Corolla Beach

Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927

The end of the paved road on the OBX — and the start of the 4WD-only Carova beaches where the wild Spanish mustang herd roams. Quietest of the developed Outer Banks villages, large vacation rentals, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and the Whalehead historic site.

Eats & Drinks 14

Great day for a beach walk.

62°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 12 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Northwest wind 9 to 16 mph.

Weather

  • 62°F air — chilly for a beach day
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
  • 4.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
53 /100
ok
44 Swim
55 Sunbathe
72 Walk
72 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
62°F
Clear
Wind
12 to 15 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
28 Good
Ozone · Hampton Roads
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
62°F
Sunny
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
6:47 PM
1.1 ft · in 14m
Wave Height
4.6 ft
10s · ESE swell
Sunrise
6:32 AM
Sunset
5:01 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
12:24 AM Low 0.4 ft
6:16 AM High 1.4 ft
1:15 PM Low 0.3 ft
6:47 PM High 1.1 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8652587, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Nov 7
62°

Sunny

0%
53
Sun Nov 8
62°

Sunny

0%
59
Mon Nov 9
63°

Sunny

0%
59
Tue Nov 10
68°

Sunny

0%
67
Wed Nov 11
65°

Sunny

0%
66
Thu Nov 12
64°

Mostly Sunny

11%
61
Fri Nov 13
57°

Slight Chance Rain Showers

23%
30

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Public accesses with parking along NC-12. 4WD access to Carova requires deflating tires; horse tours run from Corolla village.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed year-round; no off-leash permitted on Corolla beaches per Currituck County code.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927

lifeguards at staffed accessespublic restroomslighthousehorse tours nearby
Is it safe to swim at Corolla Beach today?

Corolla Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Corolla Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed year-round; no off-leash permitted on Corolla beaches per Currituck County code.

Is there an entry fee at Corolla Beach?

Entry to Corolla Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Corolla Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Corolla Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Corolla Beach?

Amenities at Corolla Beach include lifeguards at staffed accesses, public restrooms, lighthouse, horse tours nearby.

When is the water warmest at Corolla Beach?

Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.

Where is Corolla Beach located?

Corolla Beach is in Currituck County, NC, at Ocean Trail (NC-12), Corolla, NC 27927.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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