Nags Head, NC ~ A Fun Day Trip
For a fun excursion off the island, many visitors enjoy a day exploring Hatteras Island’s northern neighbors, the towns of Nags Head, Manteo, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk. This collection of towns known as the Central Outer Banks offer plenty of family friendly activities for young and young at heart, and is an enjoyable day trip for Hatteras Island vacationers. If you decide to go, there is a collection of “must-see” attractions just waiting to be discovered.
Shopping and Dining:
With a variety of stores and restaurants, you can spend your entire day trip with a little bit of shopping therapy, a quick meal and an evening of fine dining. Bargain hunters will love the Tanger Outlet Center, located at the southern end of Nags Head (known as South Nags Head) and with dozens of local and family-owned restaurants to choose from, there’s ample opportunity to sample North Carolina seafood.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head:
This 426-acre park in Nags Head is hard to miss, as it is home to the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast. There are two self-guided trails and nature programs available year-round, and adventurous visitors can try hang gliding and kite flying, thanks to Kitty Hawk Kites’ flagship store just across the street.
Bodie Island Lighthouse:
The Bodie Island lighthouse is located just north of the Bonner Bridge, and the 156-foot tall horizontally-striped lighthouse is definitely worth a visit. While not open for climbing, the lighthouse grounds feature a visitor's center in the old keeper's quarters with exhibits, an Eastern National Bookstore, and a self-guided nature trail that winds through the soundside forests and marshes.
The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills:
The statuesque monument that towers over the town of Kill Devil
Hills marks the site of the Wright Brothers' first controlled powered
flight on December 17, 1903. Climb to the top of the hill for an up
close look at the pylon, or explore the neighboring Visitors’ Center, which features
full-scale reproductions of the 1903 Wright Flyer and
interpretive presentations. A pavilion boasts an exhibit hall with
special exhibits, including a replica of the 1902 Wright Glider. This is also the site of the Centennial of Flight celebration in 2003 that was attended by President George W. Bush and saluted by a wing-dipping flyover of Air Force One.
The North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo:
The theme of this aquarium, the "Waters of The Outer Banks," allows visitors to journey from coastal freshwaters to the deep Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy watching river otters play, American alligators lounge, and stingrays glide in the aquarium’s “touch tank.” Of course, one of the largest attractions, (literally), is the 285,000-gallon "Graveyard of the Atlantic" tank containing a one-third scale replica of the USS Monitor, and dozens of large marine residents, including a variety of sharks.
Roanoke Island Festival Park on Roanoke Island:
Discover this interactive family attraction that celebrates the first English settlement in America. Located adjacent to Manteo, the 25-acre island park features plenty of waterfront strolling opportunities, and the Elizabeth II, a representation of one of the seven English ships from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585. Tour the ship, and be greeted by Costumed Elizabethan sailors who introduce visitors to sixteenth century seafaring life. The park's stage is also host to many outdoor concerts and a summer performance series by the North Carolina School of the Arts.
The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island:
Located just north of Manteo and adjacent to Fort Raleigh National Historic Park, this 16th century pleasure garden was created by The Garden Club of North Carolina as a living memorial to the original Lost Colonists. A perfect attraction for spring and summer visitors, the Elizabethan Gardens feature a thatched gazebo, Shakespearean herb garden, flower bordered walkways, antique garden statuary, and formal sunken gardens.
While Hatteras Island visitors love the fact that the hustle and bustle of the Northern Outer Banks feels worlds away, an excursion to these attractions is just a short drive up the beach, and definitely well worth the trip.
