Nags Head is a perfect beach town located in the state of North Carolina with an interesting history. Located in the Outer Banks, it is covered with natural beauties and fun activities.
This town has something for everyone starting from beautiful beaches to big sand dunes. You can spend an entire week watching wildlife, shopping at local stores, and trying water sports.
So, we have prepared a list of 20 cool things to do in Nags Head that will make your next trip special.
1. Explore Jockey's Ridge State Park
The Jokey's Ridge State Park started operating in 1975. This is a unique tourist destination located in the town of Nags Head on the outer banks. Visiting this place, you will have multiple options for fun and entertaining activities.
When you get inside the park, you can either opt for hiking, kite flying, or simply rest enjoying the beautiful view. The Ridge offers you with stunning views views of the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound.
Apart from that, for more adventurous activities you can also take part in hang-gliding lessons as well. The park also features a visitor center and museum where you can stop by. This place provides you with an in-depth understanding of cultural history.
2. Climb The Bodie Island Lighthouse
This historic place is located just 10 miles south of Nags Head. Built in 1872, the Bodie Island Lighthouse now has been converted into a tourist spot.
Climbing the top of the place, you can see the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Pamlico Sound, and surrounding wetlands. Along with that, the lighthouse also has a small museum on its bottom where you can see different ancient artifacts.
An hour or two is just enough for the exploration of the place. After that, you can take a short walk on the boardwalk outside the place, surrounded by natural beauty and scenic surroundings.
3. Stroll Along Jennette's Pier

Another wonderful place in Nags Head is Jennette's Pier, which is almost 1000 feet long. Situated along the beach on South Virginia Dare Trail, this popular landmark provides you with perfect sunset or sunrise views.
Jennette's Pier is a perfect place to enjoy fishing along with beautiful ocean views. Additionally, you can also attend educational exhibits held throughout the year. With multiple things to do, you can also experience the local marine life while strolling and enjoying the sea winds.
Overall, Jennette's Pier is one of the prominent attractions at Nags Head, NC with multiple recreational opportunities in nature.
4. Hike The Tracks In The Sand Trail
If you are visiting Jockey's State Park, then you can also try out hiking the tracks in the sand trail for more adventure. Offering a peaceful atmosphere, it is a perfect place for nature lovers with scenic views.
Here you can experience the unique sand dunes from close proximity. As you hike along, you will see various plants and might also spot wild animals. To get more out of the trek you should follow the well-marked path. No matter what your age is, the height is suitable for every individual.
Established in 1875, the tracks in the sand trail are covered with different informative signs sharing knowledge about the ecology and geology of the area.
5. Relax At Dowdy Park
Started operating in 2017, this place is located just one and a half miles away from Jockey's Ridge Park. Dowdy Park is the best place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
The park houses playgrounds for kids beautiful gardens and sports courts for adults, the place is a family-friendly destination. If you are also looking for a place for outings or picnics, Dowdy Park is a go-to.
You can attend events like farmers' markets, art shows, and concerts, throughout the year. For someone looking for artwork, the park also has public art installations. Featuring multiple outdoor activities, Dowdy Park has become a beloved spot among travelers and locals alike.
6. Try Fishing At Nags Head Fishing Pier

The Nags Head Fishing Pier is a fun place to experience fishing. As a home for a variety of fishes, this place is perfect for catching fish along with the stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Recognized as an outdoor spot to spend a relaxing time, the Nags Head Fishing Pier is accessible to visitors of all ages. During your time here, you can collect some fishing tips from the friendly staff at the tackle shop.
For those not interested in fishing, the pier could be a great option to walk around while watching the sunset. Meanwhile, a meal at one of the oceanside restaurants could enhance the overall experience.
7. Shop At Outlets Nags Head
The Outlets Nags Head is nested at the south of the Nags Head Fishing Pier. The place features multiple stores selling a variety of products to choose from. Visiting Outlets Nags Head, you can shop for products like footwear, accessories, and many more.
You can also stop by various restaurants and cafes and try out their popular local cuisine. The outlet center is also a perfect place to enjoy special events and seasonal sales.
The location of the outlet center near the beach makes it one of the major nags head nc attractions. This helps you to spend a fun family time at the beach after a wonderful shopping run.
8. Spend A Day At Feel Full Throttle Speedway
Spending a day at Full Throttle Speedway is a thrilling experience. The speedway is where you will find the town's most exciting go-kart racing field. Offering entertainment since a long time, this is a must-visit place for those seeking a fun day filled with high speed.
Inside the speedway, you can choose from single and double karts to drive on the track. For young ones, the Full Throttle Speedway also features kiddle karts. Beyond that, the facility offers bumper cars and an arcade with multiple games.
For beginner as well as advanced drivers, it is a place to experience racing along with friends and family. If you are afraid of driving the karts, you can just sit around and enjoy the atmosphere filled with fun and adventure.
9. Hike Through Nags Head Woods Preserve

Nags Head Woods Preserve is a hidden gem located just 6 miles away from Negs Head in Kill Devil. This preserve provides a peaceful escape to the stunning landscapes of the town.
The diverse ecosystem and multiple scenic trails, make Nags Head Woods Preserve a great place for hiking enthusiasts. The entire trail inside it spreads across five miles and winds through forests, sand dunes, and wetlands.
Hiking through these preserves offers insights into the local flora and fauna, which enhances the hiking experience. For those interested in learning about the preserve's ecology, you could surely attend the educational programs that take place inside the area.
10. Discover Local Art At Seaside Art Gallery
This delightful place is where you will find a diverse range of artworks. The Seaside Art Gallery offers a unique insight into the artistic heritage and history of the area.
The gallery features artworks like paintings, sculptures, and prints. It is home to both contemporary and traditional pieces consisting of artworks from local as well as international artists. Established in 1961 the location of Seaside Art Gallery makes it more special.
The entire area has a peaceful environment with multiple learning opportunities. Not just that the gallery is also a place to find unique gift items and souvenirs to remember your trip by.
11. Learn About Local History At The USS Huron Wreck Site
The USS Huron wreck site is an educational hub that has been protected underwater for several years. It is a place to learn about local history and maritime heritage. This site features the remains of a historic shipwreck that you can watch during your visit.
The USS Huron wreck site is situated on the coast of Nags Head and is easily accessible from the heart of the city. The site is a great destination to discover the story of the iron-hulled steamship that sank in 1877.
For a closer look at the shipwreck, you can even dive into its location. Along with that the site also offers insights into the maritime history of the Outer Banks.
12. Visit The Wright Brothers National Memorial

Celebrating the birthplace of powered flights, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is a historic site located in close proximity to Nags Head Wood Preserve. It is where the first-ever flight was brought to life by Orville and Wilbur Wright.
The site is popular as the house of various exhibits and historical landmarks displaying about Wright brothers' experiments. The outside area of the memorial features the area where the flights made their way to the sky.
At the high grounds of the area, a granite memorial dedicated to the Wright Brothers offers a panoramic view of the area. Furthermore, as you stroll around, the shops lined up on the front street are where you can shop for educational materials and souvenirs.
13. Enjoy A Mini-Golf Game At Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf
For a fun-filled day, playing a round of mini golf at Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf can be a perfect choice. It is a place that features a pirate theme with exciting and challenging mini golf courses.
Located along South Croatan Highway in Nags Head, the place is easily accessible. In Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf Course, you will find potholes that wind through waterfalls, caves, and pirate ships.
To take the experience to the next level, you can also take part in events and themed nights hosted by the facility year-round. This golf course is a perfect place for enjoying a challenging game with friends and family in exchange for a meal.
14. Visit The Elizabethan Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens is another beautiful site nested just a short drive away from Nags Head in Fort Raleigh National Historic Site location at Roanoke Island. This site takes you back to the Elizabethan era in a beautiful setting.
The garden showcases various plants and stunning landscapes. At the Elizabethan Gardens, you can stroll through 10 acres of open beautifully maintained gardens. Every corner of the area features themed places like the Sunken Garden, the Queen's Rose Garden, and others.
The Elizabethan Gardne has been up and running since 1951 offering beautiful surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere to visitors from around the world.
15. Soak Up The Sun On The Beach

Beaches are simple yet fun places to spend a day. The Nags Head has some of the best sandy beaches with warm waters and smooth ocean winds. You can sunbathe, swim, or play beach games along the Atlantic Ocean to get more out of your beach day.
Adding adventure to the experience, the consistent waves can also be used for surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing. Searching the beaches might also help spend a fun time with a chance of finding unique shells to bring home as souvenir.
However to explore the Nags Head beaches' you will have to pay a price of around $5 to $20 per day. Despite that, you won't regret spending this amount as the experience will remain with you for the rest of your life.
16. Explore The Shops In Downtown Nags Head
One of the major attractions of Nags Head is obviously its downtown. Throughout the main street, you will find various shops offering unique products that you could bring back as memorials or gifts.
During your visit here, you can buy items like beachwear, surf gear, handmade crafts, and local art. Most of these shops feature works of local artists helping them spread their works around the globe.
To end the day in a fun and relaxing way, you can enter one of many restaurants and cafes to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere along with sunset views.
17. Go On A Dolphin Watching Tour
Planning a dolphin-watching tour is an unforgettable experience while in Nags Head. This tour is a suitable way to watch the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
You can join a guided tour from one of the marinas to experience this tour. During this exploration, you will travel across the coastline while searching for dolphins. Perfectly timed trips might also let you spot other animals like sea turtles, seabirds, and even whales.
The price of these tours mostly varies depending upon the operators and time duration. Meanwhile, based on the price you pay, some tours might also let you snorkel or dive to learn about the marine ecosystem from a close distance.
18. Visit The First Flight Adventure Park

At a cost of around $45 to $55 before discounts for children and groups, the First Flight Adventure Parks offers an exciting and challenging experience. It is a place to enjoy the aerial adventure and test your agility along with friends and family.
As you enter the park, it welcomes you with a series of aerial obstacles and zip lines set among the trees. You will have an option to choose from 50 different activities of unique difficulty levels.
Within the Flight Adventure Park, ground-level activities and picnic spots can also be found for those afraid of heights. Situated in an easily accessible location, the park is also a safe place to have fun while staying under the supervision of park operators.
19. Visit The Roanoke Island Aquarium
If you are planning a visit to Roanoke Island, the Roanoke Island Aquarium is a place that you should not miss. It is filled with fascinating exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life of the Outer Banks.
The aquarium is located a short drive from Nags Head where you can watch water animals like sharks, sea turtles, and otters. One of the major highlights of the place is the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
This exhibit offers a glimpse into the underwater archaeology featuring shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast. The Roanoke Island also has a few touch tanks where you can feel and feed the animals. However, this experience comes at a cost of around $8 to $15 based on your age.
20. Watch The Wildlife At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is an easily accessible place with free visits inside the area. Established in 1938, the refuge has served as a home to various wildlife.
It was initially started to provide shelter for migratory birds and has become a house for over 365 bird species to date. This refuge is a haven for animal lovers allowing them a closer look at the animals.
Along with animal spotting, it is also suitable for strolling around with several well-maintained trails like the North Pond Wildlife Trail and the Salt Flats Wildlife Trail. A tour of the entire area covers a diverse landscape from marshes and ponds to dunes and beaches.