Recreation

Birding

• Locations throughout Nags Head
• Nags Head
• No phone

The 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. It’s so popular there is now Spring Wings, held in May, which focuses on butterflies and migratory shorebirds. 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 spirtual enlightenment. In addition to the traditional karate training, this dojo also has an after-school program for kids and fitness programs for adults.

Coastal Edge

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

In the summer, you can rent surf and skim boards at Coastal Edge Surf Shop. The shop also sells surf, skim, skate and bodyboards in the shop. They place skateboard ramps in the parking lot for riders (helmets are required, which you can rent in the shop).

Coastal Kayak Touring Company, North Beach Outfitters

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

Coastal Kayak offers trips to five 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 two different tours in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on the Dare County mainland. 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 as 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, in a new, much-expanded location on The Bypass in Kill Devil Hills, is home to a team of Olympic lifters, Strongmen, Kettlebellers, Powerlifters, and Crossfitters from age 10 to 65 who compete nationally and internationally and consistently bring home medals. 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 Olympic weightlifting, Strongman, 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 this workout 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.

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.

Fishing Unlimited

• Nags Head 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 this 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.

Integration Massage & Bodywork

• 2413 S. Croatan Highway, MP 10.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 256-0137

Whether it’s from a job or 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 cause muscles to tighten in the first place. David Henderson has 11 years of experience working with the needs of a diverse clientele, and he uses a combination of deep intuition, experience and training in the science of anatomy, physiology and bodywork. He offers an eclectic blend of styles including cranio-sacral therapy, lymph drainage, Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage. He has a team of male and female therapists who work with him, and they offer support to couples, groups and even your best canine friend! He has a beautiful treatment room at 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 can travel to you.

Jennette’s Pier

• 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-6421

Jennette’s Pier is currently closed while the old structure is demolished and a new, 850-foot-long pier and two-story pier house are built. The new pier will be built on concrete pilings, the first pier of its kind on the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium Society manages the pier, and the new structure will continue to be a family-oriented venue. The fishing pier will still offer anglers and sightseers passes, but you will also appreciate educational programs and aquarium exhibits. Exhibits include fish tanks up to 300 gallons and an introduction to local species called Giants of the Sea. The exhibit includes representatives of state record-holding saltwater fish mounts. It gives a great perspective on the size of record catches. Don’t miss this educational stop when the pier reopens.

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.

Just for the Beach Rentals

• 1006 South Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 9
• Kill Devil Hills
• (252) 441-6048, (252) 441-9480, (866) OBX-RENT

Want to plan your own kayak tour? Just for the Beach Rentals has kayaks available for rent, the sit-on-top style, for single, double or triple paddlers. Or, if you want to leave your car behind, you can make like a local and pedal around town on one of their comfortable beach cruisers. Didn’t realize there would be so many great tennis courts in the area? If you didn’t pack your racket, you can rent one at Just for the Beach. And, if getting in the water is more your thing, they also rent surfboards known as soft-tops, which are ideal for beginning surfers. Surfboard rentals are $20 a day or $50 a week. They also have body and skim boards for rent for $8 a day or $20 a week. Just for the Beach can deliver everything to you.

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.

Kill Devil Hills Town Park

• Off Colington Road, west of The Bypass
• Kill Devil Hills
• No phone

The Kill Devil Hills Town Park is located by the Town Hall, also off Colington Road, west of the Bypass. The Town Park includes a path that is ideal for biking, walking and rollerblading, playground equipment and a roller hockey rink.

Kitty Hawk Kayaks, Kayak & Surf School

• 6150 N. Croatan Highway, MP 1
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 261-0145 or (866) 702-5061

Enjoy a kayak tour to some of the finest flat-water kayaking destinations on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf School offers multiple specialty tours across the Outer Banks, including tours in Kitty Hawk Woods, ocean paddling, night paddling on Roanoke Island, Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges and in Corolla. Surf kayak lessons and rentals are also available. Ask about the overnight trips on the Roanoke River and their Coastal Explorer Camps for kids with field trips, surfing lessons and kayaking. The Surf School offers daily lessons and three-day surf camps throughout the summer. Yoga and surf retreats during the fall and spring. All instructors and guides are ACA and NSSIA certified. The friendly, professional staff promise your entire family will have fun.

Kitty Hawk Woods

• West Kitty Hawk Road and Woods Road, off The Bypass
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 261-8891

Kitty Hawk Woods is a unique environment: a maritime forest, swamp and marsh. Totaling 1,877 acres, the Town of Kitty Hawk owns 461 acres with a conservation easement from the state. A diverse array of wildlife is at home in Kitty Hawk Woods. In some areas gray foxes, raccoons and white-tailed deer can be found. In marsh areas, a number of amphibians and reptiles thrive as well as river otter and muskrat. Birders will want to explore the woods for the hawks, wrens, herons and egrets that can be found in the woods and the marsh areas. Hiking trails with interpretive signs are available for day use only and are accessible from the main access points on Eckner Street, Amadas Avenue, Ridge Road and Birch Lane. The reserve office is located at 983 W. Kitty Hawk Road. Please respect this unique natural setting and stay on marked trails while exploring the woods.

Knuckle-up Fitness

• 3712 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 4.5
• Kitty Hawk
• (252) 255-0609

Knuckle-up offers an alternative to the standard workout. Here you can take classes in kickboxing for fitness as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. The facility includes a full-size boxing ring. They also have weight and circuit training equipment. For new members, they offer a free training session with one of their trainers plus a free week of classes. Call ahead or stop in to register. Ask them about their boot camps!