There’s something about a boardwalk that makes you want to follow it and see where it leads.
On the Outer Banks, that might mean crossing the marsh to the sound, strolling along a waterfront or heading straight out over the Atlantic. Boardwalks take us places where roads and sidewalks can’t, offering access to some of the Outer Banks’ most beautiful landscapes and a whole new perspective along the way.
Some are destinations in their own right, perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunset watching or simply taking in the view. Others connect parks, neighborhoods and waterfronts or make beaches and natural areas easier to explore. And this summer, there are even a couple of new ones to discover in Nags Head.
From Duck to Manteo, here are some Outer Banks boardwalks worth taking a walk on.
Photos above: The new boardwalk at Jockey's Ridge State Park. Photos courtesy The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation via Facebook
Jockey’s Ridge State Park Boardwalk
New at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in 2026 is an expanded boardwalk that extends an additional 1,150 feet beyond the previous structure, providing direct access to the dunes and breathtaking views from the end gazebo. Designed with accessibility in mind, the new boardwalk features wheelchair-accessible ramps, shaded gazebos and benches for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Photo: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau built a new boardwalk at Soundside Event Site in 2026. Photo by Wes Snyder Photography via Facebook
Soundside Event Site Boardwalk
The new boardwalk at Soundside Event Site in Nags Head is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Stretching along the edge of the Roanoke Sound, the boardwalk is a half-mile long, 8-feet-wide, fully accessible concrete and wooden walkway that offers unobstructed sound and sunset views. There’s plenty of parking, so go out and enjoy the boardwalk any night, not just during a festival.
Photo: The Town of Duck's Boardwalk is a favorite for sunsets and recreation. Photo courtesy Town of Duck
Town of Duck Boardwalk
The Outer Banks' original town boardwalk, Duck’s nearly mile-long boardwalk traces the Currituck Sound shore and serves as a hub of activity all year round. The boardwalk is not only the perfect place to enjoy nature and a sunset, but it also connects vital businesses in the commercial district, including shops, restaurants and things to do.
Photo: The Town of Manteo's boardwalk links attractions, restaurants and shops. Photo Town of Manteo
Town of Manteo Docks
Downtown Manteo is linked by about a mile of waterfront boardwalk. The docks connect shops, restaurants and attractions such as Roanoke Island Festival Park, Roanoke Marshes Light and Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. The continuous stretch is a popular place for walking, docking, relaxing and recreating along the water in Manteo.
Photo: Jennette's Pier is one of seven oceanfront public piers on the Outer Banks. Photo from Jennette's Pier Facebook
Outer Banks Piers
Piers are the ultimate boardwalks. Stretching out of the ocean or other waterways, they offer a different perspective of the Outer Banks. And these oceanside boardwalks are perfect for catching a sunrise view. Outer Banks Piers are traditionally for fishing, but these days you can visit piers to eat dinner, watch live music, enjoy a few drinks with friends, send your kid to summer day camp, and even get married, making them super popular with more than just fishermen. See a full list of Outer Banks Piers here: Fishing and More on Outer Banks Piers.
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
