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| Jockey's Ridge State Park |
Attractions
Besides the beach, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the most popular attraction in Nags Head. At 420 acres, Jockey’s Ridge is the largest sand dune system on the East Coast and it has been preserved as a park for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can climb 100 feet to the top of the ridge to see both the ocean and sound, fly kites on the windy dune tops, hang glide from the ridges, learn about sand dunes in the museum or participate in year-round nature programs.
Bordering Jockey’s Ridge is Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, a 1,092-acre, rare maritime forest eco-system that can be explored on a series of hiking trails.![]() |
| Nags Head Pier |
Nags Head offers two fishing piers — Outer Banks Pier and Nags Head Pier. A third, North Carolina Aquarium Jennette’s Pier, It includes a 1,000-foot-long pier, a 16,000-square-foot building with exhibits, educational areas and more.
A stretch of historic oceanfront homes is one of the town’s most cherished features. These homes are prized for their unique "Nags Head-style" architecture and are known as the "Unpainted Aristocracy." You’ll find them around milepost 13, though none of them is open to the public.
Just a 5 to 10 minutes’ drive from Nags Head are the renowned Roanoke Island attractions — The Lost Colony outdoor drama, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, The Elizabethan Gardens, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Roanoke Island Maritime Museum and the charming waterfront town of Manteo with its shops, galleries and restaurants.
To the north, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is in the neighboring town of Kill Devil Hills. About 40 minutes north is Corolla, home of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, The Whalehead Club Historic House Museum and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education.
To the south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge offer some of the most beautiful undeveloped beaches and natural areas you’ll ever see. The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is about an hour’s drive from Nags Head.
In terms of outdoor recreation, watersports and amusements, Nags Head has the largest and most varied number of options on the Outer Banks.
Of course, the ocean and sound figure prominently in Nags Head recreation. Watersports enthusiasts will appreciate Nags Head’s wealth of watersports outfitters located around milepost 16 and on the Nags Head-Roanoke Island causeway. These include outfitters for kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, Jet-Skiing and Parasailing, all of which are done in the shallow Roanoke Sound. Surfing lessons are taught in the ocean, of course.
Families will enjoy Nags Head’s selection of putt-putt courses, bumper boat operators and go-cart establishments.
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| Surf Fishing |
Fishing is big in the Nags Head surf and on the three piers in town . Anglers taking inshore or offshore charters frequently choose Nags Head as their base because of the town’s close proximity to Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo and Broad Creek Fishing Center or Thicket Lump Marina in Wanchese.
Nags Head is one of the few places where you can learn to hang-glide. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a popular place for learning and practicing the sport.
Hiking on the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge and along the trails in Nags Head Woods are also popular activities in Nags Head.
fishingUnlimited.net/OuterBanksPier.html
www.GhostToursOfTheOuterBanks.com
http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Nags-Head-Golf-Links

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Top 10 Kid Activities On The Outer Banks

Kid-approved fun for your Outer Banks vacation!
Outer Banks
activities for kids
Sun Realty thinks that kids rock! We want our youngest
visitors to have the coolest Outer Banks vacation ever. Sun
Realty's Top 10 List of Outer Banks Activities for Kids
offers awesome ideas that will keep both children and
parents happy.
1. Catch a wave! - Yes, kids can learn to surf! Professional Outer Banks surf instructors are CPR certified and known how to safely introduce kids to the sport. Check out local companies like Corolla Surf Shop or Whalebone Surf Shop in Nags Head.
2. Go nuts for nature! The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla offers a calendar of cool activities for kids 4 and up! Learn how to fish, take a beach exploration, learn about nature photography, and more! All activities are free, but donations are appreciated.
3. Boardin' at the beach! Check out the rockin' new indoor skate ramp at 158 Surf & Skate in Kitty Hawk - take a private lesson or have a crew session. You can also get a daily pass to the outdoor park at the Outer Banks YMCA in Nags Head, or skate the bowl at Island Revolution in Corolla.
4. Make your own souvenir! - Have Art, Glass n' Fire Mobile Pottery Studio help you makeOuter Banks vacations for kids a one of a kind creation, or make your own unique jewelry at a studio like The Glass Bead on Hatteras Island.
5. Hole in one! - From Corolla to Hatteras Island, you can find numerous miniature golf courses. Try to make par on the jungle, pirate, or dinosaur themed holes. This classic activity is always a hit, and many courses offer Play All Day passes. Outer Banks putt-putt never goes out of style! Check out the Promenade Water Sports & Golf at Mile Post 0 in Kitty Hawk, or Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard & Mini Golf in Buxton.
6. Take a wild horse adventure! - There's nothing cooler than seeing the amazing Corolla Wild Horses in person. Several companies in Corolla offer Jeep rentals or guided tours. Use a company like Bob's Off-Road Wild Horse Tours for a guaranteed sighting of these beautiful creatures. Make sure you bring your camera!
7. Hang with sharks & otters! The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a must-do for kids of all ages. There are indoor/outdoor exhibits, a touch tank, gift shop, andSandbucket on Outer Banks, NC beach more. Check out the planned activities such as Dive Shows and Animal Feeding Programs.
8. Climb a huge sand dune! You gotta make it to the top of Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head! You can roll down the dune, fly a kite, or even learn to hang glide!
9. Become a Junior Ranger! The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Junior Ranger Program is designed for kids age 5-13. Ranger programs are available from mid-June to Labor Day. Learn how to protect the park and receive an official badge
10. Reel 'em in! Fishing on any of the Outer Banks piers is a great way to learn this awesome pastime! From the moment you reel in your first fish, you'll be "hooked" for sure!
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Water Activities
The Outer Banks is made up of 409 square miles of water. This makes the area perfect for a variety of water activities including jet skiing, ocean and sound kayaking, diving, surfing, parasailing, wind surfing, kite surfing, kite boarding, skim boarding, sailing, boating, and of course, swimming. |
| Adventure Sports |
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Kitty Hawk Watersports Waverunners, Parasailing, Kayaks, Bumperboats, Climbing Wall & more! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-2756 |
| Arcades, Amusements & Go Karts |
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Kitty Hawk Watersports Waverunners, Parasailing, Kayaks, Bumperboats, Climbing Wall & more! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-2756 |
| Arts & Crafts |
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Cloud Nine Upscale bohemian jewelry, hemp, clothing, custom beadwork & lots of beads. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-2992 |
| Bicycle & Scooter Rentals |
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Beach Daze Rentals Outer Banks bike rentals, baby equipment, kayak rentals and more. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:888-441-0949 |
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Ocean Atlantic Rentals In Nags Head Outer Banks bike rentals for the whole family & delivery too. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:800-635-9559 |
| Boat & Watercraft Rentals |
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Fishing Unlimited Outer Banks rental boats for fishing, crabbing or cruising the Roanoke Sound. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-5028 |
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Kitty Hawk Watersports Waverunners, Parasailing, Kayaks, Bumperboats, Climbing Wall & more! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-2756 |
| Bowling Centers |
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Nags Head Bowling Center Outer Banks bowling in a family friendly environment; arcade, snack bar & more! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-7077 |
| Fishing Charters |
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Miss Oregon Inlet On the Miss Oregon Inlet we provide everything you need to fish; bring the whole family. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-6301 |
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Oregon Inlet Fishing Center Oregon Inlet Fishing Center: We make your fishing dreams come true! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-6301 |
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Outrigger Sportfishing Charters Charter an Adventure Today! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-480-3121 |
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Seaducer Sportfishing Charters Outer Banks fishing charters to make your dreams come true! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-449-2195 |
| Fishing Marinas |
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Oregon Inlet Fishing Center Oregon Inlet Fishing Center: We make your fishing dreams come true! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-6301 |
| Fishing Piers |
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Fishing Unlimited Outer Banks rental boats for fishing, crabbing or cruising the Roanoke Sound. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-5028 |
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Outer Banks Fishing Pier The family fishing pier and tackle shop. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-5740 |
| Fitness |
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Outer Banks Sports Club Friendly faces and helpful attitudes make your Outer Banks workout fun! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-8361 |
| Kayak Rentals & Tours |
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Beach Daze Rentals Outer Banks bike rentals, baby equipment, kayak rentals and more. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:888-441-0949 |
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Kitty Hawk Sports Outer Banks adventure & surf shop for kayaking, surfing and apparel. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:(252) 441-6800 |
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Kitty Hawk Watersports Waverunners, Parasailing, Kayaks, Bumperboats, Climbing Wall & more! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-2756 |
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Ocean Atlantic Rentals In Nags Head Outer Banks kayak rentals for fun in the sun & delivery too. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:800-635-9559 |
| Miniature Golf |
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Mutiny Bay Golf The Outer Banks Premiere soundfront miniature golf course. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-480-0087 |
| Surfing & Bodyboarding Lessons & Rentals |
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Kitty Hawk Sports Outer Banks adventure & surf shop for kayaking, surfing and apparel. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:(252) 441-6800 |
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Ocean Atlantic Rentals In Nags Head Outer Banks private and group surf lessons...learn to ride the waves. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:800-635-9559 |
| Bars, Clubs & Lounges |
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Beach Road Grill Casual dining in a fun setting! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-480-2228 |
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Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant &
Tavern The Outer Banks Premier Dining & Nightly Entertainment. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-4116 |
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Lucky 12 Tavern Lucky 12 Tavern: Something for everyone... Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-255-5825 |
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Mulligan's Raw Bar & Grille Voted best burger on the Outer Banks for 6 years. Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-480-2000 |
| Bowling Center |
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Nags Head Bowling Center Outer Banks bowling in a family friendly environment; arcade, snack bar & more! Nags Head, NC | Northern Outer Banks | Phone:252-441-7077 |




