Things To Do in Nags Head: History Centers

Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m., a dozen or more sport fishing boats return from the Gulf Stream to the Pirate’s Cove Marina to unload their catches of tuna, dolphin, wahoo and other deep-sea fish. If you’re interested in seeing the fish before they’re cleaned, head down to the docks and watch the mates hurl the whopping creatures onto the docks. Kids...read more

Docked at Shallowbag Bay Marina in Manteo, Risky Business offers inshore shrimping and crabbing charters in the Roanoke and Croatan sounds. This is a fun, hands-on, family-oriented activity, and all ages are welcome. You'll learn to pull crab pots and shrimp nets, and you get to keep your catch. They run four three-hour trips a day – early morning, mid-morning, early afternoon and late afternoon –...read more

Run Hill is like a mini Jockey's Ridge. It's an active, migrating dune system just like Jockey's Ridge, but it's much smaller - 123 acres instead of 420. And it seems wilder and more mysterious. It's a state natural area instead of state park, so there's no visitor center or amenities and it's lesser known, which means it's far less crowded than Jockey's Ridge. Run...read more

For those arriving on the Outer Banks from the west on U.S. Highway 64, a great first stop is the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau's beautiful welcome center at the base of the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge. After you visit the restrooms and stretch your legs, you can browse through a wealth of information on attractions, restaurants and events, pick up maps, ask for directions and...read more

Outfit yourself to surf, skate or sun. This shop is a longtime favorite offering custom-made Secret Spot surfboards as well as used boards, boogie boards, standup paddleboards and more. Check out the retro collection of surfboards on the ceiling. You also can rent a board or get a surf report, and lessons are available. The whole family can shop for summer apparel, including bathing suits,...read more