Recreation
This page serves as our main navigation into the recreation areas by town or by category. This current view shows all recreation listings on the site.
Choose a town or navigate the categories for all recreation within a specific criteria.
Kill Devil Hills | Kitty Hawk | Nags Head
158 Surf & Skate
- The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-15811
A bit of a change from the traditional surf/skate shop, this new shop has more of a boutique feel with clean aesthetics and a simple, modern, minimalist style. Their concept was to bring together the best part of street wear and the best part of surf and skate retail to create a unique experience here on the Outer Banks, and they have succeeded. They research and offer emerging brands you won't often find on the Outer Banks or even eastern Carolina, so if you like cutting edge style, this is your place. You'll also get decks, trucks and other skate gear, sunglasses, killer clothes and surfboards from local shapers including Hooked, co-owner Mike Rowe’s line. The owners are big on product knowledge and educating customers on the best products. Active in the community, they are sponsoring a skate contest in the spring involving privately owned pools in the area and have plans for some fun summer surf contests.
17th Street Surf Shop
- The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-1797
17th Street is a cool shop that's filled with anything you can need for getting the most from Mother Ocean. They sell surfboards, skim boards, body boards and skateboards. The staff here can help you select the right equipment.
A-New-U
- Pirate’s Quay, The Bypass, MP 11, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6490
A-New-U is a full-service tanning salon.
Ashtanga Yoga Center
- Central Square Shopping Center, The Bypass, MP 11, Nags Head
- (252) 202-0345
Classes are available for students of all levels. There are introductory classes for beginners, intermediate classes, the full primary series and multi-level Mysore classes for those who are looking to establish or already have developed a self practice. Six-week seminars are also available for children. Students should bring a towel and plenty of water to drink; these classes are invigorating and detoxifying.
Atlantic Martial Arts Academy
- Surfside Plaza, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6676
Four-time World Champion Sensei Kym Rock offers classes in self-defense, children's stranger awareness, rape prevention and lessons in the general philosophy of karate and martial arts.
Avalon Fishing Pier
- The Beach Road, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-7494
Avalon Fishing Pier was built in 1958 and is 696 feet. They offer day, three-day, weekly and seasonal fishing passes. Children's passes are available to kids 12 and younger. The pier is open from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. in the summer months, and in the spring and fall it opens at 6 a.m. and usually closes before 10 p.m. You can buy bait here and rent tackle, and they even give you advice about what you need to catch what's biting.
Barrier Island Fitness Center
- Cypress Knee Trail, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-0100
Barrier Island Fitness Center is a first-class facility in a tranquil setting in the woods of Kitty Hawk. They offer day and weeklong passes. Enjoy the indoor pool and relax in the hot tub or sauna post-workout. The fitness room has free weights and cardio equipment. They offer aerobics classes. Tanning and massage services are available for a fee.
Beach Driving
- , Nags Head
A favorite local activity is cruising the beach when the season allows. In Nags Head, you can take to the sand with your wheels October 1 through April 30. But first you have to get a permit at the town hall. Call (252) 441-5508 for fees. The suggested speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Enter only at designated ramps. Keep an eye peeled for beachgoers, especially kids and pets who tend to stray! Bear in mind that the wind and water can make a ruckus and impair your hearing and that of pedestrians. Folks also get groggy sunbathing. Think normal road rules: Pass on the left, keep to the right and yield the right of way to pedestrians. Vehicles and drivers must be street legal — this includes wearing seat belts. If you are in the back of a truck, remain seated in the bed only. Jeep passengers have to remain seated as well. Open alcohol containers are not allowed. Prepare your tires for the adventure by letting out the appropriate amount of air (and making sure you add it back when you leave the beach!). Pull out of the access way and deflate your tires leaving 20 pounds of pressure. While on the beach keep to the firm, wet section below the high tide line following in already-made tracks. Watch out for shelly, red sand and depressions with standing water. Always stay clear of dunes, and keep a look out for prohibited areas such as nesting sites. Remember to drive behind those folks who are surf fishing!
Beach Waves Too Salon by the Sea
- Caribbean Corners, Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
- (252) 480-9992
Beach Waves Too is a full-service hair salon with a great view of the sound. Call for an appointment.
Bellalago Salon
- The Bypass, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-0635
In association with Top Nails, this is a full service salon offering everything from haircuts and color to massage. They also offer bed tanning and mystic spray tan.
Biking & Skating
- , Nags Head
Bicyclists and skaters are a common site trekking along the town's multiuse path, which runs along the Beach Road from MP 10 (around Bainbridge Street) to MP 21 (Old Oregon Inlet Road in South Nags Head). The path is for walking, jogging, bicycling and skating. The town designates this path as a tow-away, no parking zone for non-motorized activity only. Visitors can bring their own bikes and skates or rent them while here along with necessary safety helmets. The state law requires that helmets be worn by those younger than 16 (including passengers) while riding on public roads or right-of-ways. It's important to keep on the designated path and not navigate on the Beach Road or the Bypass. Those roads are just too busy, and in the case of the Beach Road, too narrow to be safe - especially for children. There are plenty of side roads to navigate, but watch out for sightseers, blowing sand that can thwart your vision and sandy patches that can cause you to skid. Ride on the right side of the road in single file only. Cross at stoplights, and don't forget your hand signals. One rider per bike is a good rule of thumb. Night riding is not recommended, but if it's necessary, use a front-lighted white lamp and rear red reflector. The Town of Nags Head requests that folks using in-line skates, roller-skates or skate boards confine their use to the multiuse path only.
Blackbeard’s Golf
- The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4541
At Blackbeard’s Golf you can play 18 holes of mini-golf across streams and by the waterfall. The course is located right behind the Dairy Queen.
Cavalier Surf Shop
- The Beach Road, MP 13.5, Nags Head
- (252) 441-7349
One of the oldest surf shops on the Outer Banks, Cavalier is a family-run operation and known for providing good customer service in sales and rentals. You can buy or rent hard or soft-top surfboards, body boards, skim boards and wetsuits. They also offer private or group surfing lessons. Lessons last either one or two hours, include surfboard rental focus on safety and surfing etiquette. They are a great way to get started if you've never surfed or an opportunity for more experienced surfers to hone specific skills. In the shop, you'll find lots of surf and sport clothing and accessories for boys, men and women.
Coastal Edge
- The Bypass, MP 9.5, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-5560
In the summer, you can rent surf and skim boards at Coastal Edge Surf Shop. The shop also sells surf, skim, skate and body boards in the shop. They place skateboard ramps in the parking lot for riders (helmets are required, which you can rent in the shop).
Coastal Kayak Touring Company, North Beach Outfitters
- Waterfront Shops, Duck, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-6262, (252) 441-3393
Coastal Kayak offers trips to five different areas of the Outer Banks: Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary (between Corolla and Duck), Kitty Hawk Woods, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island, and two different tours in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on the Dare County mainland. Tours last two to three hours. The guides offer kayaking instruction if you need it, plus they narrate about the local history and ecology along the way. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Children are welcome, as long as they are at least 30 pounds, but certain trips are better for kids than others. Reservations are required.
Colington Speedway
- 1064 Colington Rd., Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-9144
Colington Speedway is fast-paced fun. They have three tracks and a variety of go-carts, including Nascarts and Kiddie Carts for the younger set. Colington Speedway is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Dock of the Bay
- Bob Perry Road, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-5578
Dock of the Bay is a fuel dock and ships store. They have all your boating excursion needs covered with fuel, bait and tackle, wine and beer, snacks, ice and more. They are located at the end of Bob Perry Road, close to the public boat launch.
Elite Nails
- Outer Banks Mall, MP 14, Nags Head
- (252) 441-3227
Stop at Elite Nails to pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure.
Even Keel Massage Therapy
- Pirate’s Quay, The Bypass, MP 11, Nags Head
- (252) 480-3581
This team of massage therapists specializes in therapeutic and medical massage techniques for relaxation, injury recovery and pain management. Feel free to call them for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Family Recreation Park
- , Kill Devil Hills
The County Family Recreation Park is located on Mustian Street. To get there, turn west off the Bypass onto Colington Road, then turn left onto Mustian Street. The park is located beside the Kill Devil Hills Water Plant. There are fields for playing baseball, softball and soccer, tennis courts, a playground and a rec center with indoor courts, game rooms, exercise rooms and space for classes.
Fishin Fever
- The Bypass, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-FISH (3474)
They opened this retail store to support their fishing habit, and owners Scott and Carol Garris are as friendly as shop owners can be. They offer all the necessary fishing gear, and whether you are into surf-casting or charter boats they have lots of good advice. They can help you organize and book a trip with the local boat captains too.
Fishing Unlimited
- Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
- (252) 441-5028
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 below). The pier is open 24 hours a day, and if you didn't bring what you need to go for the fish, tackle rentals and bait are available. The pier's restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. You can also cruise the waterways in one of the 23-foot pontoon boats and 16-foot skiffs that are rented here at their causeway location. All the fishing supplies are sold here too.
Galaxy Golf
- 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.
Garden of Beadin’
- Milepost 6 Plaza, The Bypass, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-2134, (252) 449-5055
Next door to Glazin' Go Nuts is Garden of Beadin', this is a great little bead shop with interesting beads and beading supplies. There is an activity center for children, and once a week a beading class is offered.
Glazin’ Go Nuts
- Milepost 6 Plaza, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 449-2134 and (252) 449-5055
This is the perfect stop for a rainy day or whenever the family is looking for a fun activity. Glazin’ Go Nuts is a paint your own pottery studio. Just pick out your ceramic piece, select your paints, then go wild . . . or nuts. They fire the piece for you, and it will be ready for pick up in a few days. If your vacation ends before then, they can ship it to you.
Grog’s Watersports at Bodie Island Adventures
- 7649 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
- (252) 441-8875
Whether you enjoy the thrill of parasailing or the excitement of a Waverunner or a quieter kayak or dolphin tour, they've got it waiting for you at Grog's. This watersport adventure mecca is located now on the Nags Head Causeway (look for the 30-foot observation tower near Basnight's Lone Cedar Restaurant). They offer nearly every water adventure you can imagine, and they also rent kayaks, pontoon boats, waverunners and fishing skiffs. And ask about their cruises and tours of our coastline. They now take online reservations to make planning your vacation easy.
Hair Artistry /Nail Technology
- Surfside Plaza, MP 13, Nags Head
- (252) 449-CUTS
Stop here for all hair and nail services and tanning.
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
- Beach Road, MP 16.5, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6421
Jennette's Pier is currently closed while the old structure is demolished and a new, 850-foot-long pier and two-story pier house are built. The new pier will be built on concrete pilings, the first pier of its kind on the Outer Banks. The North Carolina Aquarium Society manages the pier, and the new structure will continue to be a family-oriented venue. The fishing pier will still offer anglers and sightseers passes, but you will also appreciate educational programs and aquarium exhibits. Exhibits include fish tanks up to 300 gallons and an introduction to local species called Giants of the Sea. The exhibit includes representatives of state record-holding saltwater fish mounts. It gives a great perspective on the size of record catches. Don't miss this educational stop when the pier reopens.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- 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.
Joe Malat’s Outer Banks Surf Fishing School
- Various Locations, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4767
Experienced angler/author Joe Malat offers fall and spring courses – two and a half days of school including classroom and on-site instruction. The cost of the course includes bait, a copy of his book, classroom materials, an evening social and lunch on the classroom day. Malat and his staff teach you how to read the beach, identify species, cast, tie knots and drive on the beach. You'll also learn about tackle, lures and bait. In June he also offers a surf fishing school especially for women with his wife, Nell. Joe's website, www.joemalat.com, includes several how-to articles about surf fishing in the area and fishing reports.
Jurassic Putt
- The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6841
Roam among Jurassic-period dinosaurs while playing on two 18-hole miniature golf courses.
KDH Cooperative Gallery
- The Bypass, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-9888
Come to the KDH Cooperative for Kids Craft Workshops. These are fun and informative art classes created especially for kids. Each student will bring home his or her own creation at the end of the workshop. Call for more information and to register in advance. Stop in the gallery even if a workshop isn't going on while you're here. You can view some great local artwork and see the Artist's Attic, the upstairs workspaces for the gallery artists.
KDH Cycle
- The Beach Road, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-3399
KDH Cycle has a variety of bicycles for rent and for sale. They can repair bikes and have a good selection of biking accessories and clothing.
Kill Devil Hills Town Park
- Off Colington Road, west of The Bypass, Kill Devil Hills
- No phone
The Kill Devil Hills Town Park is located by the Town Hall, also off Colington Road, west of the Bypass. The Town Park includes a path that is ideal for biking, walking and rollerblading, playground equipment and a roller hockey rink.
Kitty Hawk Kayaks, Kayak & Surf School
- 6150 N. Croatan Highway, MP 1, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-0145 or (866) 702-5061
Enjoy a kayak tour to some of the finest flat-water kayaking destinations on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kayaks offers 18 specialty tours across the Outer Banks, including tours in Kitty Hawk Woods, Nags Head Woods (hike and paddle), Roanoke Island, Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges and in Corolla. Kayak rentals are also available. The Surf School offers daily lessons and three-day surf camps throughout the summer. You can also take surf kayak lessons and ACA certified kayak lessons. The friendly, professional staff promise your entire family will have fun.
Kitty Hawk Kites—Climbing
- The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4124
Kitty Hawk Kites features an indoor rock climbing wall with experienced staff members on hand.
Kitty Hawk Kites—Outdoor Sports
- The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4124
Kitty Hawk Kites offers exciting outdoor activities and the paraphernalia to accomplish them. At Kitty Hawk Kites you can take hang gliding lessons right across the street at Jockey's Ridge. They also offer kiteboarding lessons and even run a camp for this exciting sport. At the store you'll find a wild array of kites, hang gliding and kitesurfing equipment, Frisbees and flying rockets. Ask about their kayak eco-tours.
Kitty Hawk Kites and Whalebone Watersports
- Nags Head Causeway, Nags Head
- (252) 441-4112
In addition to the Nags Head Dolphin Watch available at this location, they also rent Jet Skis and arrange kayak ecotours here.
Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center
- The Bypass, MP 15.5, Nags Head
- (252) 441-0265
This kiteboarding center conducts several types of classes in kiteboarding and even landboarding. They offer private classes. Their fast-track kiteboarding camp is two days of group instruction. Kiteboarding is a thrilling new sport, and a class is a great way to get started.
Kitty Hawk Sports
- The Bypass, MP 13, Nags Head
- (252) 441-6800
Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Sports has everything you need to enjoy all the recreation the Outer Banks has to offer -- from the wind to the waves to the sound. Kitty Hawk Sports is the retail store located across from Jockey's Ridge where you can find a huge selection of kayaking equipment, surfboards, body boards, skim boards, fins, wet suits, outdoor and surf brand clothing, T-shirts, OBX paraphernalia and Nags Head Casino products. Then book your Jet Ski, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing trips and head to Kitty Hawk Watersports, located a little farther down the road on the sound side.
Kitty Hawk Watersports
- The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
- (252) 441-2756
A watersports headquarters on Roanoke Sound, Kitty Hawk Watersports offers rentals for surfboards, windsurfers, body boards and kayaks by the hour, day or week. They also offer kayak eco-tours, which are fun for the whole family.
Kitty Hawk Watersports—Kayaking
- The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
- (252) 441-2756
Kitty Hawk Watersports rents kayaks by the hour, day or week. You can paddle around at their watersports center on the sound, or take the kayaks with you to another location. They also offer kayak eco-tours, which are fun for the whole family.
Kitty Hawk Woods 8K Race - June 14, 2008
- , Kitty Hawk
The Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation hosts this 8K race. The scenic course winds through Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, a rare maritime deciduous forest. Race proceeds go to the Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation, a nonprofit organization that strives to protect our coastal ecosystems by supporting coastal research, education and conservation. The Kitty Hawk Fire Fighters Association, which assists in conducting the race, also receives a portion of the proceeds.
Knuckleup Fitness
- The Bypass, MP 4.5, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 255-1662
Knuckleup offers an alternative to the standard workout. Here you can take classes in kickboxing for fitness as well as competitive kickboxing, boxing, Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts. The facility includes a full-size boxing ring. They also have weight and circuit training equipment. Call ahead to register for a class.
Lifesaver Rent-Alls
- The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6048, (800) 635-2764
Lifesaver Rent-Alls has fishing rods available for rent. Ask about delivery.
Lifesaver Rent-Alls
- The Beach Road, MP 9, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 441-6048, (800) 635-2764
You can rent everything you need for fun in the ocean at Lifesaver Rent-Alls. They have surfboards, body boards, flippers for body boarding, skim boards, surfboard racks and wetsuits. And they deliver!
Lost Treasure Golf
- The Bypass, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
- (252) 480-0142
Lost Treasure Golf is quite a sight on the Bypass. The course is designed to look like a Western frontier town, complete with caves and running waterfalls. A train carts golfers up to the first hole. There are two 18-hole courses to play.
Moneysworth Beach Home Equipment Rentals
- 947 West Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-6999, (800) 833-5233
Rent a kayak for paddling in the ocean or sound. Moneysworth rents single and tandem ocean-style kayaks. They can deliver them to you at no extra charge.
Moneysworth Beach Home Equipment Rentals—Biking
- 947 West Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk
- (252) 261-6999, (800) 833-5233
Don't lug your bicycle all the way to the beach on your vacation when you can rent one from Moneysworth. They have bicycles for adults and children, and they even have baby seats and helmets. They offer delivery right to your rental home.
Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf
- The Bypass, MP 16, Nags Head
- (252) 480-6606
Play 18 holes on the pirate-themed mini-golf course at Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf. They also have an arcade and serve snacks and ice cream. You can't miss the pirate ship!
Nags Head Bowling & Billiards
- 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 newly expanded arcade with classic games like Ms. Pac Man, skee ball, air hockey, a new dance video game and much more. There are automatic bumpers on the bowling lanes for the kids (or the less-than-practiced adult!). Try your hand at glowing disco bowling under neon lights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday nights are rock 'n bowl. Beer and wine are available -- check out the bowling pin beer bottles. The snack bar offers soup, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, pizza and fried food.
Nags Head Dolphin Watch
- Kitty Hawk Kites and Whalebone Watersports, Nags Head 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
- 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. Rent tackle here or bring your own. Daily, weekly and seasonal fishing passes are available with varying fees for adults and children. 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.
Nags Head Golf Links
- 5615 S. 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. Special off-season rates are available to seniors. Lunch is served in the on-site Links Grille. 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.
