There's more to the Outer Banks than sun, sand,and serenity. At Nags Head, you can spend a fun-filled day with your entirefamily, both on and off the beach. You can fish from the state's longest publicpier, climb the Eastern seaboard's tallest dunes, visit a thrilling adventurepark, then cap off your day with a delicious dinner at a nearby eatery.
Dive Right In
Why not begin your day with a refreshing dip?
If you're staying at an oceanfront rental, youcan simply step outside your door, take a short trek across pristine sand, andstart splashing in the sparkling Atlantic.
If you're staying a few streets back, you'llstill have easy access to the ocean. More than 40 Nags Head locations providepublic access to the beach. Some furnish access only via boardwalks and dune decks,but many offer metered public parking. If you're planning to park, be sure toarrive fairly early. During the busy season, parking lots can fill up as earlyas 10-11 a.m.
Experience World-Class Fishing at Jennette's Pier
Looking for a place where you can purchase baitand tackle, rent rods and reels, cast your line for choice ocean fish, and evenvisit a renowned interactive educational center?
Come to Jennette's Pier at Milepost 16.5, BeachRoad, in the heart of Whalebone Junction in Nags Head.
For a modest day rate - $14 for adults and $7 forkids 12 and under - you can fish from the fabled 1,000-foot concrete pier. Youwon't even need a North Carolina fishing license: The pier is covered by aspecial blanket license.
All along the pier, benches and stands providecomfortable spots where you can cast for the countless fish that cluster aroundthe pilings. Depending on time of year, you and your family could reel in trout(gray and speckled), mackerel (king and Spanish), drum (black and red), seamullet, pompano, bluefish, flounder, croaker, sheepshead, mahi mahi, skate,cobia, spadefish, spot, pinfish, pigfish, puffers, rays, and more.
When you're all finished fishing, drop by the spaciouspier house, where you can sip coffee and cold drinks, purchase gifts and snacks,explore fascinating science exhibits, and marvel at exotic fish in several hugeaquariums.
Not an angler? Prefer to simply stroll alongthe pier? You'll pay only $2 per adult and $1 per child for all-day walkingaccess, complete with breathtaking ocean views.
The pier is open year 'round except ChristmasDay. Hours run from about 5 a.m. to midnight during the busiest season.
Climb a Monster Dune at Jockey's Ridge State Park
What's it like to stand at the top of thetallest active sand-dune system in the eastern United States?
Find out at Jockey's Ridge State Park, a426-acre day-use park located at Milepost 12 on South Croatan Highway (US 158).
Open to the public year 'round except ChristmasDay, this hugely popular park charges no admission fee. Spend an hour or twoexploring its vast, sandy dunes, with panoramic views stretching from the Atlanticto Roanoke Sound. If you like, you can also frolic in the Sound, sunbathe onthe shore, and hike a one-mile nature trail.
When it's windy, you and your family can tryflying kites from the summit. You can even take hang-gliding lessons from anexpert on-site vendor.
Temperatures can soar at the park, and the sandcan get burning-hot. Be sure to use sunscreen, wear sturdy shoes, and bringalong bottled water.
Hungry? If you've packed a lunch, take time toenjoy it at the scenic soundside picnic area. Then head off to your nextadventure.
Get Your Thrills at First Flight Adventure Park
Up for a bit more excitement before calling ita day? Come to First Flight Adventure Park at Milepost 15.5, 6714 South CroatanHighway (US 158), in Nags Head.
This exhilarating outdoor attraction offerseight aerial obstacle courses, ranging from easy to difficult (and from 12 to50 feet high), plus eight zip lines.
Throughout your two-hour experience, you'll getto swing from rings and ropes; climb nets and dangle from cables; cross elaborateelevated "bridges"; clamber over boards and barrels; zipline overgrassy fields, and more. For protection, you'll wear a helmet and harness(provided as part of your session), and you'll be supervised by expert guideswho'll make sure you're always safe.
Participants must be at least six years old,weigh less than 250 pounds, wear close-toed sneakers, and carry bottled water.Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, especially during busy months.
Dine at a Top Local Restaurant
Ready to relax? Head to one of the area'sfamous seafood eateries, such as Miller's Waterfront Restaurant, Blue MoonBeach Grill, Austin Fish Company, and Tale of the Whale. At Miller's, you caneven watch a spectacular sunset over Roanoke Sound. Perfect ending to a perfectday!
Can't Fit It All Into One Day? No Worries
You'll find lots more to do in Nags Head, fromsurfing to sailing to outlet shopping. Come for a week or a weekend to enjoy itall.
