Northern Beaches

The small northern beach settlements of Corolla and Duck are largely seasonal, residential enclaves full of summer rental homes and condominiums. The tony village of Duck, named for its waterfowl-hunting history, has expensive homes and is dotted with upscale restaurants and shops. A waterfront boardwalk connects the town, which lacks a true center. Drive slowly in charming Corolla, where freely wandering, federally protected wild horses always have the right-of-way. North of Corolla, the road disappears, giving way to miles of isolated, 4x4-accessible beach all the way to the Virginia border.