Location: Nags Head
Top Things to do in Nags Head
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Nags Head, North Carolina (NC)
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. Cloud Nine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 1BSHICKS1995 - Maryland, United States
My male friend is into bracelets and has never made his own. So we decided to visit this shop. We came to the shop on Monday and found it was closed so we came back on Tuesday. The shop owner was VERY helpful and through our conversation she found out that I bead as well. So she provided me some pointers that will help me. She also helped my friend in adding smaller stones in his bracelet to make it stand out. The finish product was beautiful. I took these pictures and sent them to the shop owner and she took pics of us with his bracelet for her social media platforms.
2. 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!
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. Dowdy Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By tdsisum - Exton, United States
Stopped in with our two young children (4, 2). The playground is fantastic & all abilities too! Our children has so much fun running up and down the hills, climbing on the various structures, etc. we will go back every year!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Seaside Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By kraigmelville - Annapolis, United States
One can enjoy this destination purely as a museum of mostly local artists. There are a number of pieces from locales distant as well as historical pieces. Styles and media vary. There is also a collection of fine estate jewelry. It is a bit of a rabbit warren; the gallery extends far back and has a number of paths and side rooms for your viewing pleasure. Prices vary; you can drop a significant amount of cash here but the art quality is excellent.
8. 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.
9. Kitty Hawk Kites - Nags Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
With locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites is the largest retailer of kites on the Outer Banks, offering everything from single-line kites for kids to advanced stunt kites for experienced fliers. In addition, Kitty Hawk Kites offers the largest selection of toys, flags, and wind art that you won’t find anywhere else on the beach, as well as a leading selection of quality resort apparel, footwear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sunglasses, gifts, adventure and beach gear and more. If you're looking for adventure on the Outer Banks, look no further! Kitty Hawk Kites is the Outer Banks' leader in adventure and recreation. Choose from over 25 adventures at locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, including hang gliding, kiteboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surf lessons, jet ski rentals and tours, parasailing, JetPak, aero tours and flight instruction, sailing cruises, dolphin tours, horseback riding and wild horse tours, Segway tours, wakeboarding and tubing, light tackle and chartered fishing excursions, 4x4 beach tours, clamming, drone school, and more!
Reviewed By thegozguy - Hollywood, United States
Do it. No doubt if you are on your way to Outer Banks and have done any preliminary web search for cool stuff to do when you get there you're already seen some adventures on offer from Kitty Hawk Kites. BOOK IT! I did and I couldn't be happier. My buddy and I learned to hang glide at Jockey Ridge Dunes with the top team of instructors from Kitty Hawk Kites. That was an amazing adventure. We also booked horseback riding and looked into kitesurfing lessons, but found it was out of season by the time we arrived. This is a very professional operation and they are putting tourist in touch with locals who are doing things they love. What a great synergy! Take part in the action!
10. The French Door OBX
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
The French Door has a unique selection of jewelry, clothing, home decor and gifts. Known for the go-to spot on the OBX for clothing and jewelry! Our selection includes Uno de 50, Alex and Ani, Brighton, Waxing Poetic and local artisans too! Accessories such as Hobo bags and wallets! Clothing for all body types, our selection ranges from XCVI, Oh My Gauze and Chalet to Free People and Z Supply! We offer a relaxed beach vibe, clothing that is comfortable yet stylish! The French Door has something for everyone! Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend, a new outfit for yourself or you just want to peruse a beautiful store while you are on vacation the French Door is for you. We are at Mile Post 11, across from the YMCA in Nags Head (just steps from the beach). Locally owned and operated let our staff find the perfect gift or outfit for your occasion!
