Driving the Beach

You can drive on many Outer Banks beaches without endangering wildlife, and there's nothing quite like a windblown cruise along the Atlantic to get you into the adventurous spirit of the place. Bring your own 4X4 or rent one from Island Cruisers, islandcruisersinc.com, whose tiny Geo Trackers can show you a whole day of fun for a thimbleful of gas. They’re cheaper to rent than a Jet Ski (about $160 for eight hours). Owners Eric and Valerie Stump will outfit you with everything you need, including a tire-pressure gauge, maps, and the all-important number to call if you get stuck.

More Outdoor Adventure Contacts: Wild Horse Adventure Tours, Kitty Hawk Kites, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Coastal Explorations