Alldunn,
You could try the place Ken mentioned earlier, Corolla- my family had a beach home out there and plenty of back roads and fun stuff - just don't hit the wild horses.
It is a long drive though. If your heading toward Hatteras...there is a 4x4 area on the beach or used to be right before the Oregon Inlet bridge. It is flat but wide and has fun ruts.
If you surf, I recommend checking the Kitty Hawk Pier, Rodanthe Pier or the Hatteras Lighthouse area. It should be a fun time love that place!
Surf Report:
http://www.surfline.com/surfline/livecams/getsurfmapsurfbreakreport.cfm?alias=capehatterasca m