Tranquility

Five Bedroom Fairways House, Located in Nags Head

Ride a Personal Watercraft in the Sound

Personal watercraft (jet skis) are a favorite pastime on the Outer Banks. Since the Outer Banks are surrounded by water, there are plenty of areas where you can ride your personal watercraft. There are also several places that rent personal watercraft. Depending on the area, personal watercraft is prohibited within 150 to 900 feet of shore. For more information on your specific area, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at (877) OBX-4FUN. You can rent personal watercraft from Kitty Hawk Watersports in Corolla at (252) 453-6900 or Nags Head at (252) 441-2756. Another option is Hatteras Watersports in Salvo at (252) 987-2306.

Visit the Deserted Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is a small, deserted island just south of Ocracoke Island. Though it was once inhabited, now Portsmouth Island has no residents and is accessible only by boat. There is a 2-mile trail that leads from the village to the beach. Wilderness camping is allowed, but don't forget your insect repellent! For more information on the Island, contact Cape Lookout National Seashore at (252) 728-2250. If you would rather have a guided tour, Portsmouth Island ATV Excursions allows you to ride the shores of this island and visit its attractions. Two trips are offered each day and cost $75 per person. For more information, contact (252) 928-4484.

Visit Local Art Galleries and Shops To View Local Talent and Style

Because of the natural beauty of the ocean and its surroundings on the Outer Banks, many artists live in the area and express their love for the Outer Banks in their artwork. There are several art shows and events throughout the year and several art galleries located throughout the Outer Banks. If you are interested in art, you will love spending a day touring some galleries in the area. If the timing is right, you might also get to see an art show or attend an event! For more information, contact the Dare County Arts Council at (252) 473-5558.

Tour the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Located on Roanoke Island, the North Carolina Aquarium is a 68,000 square-foot facility with a "Waters of the Outer Banks" theme. Visitors see a variety of marine communities including coastal freshwaters, wetlands, estuaries, roadside ditches and the Gulf Stream. A main attraction at the aquarium is the Graveyard of the Atlantic tank, which holds 285,000 gallons of saltwater and is home to sea turtles, sharks and almost 1,000 other sea creatures. The aquarium is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (except for Christmas and New Year's Day.) Prices are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and active military personnel, $5 for children ages six to 17, and kids five and under are free. For more information, contact the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island at (252) 473-3494.

Watch the Diamond Shoals Band at the Frisco Jubilee

In the small theater at Red Drum Pottery in Frisco, the Diamond Shoals Band plays their music on Thursday nights from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. from the end of May through Labor Day each year. The Diamond Shoals Band began in 1990 and their music is a blend of folk and bluegrass. The theater seats about 72 people and ticket prices are $12. For more information, contact the band at (252) 995-5757.

Ride Go-Karts with Your Friends and Family

While you are on the Outer Banks, take the kids (or the adults!) for some go-kart riding. There are a few tracks to choose from and any of them are sure to provide lots of fun and laughter. The Colington Speedway in Kill Devil Hills has three tracks to choose from and can be reached at (252) 480-9144. Dowdy's Amusement Park is located in Nags Head and can be reached at (252) 441-5122. Finally, on Hatteras Island, Frisco Mini Golf & Go-Karts also offers a track for your enjoyment and can be reached at (252) 995-6325.

Visit the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, located on Roanoke Island, was designated as a National Historic Site in 1941. Situated on more than 500 acres, this location offers a sound side beach, the Fort Raleigh Visitor Center and nature trails. The Visitor Center is home to a small museum with interpretive exhibits, and this site is a must-see for American history enthusiasts. Self-guided tours or tours led by knowledgeable National Park Service staff are available. The Site is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week (hours are extended during the summer months.) For more information, contact Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at (252) 473-5772.

Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of the Outer Banks is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is the home to a live sea creature, set him back in the sand and keep searching. After you are done with your beachcombing, don't forget to soak the shells in bleach water or another cleaning agent. Even if the shells you choose are empty now, they had something living in them at one time and need to be cleaned before you pack them in your suitcase.

Feed the Birds on the Beach

There are many species of sea birds that call the shores of the Outer Banks home. They normally eat fish, sea kelp and other interesting things that may wash onshore. One afternoon, buy a couple loaves of bread and head to the beach. There may be only a few birds in sight when you arrive, but throw some bread out to them and watch as the birds multiply in front of your eyes. If you are afraid of birds, you may not want to try this, because they LOVE food and aren't afraid to get too close to you!

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright (otherwise known as the Wright Brothers) soared in their homemade flying machine for more than 852 feet, staying in the air for 59 seconds. They were the first to get a powered airplane to fly in the sky. In 1932, a granite monument was built in their memory on a steep hill in the center of Kill Devil Hills, which is the same monument thousands of visitors visit each year. The site is managed by the National Park Service and there is also a visitor center, gift shop and museum. Tours and summer programs are available. Admission is $4 for adults and free for children 15 and under. For more information, contact the Wright Brothers National Memorial at (252) 441-7430.

 

Nags Head Restaurants

Outback Steakhouse
5220 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

New York Bagels
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Yellow Submarine Restaurant
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Grits Grill
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Peking Restaurant
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Taiko Japanese Restaurant
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill
5002 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Harbor Point Grill and Pizzeria
5000 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Sonic - America's Drive-In
5205 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

La Fogata Mexican Restaurant
4933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Players' Grill
5615 S Seachase Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Nags Head Shopping

Food Lion
5200 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Dollar Tree
5120 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Reef Beachwear
5215 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Books
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Cottage Shop
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Habitat Earth
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Hallmark Peggy's Shop
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Dare Jewelers
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

General Nutrition Center
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Mall
5000 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Mule Shed
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Lil' Grass Shack/Bikini Hut
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Attractions

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
98 NC Highway 12
Nags Head, NC 27959

Jennette's Pier
7223 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Jockey's Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Pirate's Cove Marina & Charters
2000 Sailfish Drive
Manteo/Nags Head Causeway
Manteo, NC 27954

Nags Head Fishing Pier
3309 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks History Center
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954

North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
104 Fernando Street
Manteo, NC 27954

Shallowbag Bay Club Marina
90 North Bay Club Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
708 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Nags Head Activities

Nags Head Golf Links
5615 S Seachase Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Speed N Spray
6408 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf
6606 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Blackbeard's Miniature Golf
6714 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Jurassic Putt
6926 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Nags Head Raceway
7000 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Kitty Hawk Kites
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Carolina Outdoors
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Miss Kitty's Old Time Photo
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Kitty Hawk Sports
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Native Vine Cellars & Tasting Room
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Bodie Island Adventures
7649 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959