North Carolina Outer Banks OBX Nags Head

Early maps of the Nags Head area show sand dunes that could be seen from miles out at sea. It is said that the town got its name because pirates used to tie a lantern around the neck of an old horse and lead it up and down the beach. Sailors on ships at sea would see the light and thinking it was on a ship would approach to close to shore and wreck enabling the pirates to steal the cargo the ship was carrying.

It was around 1830 that people started coming to the area in large numbers to enjoy the beaches in the area and the sand dunes. Jockey Ridge State Park is all that is left of all the sand dunes that used to be in this area. However it is at Jockey Ridge State Park where people go to fly kites and to go hang gliding from the top of the dunes.

Jockeys Ridge State Park covers 426 acres and it has the highest active sand dunes in the United States. The park is day use only and it has no camping facilities. The park is open every day of the year except Christmas day and there are no fees to enter or park at the park. The main entrance to the park is at milepost 12 on south Croatan Highway/158. You'll find nature trails and picnic areas. The outdoor bathrooms located at the park are open from the last frost of spring to the first frost of fall. No drinking water however is available and visitors are encouraged to bring their own bottled water.

Kitty Hawk Kites offers hang gliding lessons in the park and you can make arrangements to go hang gliding from the top of the sand dunes of Jockey State Park. There is also a museum at the center of the park where you can learn all kinds of things about the park including nature, the sand dunes, pirates and more. From the top of the sand dunes you can see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world out over the sound. Scientists will tell you that the Jockey Ridge State Park and its sand dunes are about 7000 years old. If you want more information on Jockeys Ridge State Park you can find out more by calling (252)441-7132

The beach at Nags Head is one of the best things about the area. The beach is spectacular with one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world. You will find several public access areas with free public parking located at several locations in Nags Head. Or you can walk to the beach from almost any where in Nags Head.

Jannette's Fishing Pier is located in Nags Head and you and your family can have a wonderful fishing experience from the pier. The pier is the oldest fishing pier on the outer banks and you will also find five large aquariums filled with local fish for you to look at and enjoy. There is also a exhibit called Giants of the Sea where you can see state record trophy fish mounts and the five aquariums are located here.

You will find a wonderful place called , How Sweet It Is located in the Jockey Ridge Crossing Complex. You will find that they serve wonderful homemade ice cream for you and your family to enjoy. Kitty Hawk Kites are also located here and you can make arrangements to go hang gliding from the top of the sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park.

You will find a State ABC Store located at the northern edge of Nags Head on 8th Street.There is also a local store where you can buy snacks, soft drinks and beer called the , Brew Thru.

One of the best places to eat in the area is called , The Tale Of The Whale and they serve wonderful seafood at affordable prices. The Seafood is delicious and cooked wonderfully and the portion sizes are large. You can get a early bird special by going to the restaurant between 4 and 5 P.M. The restaurant is located on the causeway and is easy to find. Just ask anyone directions if you can't find it.

I just love, The Colony Inn Bed and Breakfast and the fact that it is located right across the street from the ocean. They have 26 guest rooms and the place is kept very clean and the service is great. The staff are very friendly and helpful and you can get all your questions about the local area answered here.

If your in the mood for pizza or a steak you will want to check out the Harbor Point Grille and Pizzaria. They are at the Outer Banks Mall and they have free Wifi access so you can bring your lap top along.

You will find many rental cottages available for rent in the area and many have Wifi access so you have access to the internet while your on vacation.

If your hoping to find sea shells on the beaches at Nags Head go very early in the morning as soon as the sun comes up and you will have much better luck than if you wait until later when everyone else is out on the beach. If low tide is going to be in the middle of the night and there are several people in your group take everyone along and take a strong flashlight and you just may be amazed at all the great sea shells you find. Good luck hunting shells.

Now you will find many other places of business in and around Nags Head but those are the ones we have checked out. I hope you get to visit and check out Nags Head soon. The Outer Banks of North Carolina are just so wonderful. Don't live near by and not visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I was over 50 years old before I started to visit the North Carolina Outer Banks and I could not believe that I had waited this long to visit a truly magical place. So plan a trip to the North Carolina Outer Banks soon. You'll be glad you did. I like to visit there in the winter but a lot of the places will be closed or will be operating on very limited hours. In the summer months everything will be open and you'll wonder why it took you this long to get here.

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