By Susan Miller
Things to Do in Nags Head, North Carolina
Nags Head, North Carolina is located on the famed Outer Banks. The area's most prominent feature is the Atlantic Ocean and its
beaches, which is the reason most people are drawn to Nags Head. In addition to its natural beauty, the area is rich in history, which provides other attractions and activities besides swimming, sunbathing, walks along the
beach, boating, fishing, beach volleyball and building sand castles.
Lighthouses and Roanoke Island
Nags Head is near two famous light houses that illuminated the way for Atlantic sailors in centuries past. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore and lighthouse are easily accessible. Bird lovers and children will enjoy seeing all the migratory birds which stop at the National Seashore because of its key location as a resting and feeding grounds on the Atlantic Flyway. Guests are also welcome to climb the lighthouse from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. The narrow iron stairway has 248 steps, which is equal to climbing 12 flights of stairs. Be sure and check the website, below in the Reference section, before visiting for hours and other information. The Bodie Island Lighthouse, also at the National Seashore, can be seen from the exterior, but the lighthouse tower is still closed to the public. The Outer Banks is near Roanoke Island, which is Sir Walter Raleigh's famous Lost Colony, formally known as Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The island was the first attempt by England to colonize the New World. While there, be sure and visit the Elizabethan Gardens. In the summer, see the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Tel: (252) 473-2111
Fax: (252) 473-2595
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Tel: (252) 473-5772
Fax: (252) 473-2595
Kitty Hawk and Kill Devils Hill
Kitty Hawk is home to the Monument to a Century of Flight honoring the Wright brothers and the world's other aviators. The monument was dedicated in 2003 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first flight. Kill Devils Hill is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial on the site of the Wright Brothers first flight, which took place in 1903.
Kitty Hawk and Century of Flight monument
5230 N. Croatan Highway
The Bypass, MP 1
Kitty Hawk, N.C..
Kill Devils Hill and Wright Brothers National Memorial
800 Colington Road and The Bypass
MP 8
Kill Devil Hill, N.C.
(252) 441-7430
Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park consists of five sand dunes, one of which is highest natural sand dune on the east coast. It is a popular destination for hang gliders, kite flyers, picnickers and hikers. The highest dune shifts in the wind from 110 to 90 feet tall.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
592 Carolista Drive and The Bypass, MP 12,
Nags Head, N.C.
(252) 441-7132
About the Author:
Susan Miller has been a professional journalist since 1990. She edited two weeklies for a chain of suburban newspapers and has written for the "Indianapolis Star," the "Indianapolis Business Journal" and several magazines, among other publications and websites. Miller studied design, photography and technology at Purdue University and Central Piedmont Community College.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy National Parks Service
