Wild horses, historic lighthouses, and salty sea air.
Corolla, NC 27927Charleston, SC 29401
Corolla, NC 27927Charleston, SC 29401
Discover the wild, windswept soul of the Carolina coast on a journey down its iconic barrier islands. From searching for wild horses in the Outer Banks to exploring the historic charm of Charleston, this trip is filled with towering lighthouses, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and miles of undeveloped shoreline.
Begin your journey by searching for the legendary wild mustangs that roam the beaches of Corolla. Take a guided 4x4 tour to safely and respectfully view these descendants of Spanish mustangs in their natural, stunningly beautiful habitat.
Photo by Corolla Wild Horse Tours
Climb the 220 steps of this unpainted, red-brick lighthouse for panoramic views of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Its distinctive exterior makes it a landmark of the northern Outer Banks.
Photo by Sean Suits
Enjoy upscale coastal cuisine with stunning sunset views over the Currituck Sound. Known for its innovative Southern dishes and fresh local seafood, it's a perfect spot for your first Carolina coast dinner.
Photo by HH Immerreisen
Settle in for the night at this boutique hotel offering modern suites with private balconies overlooking the Roanoke Sound, an ideal base for exploring the central Outer Banks.
Photo by Oasis Suites Hotel
Ascend America's tallest lighthouse, the iconic black-and-white spiraled Cape Hatteras Light. The breathtaking 360-degree views from the top are a quintessential Outer Banks experience, offering a perspective on the treacherous Diamond Shoals.
Discover the fascinating and somber maritime history of the Outer Banks. This museum chronicles the thousands of shipwrecks off this coast, featuring artifacts from U-boats, pirate ships, and Civil War vessels.
Photo by Brett Doster
Take the scenic, free, one-hour car ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island. This journey is a perfect way to slow down, watch for dolphins, and soak in the remote beauty of the Outer Banks as you approach the isolated village.
Photo by German
Stay in the heart of Ocracoke village at this waterfront inn overlooking Silver Lake Harbor. Its central location allows you to easily explore the charming island by foot or bike.
Take the early morning 2.5-hour ferry from Ocracoke to Cedar Island to continue your journey south. This longer crossing offers expansive views of the Pamlico Sound and a peaceful transition back to the mainland.
Photo by German
Explore the rich seafaring history of the Crystal Coast. The museum houses incredible artifacts recovered from the wreck of Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, which was discovered nearby.
Wander through the third oldest town in North Carolina. Take a guided tour on a vintage English double-decker bus to see beautiful historic homes, a colonial courthouse, and the atmospheric Old Burying Ground.
Photo by Beaufort Historic Site
Check into this riverfront hotel in historic downtown Wilmington. It offers fantastic views of the Cape Fear River and the Battleship North Carolina, and is a perfect walking base for exploring the city.
Photo by Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Stroll along this nearly two-mile scenic boardwalk flanking the Cape Fear River. Lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, it offers iconic views of the city's historic waterfront and the Battleship North Carolina.
Experience a true Carolina institution. This no-frills, waterfront shack serves up legendary local oysters, steamed in-house over a fire pit, and fried shrimp, all with incredible marsh and sunset views.
Photo by Christine Rihn
Walk out over the Atlantic on the newly rebuilt Folly Beach Pier. It's a prime spot for fishing, people-watching, and enjoying the ocean breeze at Charleston's laid-back 'Edge of America'.
Stay at this iconic 'pink hotel' in the heart of Charleston's historic district. Its classic architecture, charming courtyard, and prime location make it an unforgettable Southern experience.
Take a morning stroll to photograph one of Charleston's most famous landmarks. This series of thirteen colorful, historic Georgian row houses is a must-see and captures the unique architectural charm of the city.
Photo by Peter Frost
Walk along the historic defensive seawall known as The Battery, admiring the grand antebellum homes on one side and the views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor on the other. It's a beautiful and historic promenade.
Photo by Daniel Sabo
Enjoy a final Southern meal at one of Charleston's oldest independent culinary establishments. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home, it's famous for its upscale Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits and fluffy biscuits.
Photo by Poogan's Porch
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
