Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks holds the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast. It looks like a soft desert of golden sand sitting right beside the ocean.
Families love running up and rolling down the towering dunes, flying kites in the strong wind, and learning to hang glide. From the top you can watch the sun set over the water on both sides.
The giant dune
The main dune stands as tall as an 8- to 10-story building and slowly shifts with the wind. Walking barefoot up the warm sand feels like exploring a beach desert.
Wind and kites
Steady ocean winds make this one of the best kite-flying spots in the whole country. The same winds let beginners take gentle hang-gliding lessons off the dune.
Sunset views
Because the dune is so high and open, it is a favorite place to watch the sun sink into the sound at dusk. On clear evenings the sky glows pink and orange over the water.