Things To Do in Nags Head: Parks

Beyond the beach, Nags Head is full of open natural areas for outdoor fun. From a state park to three popular town parks to a beautiful maritime forest preserve, parks provide places to enjoy nature, recreation and other outdoor things to do in Nags Head. Look to these Nags Head parks for year-round activities.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more

Dowdy Park

Parks in Nags Head, NC

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The 5-acre Dowdy Park is a popular place for relaxation, play and entertainment. The park includes an amphitheater, green space, restrooms, a fitness trail, basketball and pickleball courts, a bocce area and an unusual playscape/playground for kids, and it's the site of local events, festivals and live music. You'll find it on the Bypass in Nags Head, next to Nags Head Elementary School on the...read more

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Parks in Nags Head, NC

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Nags Head is home to the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. Jockey’s Ridge, currently a series of five dunes, is a natural wonder that’s continually changing in shape and height. With the highest dune varying from 62 to 80 feet tall, this system of sand is a haven for adventure. Colorful kites waver over its majesty regularly, and hang gliders climb to its summit to swoop...read more

Nags Head Dog Park

Parks in Nags Head, NC

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The Town of Nags Head established a new dog park in 2017. The park includes two fenced areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs less than 30 pounds. The park is shaded and provides ample space for dogs to make new friends, exercise and sniff to their nose's content. A water station is a nice touch, and a double-door entrance/exit system prevents...read more

Nags Head Town Park

Parks in Nags Head, NC

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This shaded park has a playground, picnic shelter, restrooms and an open field. To find it, turn west on Barnes Street off the Bypass at Ace Hardware. The trailhead for the Nags Head Town Trail is accessible at the south end of the parking lot. Part of the Nags Head Woods Preserve, the trail is a .8-mile hike through the varying landscapes of sand dunes...read more

Nags Head Woods Preserve

Parks in Kill Devil Hills, NC

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A beautiful place for hiking, trail running and birding, Nags Head Woods Preserve is one of the best remaining examples of a mid-Atlantic maritime forest. The 8 miles of hiking trails in the 1,200-acre preserve are open and free to the public every day from dawn until dusk. There are lushly wooded dunes, peaceful ponds, brackish marsh and an upland maritime forest complete with live oaks...read more

Whalebone Park

Parks in Nags Head, NC

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Whalebone Park, located across from Jennette's Pier, is an ocean-themed public park opened by the Town of Nags Head for daytime use. Complete with a pirate ship, climbing equipment, swing sets and benches, the park also provides several picnic tables beneath a canopy for those hot summer days.read more