Best Things to do in Nags Head, North Carolina

March 15, 2026

Looking for the best things to do in Nags Head? Continue reading to plan your Outer Banks adventure and find the best adventures Nags Head has to offer!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve been working as an outdoor guide and writer since 2018. My mission is to help you find the best possible adventure for you!

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Best Things to do near Nags Head, North Carolina

From sunrises over the ocean to kayaking adventures and aquariums, check out the best things to do on your Nags Head vacation:

1) Visit the Roanoke Island North Carolina Aquarium

My absolute favorite thing that we did on our trip to Nags Head was head over to Roanoke Island Aquarium. This was a super cool aquarium, with a natural educational path through the exhibits that walks you through the different ecosystems of the Outer Banks, from the salt marshes to the sound, out into the open ocean and shipwreck reefs.

a jellyfish at the Roanoke Island Aquarium near Nags Head, North Carolina

Sharks and a shipwreck reef at the Roanoke Island Aquarium near Nags Head, NC

While visiting the aquarium, also swing by Manteo on Roanoke Island for a coffee and a walk out to Ice Plant Island.

2) Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic

A trip to Nags Head isn’t complete with out catching a sunrise over the ocean, and trust me, it’s worth the early wake up. Strap on you adventure sandals and head out on a long walk along the ocean.

Sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina's Outer Banks near Nags Head

A shell sits in the sand as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean on North Carolina's Outer Banks

I was a little grumpy about getting up for my sunrise walk (when we visited it got down below freezing at night!) but it was really worth it. How often do you get a beach completely to yourself as far as the eye can see?

3) Get donuts at Duck Donuts

Okay so I’m from the Midwest, and we don’t have anything like this here. Duck Donuts is a North Carolina thing where they custom dip and serve up your donuts, fresh as can be.

Delicious Duck Donuts in the Outer Banks, Nags Head North Carolina

My partner Andy was raving about them and said we just HAD to try them and honestly I thought for sure they were going to be overhyped. They were super not, 100% delicious. Just looking at the picture I can still taste them.

4) Camp at Oregon Inlet

One of the coolest things to do near Nags Head is to set up camp in the dunes at Oregon Inlet Campground. Here, you’re camped a quick walk from the ocean at a scenic campground with flush toilets and water.

Camping setup at Oregon Inlet near Nags Head, NC

Camping meal near Nags Head, North Carolina

Campsites are well spaced and advanced reservations are recommended. Remember to peak out of your tent after dark and enjoy some of America’s darkest skies.

READ: 13 Camping Meal Ideas (Not Dehydrated!)

5) Visit Bodie Island Light Station

For one of the best lighthouses near Nags Head, check out the Bodie Island Light Station near Oregon Inlet. This lighthouse is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

A hiker stands next to the Bodie Island Light Station Sign in Cape Hatteras National Seashore

In general, lighthouses and piers are some of the coolest (often free) places to visit in the Outer Banks. Also check out…

6) Watch the stars

Thanks to distance from mainland, long beaches, and the remoteness of the Outer banks, you can find some of the darkest skies in the US here. Head south toward Cape Hatteras putting nearly 30 miles between you and mainland and look up at night.

A camp in the dunes near Nags Head, North Carolina

Beyond dark skies, did you know that you can find bioluminescence in the waters of the Outer Banks? Ideally, you’ll want a warm calm night in the summer with a new moon for your best chances of spotting bioluminescence.

READ: How to Choose the Right Tent for You

7) Book a wildlife watching tour

Book a clear-bottomed kayaking tour near the Bodie Island Lighthouse and paddle with lighthouse views. Alternately, hop on a motorized dolphin-watching tour to spot wildlife while staying dry. Looking for a tour, but not necessarily wildlife related? Check out an Outer Banks ghost tour instead.

8) Visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore

One of my favorite things we did near Nags Head is check out Cape Hatteras National Seashore! From hiking near Oregon Inlet all the way out to Cape Hatteras proper, visiting the National Seashore is a really great way to appreciate the nature of the Outer Banks and learn more about the history.

If you’re already headed out to Cape Hatteras for the day, continue south for the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, where you can learn more about the history of shipwrecks in the Outer Banks. For example, did you know that Blackbeard the pirate frequented the Outer Banks?

9) Eat fresh seafood

One of my favorite things about travel is trying out new food, and being from the Midwest, there’s no better opportunity to eat fresh seafood than when on the ocean. Here are a few top picks for food near Nags Head: