Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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So what did we do when it was cold in The Outer Banks? We went kite flying! 📍Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head, Outer Banks, North Carolina This park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the Atlantic coast. That’s a pretty big deal! It’s famous for kite flying, gorgeous sunsets over the Roanoke Sound, hand gliding and more. Flying like that scares the shit out of me, so I didn’t try hand gliding or let the kids. But looks fun! 💩 Also, this park is the end of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail that starts in the Smoky Mountains. There’s a lot more to do here like sand boarding and water activities. And the neatest thing is that you barely have to hike. Don’t get me wrong though. Walking on sand is no joke. Especially this Outer Banks sand that is fine like powdered sugar. But I grew up in Puerto Rico. I’m ready 🦵! There’s a particular killer uphill to get to the sand plain and the higher dunes. But once you get up there, the view is breathtaking, literally and figuratively. Visiting this park at sunset is definitely an Outer Banks must do! For the budget-friendly folk: get your kites where they are cheaper, like Walmart. I had no idea there was one on the Outer Banks. Have I known (I didn’t think about it) I wouldn’t have carried groceries from Frederick’s Costco. Anyways, good Walmart kites are $10-$12. We also got two shitty ones for $1.49 and one broke almost immediately. Lol. But the $10 kite was really good. I got a fancy unicorn/dragon that had a terrible design. It was a pain to fly. See video and pay attention to the footage. #kiteflying #outerbanks #sanddunes #northcarolina #sunset #sunsetsofinstagram #jockeysridge #jockeysridgestatepark #jockeysridgesanddunes #nagshead #nagsheadnc #darecounty
luzwandererluzwanderer
320
Did you know about these unique adventures at the Outer Banks in North Carolina? 😱Try Hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park 🦀Go on a Crabbing Charter 🐴 Experience Horseback riding on the beach Learn more about all 10 adventures in the OBX #ontheblog #obx #outerbanks #adventuremom #hanggliding #northcarolinabeaches #travelnorthcarolina #obxvacation @kittyhawkkites
adventuremomadventuremom
4011
This place is absolutely GORGEOUS!! I'd been here once before, but this year decided to try the hang gliding school (beginner lessons of course) and holy wow was it an incredible experience!!!! The instructors (Michael and Katie are seriously awesome!!) make you feel so comfortable, and they only take you out when conditions are good. Their weather policies are actually fantastic and rescheduling a canceled class or getting a refund is super easy. We rescheduled 3 times because of wind! And it was an absolute breeze lol. We were legit flying solo on our very first flight. But like, in the safest, most accessible, straightforward way! They talk you through everything and teach you based on your own style/experience/technique. Like in a giant class of 25 people, you're still the only one that matters when your strapped into that glider. So yes, go hike jockeys ridge, learn about the Wright Brothers flights, watch the people hang gliding, think about how cool it would be....and then DO IT.
Kelsey MalinKelsey Malin
30
This was a really great place to visit and probably a once in a lifetime experience unless you plan to visit the Great White Sand Dunes in Colorado. The sand is super soft and the hike is very short to get to the main dunes. Images cant adequately capture how vast it feels when you’re there! If you have a pet I’d suggest going in the morning or evening so the sand is cooler. There is no shade whatsoever on the main dunes so bring a backpack and some water and a hat. Its also more windy at the dunes than in the parking lot so plan to go on a calmer day. It only took us 15 mins to walk from one side of the dunes to the other so its not as far as it seems when you first get there. Only downside was that right after we got there someone dropped off 6 tour buses full of youths and their extended families so it quickly became a giant sandbox full of 200 cackling teenagers. Try going during off days/hours or multiple times since it’s totally free!
Matt OlpinskiMatt Olpinski
40
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 day in advance.
Angela MarcotteAngela Marcotte
20
Our all time favorite place to visit in the area regardless of the season. Tip#1: Rent the boards from the shop. Tip#2: WAX, WAX, WAX and WAX the bottom of the board every 3 trips down. Edges first!!! #3:We bring snacks and blankets. Going up and down the hills is exhausting. We lay down, take naps, snack and take walks in between. Our favorite hill is the first real big one in the first main clearing. We haven't covered all of the park but that was our tried and true best out of all the hills we did. Make sure you walk towards the center hills so you can see both the ocean and the sound. It is beautiful. I highly recommend bringing a kite. We just unfold it and like magic it flies, almost too well. I do wish the little store had more Jockey Ridge merchandise. We would have stocked up. The staff were great! Thank you for a great experience.
Stewart FarwellStewart Farwell
30
Nearby Attractions Of Jockey's Ridge State Park
Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School
Sudden Light Records
Tallest Sand Dune

Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School
4.8
(98)Click for details

Sudden Light Records
4.9
(45)Click for details

Tallest Sand Dune
4.9
(10)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Jockey's Ridge State Park
Austin Fish Co
Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack
Abbi's Teas & Things
Brew Thru Jockey's Ridge

Austin Fish Co
4.7
(508)Click for details

Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack
4.3
(445)Click for details

Abbi's Teas & Things
4.8
(90)Click for details

Brew Thru Jockey's Ridge
4.4
(40)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959
Map
Website
ncparks.gov
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(2.7K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
Jockey's Ridge State Park is a North Carolina state park in Dare County, North Carolina in the United States. Located in Nags Head, North Carolina, it covers a 427-acre area, and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It is the most visited park within the NC park system.
attractions: Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School, Sudden Light Records, Tallest Sand Dune, restaurants: Austin Fish Co, Sooey's BBQ & Rib Shack, Abbi's Teas & Things, Brew Thru Jockey's Ridge

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