Spotting a wild horse on the beach is one of those Outer Banks moments people talk about for years. Just north of Corolla, a herd of wild mustangs roams the dunes, maritime forest and shoreline, and seeing them is an easy day trip from Outer Banks Beach Club.

Meet the herd

These aren’t escaped farm horses. The Corolla wild horses are descendants of colonial Spanish Mustangs brought over by explorers more than 400 years ago, and they’re the official state horse of North Carolina. Today, about 100 horses roam the northern beaches of Corolla and the land along Currituck Sound.

Where to find them

You’ll most often find the horses in the four-wheel-drive areas of Corolla and Carova. To get there, head north on NC 12 through Duck and Corolla until the pavement ends. A sound-to-sea fence keeps the horses away from traffic and development, and the Carova 4×4 beach beyond it serves as a sanctuary of more than 7,500 acres.

Take a guided tour

There are no paved roads into Carova, so a guided 4×4 tour is the best way for first-time visitors to see the horses and learn their story. Local guides know where the herds tend to gather and how to navigate the beach safely, and you might spot dolphins and seabirds along the way. Visit Currituck keeps a list of local tour operators.

Driving yourself?

If you have your own four-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll need to let some air out of your tires before driving on the beach. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you’ll also need a county-issued permit to park on the beach. Drive slowly and stay alert, since the horses often cross the sand and back roads.

Give them space

This is the most important part. It’s illegal to come within 50 feet of the wild horses, about the length of a school bus, and the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office enforces the law. Never feed them, either. Wild horses can’t digest the same foods as domesticated horses, and apples and carrots have killed members of the herd. Bring a camera with a zoom lens and enjoy the view from a respectful distance.

Stop by the museum

Before or after your trip, visit the Wild Horse Museum in Corolla. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund runs the museum, and it’s free and open year-round. Learn more about the herd and the fund’s conservation work at corollawildhorses.com.

Plan your stay

Outer Banks Beach Club makes a great home base for exploring the northern beaches. Book directly at booking.outerbanksbeachclubresort.com or call 252.441.6321 to save 10% on your stay.