Things To Do
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
The current Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a replica of the third lighthouse to carry that same name constructed in 1877 on the southern end of the Croatan Sound in the village of Wanchese on Roanoke Island. Local sailors and fisherman could find safe passage to the island with help from this little light.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in the US and protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast. Offshore of Cape Hatteras, the Gulf Stream collides with the Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada. This current forces southbound ships into a dangerous twelve-mile long sandbar called Diamond Shoals. Hundreds and possibly thousands of shipwrecks in this area have given it the reputation as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Tucked away between tall pine trees and freshwater marshland, the Bodie Island Light presents anything but a typical lighthouse setting. Though not as well-known as its neighbors, it remains an important part of local history and a favorite spot for visitors. And still every evening, amidst the water towers and blinking radio antennae of modern development, its powerful light beams out across the darkening waves, keeping silent watch over the treacherous waters known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
Jennette's Pier
Ever since 1939, families have made lifetime memories while visiting Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. Even though wind, waves and water have knocked down previous versions of this ocean fishing pier, today's 1,000-foot-long, concrete platform offers a delightful place to fish, stroll, socialize and soak in the salt air. Bring your family by to see why folks refer to Jennette's Pier as a family fun spot
Pirate's Cove Marina
Visit the marina in the afternoons to see the charter boats prized catches or take a trip of your own! Pirate’s Cove Marina is the home of the World’s finest and most experienced charter fleet. 16 boats are available for Gulf Stream Charter; 6 boats accommodate Nearshore Fishing Trips, and 2 boats are for Inlet Charters only, 4 people maximum. All other boats are based on a maximum of six people. Make-Up parties may be right up your alley if you have a smaller group. The make-up system is available for all types of charters.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located in Manteo, NC, nine miles from the Atlantic coastline in Nags Head. The 61,000 square-foot facility is sited on 16 acres overlooking the Croatan Sound and houses over 2,200 animals. More than 280,000 guests visit the aquarium each year to see a large array of sharks, learn about sea turtle conservation, participate in a variety of programs, enjoy the beauty of the area, and learn why North Carolina's waterways are so special.
Historic Pioneer Theater
Founded in 1918, The Pioneer opened its doors in Manteo, NC operating continuously until November of 2022, making it the oldest family-owned small theater in the country! Throughout the decades, The Pioneer Theater has been host to so many first memories for people of all ages, whether the night’s program was a movie, music, or theater performance. Past events included movie premiers from local legend Andy Griffith and more recently, Tyler Nilson. Its truly a one of a kind place that is loved deeply by the community.
Elizabethan Gardens
Fanciful and elaborate gardens were designed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I during her reign. Our garden was created for your enjoyment, and as a living memorial to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists lived in this very place over 400 years ago.
Outer Banks Distilling
Outer Banks Distilling is the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, making their mark by distilling small batch rum from the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Located in historic downtown Manteo, we offer Kill Devil Rum tastings and tours on site, where you can purchase your own bottle of our award winning rum.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Located in Dare County in the Outer Banks, Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast and provides an ideal location for flying kites and watching sunsets. Hang gliding is a hallmark activity at the park, and a private concessionaire offers lessons. A second access area takes visitors through wetland habitats and allows for swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound. The park also marks the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of scientific experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903. With courage and perseverance, these self-taught engineers relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process. What they achieved changed our world forever.
Causeway Watersports
At Causeway Watersports we are proud to offer our customers with the Best Rentals and Pricing in Nags Head and the OBX. Parasailing, Jet Ski Rentals & Tours, Pontoon Boats, Tubing, Dolphin/ Scenic Tours we do it all. Wether you’re a party of two or a large family we have the space and equipment to accommodate you. Come enjoy one or more of our adventures so that we can bring you the Best of the Outer Banks from a whole new perspective!
Outer Banks Surf school
At Outer Banks Surf School, our mission is to spread our love of Outer Banks surfing by providing a safe, positive, and fun surfing experience to students of all ages and skill levels. We specialize in on-site surf lessons and look forward to bringing the Outer Banks surfing experience to you, anywhere from Corolla to Hatteras. We have several different surf lesson options available depending on your preference. We offer private surf lessons and paddle board lessons. All of our surf coaches are CPR and First Aid certified, each with 20+ years experience surfing on the Outer Banks! Stand-up Paddle Boarding is a great way to spend time on the water while on the Outer Banks. We will teach the basic techniques of stand-up paddle boarding on land before we enter the water. Once on the water you will have a surf coach right by you the whole time to keep you safe and help you advance your skills.
Roanoke Island Skate Park
Street oriented park featuring long ledges, stairs, rail, and some quarter pipe returns.
Nags Head City Skate Park
The Town of Nags Head operates the skate park located on the premises of the Outer Banks YMCA at 3000 South Croatan Highway. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs first. The park is unsupervised; users skate at their own risk. All users must wear a helmet, elbow pads, and kneepads. Users assume all risks associated with use.