Back in the day, before “OBX” and “Outer Banks” became popular terms, people told their friends they were going to Nags Head for the summer. Let me fill you in on a little secret (and don’t tell anyone): Nags Head is still the place to g,o and Kitty Hawk Watersports will help take you there.
Do you want an overview of activities to do on foot or on the water? Nags Head has great restaurants, several fishing piers, an inlet where boats can access the Atlantic Ocean, a newly renovated lighthouse, a maritime forest, a giant sand dune, and more.
Things to Do on Foot
When you go to the beach, you don’t have to sit around. You can keep moving. After you swim in the ocean, if you want to try something new, walk to one of three fishing piers: Nags Head Pier, Jennette’s Pier, and the Outer Banks Pier. Besides fishing, these piers also offer food, entertainment, and other activities.
In the mood for a secluded hike? Try the Nags Head Woods Preserve. This area, operated by The Nature Conservancy, is home to a maritime forest, freshwater ponds, many species of birds, raccoons, otters, deer, coyote, foxes, and possum, just to name a few. You’ll also find cemeteries dating back to the 1800’s and the remnants of old homesteads.
Climbing a lighthouse is another great activity to do on foot. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is newly renovated and open for self-guided climbs. Enjoy the views and soak in the history as you stand atop a lighthouse that has been there since 1872. While you’re there, you can check out the visitor’s center and hike the trails from sound to sea.
Of course, you can’t miss the East Coast’s tallest living sand dune at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Hike to the top, and enjoy views of the ocean and the sound. Check out the visitor’s center, join an educational program, or watch the hang gliders.
Things to Do on the Water
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound, Nags Head has many options for water activities. The gimmes for beach activities are swimming, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, and paddle boarding, all of which are great activities requiring little to no instruction. The sound side in Nags Head, on the other hand, offers a much wider spectrum of activities. Non-powered enthusiasts can pursue kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, or sailing. For those who don’t want the effort of producing their own propulsion, visitors can participate in activities like parasailing, dolphin tours, jet-skiing, or motor boating.
For the serious fishermen, there is the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center at the southern-most point of Nags Head. From there, you can hop on chartered vessels that take you in-shore, near-shore, or off-shore. Decide your budget, and pick a boat. Their highly experienced captains will work hard to get you on the fish.
At Kitty Hawk Watersports, we can help you get off the beach with kayaks, surfboards, paddle boards, or body boards. If you want a little more adventure, we can get you out parasailing, jet-skiing, sailing, or kayaking. We also book kayak tours, dolphin tours, and family fishing trips. Contact us online, or call (252) 441-2756 to see what we have to offer. We will take care of you and help you have a great time while you visit Nags Head.