beach therapy.← Back to site map

Sand dunes & sunset skies

A different kind
of beach day.

Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. Bring a kite, wander the dunes, and stay for the sunset.

Sunset photo: C. Peek / NC State Parks

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Walk the sandy trails, explore the visitor center, or watch kites drift above the dunes. Hang-gliding lessons are offered by the park’s private concessionaire and require separate arrangements.

Main access & visitor center
300 W. Carolista Drive
Nags Head, NC 27959

Bring water and sun protection for time on the exposed dunes. Check the park’s seasonal closing time before planning a sunset visit.

A hang-gliding student flying above the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge with an instructor below
Hang gliding above the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge · Photo source: Outer Banks This Week
Visitors flying kites above the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Kite flying above the dunes · Photo: C. Peek / NC State Parks