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Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head, NC

Photo: Pytheas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily FavoriteFree

Jockey's Ridge State Park

300 W. Carolista Dr · Nags Head, NC

Why you should go…

Jockey's Ridge protects the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, a shifting ridge of sand in Nags Head on the Outer Banks. You can walk straight onto the dunes to fly kites, sandboard, or take a hang gliding lesson from the park concessionaire. A second access on Soundside Road leads to the shallow water of Roanoke Sound for paddling and swimming. The visitor center has exhibits on the dunes, and the park is the eastern end of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.

  • #state park
  • #sand dunes
  • #hang gliding
  • #kite flying
  • #outer banks

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Jockey's Ridge State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
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    Wright Brothers National Memorial

    Under $25

    Stand where the Wright brothers first flew in 1903, walk the flight line and climb to the granite monument.

    4.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Bodie Island Lighthouse

    Free

    See the black-and-white banded 1872 lighthouse over the marsh, and climb its 200-plus steps in season.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Currituck Beach Lighthouse

    Under $25

    Climb 220 steps inside an unpainted red brick lighthouse for views of Currituck Sound and the Atlantic.

    31 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    Free

    Walk miles of open Atlantic beach, visit three historic lighthouses and camp or fish along the Outer Banks barrier islands.

    46 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

    Free

    See the black-and-white spiral-striped brick lighthouse that was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999.

    50 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing