Go where pavement can't.

Yes — in designated areas. The Carova / north Currituck beaches are open to 4WD vehicles year-round, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore has marked ORV ramps (NPS permit required). Every vehicle in our fleet is beach-capable and rents with recovery gear. Central towns like Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills only allow beach driving off-season with a town permit.

No driving permit is required on the Currituck County beaches north of Corolla, though seasonal parking rules apply in summer and rules can change — check the county's current regulations before your trip. Hatteras is different: NPS ORV permits are required there and sold at recreation.gov — we walk every renter through getting one.

Most hosts require drivers 25+ with a valid license and standard insurance; some accept 21+ with a young-driver fee. Each vehicle's booking page on OBX Drive lists its exact requirements before you pay.

Most hosts deliver between Corolla and Nags Head — you'll arrange it during booking. Hatteras Island and the Carova 4x4 area are quoted case-by-case.

Beach-ready rentals include a tire deflator and gauge, tow strap and shovel, plus a rundown of local air-up stations. Extras like coolers and boards vary by host and are listed on each vehicle page.

Air down to 18–22 PSI before leaving pavement and you almost certainly won't. If you do, the shovel and tow strap handle most situations, local recovery services run the beaches daily, and your host's listing spells out roadside terms.

50 feet minimum — it's a county ordinance, and it's enforced. Slow down near the herd, never feed them, and let them cross at their pace. You'll usually spot them within the first few miles north of the pavement's end. Full details in our Carova beach driving guide.

Bookings through OBX Drive cancel free up to 48 hours before pickup. Full details at obxdrive.com/policies.