1. Outer Banks - Nags Head
Nags Head is the heart of North Carolina's legendary Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands steeped in maritime history and natural beauty. This was where the Wright Brothers made their historic first flight, and the same steady winds that lifted their plane make Nags Head one of the East Coast's premier destinations for kiteboarding and hang gliding. Jockey's Ridge State Park features the largest living sand dune system on the East Coast, reaching 80 feet high and offering sunset views that stretch across both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. The beach itself is classic Outer Banks—wide, sandy, and backed by dunes covered in sea oats. Wild horses roam the northern beaches, remnants of Spanish colonial shipwrecks. The area's many fishing piers and the Gulf Stream's proximity make it exceptional for anglers.
Best For: Kiteboarding, Hang gliding, History, Fishing
Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall for warm weather without hurricane season peaks
