Jockey's Ridge State Park — Attraction in Nags Head

We visited Jockey’s Ridge State Park in late November with our two kids (ages 6 and 9), and it was an unforgettable family adventure! This Outer Banks gem, with its towering sand dunes, was perfect this time of year—mild weather, fewer crowds, and endless fun for the kids. The addition of the small lake-like area along the Roanoke Sound made it even more special.

Here’s why we loved our visit: Late November brought a quiet, relaxed vibe to the park, with hardly any crowds, especially on a weekday. The temperatures were in the mid-50s to low 60s, so the sand was cool and comfortable for barefoot play. Our kids had a blast running up and down the massive dunes, rolling down slopes, and building sandcastles in the soft sand. With so few people around, they had tons of space to explore and play pretend as desert adventurers, leaving their footprints everywhere.

Kite flying was a highlight! The steady breeze in late November was perfect, and we brought a kite that soared high above the dunes. The kids were thrilled watching it twist and turn against the clear sky, and the open space meant no worries about tangled lines. The lack of crowds made it feel like we had our own private kite-flying field.

One of the best surprises was the small, lake-like area on the soundside of the park, along the Roanoke Sound. It’s more like a calm, shallow lagoon than the ocean, with gentle waters lapping against a sandy shore. While it was too cool for swimming in late November, our kids loved wading at the edge, splashing, and skipping stones across the smooth surface. The water is so shallow and still—almost like a lake—that it felt super safe for them to play without the strong waves of the nearby Atlantic. They spent ages digging in the wet sand and chasing tiny crabs, giggling the whole time. It was a peaceful spot, with no one else around, giving us a perfect place to relax while the kids played.

We also took the Tracks in the Sand Trail (about 1.2 miles), which was an easy loop for the kids. They loved spotting rabbit tracks and learning about the dunes and wildlife from the trail signs. The short boardwalk was great for our youngest, who could explore without getting sandy. The trail led us toward the soundside, where we got a closer look at the calm waters of the Roanoke Sound. Capping the day with a sunset from the top of a dune was magical—the sky lit up with pinks and oranges over the sound, and the kids were in awe. It was a great moment for family photos!

Jockey’s Ridge in late November is a dream for families—spacious, affordable (free entry!), and packed with kid-friendly fun. The soundside “lake” added such a unique touch, perfect for little ones who want a gentler water experience. The park is clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. Pro tip: Bring a kite, water shoes for the soundside, and arrive early for parking. We’re already planning our next visit! Highly recommend for a crowd-free, active, and scenic...

Without a doubt this park is gorgeous, my review is about the staff which unfortunately was rude during our family visit. In the end, my recommendation is to please call in advance should you need assistance in one of their go carts to access the park. (This park has many sandy walking trails and dunes to walk/climb.)

My family is not as outdoorsy as me, I love the outdoors and visiting state parks because being educated by the locals is a highlight. This is the unfriendliest park I've ever visited.

My sister (who is pregnant) walked up to someone working there, asking if we could have or book a ride to access the park as a family. He quickly retorted and I heard, "You need to have a physical disability." He said that, to a pregnant person, with a 3 year old son, and a 70 year old man. In the cart, he was carrying what appeared to be an able bodied adult man, and two children that appeared 7-10 years and able bodied. When my sister asked again, explaining about her son and 70 year old father, he was rude, answered, "You need to book that a day in advance." He gave two answers contradicting himself, he didn't seem to educate us at all about the park. I understand if parks have their protocols in place for transportation, this review is about the rudeness my sister and family experienced. He honestly seemed annoyed that she was there at all, asking for help. Which is exactly what a state park worker is supposed to do, help the visitors understand and access the park!

We ended up walking a little and enjoyed the wind with a kite we bought. My 3 year old nephew enjoyed it, and my 70 year old father walked the flat dunes a short distance. You will need good walking shoes and physical agility to negotiate the higher dunes. We also saw the go car drive by having a wonderful time as we walked in the park.

And if you need physical assistance, please call at least one...

Review is of the South side of Jockey's Ridge (called Soundside). There is also access to the North.

Soundside has a very gentle trail, mostly wooded, that takes about a half hour to walk. The trail is fairly well marked, with only one spot that could use an extra sign. Not too hard to figure out, but it could be confusing.

Several places along the way have informational signs that describe points of interest. Plenty of opportunities for pictures.

Be aware that some dog owners fail to clean up after their companions, so you should keep an eye on the trail!

There is also a boardwalk to the beach, with a great view of Roanoke Island, and the NC mainland to the west. I'm not much of a beach goer, but it looks like a nice place for a swim. The boardwalk has stairs at each end, so not ♿ friendly. There's a level path to the beach as well, but it is loose sand.

Soundside is located on the south side of Jockey's Ridge. Just west of Rte 158 on Soundside Road. There are no bathroom facilities at this part of...