Featured Towns: Duck & Corolla

From charming coastal villages to wide-open beaches, Duck and Corolla each offer their own unique Outer Banks experience. Whether you're looking for walkable town centers, great dining, family-friendly beaches, or a quieter getaway surrounded by nature, these towns have something special to offer every type of traveler.

Scroll down to learn more about each town and get the details you'll want to know before deciding where to vacation with KEES Vacations.

Duck

Dare County
Vibe Upscale & Family-Friendly
Known For Duck Town Boardwalk
Perfect For Shopping & Dining

Top Restaurants

Cravings Steaks & Seafood

Fresh seafood and steaks in a welcoming atmosphere with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Features Duck's only drive-thru and live entertainment.

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The Village Table & Tavern

Creative seasonal dishes with waterfront views on the Currituck Sound. Upscale casual dining with craft cocktails and live music.

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Theodosia

Chef Vivian Howard's elegant restaurant at The Sanderling Resort. Refined Southern coastal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and sound views.

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NC Coast Grill & Bar

Modern coastal cuisine on the Duck Boardwalk with waterfront views. Bold flavors, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere with live music.

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Paper Canoe

Waterfront dining featuring New American cuisine. Handmade pasta, local seafood, and wood-fired pizzas in a cozy setting with sunset views.

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Lifesaving Station

Southern coastal cuisine in a historic setting at The Sanderling Resort. Known for their breakfast and views over the Currituck Sound.

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Red Sky Casual Dining & Cocktails

Fresh seafood and creative dishes in downtown Duck. Welcoming atmosphere with a display kitchen and diverse menu options.

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Activities & Attractions

Duck Town Boardwalk

Scenic 11-acres of trails and access to Duck Waterfront Boardwalk and shops. Perfect for strolling, shopping, and enjoying sound views. Great for sunset walks. Grab a bite to eat from a variety of restaurants nearby.

Duck Town Park

Beautiful park with gazebo, sound access, and picnic areas. Popular spot for watching sunsets and water activities.

Water Sports

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing on the Currituck Sound. Multiple rental shops and guided tours available.

North Duck Watersports

Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports

Kitty Hawk Kites

Beach Access

Pristine, less-crowded beaches with excellent swimming, relaxing, and beachcombing opportunities.

Duck Beach Access Information

Shopping & Amenities

Unique Boutiques

Charming shops featuring coastal home decor, fashion, art galleries, and local crafts along the boardwalk.

Duck Waterfront Shops

Scarborough Faire Shopping Village


Grocery Options

Well-stocked markets including Wee Winks Market and Shane's Family Market. There is also a Food Lion located a few minutes south of Duck in Southern Shores.

KEES offers a wide selection of Duck vacation rentals, from cozy one bedroom oceanfront condos to spacious six bedroom soundfront homes, making it easy to find the perfect place to stay on the Outer Banks. Every Duck rental includes KEES signature amenities, and with FlexStay™, guests can choose the length of their vacation to fit their schedule, whether that means a full week or a shorter getaway. The town of Duck is a favorite among Outer Banks visitors and continues to be a top choice for travelers seeking comfort, charm, and convenience.

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, Duck offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and small town appeal. The walkable downtown area features local shops, restaurants, and a scenic waterfront boardwalk that leads to Duck Town Park. Visitors can enjoy watersports, biking, hiking through maritime forests, seasonal events, live music, spas, and wine tastings. With stunning beaches, peaceful soundside sunsets, and easy access to nearby Outer Banks towns, Duck is an ideal destination for a relaxing and memorable vacation.




Corolla

Currituck County
Vibe Historic & Natural
Known For Wild Horses & Lighthouse
Perfect For Adventure & Wildlife

Top Restaurants

Urban kitchen

Farm-to-table dining featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Intimate setting with innovative New American dishes and craft cocktails.

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Mama Easley's

Casual spot serving fresh seafood, burgers, and coastal favorites. Known for generous portions, fried seafood baskets, and homemade chowder.

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Upside Restaurant & Bar

Creative coastal cuisine with a Southern twist on an elevated waterfront deck. Seasonal menus featuring fresh local seafood and craft cocktails.

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La Dolce Vita

Classic Italian family recipes featuring hand-tossed stone oven pizza, homemade sauces, and fresh pasta. Wine Spectator award winner with soundside deck seating.

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North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar

Fresh seafood and steaks in a casual, high-energy atmosphere. Featuring a full raw bar with lobster, oysters, clams, and daily fish specials.

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Corolla Cantina

Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine with coastal flair. Famous fish tacos, fresh daily salsa and guacamole, plus vibrant margaritas on a pet-friendly deck.

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Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill

Family-friendly spot for fresh seafood, burgers, and raw bar favorites. Sports bar atmosphere with live music, karaoke, and late-night dining.

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nelly's sandbar

Fresh, made-to-order meals in a casual beach bar atmosphere with a full bar. Family-friendly dining with seafood, burgers, and daily specials.

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Agave Roja

Modern Mexican restaurant with fresh Latin-inspired seafood twists. Extensive tequila bar, signature cocktails, and contemporary coastal Mexican fare.

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Wild Horse Inn lounge & Cafe

Cozy lounge and cafe with casual dining options. Family-friendly atmosphere featuring draft beers, classic cocktails, and live music events.

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Activities & Attractions

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Climb the 220 steps of this historic 1875 lighthouse for panoramic views. Beautiful brick tower unpainted since construction.

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Whalehead Historic Site

Stunning 1920s Art Nouveau mansion and nature preserve. Tours available, plus scenic grounds for picnics and exploration. This historic park features beautiful grounds, the Currituck Lighthouse, Whalehead Club, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, a playground, and more.

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Wild Horses of Carova

At the very top of The Northern Outer Banks lies Carova, accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. This pristine area is home to the famous Spanish Mustangs, wild horses that have roamed these beaches for over 500 years. Take a guided 4x4 tour to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, or rent your own off-road vehicle for an unforgettable adventure on one of the most unique beaches in America.

Back Country Safari Tours

Corolla Outback Adventures

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Hummer Adventure Tours

Bob's Wild Horse Tours

Corolla Jeep Adventures

Kitty Hawk Kites

***Don't get too close to the wild horses, don't feed them, and be mindful!

Historic corolla village

Visitors can wander the quiet paths, climb the lighthouse for sweeping views, and explore nearby attractions like the Wild Horse Museum, all just a short walk or bike ride from the ocean. Corolla Village remains one of the few places on the northern Outer Banks where history, scenery, and coastal charm still feel beautifully untouched. 

SEE FULL MAP DOWN BELOW.

Water Sports

Excellent kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding on the sound. Multiple outfitters offer rentals and lessons. Jet ski or parasail with North Beach Watersports! Take a surf lesson with Corolla Surf Shop!

Beach Activities

Wide, beautiful beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing. Less crowded than southern beaches.

Corolla Beach Access Information

Shopping & Amenities

TimBuck II Shopping Village

Premier shopping center with boutiques, restaurants, ice cream shops, and entertainment. One-stop destination.

Timbuck II Shopping Village

Monteray Plaza

Shopping complex with grocery stores, shops, and dining options. Convenient for vacation needs.

Explore ALL Corolla Shops

At KEES Vacations, we offer an extensive selection of Corolla vacation rentals in the Northern Outer Banks, with options ranging from comfortable two bedroom condos to expansive oceanfront and soundside homes ideal for large groups. These rentals include condos, villas, and private homes located in some of Corolla's most desirable areas. All KEES Corolla properties feature signature amenities, and with FlexStay™, guests can choose vacation lengths that fit their plans, whether they are booking a full week or a shorter stay. With upscale homes, sought after amenities like pools and hot tubs, and convenient access to beaches, shops, and dining, KEES makes it easy to find the perfect Corolla getaway.

Known for its wide beaches, laid back atmosphere, and natural beauty, Corolla offers a classic Outer Banks experience with a touch of adventure. Visitors can explore historic landmarks like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and Whalehead Club, enjoy outdoor activities in the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, or take a guided tour to see the famous wild horses. Corolla also features walkable communities, bike paths, golf at the Currituck Club, and a growing selection of local shops and restaurants. With its peaceful setting, family friendly beaches, and unforgettable coastal scenery, Corolla is an ideal destination for your next Outer Banks vacation.




Want to explore more of the Outer Banks?
If you're curious about nearby Outer Banks towns like Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head, explore our other blog where we break down each beach and what makes it unique.

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