The 4x4 Beach had 5 turtle nests this past season. 3 out of the 5 successfully hatched while the remaining 2 were affected by the recent nor'easter with results unknown at the time of publication. Nest 18: A Determined Group Nest 18 was laid on June 26 and relocated, with 86 eggs recovered from a loggerhead nest. A small team of five began sitting on August 22 while also supporting activity at Nest 19. After several quiet nights, continuous sounds of hatchling activity bega

Our first summer of Ambassadors on the beach—and at community events—was successful and eye-opening all at once! North Beach Preservation Alliance Ambassador tents were set up in Swan Beach and Carova on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the summer. We talked with more than 1,500 visitors—some who have been coming here for 20 years, some visiting for the very first time, and many somewhere in between. Those conversations gave us plenty of opportuni

This rare beach experience with no paved roads and no commercial development makes it an appealing place to visit. During the busy summer months of June through August, thousands of visitors enjoy this stretch of shoreline each week. The North Beach Preservation Alliance (NBPA) welcomes you and asks for your help in preserving this fragile environment by following these essential tips for safely and respectfully experiencing

We heard some important tips from local Sheriff Mike Corbell and Twiddy Ambassador Edward Ponton, a longtime local resident, during our Beach Ambassador training. When asked what they see most often, both emphasized the need for patience, as many visitors may be using four-wheel drive for the first time. They also shared some practical advice that we hope will help anyone planning a beach visit. Know Before You Go! How not to get stuck on the 4x4 beaches of Corolla. One of t

In our quarterly newsletter and on our website, we regularly share data and facts that highlight the growth, challenges, and opportunities facing North Beach. Like many vacation destinations, the beauty and uniqueness of our area have brought increasing popularity and economic benefits, along with the pressures that come with growth. How do we preserve what we love while still sharing it with the thousands of visitors who want to experience it? We hope these facts and trends

It’s sea turtle nesting time on the 4x4 beach, and you may spot the patrol at sunrise looking for tracks or signs of overnight nesting. Nesting season typically begins in late May and runs through September, sometimes into early October. Most sea turtles come ashore at night, except for Kemp’s Ridleys, which often nest during the day. The most common species here in the OBX is the loggerhead, but green and Kemp’s Ridley turtles also nest on our beaches. Leatherbacks and hawks

We get this question a lot. While most beaches are staffed with visible lifeguards, what makes the Northern Outer Banks beach special in its seclusion also places more responsibility on beachgoers to ensure their own safety. That said, Corolla Beach Rescue does actively patrol the North Beach during the summer season and responds to emergencies year-round through the 911 system. We asked Matt Hewes, Chief Information Officer, Corolla Beach Rescue to share how their team prote

By Edward Ponton That was my first reaction when I heard the North Beach Preservation Alliance’s s slogan, “saving the last 12 miles.” Around here, accuracy matters, and I’ll admit—I cringed a little and let it go. A few weeks later, Edna Baden said something that stuck with me: “the distance has changed over time and will continue to change." Bingo. That was the missing piece—history. Getting to the Currituck Banks wasn’t always as simple as it is today. Travel was by water

The residential real estate market in the 4x4 continues to hold steady as we move through the first quarter of 2026, with encouraging signs of stability and improved efficiency compared to this time last year. In both the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, there were 36 homes on the market, with 9 homes sold in each period. What’s changed is performance. In 2026, homes sold at an average price of $670,722 and spent just 111 days on the market. In contrast, 2025 saw an average s

July 2, 2026: Stumpy spotted sunning himself on the beach at Cape Cod! Photo courtesy of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center May 27th: The Mammal Stranding Center released our rock ingesting seal, we affectionaly called Stump went happily back out to sea! We love a happy ending!! Watch his release with two friends on the Marine Mammel Facebook page. Our rock ingesting seal "Stumpy" is on his way to a full recovery!! The Mammal Stranding Center recently posted: Stranding Tec

Horse tours are a much-talked-about part of life on the 4x4 beach. Love them or not, they offer visitors a memorable way to experience our unique coastline and, as many have pointed out, can help reduce the number of individual vehicles driving around in search of horses. Along with these benefits, the community has shared thoughtful concerns, including increased tour traffic in 4x4 neighborhoods, respect for private roads and property, inconsistent information shared by some