Location: Nags Head
Top Things to do in Nags Head
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Nags Head That You Shouldn't Miss
With eleven miles of sand, it's no surprise the beach is everyone's favorite attraction in Nags Head. This Outer Banks town just south of Kitty Hawk offers ocean fans every sort of shoreline sport, from sailing and kayaking to snorkeling past shipwrecks or hang-gliding over the sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park. Step into the past with a walk through the historic district and enjoy the area’s distinct architecture.
Restaurants in Nags Head
1. Seagreen Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 776kristinw - Newport, United States
Creative and amazingly unique items. There was a variety of price points so anyone could find something. Love the repurposed and upcycled items. A must visit!
2. Outer Banks Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 459 reviews
*TOUR INFO* Explore the hidden Outer Banks & take a ride on the wild side with Outer Banks Adventures unique Eco-tours on NC's only Airboat or take a spin on a Guided SUP Tour. Air Boat tours start at 1hr at $60pp, $85 for 1.5hr or $100pp for 2hr, Tours cover between 18-27 miles & make several stops along the way including sand bars & private islands depending on which you choose, 1/2 day & Full day charters are available upon request where multiple areas & activities can be seen & done. Spend the day exploring the OBX that few get to see. Our Guided 2hr SUP tours $65pp for 2hrs & 3hrs are $90pp & include lessons. All TOURS are booked by appointment to ensure a personal & unique experience. We run from the Nagshead/Manteo at the Washington Baum Boat landing. Airboat tours have a 4 person minimum & a max of 10 per tour, LESS than 4 we can pair you up with another group or you are welcome to pay the difference for a private experience over 10 add a 2nd boat. *all prices listed are cash*
3. Gulf Stream Gifts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
A unique contemporary gift shop specializing in 14kt. gold and sterling silver jewelry. We feature one of the finest selection of charms, earrings, bracelets and anklets with a coastal or beach flair. This year we picked a wonderful selection of fun and fabulous jewelry that you will love to wear all year. Since 1987, Gulf Stream Gifts has been a favorite shopping destination for visitors.
Reviewed By bubby2six - Pittsburgh, United States
I have been stopping in Gulf Stream Gifts for over twenty years. They have the nicest variety of items. Nothing junky. Great prices. Very unique items. Love their jewelry. I always come home with such nice "beachy" items after my stop at this great store. The owners do a wonderful job keeping their store full of beautiful things.
4. Jockey's Ridge State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,240 reviews
Two of the highest sand dunes on the East Coast are located here, providing excellent take-off points for hang gliders.
Reviewed By donnajsatterlee - Princess Anne, United States
An absolutely magical place where there are really tall sand dunes There are trail markings for an easy round trip of 1 1/2 miles to the Roanoke Sound so that it is easy to find the route with shifting sands. The windswept sands make amazing patterns. There is a place that is wheelchair compatible, but only as far as a vista. The rest would be hard to negotiate without wide, sand friendly wheels. There are also some asphalt trails through some native to the area live oaks.
5. Tracks in the Sand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
A self-guided 1.5-mile trail along the dunes.
Reviewed By KatPham - Lorton, United States
A must do when in Nags Head. A great stop. There’s no entrance fees. Go either early in the morning or early evening- right before the sunset.
6. Bodie Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,067 reviews
An interesting and still important lighthouse that can be visited but not climbed. (NOTE: The lighthouse is currently under construction, and is expected to re-open in summer 2013, with the ability to be climbed for the first time)
Reviewed By Jake6279
We had an amazing time and it was a great tour of the light house, we had wait for our climb so we walked out on their boardwalk and outlook. I would do it again!
7. Jennette's Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,475 reviews
Owned and operated by the North Carolina Aquariums, Jennette's Pier offers ocean fishing, educational programs with camps and fabulous facility rentals in Oceanview Hall. The 1,000-foot long pier is open year-round but hours vary with the seasons. All fishing customers are covered by a blanket fishing license while on the pier. Pick up ice, bait, tackle, drinks, T-shirts, hats, toys and more at the Pier Shop. Large public beach access complete with free parking, bath house and outdoor showers. Help us keep it "clean and green."
Reviewed By WeSawIt2013 - Charlotte, United States
Beautiful concrete pier part of the NC Aquarium System, feels so sturdy and stable. For free, walk in and see the huge aquariums with fish identification and browse the gift shop for a souvenir. Walk out onto the pier for a small fee and do some fishing, see and read the exhibits providing information about the ocean and marine life, birds, renewable energy or people watch. Great views of the sea and beach. Parking is free but can limited at busy times.
8. Lucky 12 Tavern
9. Causeway Watersports
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Causeway Watersports is a full service locally owned and operated watersports company, located conveniently on the Nags Head/ Manteo Causeway (look for our 4-story wooden watch tower). We offer Jet ski rentals, Jet ski tours, Parasailing, Pontoon Boat Rentals, Tubing Rides, Kayaks & Sup's. We have the BEST prices on the Outer Banks!
10. Life On A Sandbar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Life on a Sandbar specializes in braids, hair wraps, henna, temporary tattoos, and making sand art creations. New this year is mermaid and pirate makeovers. We also carry Del Sol color-changing nail polish, t-shirts, hats, and more. Plus, we carry beautiful silver jewelry, and very unique. Our store is locally owned and operated for over 18 years. We especially enjoy seeing familiar faces every year, plus new ones. Our motto is creating fun, sun, and memories. This year we moved our location downstairs , next to the Fudgery. Same, same, but different.
Reviewed By SwimSew
Sarah was familiar and friendly when she visited our time-share owners' meeting. First visited the shop in 2000, and have gone back every time we have come to the Outer Banks, since then. We love the color changing t-shirts, tote bags, and nail polish: we've had many compliments on them when we return home!! Sarah also carries a fabulous selection of reasonably priced jewelry: love the sea turtles! Sand art creations are available for you to make and be creative.
