Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park!

Looking for an outdoor adventure during your upcoming trip to Nags Head, Outer Banks? Head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, located just a few minutes down the road from Surf Side Hotel. Home to the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast, the park boasts a 90-foot high dune! They also host a range of family programs and events, with something to offer kids of all ages! Check out some of our favorites below:

Blackbeard’s Treasure Hunt

This 45 minute program is hosted Mondays at 10 a.m. Learn all about Blackbeard and the treasure he is said to have hidden among the shifting sands of Jockey Ridge! Try your hand at using a map and compass to navigate after a quick lesson. Pre-registration is required, call the Visitor’s Center at 252-441-2588 to sign up!

Dune Critters

Bring the kids and learn all about the animals found in the park and throughout the Outer Banks. Park staff will explain unique and interesting adaptations that have helped these species to thrive. Meet at the park visitor’s center at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays for this family learning experience!

Tracks in the Sand

Meet at the Jockey State Park Visitor’s Center Wednesdays at 11 a.m. before trekking out onto the dunes in search of local animal life. During this hour-long encounter kids will learn about creatures found in the park and how to tell they are nearby. Call 252-441-2588 to register for this exciting event!

Sunset on the Ridge

Meet at the park utility vehicle at the top of the dunes to learn about the fascinating landscape of the park and how it was formed. Stick around to watch the sunset after this short program and take in the sight of the Atlantic Ocean and the many noticeable landmarks along it. The program begins at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Ready to plan your OBX adventure? Click here to learn about some of the park’s other programs, then head to Surf Side Hotel to book your stay! We can’t wait for your visit.