Things To Do Nags Head During Offseason
The months of June, July, and August are the most active on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but that does not mean there are not still plenty of things to do during the offseason or “shoulder season.”
Check out our list of some of the fun things to do during the offseason in Nags Head, NC when planning your coastal getaway.
Hang Gliding
Not many perennial Outer Banks vacationers know this, but Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head is one of the best places to learn how to hang glide in all of these United States.
Kitty Hawk Kites offers dune hang gliding lessons during the off-season at their school headquartered at Jockey’s Ridge. Beginner lessons cost about $100 and are typically about 3-hours in duration. During the lesson, there will be an in-class “flight school” lesson followed by an hour-and-a-half on the dunes.
Bring some water, sunscreen, and of course, have someone with you to take plenty of pictures and document your flights. Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding instructors stay very busy during the summer – it is much easier to find available times during the offseason.
Kayaking
The water temperature in the sound may be cooler during the offseason; however, that does not matter when you are in a watercraft. Either bring your own kayak from home or rent one for a couple of days or a week from a locally owned establishment.
There are adventure companies that offer kayak tours if you would prefer to have a guide show you around. It cost about $30 a day to rent a kayak and tours are typically about $40 per person.
Fishing
From pier and surf to offshore and inshore – the Outer Banks attracts anglers of all skill levels and ages each year. Typically, the fish are biting and easier to catch when it is not the summertime. If you can swing it financially, paying for a chartered fishing adventure is well worth the cost.
Check out Pirates Cove Marina and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center to book a chartered fishing expedition. In terms of piers, there are a few options in the town of Nags Head, including Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head Pier, and the Outer Banks Fishing Pier.
Lighthouse Exploring
There are five lighthouses that are located on the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks and Nags Head is home to one of the best. Bodie Island Lighthouse is just on the outskirts of southern Nags Head and is worth visiting at least once during your offseason stay.
You may not be able to climb to the top (depending on which month you visit), but you can tour the grounds, take plenty of pictures, and learn more about the structure’s rich history in the visitor's center. There is no cost of admission (bonus!), however, there is a small nominal fee to climb to the very top of the tower.
Slew of Events
Two of the biggest events of the year in Nags Head take place in October. The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is probably the most-attended event annually for the area and is a celebration of all things yummy that come from the nearby ocean and sound waters.
Numerous locally owned restaurants set up a booth and encourage you to sample some of their finest dishes. A couple of area breweries usually have a presence as well if you are interested in pairing your fried oysters with a cold IPA or lager.
In addition to the Seafood Festival, you may want to plan your trip around the OBX Brewtag, which is an event as unique as the Outer Banks. During this annual event, teams build flying machines and compete to see which contraption can carry a mini-keg the furthest off a 20-foot flight deck. Does that sound like something interesting to attend?