Recreation - Nags Head

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.

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.

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.

Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

• 3933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 13
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-6800

Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all the recreation opportunities that the Outer Banks has to offer. The shop is located at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, just across the street from Jockey’s Ridge State Park. There, you can book a kayak eco-tour (more than 10 tours to choose from) or a surf lesson from one of their experienced professionals. While you are there, be sure and stock up on all the gear you will need for your tour or lesson. Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has one of the best selections of surf brands on the beach, including Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, Reef and The North Face.

Kitty Hawk Water Sports

• 6920 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-2756

For the ultimate family adventure visit Kitty Hawk Watersports for a day of fun. You can scream across the water on a Waverunner and afterward get the family on the bumper boats where you will laugh until your cheeks hurt, then learn to stand-up paddleboard either on the sound or in the ocean. It’s a great workout. If you want to do something a bit more challenging, sign up for a lesson in surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding or sailing. For the ultimate view take a Parasailing flight high above the islands.

Kitty Hawk Water Sports also rents single and tandem kayaks by the hour, day or week. It’s a very easy sport, only taking minutes to learn. Paddle at their location on the Roanoke Sound in very shallow water, or take a kayak with you to find your own waterways. They also offer guided eco-tours; just give them a call to book one.

Nags Head Bowling & Billiards

• 201 Saterfield Landing, off The Bypass, MP 10.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-7077

Bowl, rent shoes, book parties and play billiards at Nags Head Bowling & Billiards. Enjoy their arcade with classic games like Ms. Pac Man, skee ball, air hockey, a fun dance video game and much more. There are automatic bumpers on the bowling lanes for the kids (or the bowling-challenged adult). Try your hand at glowing disco bowling under neon lights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Beer and wine are available. The snack bar offers soup, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, pizza and fried food.

Nags Head Diving at The Outdoors Outfitters

• 210 Budleigh Street, Manteo
• (252) 473-1356

Nags Head Diving at The Outdoors Outfitters, based in Manteo, offers scuba diving lessons, referral dives, beach dives and kayak dives and has a full-service scuba shop carrying Aqua Lung and Cressi scuba gear. New this year, The Outdoors Outfitters is offering scuba diving charters, spear-fishing charters and sportfishing charters aboard their 38-foot boat, The Diving Pirate, based at Broad Creek Marina in Wanchese but offering trips to various locations along the Outer Banks. They also have the largest selection of spearfishing guns and supplies from Riffe, Cressi, Omer and JBL. Nags Head Diving offers NAUI certification courses from open water to instructor level. Online classes are now available. Nags Head Diving is based at The Outdoors Outfitters in downtown Manteo. They also offer kayak rentals and tours and bike rentals, bike tours and camping gear rentals. Stop by or call the shop.

Nags Head Dolphin Watch

• 7517 S. Virginia Dare Trail, at Kitty Hawk Kites and Whalebone Watersports, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
• Nags Head
• (252) 449-8999

Enhance your vacation with a dolphin or sunset cruise adventure brought to you by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch. These folks promote Atlantic bottlenose dolphin research through their commercial operation and offer two-hour dolphin trips. Naturalists explain coastal ecology and area history during sound excursions aboard a 40-foot pontoon boat with canopy cover. The boat carries 36 passengers, is handicap-accessible and has a bathroom. Drinks are sold, or provide your own in a small cooler. Reservations are necessary for the trips, which depart three times a day. They usually book up for the entire week by Monday. Trips generally are scheduled May through September. A sunset Manteo harbor cruise is also offered in the summer featuring a history commentary. Ask about their private charters too.

Nags Head Dolphin Watch asks that you report dead or stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises or seals as soon as possible to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) North Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (919) 728-8762.

Nags Head Fishing Pier

• 3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 12
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-5141

The popular 750-foot pier features a bait and tackle shop, game tables and a restaurant with an ocean view. In season, the pier is open 24 hours a day. If you’re not into fishing, you can purchase a sightseeing pass. Nearby cottage rentals are available. The pier closes in December and opens in the spring, with the opening date depending on the fishing. For more information, see Fishing.

Nags Head Golf Links

• 5615 W. Seachase Drive, Village of Nags Head
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-8073

Play 18 holes on this Scottish links-style course, which features relaxing views of Roanoke Sound. Wind adds a challenge to the 6,100-yard, par 71 course. Reservations can be made for starting times. Cart and greens fees vary. Lunch is served in the on-site Players Grille, and you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the well-prepared food here. The view is also noteworthy. Relax at the bar, browse through the golf shop and practice your shots at the driving range and putting green. Rentals are available. The course is open daily except Christmas Day.

Nags Head Town Hall

• 5401 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 15
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-5508

The Town of Nags Head offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come here to purchase your beach driving permit. And while you’re doing that, take time to look at the fabulous artwork by many local artists displayed here.

Nags Head Town Park

• The Bypass, MP 11
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-5508

The park is located on Barnes Street. Turn west off the Bypass at Ace Hardware. The entrance to the Nags Head Town Trail is located just south of the parking lot. Part of the Nags Head Woods Preserve, the trail is a .8-mile hike through the varying landscapes of sand dunes and maritime forest with a turn-around at a quiet sound beach. The town park is available for public use. You can reserve the space by calling the Town Manager’s Office. A clean-up deposit is required.

Nags Head Waterworks

• 7612 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-0477

There are a lot of options for fun at this soundside spot. Fly high above the sound and see great views of Jockey’s Ridge while Parasailing with Nags Head Waterworks. They offer single or tandem flights. Observers can ride along in the boat. If you’d like to fish or just cruise around the sound, you can rent a pontoon boat or kayak here too. Go for the thrill with a Waverunner, hang on to your seat in a Jet boat dolphin tour that combines the thrill of fast water turns with the slow quiet of watching for these beautiful creatures or take a leisurely guided tour, which will motor by Jockey’s Ridge and the Manteo waterfront. You’ll see lots of local wildlife along the way.

Nags Head Woods Preserve

• 701 W. Ocean Acres Drive
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-2525

While the entrance to the preserve is in Kill Devil Hills, its boundaries stretch well into Nags Head. This maritime forest is a true wonder in its wildlife diversity. Ancient oaks exist in the woods as well as 19th-century cemeteries. Five miles of trails thread through the maritime forest habitat. Please note that this is a very fragile environment, so staying on the trails is necessary to preserve this exquisite forest. They are open every day from dawn until dusk for foot traffic only; dogs and bikes are not allowed on the trails, but they are welcome on the gravel roadway. Before you begin your hike or ride, find maps and other information at the outdoor information counter located up the boardwalk at the parking area. In May, they host the Annual Nags Head Woods 5k. Race time is 8 a.m., so lace up your running shoes and get on it! Pre-registration is required and you can register online at www.nagsheadwoods5krun.org.

Outer Banks Boarding Company

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

Outer Banks Boarding Co. is a boarder’s paradise with a friendly and knowledgeable staff and a great selection of equipment for surfing, bodyboarding and snow, skate and skimboarding. They rent wetsuits and surfboards of all kinds that are suitable for all skill levels—from the novice soft-top long board to the board for the seasoned pro looking for the newest in surfboard technology. NSSIA-certified surf instruction and coaching is offered with owner Robert Farmer, owner/shaper Lynn Shell and pro surfers and team riders Jesse Hines and Noah Snyder. Follow them on Twitter to get their first on the beach surf report everyday. They pride themselves on providing great customer service here. They’ll even let you demo a surfboard, and if you buy it the cost of the rental is applied to the purchase.

Outer Banks Dive Center

• 3917 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 449-8349

As the Outer Banks is poised on the edge of the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this dive shop takes full advantage of the world class wreck diving opportunities to “Dive into History” as they like to say. From April to November, they offer guided wreck dives off the beach to the USS Huron and triangle wrecks. Offshore charters to other wrecks such as the Advance, U-85, U-701, the Benson, Jackson, Bedloe, Zane Gray and others are available all year long, so long as the weather cooperates. During the summer months they run on a set schedule. Dive masters go with you and serve as guides when necessary. They also offer instruction on all levels, and they are accredited by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), IANTD, NSS-CDS, DAN and they are a member of the Universal Referral Program. They are able to offer classes from beginning diver courses through the certification needed to become a Technical Instructor Trainer. The center is also a full retail dive shop, and they rent and repair equipment.

Outer Banks Gear Works Lasertag & Fun Center

• 2420 S. Croatan Highway, South Beach Plaza, The Bypass, MP 10.5
• Nags Head
• (252) 480-8512

The first of its kind on the Outer Banks, Gear Works Laser Tag is unbelievable fun! After strapping on your laser vest and being commissioned your laser gun, you step into a dark, abandoned industrial complex, aware that around every corner an adversary could be lurking, awaiting your arrival, and you’re looking for them as well. It’s an interactive high-tech adventure. You can play by the game or buy unlimited weekly passes. They also have lots of fun events and specials like Friday Night Frenzy, Full Moon Madness and Play Against the Best—playing against the staff. They open at noon on school holidays, and on Friday nights you can play until midnight. They also have WiFi, arcade games and serve snacks like pizza. It’s a great idea for birthday parties and groups outings and a fun way to get a little exercise too!

Outer Banks Pier and Fishing Center

• 8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Rd. MP 18.5
• (252) 441-5740

The 650-foot pier is lighted for evening fishing and open 24 hours a day in season. Rent tackle and buy bait here or bring your own. Daily, three-day and weekly passes are available. A new snack bar and grill, Fish Heads, serves up hamburgers, hot dogs, steamed seafood and ice-cold beer (see Restaurants). They offer senior citizen discounts.

Reneu Medspa

• 3022 S. Croatan Highway, Pirate’s Quay, MP 11
• Nags Head
• (252) 449-4392

Make your vacation a completely rejuvenating experience with a visit here for therapies and treatments for your skin by Dr. Johnny Farrow and his staff of licensed aestheticians. Choose from a variety of facials such as European or Vitamin C, or get Botox for some wrinkle relief before returning home. Appointments are necessary. They do request a 24-hour cancellation notice. Check their website for specials and more information.

Secret Spot Surf Shop

• 2815 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
• Nags Head
• (252) 441-4030

This shop is an old-time favorite offering custom-made Secret Spot surfboards as well as used boards. Secret Spot has a variety of surf and boogie boards available for rent, and lessons are available. They have a small amount of gear for skateboarding too. Check out their retro collection of surfboards on the ceiling!