Quick Answer
Every town on the Outer Banks offers free public beach access — no paid parking passes or parking meters required. Most accesses include a wooden walkway over the dune, and many have free parking, showers, and lifeguard stands staffed daily from Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) through Labor Day (September 7, 2026). Duck and Southern Shores have no public accesses, only private community walkovers for renters and residents.
One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, "How do I get to the beach?" The answer may seem obvious, but plenty of beach towns around the country are surprisingly hard to access. Many other popular East Coast beach destinations like Ocean City, the Jersey Shore, Virginia Beach, even Wrightsville Beach, NC, require paid parking passes or metered public lots, meaning that after an hour of playing in the ocean, you have to run back to the meter to add more money if you're not ready to leave. That isn't very relaxing.
Luckily, the Outer Banks has plenty of free places to park.
If you'd rather have the beach in your backyard, we have a huge selection of oceanfront homes to choose from. But if you've booked your dream vacation home and it isn't oceanfront, don't worry! Dozens of community walkways and public beach accesses run the length of our coast, so getting to Outer Banks beaches is a breeze.
Note: This isn't a comprehensive guide to every township, island, or unincorporated territory that makes up the Outer Banks. It's a highlight of the oceanfront beaches and how to access them during your Outer Banks vacation.
About Designated Beach Accesses
Outer Banks towns work hard to keep beach accesses convenient and available to residents and visitors alike. It's common to find a community path or walkway to the ocean available for public use, typically placed within easy walking distance of semi-oceanfront and oceanside rentals. Some accesses offer parallel street parking, while others have fully paved lots — amenities vary by location. The list below covers the largest accesses in each town, but it isn't all-inclusive; check each town's website for additional public accesses.
Because there are dozens of designated walkways to Outer Banks beaches, please follow posted regulations and traffic laws, and stay off the dunes — climbing over dunes in undesignated areas can destroy these fragile land formations. If you have specific questions, our guest services team is happy to help you find the best way to the beach from your rental home.
Lifeguarded Beaches
It's always safer to swim in front of a lifeguard. Many visitors aren't used to swimming in the ocean, particularly one with as many currents as ours. Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard. The ocean is unpredictable, and other emergencies (jellyfish stings, injuries, dehydration, a wandering child) can happen too. Whenever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach.
Most Outer Banks beaches provide manned lifeguard stands, and several towns also run roving lifeguard patrols on ATVs or bikes. Lifeguard stations generally operate during peak season, but exact hours and date ranges vary by town and by access. Hours and locations are subject to change without notice, so always check your town's website and read posted signage at the beach access before you head out.
In an emergency on the beach, dial 911. Know your location — mile marker, oceanfront home address, or beach access name.
Beach Accesses by Town
Below is a list of public beach accesses on the Outer Banks, along with available amenities like parking, lifeguard stations, and wooden walkways. Only accesses noted as having "Lifeguard" will have a lifeguard on duty during posted hours.
Corolla
- Corolla Village Road (Currituck Lighthouse) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Bath House, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Shad Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Tuna Street — Wooden Walkway
- Sturgeon Walkway — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Barracuda Walkway — Wooden Walkway
- Herring Walkway — Wooden Walkway
- Perch Street — Parking, Wooden Walkway
- Mackerel Walkway — Wooden Walkway
- Bonito Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Coral Walkway — Wooden Walkway
- Sailfish Walkway — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Marlin Walkway — Wooden Walkway
- Dolphin Street — Wooden Walkway
- Albacore Street — Wooden Walkway
- Yaupon Lane (Currituck County South) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Bath House, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Section P, Ocean Sands
- Section O, Ocean Sands
- Section F, Ocean Sands
- Section D, Ocean Sands
- Section B, Ocean Sands
Lifeguard hours: Corolla Beach Rescue is on duty daily from 9:30am – 5:30pm during the summer season, with roving 4x4/ATV patrols running from the county line to Penny's Hill. Exact season dates and tower locations can shift year to year. Check corollabeachrescue.com for current information before you go.
Duck
The town of Duck does not have any public beach accesses. Many communities have private neighborhood accesses and wooden walkovers for residents, renters, and guests.
- Barrier Island — Gated Community, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Caffey's Inlet — Lifeguard, Soundside Beach, and Pier
- Christopher Drive — Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Four Seasons Lane — Gated Community, Lifeguard, Two Walkways, Parking
- South Snow Geese* — Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Scarborough Lane* — Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- Plover Drive* — Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Parking for Residents Only
- Sprigtail Drive — Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, No Parking
Lifeguard hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) through Labor Day (September 7, 2026), with roving ATV patrols May 1 – October 31. *Stands at these accesses are typically only staffed mid-June through mid-August. Confirm current dates at the Town of Duck's website before your trip.
Southern Shores
Southern Shores does not have any public beach accesses. Many communities have private neighborhood accesses and wooden walkovers for residents, renters, and guests.
- Hillcrest Drive — Southern Shores Civic Association Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Paved Parking, Handicap Beach Access
- Chicahauk Trail — Chicahauk Property Owner Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Paved Parking
- E. Dogwood Trail* — Limited Town Parking, Lifeguard
- 142 Ocean Blvd.* — Limited Parking, Lifeguard
- Ocean View Loop — Limited Town Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Beach Access
Lifeguard hours: Hillcrest Drive and Chicahauk Trail are staffed daily 10:00am – 6:00pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. *E. Dogwood Trail and 142 Ocean Blvd. are typically staffed mid-June through mid-August only.
Kitty Hawk
- Byrd Street (MP 2) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Fonck Street — Parking
- Maynard Street — Parking
- Bennett Street — Parking, Pet Waste Bags
- Luke Street (MP 2.5) — Parking, Lifeguard, Pet Waste Bags
- Eckner Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Pet Waste Bags
- Bleriot Street (MP 3) — Parking, Lifeguard, Pet Waste Bags
- Wilkins Street — Parking, Pet Waste Bags
- Hawks Street — Parking, Pet Waste Bags
- Balchen Street (MP 3.5) — Parking, Pet Waste Bags
- Lillian Street (MP 4) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Kitty Hawk Bath House — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Showers, Bath House, Pet Waste Bags
Lifeguard hours: Fixed stands at Byrd Street, Eckner Street, Lillian Street, and the Kitty Hawk Bath House (plus roving ATV patrols) are staffed 10:00am – 6:00pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day, then 10:00am – 5:00pm from Labor Day through September 30.
Kill Devil Hills
- Arch Street (MP 5.5) — Sand Access, No Parking
- Helga Street — Lifeguard, Sand Access, No Parking
- Chowan Street (MP 6) — Sand Access, No Parking
- Hayman Blvd. — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Showers, Porta Potty
- Walker Street — Sand Access, No Parking
- Avalon Drive — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway
- 5th Street (MP 6.5) — Parking, Lifeguard
- 4th Street — Wooden Walkway
- 3rd Street (MP 7) — Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- 2nd Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- 1st Street (MP 7.5) — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Asheville Drive (MP 8) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Porta Potty, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Prospect Ave — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Glenmere Ave — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Woodmere Ave — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Ferris Ave — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Raleigh Ave — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Carlow Ave — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Sutton Ave — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Pinehurst Ave — Gravel Parking, Sand Access
- Ocean Bay Blvd (MP 8.5) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Bath House, Pet Waste Bags
- Carlton Ave — Limited Paved Parking, Sand Access
- Oregon Ave — Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Showers
- Clark Street (MP 9) — Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Calvin Street — Limited Paved Parking, Sand Access, Pet Waste Bags
- Martin Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Atlantic Street (MP 9.5) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Porta Potty, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Lake Drive — Limited Parking, Lifeguard, Sand Access
- 8th Street (MP 10) — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
Lifeguard hours: About 20 stands between Helga Street and 8th Street are staffed daily 10:00am – 5:30pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, with roving patrols continuing through mid-October.
Nags Head
- Albatross Street (MP 10) — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Pet Waste Bags
- Gallery Row — Sand Access, Pet Waste Bags, No Parking
- Abalone Street (MP 10.5) — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Admiral Street — Parking, Pet Waste Bags
- Baltic Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Barnes Street (MP 11) — Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Blackman Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Bonnett Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Bath House, Pet Waste Bags
- Bittern Street (MP 11.5) — Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Bladen Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Bainbridge Street — Parking, Wooden Walkway, Pet Waste Bags
- Curlew Street (MP 12) — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Hollowell Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Conch Street (MP 12.5) — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Pet Waste Bags
- Enterprise Street (MP 14) — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Loggerhead Street — Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Town Hall — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Forrest Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Grouse Street (MP 16) — Sand Access, No Parking
- Glidden Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Gull Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Pet Waste Bags
- Gray Eagle Street (MP 16.5) — Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Jennette's Pier — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Bath House, Pet Waste Bags
- Gulfstream Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Pet Waste Bags
- Governor Street (MP 17) — Parking, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Huron Street — Parking, Wooden Walkway, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Holden Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Pet Waste Bags
- Hargrove Street (MP 17.5) — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Bath House, Pet Waste Bags
- Ida Street — Parking, Lifeguard, Pet Waste Bags
- Isabella Street (MP 18.5) — Parking
- Islington Street — Wooden Walkway
- Indigo Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Jay Street (MP 19) — Sand Access, No Parking
- June Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- James Street — Sand Access, No Parking
- Jacobs Street (MP 19.5) — Sand Access, No Parking
- Juncos Street — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Porta Potty, Pet Waste Bags
- Surfside Drive — Sand Access, No Parking
- Limulus Drive (MP 20) — Parking, Lifeguard, Pet Waste Bags
Lifeguard hours: More than 15 stands are staffed daily 10:00am – 6:00pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, with roving patrols continuing (to 6:00pm) through September 30 and (to 5:00pm) through October 15.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Coquina Beach (MP 26) — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Wooden Walkway, Showers, Bath House, Pet Waste Bags
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach — Parking, Lifeguard
- Frisco Beach (south of Frisco Village) — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Showers, Bath House
- Ocracoke Day Use Beach — Parking, Handicap Parking, Lifeguard, Showers, Bath House
Lifeguard hours: Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Confirm current conditions and any closures at nps.gov/caha before your visit.
Ready to Book Your Outer Banks Getaway?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a parking pass for Outer Banks beaches?
As a general rule, no. Unlike many other East Coast beach towns, the Outer Banks does not require paid parking passes or metered lots at its public beach accesses. Free parking is available at most access points, though some smaller accesses are sand-only with no parking on-site. There are community-only access points that require visible parking passes, but these will be noted. Please confirm all signage before parking.
Do Duck and Southern Shores have public beach access?
No. Duck and Southern Shores do not have designated public beach accesses. Both towns rely on private community walkovers available to residents, property owners, and their renters.
When are lifeguards on duty on Outer Banks beaches?
Most towns staff lifeguards daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, typically between 10:00am and 6:00pm, though exact hours and season dates vary by town and specific access. Kitty Hawk and Nags Head extend limited coverage into late September and October. Always confirm current hours with the town before you go
What should I do in a beach emergency on the Outer Banks?
Dial 911 immediately and know your location (the nearest mile marker, your oceanfront home address, or the beach access name) so responders can find you quickly.
Book Your Next OBX Vacation Today
We have large multi-room cottages and small one-bedroom condos with various views and amenities from Corolla to Nags Head making it easier than ever to find the perfect place for your family to enjoy. Plus, many of our homes now offer an Any Day Stays option where you can book a rental at a minimum of 3 nights which is perfect for those long weekend getaways!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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