Jockey's Ridge State Park
≈ 6–7 miles — 12–15 min drive from Wright by the Beach
The tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. Fly a kite, take a hang-gliding lesson, or catch the best sunset on the OBX.
Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head protects the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast, with dunes rising roughly 80 to 100 feet depending on shifting conditions. The dune field formed thousands of years ago and is still active today — winter winds push the sand slowly southwest a few feet each year, so the landscape is always subtly changing.
Entry and parking are free, and it's one of the most-visited state parks in North Carolina for good reason: climbing the dunes for sunset views over both the sound and the ocean is a quintessential Outer Banks experience. It's also a popular spot for hang gliding lessons, kite flying, and sandboarding.
Wear shoes — the sand gets very hot in summer — and bring water, since there's little shade on the dunes.
More around the area
≈ 1 mile
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Where Orville and Wilbur flew first in 1903 — and where our house got its name. Climb Big Kill Devil Hill to the monument and stand on the spot where flight began.
352 yards — 5-min walk
Beach Access: Raleigh & Ferris Avenue
Your home beach, and no stairs to get there. We recommend the Raleigh Avenue access — flat, paved, and easy with a cooler, chairs, or little legs.
≈ 1.5 miles — 5-min drive
Avalon Fishing Pier
A classic 1958 Outer Banks pier — fish, grab a snack, or just watch the sunrise stretch down the coast.
≈ 15–16 miles — 25–30 min drive
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Sea turtles, sharks, and touch tanks — the perfect rainy-day (or too-much-sun day) adventure for the crew.
≈ 14–16 miles — 25–30 min drive
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Black-and-white striped icon of the Outer Banks. Climb it in season for a view from Oregon Inlet to the sound.
in town — most within a 5–10 min drive
Our Favorite Local Restaurants
Our go-to spots after a day at the beach, from burgers and craft beer to fish tacos on a waitlist worth the wait.