Vacation Getaway Near Richmond: Outer Banks Rentals

Richmond has a lot going for it, as anyone who lives in or near this superb southern city will tell you. However, sometimes you just need to get away for a few days of fun and relaxation. When the travel bug bites you, what better place to visit than North Carolina’s spectacular Outer Banks? A scenic three-hour drive is all that separate Richmond residents from the wonders of this natural paradise. Learn about the many attractions of Corolla, North Carolina, a pleasant seaside community with some amazing things to offer.

outer banks lighthouse and boardwalk — Photo From: Shutterstock

Quick Facts
Corolla (pronounced ”kuh-RAH-luh” by the locals) is a laid-back, welcoming community with only 500 permanent residents. The area was originally dubbed Jones Hill after one of the earliest settlers. Locals made their living from hunting and fishing for generations until construction of the Currituck Lighthouse brought new sources of revenue to the area. The town changed his name to Corolla in 1895 upon the opening of the first post office. Today Corolla is renowned for its natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities.

What’s to do?
Corolla is a tad more secluded than many Outer Banks destinations. But don’t let its off-the-beaten-path status fool you. This unique destination offers endless possibilities for enjoyment. Here are just some of the things you can do during your visit:

Visit the Currituck Lighthouse. This majestic historical landmark rises 162 feet around its surroundings, giving visitors a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding landscape. The lighthouse is open 9 to 5 for your convenience. It’s surrounded by a pleasant wooded grove that includes the light keeper’s home. Currituck Lighthouse is an ideal centerpiece for your Outer Banks stroll or bike ride.
Watch wild horses. Spend some time gazing in wonder at the island’s 100+ wild horses, which roam a 12,000 acre sanctuary in the northern part of the island. You can visit the park in your own 4 x 4 vehicle or enjoy a tour of the area led by a local guide.
Engage with wildlife. Learn more about our planet’s amazing environment at the Center for Wildlife Education, which is located in Currituck Heritage Park. This 22,000 ft.² museum and research center celebrates the marvelous diversity of North Carolina’s wild areas. It features an 8,000 gallon aquarium filled with splendid examples of native marine life.
Play golf. Corolla’s 18 hole course is surrounded by the majestic beauty of the North Carolina coast. There’s even a miniature golf range for those who prefer a more compact version of the game. Corolla also has a skate park that offers fun for kids of all ages.
Shop for treasures. Browse the many eclectic shops in the island’s merchant district and take home a memento of your Outer Banks adventure. While you’re at it, enjoy a range of dining options from good old Southern barbecue to a five-course oceanfront feast.
Visit the beach! Corolla offers some of the most pristine beaches along the East Coast. So you can sunbathe, swim, hike, and bicycle to your heart’s content. Or, if you like, explore the sound under the watchful eye of a local guide in a canoeing expedition.

When the sun is sinking below the horizon and your busy day along the Outer Banks is ending, what could be better than relaxing in your own well-appointed vacation home? Don’t settle for a drab hotel room when our short-term rental properties are so reasonable. But accommodations are limited, so contact us today to make your reservations for a dream Vacation Getaway Near Richmond: Outer Banks Rentals!