Updated: August 23, 2021
What’s better than the beach in the summertime? The beach in the fall! There is perhaps no better time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Outer Banks than when the autumn months roll in. Summer’s hustle and bustle is but a faint memory and the temperatures turn absolutely glorious. Pick your perfect vacation home rental at autumn’s affordable shoulder season rates and start planning your beach retreat. Can you see the sea oats swaying in the breeze and the golden sunset over the sound?
We’ve got all you need to know to make the best of the beach in Currituck this fall:
Reel in a Winner
It’s the season for red fish come the months of September, October and November. Reel in your fill of these big fellas and see if you can catch one worth an Instagram brag. Local fishing charters will guide you to the goods whether you want to head out into the open seas searching for white marlin or sailfish or stay closer to shore in local creeks and marshes, which also boast Spanish and king mackerel, snapper and tilefish. Bring your own equipment or rent a rod and reel along with bait and tackle at area outfitters.
Water, Water Everywhere
While unlike the summer months, you may not need a dip to cool off, the water still feels great come autumn with a wide range of watersports to choose from. Get an excellent full body workout on a stand up paddleboard as you navigate through our scenic waterways or take a Jet Ski tour to get a speedy overview of Currituck and the surrounding areas. Enjoy the scenery with a peaceful kayak tour or rental while keeping an eye out for dolphin … or simply jump in the surf for a refreshing autumn swim.
Under Par
Come golf with the wind in one of North Carolina’s top golf destinations. Routed by Rees Jones, The Currituck Club (recently ranked in North Carolina’s ‘Dream 18‘) rolls across diverse coastal terrain with breathtaking soundside views, lush fairways and impeccably maintained greens. Located on the mainland and minutes from the Wright Memorial Bridge, Kilmarlic Golf Club is nestled along the marshland of the Albemarle Sound and is consistently kept in tournament playing condition. Kilmarlic has hosted the North Carolina Open on multiple occasions and wass recently named as a ‘Top 100 Course You Can Play in North Carolina’ by Golf Styles Magazine. For over a decade, The Carolina Club has been providing some of the finest golfing conditions on the Outer Banks. Along with plush Bermuda fairways, their superb bentgrass greens have been rated by the USGA as some of the finest putting surfaces in the southeastern United State. The Pointe Golf Club boasts fairways adorned with pristine pines, wax myrtles and cypress, showcasing the course’s natural Outer Banks beauty. Regarded as one of the “most playable” Outer Banks courses, The Pointe’s reputation for fast greens, friendly service and delicious food all make for a most memorable golf outing.
On the Hunt
Waterfowl abound in Currituck and Corolla, and the fall weather makes it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Be sure to purchase a North Carolina hunting license with appropriate stamps for each game, including ducks, deer and black bear, before hunting in the area and gear up at local sports shops and outfitters. We have plenty of local guides who are happy to join you on the hunt, showing you the hot spots.
While you’re outdoors, keep an eye out for our many bird species. Part of the North Carolina Birding Trail System, the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve, located about a mile from the village of Corolla, is a 965-acre reserve filled with wildlife galore. Up on Knotts Island and home to many endangered and threatened species, Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for bird watching, bicycling, photography, fishing, and kayaking.
Festival Fever
Fall is the perfect time to escape to the The Northern Outer Banks to enjoy some of the most fun and festive events of the year. On Thursday, September 16, enjoy Sunset Sounds — a free concert and community event in the Historic Corolla Village. Enjoy live music from singer-songwriter, Janet Martin (5-7pm) in the courtyard adjacent to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund Museum. Stroll through the old restored village to find specials and sales, some of the best BBQ, delicious wraps, pizza and sandwiches — all available from local merchants. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome.
On Saturday, September 18, the annual Crabdaddy Seafood and Festival at Sanctuary Vineyards where some of the best Currituck wine and local beer will be paired with fresh seafood from our local waters.
Currituck County Regional Airport is hosting Aviation Day on Saturday, September 25, a family-friendly event at the airport from 10am-4pm with free parking and admission. Guests can tour the airport terminal building and enjoy aircraft on display, airplane rides, classic cars, featured airplane fly-ins, live music, food trucks, vendors, children’s games and more.
On Saturday, November 6, make plans to attend Currituck Bulls & BBQ, a full day of events including a rodeo, Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) BBQ competition, People’s Choice competition (proceeds benefit Currituck Backpack for Kids), mechanical bull riding, live music, craft market, cornhole tournament and local food vendors.
