Points of Interest

Herring Beach Access

A straightforward path from Corolla's paved oceanfront onto open sand

(64)

About

Herring Beach Access is a public access point onto the Atlantic side of Corolla, the kind of straightforward beach entry that doesn't come with a lot of fanfare — just a path over the dune line and open sand beyond it. It's located along Corolla's developed oceanfront, within the paved part of town rather than the 4x4-only beaches farther north where Carova and the wild horse range begin. The Lighthouse Drive address puts it within easy reach of the neighborhoods that fill in this stretch of town, making it a convenient stop for anyone staying nearby who wants beach access without driving to a bigger, busier lot.

Like most public accesses on this part of the Outer Banks, it's open to walk-up visitors around the clock, useful for an early sunrise walk or a late swim after dinner. Corolla's beaches tend to run wider and less crowded than the core beaches to the south, and this stretch carries that same feel, with more room to spread out once you're past peak summer weekends. Keep an eye on surf and rip current conditions as you would at any Outer Banks beach access, and note that August through October is the region's real hurricane risk window, which can affect beach access on short notice.

Reviews (64)

See all on Google

4.8

64 reviews

Google Reviews

Write a review

LYLIZBOOMA26

2 months ago

Stairs and ramp were available but showers were not working - no big deal as most houses have showers outside. Loved that you could park your bike, golf cart, or beach cart by access without any issues. Unless you have beach wheels it's tough to get your cart over the hill to beach and back afterwards! The lifeguard stand was right there and very helpful on rough days. If you have kids of any age I would recommend life jackets for wave days - one day the lifeguard asked all the families swimming to move in front of their chair because it was so rough. Bring sunglass straps or wear a cheap pair - the waves took a nice pair of glasses (not mine, lol). Lots of beach setups but also enough room for others to set up in one row. Visitors were courteous with their music levels. Also a shoutout to the man who helped me bring up my cart from beach on day one and the days were we got help getting my mother out of the ocean!

Heather Fink

a year ago

Definitely a more challenging beach entry than some of the others up the road with paved walks and stairs (and showers!), not this one, this entry you need to climb a sand dune!! But well worth it once you get over the hump. Great beach.

moon Sipe

4 years ago

Up here in the off-season... It's not crowded in October... But it's a little cold... It's still beautiful up here.... Nice place to chill with your family

PR Reviews

a year ago

Beautiful clean beach. My only knock is that there aren't any attractions or shops near by.

Wendy G Vallery

3 years ago

Maybe I shouldn't tell everyone about this beach. Lifeguard there and some nearby parking a block or so away from entry. Moving left from the lifeguard gives you more space as the area right off herring entry is pretty crowded