Our OBX Drive On The Beach
A couple of weeks ago we decided to have our very own OBX drive on the beach. Back in December, we decided to sell our tried and true Ford F150 for an upgraded 4 door F150 with 4×4. One of the thoughts being that we could now confidently drive on the beach.
Departing the Condo
We set out from the condo and headed North on the bypass (Hwy 158). The ride up to the 4×4 beach access point is roughly 40-45 minutes. It’s a leisurely drive though and we made a couple of stops for coffee, water and a final bathroom break before hitting the sand. Rolling through Southern Shores, Duck and Corolla you get to see and appreciate how different the towns are. It’s a very different feeling than Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk.
Preparing the Truck
We stopped in a parking lot about a half mile before the beach access so that we can air our tires down to 15psi. If you decide to drive on the beach, you should have a decent tire gauge so that you’re able to air down your tires and get to that 15psi level. It will also allow you to check your air level again when it’s later time to air up your tires.
Hit the Beach
We rolled onto the beach and immediately switched to 4×4 mode. The sand is very soft and deep at the entrance to the beach. Welcoming you onto the beach is the A1 Towing Service parked and ready to act. There are dozens of pictures on the internet of people who attempt entry onto the beach and then get stuck because they thought it a good idea to bring their all wheel drive Porsche or 2WD pickup truck/SUV onto the beach.
Driving on the Beach
It’s a pretty neat feeling rolling away on the beach. It is good practice to head North closer to the water, but not too close. You don’t want the saltwater or spray to get onto your vehicle. You’ll see other vehicles heading South and because they don’t want to encounter deep sand, they’ll make their way closer to the water and almost be head to head with you at times. Just hold your line and let them move up the beach. We headed all the way up to the Virginia line in Carova and turned around on the beach and started back again. No horses were seen on the ride up, like we hoped. It was decided to go into the neighborhoods that are adjacent to this “beach road”. I will say, GPS is your friend here because the roads are all sand and not labeled. But you will see them labeled on your GPS.
Encountering the Horses
While roaming around the neighborhood streets we came across a Wild Horse Tour vehicle that was stopped. Why else would they be stopped with folks taking pictures? We pulled up next to them to discover a group of Mustangs grazing and in the shade for a bit next and under this house. Remember, by law you need to stay at least 50ft from these animals. They are wild creatures and unpredictable in how they may act. You don’t want to get bitten or harmed.
Off the Beach
After making our way back down the beach and off the sand, there are signs that point you to the Corolla Historic Village. This is a park area that is about 1.5 miles from the beach entrance. There are signs that point you here so that you can air up your tires again at this park’s air stations. Remember, your vehicle doesn’t like to be on asphalt with 15psi of air. So, ride cautiously, slowly and with no sudden movements. Make your way to the air station and air those tires up. The air pumps are surprisingly fast and you’ll be on your way in no time. Be sure to air up your tires to what the manufacturer suggests. The manufacturer suggestion is located on a sticker on your driver’s side door jamb.
We certainly enjoyed our jaunt on the beach and hope you will too. Be sure to have a look at our other blog post regarding the OBX horses.
We look forward to having you as guests!
Aris