New to driving on the beach? Worried about what to do if you get stuck? We’ve put together a list of the things to put in your 4x4 vehicle, tips and tricks for a great day on the beach. And remember, all of these items can be used to help yourself and your fellow drivers! Southern hospitality, y’all.
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Traction Mats
Many times, you can drive out of a stuck situation with the assistance of traction mats. If you get into some soft sand or sink wheels, simply stop and place these mats under your vehicle’s tires. Press lightly on the accelerator. The traction tread helps your tires grip the mat. These mats provide a larger footprint and allow your vehicle to rise up out of the rut with ease. Drive to a harder-packed area, retrieve the mats and drive away. Sold in pairs, we carry these at all times when driving on the 4x4 access in Carova, and on Cape Hatteras National Seashore (permit required). These mats also work well in mud and snow. These mats are durable and stack to a low profile for storage. We like the bright orange color for visibility purposes.
Tip: Still having trouble driving out of soft sand after using these mats? Try airing the tires down a bit more.
TGL Tow Strap
Required for the NPS beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands
In the unfortunate event of a breakdown or extra soft sand that has left you stranded, tow straps are a must for recovery. We like the TGL because of its high ratings, 30,000 pound capacity and small storage footprint (no big metal hooks here). Hook the strap to both vehicles, slowly pull it taught, and then drag the disabled vehicle to safety. Even if you never get stuck, you can be a hero with a tow strap on Outer Banks beaches.
Folding Shovel
Required for the NPS beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands
Sometimes all it takes to get unstuck is a little sand-clearing from around your vehicle’s tires. We love our E-Tool for the compact storage footprint, but more importantly, it’s tough. This is the heavy-duty tool relied on by our armed forces. We’ve personally used this tool on the beach for vehicle recovery, sandcastle construction and pit-filling. It has been fantastic and showing no signs of slowing down.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Required for the NPS beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands
Even if you’re lifted and running wide tires, airing down is a smart move on the beach. Reducing air pressure increases each tire’s footprint, helping you drive over the sand instead of pushing through it. The ride will be more comfortable, your vehicle won’t strain, and you increase traction and greatly reduce the chance of sinking into soft sand. To make sure you’ve got the right pressure (we air down to 20psi on the sand, sometimes lower), you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. This is one of those items we prefer to buy once, forever. Check out the TireTek gauge linked above. It features a large 2” dial, 360 degree swivel chuck, and solid steel construction. And, mechanical gauges don’t run out of batteries. This is a stout gauge, and it comes as no surprise that it is to highly-rated.
Air Compressor
This is our MV50 Superflow compressor. Every Summer evening in the Outer Banks, lines accumulate around gas station air compressors. We've waited nearly 2 hours to "air up" after a day on the sand. You can avoid this wait altogether by taking your own high-CFM 12-volt air compressor. We're not talking about the compressor you plug into your cigarette lighter. This MV50 Superflow connects directly to your battery terminals and draws real current to get your large tires inflated quickly. It includes 10ft. battery cables and a 16ft. high-pressure hose. This is a photo of our initial test of the unit. We inflated a BF Goodrich AT KO2 285/65/18 tire from 22psi (beach pressure) to 44psi (street pressure) in just over 3 minutes. That's faster than many local gas station air pumps. the screw-on nozzle allows hands-free inflation. This compressor does get hot to the touch, so keep little hands clear during/after use.
First Aid Kit
Some areas of the Outer Banks are more remote than others. It’s rewarding to leave the crowds behind on a 4x4 beach. But emergency vehicle access is also further away, and access is more limited. We recommend a kit with some higher-end items, just in case. The Lightning X Individual first aid trauma kit includes Quick – Clotting Gauze, a CPR mask, Nitrile gloves, and more. These are some of the more common items needed for emergencies in which seconds count, and EMS is further away. As a kit, the included items represent a lot of value. Add some basic bandaids and disinfectant spray to round out your kit. Remember to learn how to use these items BEFORE you need them!
Fire Extinguisher
Another item that should be part of your 4x4 beach access kit is a basic fire extinguisher. We like the Kidde FA110. It’s a Coast Guard approved multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher with a pressure gauge and retention bracket. Fire extinguishers don’t take much room, and they save vehicles/lives. As an alternate, try the Buckeye 45100 CO2 Extinguisher. Compressed air is a great alternative to chemical extinguishers, especially in wildlife habitat areas. Plus, there is no chemical mess to clean from the scene. The only drawback is price, as CO2 extinguishers are more expensive.
Head Lamp
Some of the best days on the beach keep going after the sun has set. 4x4 access beaches don’t have street lights. Whether you’re digging out or gathering your gear, you’ll be glad you have a hands-free light. We like the inexpensive but durable LED headlamp models from Energizer. They provide lots of light, and our experience is that they always turn on after months stored in a hot/cold vehicle. The brand and model aren’t as important as the utility, so pick your favorite and make sure to take it on your trip.
Jack and jack board - *Required for the NPS beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands
Make sure your vehicle’s jack is operational and stored in the vehicle. This is required on Hatteras and Ocracoke Island beaches, which are maintained by the NPS (Cape Hatteras National Seashore). The MAXSA Traction mats listed above can act as a jack board, which the NPS also requires. You can also use a 2x12, or any solid lumber with large surface.
Permits
Driving on the beach in Carova does not require a permit (but parking does), but all 4x4 beach access on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands is managed by the National Park Service and requires a permit. Make sure you’ve got your permit decal in place before venturing onto the sand in these areas, they are patrolled regularly.
Stay, Play and Eat- Donuts, Ice Cream & Coffee Treats! Located on the Duck Boardwalk, behind Dockside Seafood, this breakfast & Dessert-Shop features treats you've never tasted before! Try the hot, made to order, donutz on a stick with more than 35 toppings! They'll melt in your mouth! Or try the Gluten-Free Donuts; limited quantities, daily. Plus, try any or all of the 9 flavors of homemade tastefully twisted soft serve. Frozen yogurt, sorbets, sherbet, hand dipped and homemade ice cream flavors. Unique coffees, sodas and espresso that will satisfy the whole family. Mix-and-match nostalgic candies and much more. Bring the carnival to your mouth and eat it like nobody’s watchin’! Donutz-On-A-Stick- where visual stimulation meets taste bud overload! Carnival Treats at the Beach—With Flavorful Creations and Allergy-Friendly Options, Donutz on a Stick Serves Up Sweet Treats for Everyone David and Stephanie were not always in the business of carnival confections. In fact, Stephanie was a fitness instructor and David worked in the computer field. But he loved donuts and she loved ice cream, and when they saw an opportunity to bring their favorite treats to beachgoers, they jumped on it. In 2014, the couple opened their first Donutz on a Stick—a family-run, family-friendly dessert shop on the boardwalk. They quickly realized that in order to serve everyone, they would need to get creative. “We had a family who would come in, and one of the little boys would have to wait by the door because of his gluten allergy,” David says. “That didn’t sit well with us. We wanted everyone to come under the same roof no matter what kind of allergies they had. And we continue to work towards that goal.” The Williams’ daughter Desireé spent six weeks experimenting until she created a gluten-free donut that was totally safe and delicious. Gluten-free donuts are now a huge part of the business, with more than 1,000 being served each day, just out of the Duck location. But you will want to call or stop by to reserve them in advance. The Williams’ other three children, David, Justin and Christian, have all invented menu items as well, such as Christian’s donut milkshake, which features hot and fresh cooked donuts blended into a milkshake with another donut on top making it picture perfect. While all the Williams have created menu items, the most popular pick—the donut sundae—was actually a happy accident. “We were being featured in a local magazine and we could only have one photo for the article,” David says. Since both ice cream and donuts were equally popular, “we built the donut sundae for the photo and we discovered after the photoshoot that it tasted amazing. It was completely serendipitous.” The Williams family is constantly creating and improving upon their recipes. At the heart of it all is a desire to see everyone come in and enjoy an experience together. They want to bring the carnival to your mouth. “No matter how busy we are—even if there’s a line down the boardwalk—every customer gets that engagement and service from us,” they say. The family has since opened a second location in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.
The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is one of Rodanthe's greatest treasures. This historical lifesaving station has been a popular attraction for Hatteras Island visitors for decades, and stands on the very edge of the small town of Rodanthe. Over the years, this station has been battered by hurricanes, ocean and soundside flooding, and ferocious gusts of winds, and yet it is still standing, and serves as a proud reminder of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks' rich lifesaving history.
At Coastal Smoothie Cafe, we have created a menu and atmosphere that is designed to be as unique as the northern shores of the Outer Banks. Our creations utilize fresh local produce when possible. There is nothing better than local NC strawberries, blackberries or blueberries. Make sure to try our Carolina peaches. From our amazing acai bowls and smoothies to our signature sandwiches and wraps you simply won’t find anything like Coastal Smoothie Cafe.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a "Must See" attraction for any Outer Banks aviation enthusiast, history lover, and virtually any Kill Devil Hills vacationer who wants an up-close look at the towering granite structure that towers over the town's landscape.
Welcome to Back Beach Wild Horse Tours in Corolla NC. Our tours embark from Corolla NC, the last Outer Banks outpost before the road ends into nothing but stretches of wide beach. We provide safe family fun to see the Corolla Wild Horses, descendants of the Spanish Mustangs brought to the New World by explorers as long ago as the early 1500s. Because we go to their native habitat, you have the chance to experience much more than just a tour to see these majestic beings; you also get stories about the history of this area, a chance to learn about the other wild animals and vegetation of this area…and sometimes even a pirate tale or two!
Spring and fall visitors will notice the popularity of kiteboarding on the Outer Banks the moment they ride down a stretch of soundfront highway. In the off-season months, it's not unusual to spot dozens if not hundreds of multi-colored kites lining the skies over the Outer Banks' miles of sound waters.
For more than 30 years, Resort Realty has been providing unforgettable Outer Banks vacations. From Corolla to Hatteras Island, Resort Realty offers nearly 550 Outer Banks vacation homes that range from cozy 1-bedroom condos to exquisite 13-bedroom luxury estates. Whether you’re counting down to a beloved family vacation, getting away for a long weekend, or planning a special event, our homes represent a variety of lifestyles and locations, with amenities and furnishings such as elevators, private pools and gourmet kitchens to more simple pleasures like wraparound porches, dune-top gazebos, and oceanfront hammocks made for afternoon naps.
When it comes to surf fishing, it’s hard to beat the coastline of North Carolina. Well known for hundreds of miles of beaches where record-breaking catches are landed on a regular basis, the North Carolina shoreline is arguably one of the top destinations for surf fishermen from all across the country. So if you are new to the N.C. coastline, or just want to brush up on your surf fishing insight, take a closer look at everything you need to know about casting from the coast, and get ready for plenty of opportunities to reel in the catch of a lifetime.
PokeBox offers fresh, quick, simple, healthy poke bowls in Nags Head. Choose your items and build your bowl. Tuna, salmon, chicken, steak, shrimp and tofu options available. Mix in your favorite veggies, sauces and toppings for the perfect poke experience. Poke (Hawaiian for "to slice" or "cut into pieces") is a traditional main dish of Hawaiian cuisine made with marinated tuna. As Poke became increasingly popular, the modern version, known as Poke Bowl, has variety ingredients and flavors arranged to customize personal preferences.
The Outer Banks is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning views. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Outer Banks is to wake up early and watch a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic ocean. With miles of pristine coastline, there are plenty of spots to catch a breathtaking sunrise. From Carova to Hatteras Village, here is our list of the best places to see a sunrise on the Outer Banks.
If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on activity that the whole family can enjoy together, hop aboard Risky Business for an Outer Banks shrimping and crabbing charter. Our experienced captain and mate will show your group how to pull crab pots to catch blue crabs and trawl for shrimp the same way that the local commercial fishermen do. You’ll learn about the species caught and how to sort through the catch – and everything of legal size is yours to keep for dinner! Along the way you’ll look for dolphins and other wildlife and see the sights in the Roanoke Sound and Croatan Sound. Based at Shallowbag Bay Marina in Manteo, our Outer Banks shrimping and crabbing charter is convenient to all the northern Outer Banks beach towns, only 5 minutes from Nags Head. We run charters in the summer only, from mid-June through September.