Nags Head North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nags Head, North Carolina.
1. Jockey's Ridge State Park
TALLEST EAST COAST DUNES
Jockey's Ridge State Park features the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast, providing a dynamic hiking and sandboarding adventure with panoramic ocean and sound views. Visitors can enjoy activities like kite flying and hang gliding in this natural playground. The park has become a symbol of Nags Head and is considered an essential Outer Banks experience, with many locals saying you're not truly an Outer Banker until you've taken a running tumble down the dunes.
2. Bodie Island Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Bodie Island Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime beacon with an engaging museum focusing on local history and sea life. Visitors can climb approximately 200 steps to reach the top, where panoramic views of the surrounding coastline await. The lighthouse is complemented by scenic boardwalks that allow for wildlife observation in the natural coastal habitat.
3. Jennette's Pier
EDUCATIONAL FISHING EXPERIENCE
Jennette's Pier offers a coastal experience with interactive exhibits on ocean life, serene views, and fishing activities. Educational displays and aquarium tanks provide visitors with insights into the marine ecosystem of the Outer Banks. The pier also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs to commemorate their relaxing and informative visit.
4. Nags Head Fishing Pier
CLASSIC COASTAL FISHING
Nags Head Fishing Pier provides anglers and observers with an authentic Outer Banks fishing experience along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can witness marine life like giant manta rays swimming below while chatting with local fishers. The pier serves as both a fishing destination and a scenic outlook point for experiencing the coastal environment.
5. Dowdy Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPACE
Dowdy Park offers free family fun in a well-maintained recreation space in the heart of Nags Head. The park provides playgrounds, open green spaces, and community gathering areas for visitors of all ages. It serves as a relaxing retreat from the beach and a venue for local events and activities throughout the year.
6. Outlets Nags Head
DESIGNER BRAND SHOPPING
Outlets Nags Head features direct-from-manufacturer savings on merchandise from favorite designer and name brands. Shoppers can browse stores including Champion, Sperry, Eddie Bauer, Vera Bradley, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren. The outlet mall provides a climate-controlled shopping alternative when taking a break from beach activities.
7. Tracks in the Sand
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS
Tracks in the Sand offers hiking trails that wind through the diverse coastal landscapes of Nags Head. Visitors can experience the unique ecosystem where maritime forest meets sandy shores. The trails provide an opportunity to connect with nature while observing local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
8. Full Throttle Speedway
EXCITING GO-KART RACING
Full Throttle Speedway delivers the excitement of race day with gas-powered, Indy-Style Go-Karts on a hot race track. Visitors can feel the grip of tires and power behind the wheel as they navigate the course. The attraction provides a thrilling alternative to beach activities for families and racing enthusiasts alike.
9. Seaside Art Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS
Seaside Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of artwork inspired by the Outer Banks coastal environment. Visitors can browse paintings, sculptures, and other creative works from local and regional artists. The gallery offers both a cultural experience and the opportunity to purchase unique pieces that capture the essence of Nags Head.
10. Nags Head Woods
DIVERSE MARITIME FOREST
Nags Head Woods is one of the most diverse maritime forests on the East Coast, crossing town lines between Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills. Visitors can explore the verdant wonder through respectful walks along its well-maintained trails. The forest ecosystem provides a stark contrast to the nearby beaches and dunes, showcasing the ecological diversity of the Outer Banks.
11. Wright Brothers National Memorial
FIRST FLIGHT COMMEMORATION
Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates humanity's first successful powered flight, which took place on the Outer Banks in 1903. Visitors can explore the monument, museum, and reconstructed camp buildings that tell the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright's historic achievement. The memorial's hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding area where aviation history was made.
12. H2OBX Waterpark
REFRESHING AQUATIC ADVENTURE
H2OBX Waterpark offers a refreshing escape with numerous water slides, pools, and aquatic attractions for visitors of all ages. Located just a short drive from Nags Head in Powells Point, the park combines thrilling rides with relaxing water features. Families can spend an entire day enjoying the cool water attractions when taking a break from the ocean beaches.
13. Duck Boardwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT STROLL
Duck Boardwalk provides a charming wooden pathway along the Currituck Sound with scenic water views and access to shops and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along the mile-long boardwalk while observing wildlife and enjoying the peaceful waterfront setting. The boardwalk serves as both a transportation corridor and a destination itself in this upscale Outer Banks community.
14. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
AMERICA'S TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands as America's tallest lighthouse with its distinctive black and white spiral pattern visible for miles along the Outer Banks. Visitors can climb the 257 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. The lighthouse represents an important piece of maritime history, having guided ships away from the treacherous Diamond Shoals since 1870.
15. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
PREMIER FISHING HEADQUARTERS
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center serves as the premier destination for offshore and inshore fishing charters in the Outer Banks. Visitors can arrange trips with experienced captains to pursue everything from marlin and tuna to flounder and trout. The center also offers fish cleaning services, a store with fishing supplies, and the opportunity to watch the day's catch being brought in by returning boats.