Recreation

Birding

• Locations throughout Nags Head
• Nags Head
• No phone

Outer Banks is often referred to as a birder’s paradise. Within the town of Nags Head there are good areas for birding, such as Nags Head Woods and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Both sites have information available on the types of birds you’re likely to see. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, an excellent spot for birding, is a short drive away.

Wings over Water is an annual festival, held in November, that is devoted to the natural side of the Outer Banks. It’s a fun and educational event, with nature-oriented field trips, seminars and kayak excursions. You can call (252) 216-WING for more information.

Blackbeard’s Golf

• 6714 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-4541

At Blackbeard’s Golf you can play 18 holes of mini-golf across streams and by the waterfall. The course is located right behind the Dairy Queen.

Bushin Kan Karate

• 5118 Lindbergh Avenue, MP 1.5
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 261-6636

Keith Seal has created a family dojo that offers training in the martial arts as a way of life, encompassing tradition, self-discipline, physical fitness and the search for spiritual enlightenment. In addition to the traditional karate training, this dojo offers an awesome adult conditioning class as well.

Cavalier Surf Shop

• 4324 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 13.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-7349

One of the oldest surf shops on the Outer Banks, Cavalier is a family-run operation and known for providing good customer service in sales and rentals. You can buy or rent hard or soft-top surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards and wetsuits. They also offer private or group surfing lessons. Lessons last either one or two hours, include surfboard rental and focus on safety and surfing etiquette. They are a great way to get started if you’ve never surfed or an opportunity for more experienced surfers to hone specific skills. In the shop, you’ll find lots of surf and sport clothing and accessories for boys, men and women.

Children at Play, Inc.

• 3809 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 261-0290

This unique children’s museum was founded on the idea that the Outer Banks could use an additional place for children to explore, learn and use their natural creativity through play. They work to develop young children’s levels of physical fitness, health and creativity through hands-on learning activities that stimulate intellectual growth and curiosity. The interactive exhibits have Outer Banks themes and include a lighthouse, submarine and an aviation exhibit. They also have the “Ace Wonder Wall” with latches, switches and plumbing that kids can flip, ring, pull and build on. The Central American Market exhibit brings some bilingual cultural awareness to the youngsters. During the off-season they have Science Thursdays that include hands-on learning experiences that teach about such things as digestion, paleontology and the water cycle. This year they also made worm habitats and watched caterpillars turn into butterflies. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cloud Nine

• 3022 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP11.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-2992

Colorful and creative, Cloud Nine is a happening stop these days for shoppers and artisans and has been for more than 20 years. Buy beads to create your own jewelry, or bring in a piece of beach glass or a found treasure and they’ll create it for you. The owner, Ginny, is a talented jewelry artist who shares her knowledge and provides lots of helpful info. Ask about their jewelry-making workshops. The shop is recently expanded to offer more beads, worktables and finished jewelry plus books and tools for the aspiring designer. Choose from a selection of gold and silver jewelry and other beaded delights, apparel, incense, body oils and around the world finds. They carry a great selection of local artwork, and Ginny can tell you a bit about each artist.

Coastal Edge

• 1600 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 9.5
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 449-5560

In the summer, you can rent surfboards at Coastal Edge Surf Shop. The shop also sells surf, skim, skate and bodyboards.

Coastal Kayak Touring Company, North Beach Outfitters

• 1240 Duck Road, Waterfront Shops, Duck
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 261-6262, (252) 441-3393

You haven’t seen the Outer Banks until you’ve seen it from the water, and Coastal Kayak can take you there. They offer trips to four different areas of the Outer Banks: Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary (between Corolla and Duck), Kitty Hawk Woods, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on the Dare County mainland. The Kitty Hawk Woods trip is the closest to the Nags Head area. Tours last two to three hours. The guides offer kayaking instruction if you need it, plus they narrate about the local history and ecology along the way. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Children are welcome as long they are at least 30 pounds, but certain trips are better for kids than others. Reservations are required.

Colington Speedway

• 1064 Colington Road
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 480-9144

Colington Speedway is fast-paced fun. They have three tracks and a variety of go-carts, including the new open-style Scorpion Cart and Kiddie Carts for the younger set. Colington Speedway is open at noon starting mid-June to Labor Day.

CrossFit Outer Banks & Outer Banks Weightlifting

• 906 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
• (252) 202-4839, (252) 202-1878

If you’re serious about fitness, this is your place. This gym, on the Bypass in Kill Devil Hills, is home to Kettlebellers and CrossFitters, some of whom compete nationally. Of course, not everyone who calls this gym home competes like this, but there is a consistent theme of giving your all to your overall health, including what you eat, how hard you work out and how positive you keep your attitude. You’ll find CrossFit and cardio equipment here along with strength-training machines and free weights. CrossFit Outer Banks offers a variety of classes from beginner to advanced and Kid’s Fit as well. If you do any of these workouts consistently, you’ll be in the best shape of your life. A variety of Certified Personal Trainers are also available for private and group sessions to help you reach any goals. Walk-ins are welcome at this gym, and they offer day and week passes.

Dock of the Bay Marina

• 4200 Bob Perry Road
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 255-5578

Dock of the Bay is a fuel dock and ships store. They have all your boating excursion needs covered with fuel, bait and tackle, wine and beer, snacks, ice and more. They are located at the end of Bob Perry Road, close to the public boat launch.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

• 1818 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 6.5
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 480-1838

Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides cars of several sizes for rent, including open-air Jeeps.

Even Keel Massage Therapy

• 3022 S. Croatan Highway, Pirate’s Quay, The Bypass, MP 11
• Nags Head
• (252) 480-3581

This team of state and nationally certified massage therapists specializes in therapeutic and medical massage techniques including myofacial release for relaxation, injury recovery and pain management. Feel free to call them for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Family Recreation Park

• 602 S. Mustian Street
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 441-9199

The County Family Recreation Park is located on Mustian Street. To get there, turn west off the Bypass onto Colington Road, then turn left onto Mustian Street. The park is located beside the Kill Devil Hills Water Plant. There are fields for playing baseball, softball and soccer, tennis courts, a playground and a rec center with indoor courts, game rooms, exercise rooms and space for classes.

Farmdog Surf School

• 2713 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
• Nags Head
• 252) 441-1939

Farmdog Surf School at Outer Banks Boarding Company is the place to get NSSIA-certified surf instruction and coaching. Certified instructors include owner Robert Farmer, Lynn Shell, Jamie Baittinger, Whitney Hines and pro-surfers and team riders Jesse Hines and Noah Snyder. They are all stoked to give surf instruction to anyone excited to learn. Typical lessons for beginners include learning the lingo, safety and surf etiquette, stance, wave dynamics, paddling, catching and riding. Easy, right? Whether kids and adults looking to learn the basics or more experienced surfers are looking for help on technique, form and stunts, the Farmdog team is on it! They provide the boards and gear you need to get started, with private and group lessons available. Their website is packed with good information, rates and videos. Go sign up and have fun!

Fishing Unlimited

• Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-5028

You can cruise the waterways in one of the 23-foot pontoon boats and 16-foot skiffs that are rented here at Fishing Unlimited’s causeway location. If you are in the mood to wet a line, you can crab or fish in the sound from Fishing Unlimited’s 600-foot pier in South Nags Head (see the Fishing section).

Galaxy Golf

• 2914 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 11
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-5875

This space-themed mini-golf course includes 36 lighted holes. Aliens younger than 4 with a paying adult play free at this one-stop intergalactic hop.

Hairoics

• 1314 S Croatan Highway, MP 9
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 441-7983‎

Hairoics opened the doors of their new location in Kill Devil Hills last summer to the loud applause of the community. With a loyal following since 1990 they have many of the top-rated stylists, nail techs, estheticians and massage therapists on the beach and believe in taking care of the individual needs of their clients creatively. If you’re feeling the need for some pampering, book yourself a spa day with manicure, pedicure, facial, massage and cut and color or any combination of those services. Enjoy a day with your girlfriends or plan to have your wedding morning bridal party hair and makeup done here. They also have a great boutique filled with products for hair, bath and body.

His Dream Center

• 205 E. Baltic Avenue
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-1155

This Christian life center offers a variety of services and recreation including live drama during the summer in their 250-seat auditorium. Friday nights feature Christian family movies followed by a coffeehouse with live music and snacks for purchase. Once a month enjoy karaoke. Browse their on-site Christian bookstore for bestselling books and a wide variety of CDs, DVDs and gifts. The First Flight Church Assembly of God service is held on Sunday. Rental space is available to the public for weddings and community activities.

Integration Massage & Bodywork

• 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 2
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 256-0137

Whether it’s from a job, finances or family life, stress takes a toll and causes muscles to tense up, jaws to clench and backs to ache. Massage and bodywork calms the nervous system, promotes circulation, eases muscle strains and constrictions causing pain and helps to still the racing thoughts that may cause muscles to tighten in the first place. Owner and therapist David Henderson has 11 years of experience working with the needs of a diverse clientele. He uses a combination of deep intuition, experience and training in the sciences of anatomy, physiology and bodywork. He offers an eclectic blend of styles including craniosacral therapy, lymph drainage, Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage. He has a team of male and female therapists that works with him. They work with couples, groups and even on your best canine friend! He has a beautiful treatment room at the Outer Banks Yoga studio in Kitty Hawk and also works out of the Outer Banks Sports Center in Nags Head. If you prefer, he or his team will travel to you.

Jennette’s Pier

• 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 255-1501

May 21, 2011, marked the opening of Jennette’s Pier, the new state-of-the-art concrete pier and pier house. Originally built in 1939, Jennette’s is the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks. Battered by storms and rebuilt many times throughout its 70-year life, Jennette’s was knocked down by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, just after the pier and its five-acre tract were purchased by the NC Aquarium Society. Now, after years of planning and 24 months of construction, Jennette’s re-emerged in 2011 as a one-of-a-kind educational ocean pier. The Aquarium-operated complex features educational classrooms and programs, alternative energy demonstrations, live animal exhibits, meeting facilities, a snack bar and tackle shop and a host of other displays and features for good family fun….with great fishing too!

Jet Boat Dolphin Tours

• Nags Head Waterworks, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-0477

Jet Boat Dolphin Tours offers its dolphin tours on a 34-foot, 30-passenger boat that gives a thrilling ride at 40 knots, so they can find the dolphins fast and cover a lot of ground — or water, that is — in two hours. They start the tour with a search for the dolphins and almost always find them. Then they take you to see local attractions such as Oregon Inlet, Wanchese Harbor, the Manteo waterfront and the Elizabeth II, Jockey’s Ridge and Colington Island. The boat is U.S. Coast Guard inspected and the captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed. Nags Head Waterworks is based on the causeway and also offers parasailing, Jet Ski rentals and kayak rentals. Boarding for the Jet Boat Dolphin Tour is at Broad Creek Marina in Wanchese. Call for reservations and directions.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

• 592 Carolista Drive, The Bypass, MP 12
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-7132

Enter the state park through the visitor’s center and choose from three adventures: Hike up the impressive dune, or travel two nature trails that meander through the dune. The Soundside Nature Trail takes about 45 minutes, and the Tracks in the Sand Trail is a 1.5-mile walk.

Nags Head is home to the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. Jockey’s Ridge, a series of five dunes, is a natural wonder that’s continually changing in shape and height. With the highest hill varying from 90 to 110 feet tall, this system of sand is a haven for adventure. Colorful kites waver over its majesty regularly, and hang gliders climb to its summit to swoop down a sandy incline. Hikers excite in its form and function, and nature buffs appreciate discovering the subtle dune life that exists here. Few can resist the climb to bear witness to renowned Outer Banks sunsets. Included in the 426-acre park are several trails, picnic areas, a visitor center and a museum and gift shop supported by the non-profit Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. Natural history programs for adults and children are offered. A boardwalk provides a lookout for a terrific view of the dunes and also serves as a passage for the mobility impaired. Arrangements can be made for a four-wheel dune ride to the top (the park requests a 24-hour notice). In the summer, the sand on the dunes is usually 25 to 30 degrees hotter than the air, so shoes are a necessity.

The visitor center closes at 5 p.m. from November through February winter and 6 p.m. the rest of the year. Park ground hours run November through February, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March through May, September and October 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; June, July and August, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Soundside Access Gate is open October through March 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April through September 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Ridge closes 15 minutes before the park closes. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day.

Jurassic Putt

• 6926 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-6841

Roam among Jurassic-period dinosaurs while playing on two 18-hole miniature golf courses.

KDH Cooperative Gallery

• 502 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8.5
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 441-9888

Come to the KDH Cooperative for Kids Craft Workshops. These are fun and informative art classes created especially for kids. Each student will bring home his or her own creation at the end of the workshop. Call for more information and to register in advance. Even if a workshop isn’t going on, make time to stop in to the gallery. It’s worth the trip, and you can view some great local artwork and see the Artist’s Attic, the upstairs workspaces for the gallery artists.