Mermaids Pearl

Five Bedroom Fairways/Soundfront House, WE21 - Located in Nags Head

Watch Birds and Wildlife at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1938 as a winter preserve for snow geese. Today, the refuge is managed by the National Park Service and consists of 5,915 acres attracting almost 400 observed bird species. Naturalists, birdwatchers and fans of the sea turtle all frequent the Refuge during their trips to the Outer Banks. There is a Visitor Center on-site as well as a trail leading along the sound marshes in the area. There is no charge for this attraction, but don't forget to bring your insect repellent! For more information, contact the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at (252) 987-2394.

Go Golfing

The Outer Banks is home to a variety of golf courses to suit golfers ranging from novice to experienced skill levels. Nags Head Golf Links is an 18-hole championship located at Milepost 15 in Nags Head, and can be reached at (800) 851-9404. The Sea Scape Golf Links is also an 18-hole championship course that is built around the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest with a beautiful view of the ocean. Sea Scape Golf Links can be reached at (252) 261-2158. The Duck Woods Country Club is an 18-hole course located at Milepost 1 in Southern Shores and can be reached at (252) 261-2609. Hatteras Island also has a golf course, Ocean Edge Golf Course, which is a 9-hole course on the oceanfront in Frisco. They can be reached at (252) 995-4100. Whichever course you choose is sure to keep you thinking about "the day you went golfing on the Outer Banks."

Relax at the Beach

If watersports, fishing and tourist attractions aren't for you, don't worry - there is still something you can do to enjoy the Outer Banks! Get a cooler of your favorite refreshments and some snacks, grab a beach chair and head to the beach! Depending on the time of year, there will more than likely be something or someone for you to watch, whether it is surf fishermen, children playing in the sand and water, surfers or dolphins playing in the water. There is something about sitting on the beach and watching the waves come in that will relax you, and you will never want to leave!

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

You've seen the movies with people riding horses on the beach. Why not try it for yourself during your vacation to the Outer Banks? Equine Adventures in Buxton offers local experienced guides that lead you on scenic wooded trails to the beach. Rides are offered year round, but reservations are required. Call (252) 995-4897 for more information.

Have a Meal at Big Al's Soda Fountain and Grill

Big Al's Soda Fountain and Grill, located in Manteo, will be a dining experience that will take you back to the 1950s. Decorated like a '50s soda fountain and grill with checkered patterns and a shiny dancing floor, you will love the experience at Big Al's! Also, Big Al's is filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia and has a unique diner-style menu. Gravy fries or chili fries? Try them both!

Go Fishing on a Headboat Charter

If you don't want to spend the money on a private charter fishing boat, there are also several headboats available on the Outer Banks. Some of these large boats take parties into the ocean, though not as far as the Gulf Stream, while others take half-day trips to the inshore waters. Headboats normally are between 60 and 75 feet long and can accommodate up to 50 anglers. Headboats are great for the novice fisherman or for parties with children. The Crystal Dawn and the Country Girl are at the Pirate's Cove Yacht Club in Manteo at (252) 473-5577. The Miss Oregon Inlet is docked at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on Bodie Island and can be reached at (252) 441-6301. Docking in Hatteras Village at Oden's Dock are the Miss Hatteras and Captain Clam. Half-day trips are about $30 per person, and full-day trips range from $75 to $85 per person, depending on the boat.

Play or Watch Others Play in the Waters at Canadian Hole

Canadian Hole is a public area located 1.5 miles south of Avon on Hatteras Island. Windsurfers and kiteboarders who travel to the Outer Banks from around the world spend most of their vacation playing in the Pamlico Sound waters at Canadian Hole. If you are driving by this location on a windy day, pull into the public parking area and take some time to relax and watch the surfers and boarders. Many of them are very talented at their sports and are fun to watch. If you can catch this area near sunset, it is a great photo opportunity with the sails in the sky and the sunset in the background.

Go Camping at the Ocracoke Campground

The National Park Service manages a great campground on Ocracoke Island. About twelve miles from the ferry docks and just three miles from Ocracoke Village, this oceanfront campground is in the perfect location for walking on the beach, fishing, nature walking and more! There are 136 campsites and the cost is $20 per night. To make a reservation, call (800) 365-CAMP.

Visit Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II

Visible from Historic Downtown Manteo's waterfront, the Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II ship is one of the largest attractions on the Outer Banks. The Park opened in 1998 as an educational, historical and cultural arts complex and teaches visitors about the evolution of Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks between the 16th and 19th centuries. The Elizabeth II ship was built in 1983 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first English settlement in America. The park is open year-round and admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under five. For more information, contact the Park at (252) 475-1500.

Go Swimming in the Ocean

A favorite pastime on the Outer Banks is going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Many people like to feel the wet sand between their toes, dive into the waves or even ride boogie boards on the waves as they go onshore. If you aren't a strong swimmer and aren't familiar with tides, don't go out too far because the ocean can be very dangerous. If you have children, make them wear life jackets and keep your eyes on them. Some of the Outer Banks beaches are protected by lifeguards, but many of them are not. Also watch for sea creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and sharks. Use caution and stay safe!

 

Nags Head Restaurants

The Players' Grill
5615 S Seachase Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Subway Sandwiches & Salads
106 E Finch Street
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outback Steakhouse
5220 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Sonic - America's Drive-In
5205 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Dairy Queen
6714 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

New York Bagels
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Yellow Submarine Restaurant
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Grits Grill
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Peking Restaurant
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Taiko Japanese Restaurant
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill
5002 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Nags Head Shopping

Forbes Candy & Gift Shop
6321 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Chalet Gift Shop
6406 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Reef Beachwear
106 E Finch Street
Nags Head, NC 27959

Reef Beachwear
5215 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Food Lion
5200 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Birdwatchers
6705 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Cotton Gin
5151 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Dollar Tree
5120 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Books
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

The Cottage Shop
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Habitat Earth
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Hallmark Peggy's Shop
5000 S Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Mall
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Attractions

Jennette's Pier
7223 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
98 NC Highway 12
Nags Head, NC 27959

Pirate's Cove Marina & Charters
2000 Sailfish Drive
Manteo/Nags Head Causeway
Manteo, NC 27954

Jockey's Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Fishing Pier
8901 Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC 27959

Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks History Center
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954

North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
104 Fernando Street
Manteo, NC 27954

Nags Head Fishing Pier
3309 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
708 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Nags Head Activities

Nags Head Golf Links
5615 S Seachase Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Speed N Spray
6408 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf
6606 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Blackbeard's Miniature Golf
6714 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Jurassic Putt
6926 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Nags Head Raceway
7000 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Bodie Island Adventures
7649 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Kitty Hawk Kites
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Carolina Outdoors
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Miss Kitty's Old Time Photo
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Kitty Hawk Sports
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Native Vine Cellars & Tasting Room
3933 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959