive vehicle. A four-wheel vehicle is essential for a trip to Corolla Beach to access the beach and remote beach roads. Without it, you might find yourself unable to navigate the terrain, or worse, stuck in the sand. Not only that, but a four-wheel-drive vehicle can provide extra power for hauling your beach gear for a day of fun in the sun. Plus, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is perfect for driving off-road and exploring all the hidden gems of Corolla Beach. With the right vehicle, you can make the most of your trip to Corolla Beach and have an unforgettable experience with wild horses!

It is important to note that it is not uncommon for cars to get stuck on Corolla Beach in North Carolina. The beach is known for its soft, powdery sand, which can be difficult to navigate. Cars that drive onto the beach without four-wheel-drive capabilities can become easily stuck in the sand, making it difficult to get out. However, there are also self-guided Jeep rentals and tours if needed.

Deflate Your Tires

If you’re planning on taking a trip to Corolla Beach, it is important that you don’t forget to deflate your tires before you drive on the beach! Deflating your tires will make it easier to drive on the sand and reduce the chance of getting stuck. With the right tire pressure, your car will have improved handling and braking, making the drive to Corolla Beach much safer.

It is also important to check the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle and then deflate the tires accordingly. Doing this simple task will help you have a smoother and more enjoyable ride to Corolla Beach!

I would recommend looking up places to deflate your tires before making the trip. When we went, there was a set location set up before the entrance to Corolla Beach with multiple car air pressure stations for you to deflate and inflate your tires when you were done!

If at First, You Don’t Succeed, Try Again!

The first time I went to Corolla Beach in search of wild horses, we completely missed out and did not find any. I honestly started to think the wild horses of Outer Banks were a myth. However, the second time we went it felt like we saw horses almost everywhere we looked including babies! I will never forget the first time I saw wild horses, I actually screamed with joy, then I quickly collected myself not to scare them away. It is definitely a sight I will never forget!

So, I highly recommend that if you miss out on seeing wild horses the first time, take a second trip back to try your chances again!

Tips to Find Wild Horses at Outer Banks

I have now learned that the best time to visit is early in the morning, when the horses are most active. However, we went in the afternoon in late July and had huge success. Be sure to keep a safe distance from them and avoid making loud noises, as they can be easily startled. Binoculars can be useful for observing horses from a distance.

It is important to remember to stay at least 50 feet away from the horses, as they can be unpredictable and are protected by law. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of the horses and their environment and never attempt to feed or touch them. With these tips in mind, you should have a great experience seeing the horses of Corolla Beach!

Follow the Tour Buses

The main reason we were able to find horses the second time around was due to the guided tours. Luckily, you do not need to pay to go on one of the tour buses, you can actually see where all the tour buses go for free. However, if you do not have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, a guided tour would be the best alternative for you to see the wild horses at Outer Banks.

Wild horses grazing in front of beach houses at Corolla Beach in Outer Banks

Check the Surrounding Areas

The wild horses we saw were actually not directly on the beach but closer to the houses and condos. People were able to stand on their porches and decks and watch the horses graze the grass. Following the back sand roads off the beach was not only a fun ride but also a great way to see more wild horses. Just be careful not to get stuck on some of those backroads and follow your GPS.

After seeing the wild horses walking right up to the houses and condos, I am definitely staying on Corolla Beach if I ever go back to the Outer Banks.

Dolphins are a Plus!

Corolla Beach not only has beautiful wild horses, but I was able to see multiple dolphins up close on the beach. It was an unforgettable sight driving on the beach right next to dolphins. I highly recommend going to Corolla Beach! Below is a video of some of the dolphins I was able to see while driving down Corolla Beach (sorry for the shakiness of the driving):

An Unforgettable Experience

Seeing wild horses in their natural habitat is an experience that should not be missed when visiting the Outer Banks! It will surely be an experience you won’t soon forget. In addition to the wild horses, the Outer Banks also offer a variety of activities, such as water sports, fishing, and camping. There are also plenty of attractions and shops to explore and enjoy. Whether you are looking for an adventurous getaway or a relaxing beach vacation, the Outer Banks are the perfect destination!

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