Enjoy An Afternoon at Dowdy Park on Your Nags Head Vacation

If you’re planning a vacation on The Outer Banks, NC, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. One of the best, though, is Dowdy Park in Nags Head. Here’s what you should know about this awesome park, located just minutes from our Outer Banks pet friendly rentals.

About Dowdy Park

Dowdy Park is one of the finest and most enjoyable parks on the Outer Banks and is located at the intersection of South Croatan Highway and Bonnett Street. Dowdy Park provides 5 acres of recreation for people of all ages and abilities. Activities include an inclusive playground, an amphitheater, and a fitness trail. As far as amenities, you will find bathrooms, a community garden, as well as bocce ball courts, and multi-purpose fields. There is no park in the area quite like this one in all the other Outer Banks parks, and when you get there, you will understand why!

cute puppies at Dowdy dog park — Photo From: Unsplash

Things to Do at Dowdy Park

As we mentioned, there are tons of incredible things to do during your time at Dowdy Park. First, you can stay active by playing all kinds of sports. There is a fitness trail if you’re interested in walking or running. You can also head to the basketball court for a pick-up game or try out a new sport at the bocce ball area. There is also the opportunity to play pickleball or futsal (an indoor game that resembles soccer).

The Outer Banks is a wonderful place to spend time with friends and family, and Dowdy Park is no exception. You can watch your kids playing on the playground and getting out some energy, take a leisurely walk with them on the trail, or head down to the amphitheater to witness one of the incredible performances that’s always happening in the area. You can also check out Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head for more family fun!

While summer is a great time for enjoying Dowdy Park and everything that goes along with it, don’t sell fall, winter, or spring short. Each season is full of treasures that are always sure to put a permanent smile on your face, which is always a good thing! Dowdy Park is open all year long and is the perfect place to take a break from the beach.

Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market

The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market in Nags Head has the greatest number of vendors ever since the market’s debut in 2017. Most likely due to the state of the economy and the fact that most folks just have a lot more time on their hands, the market is extremely popular with both the locals and those who travel many miles to be a part of all the fun. If you are looking to relax and let someone else cook for you, check out the local Great Local restaurants in Nags Head!

The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market is a special event you do not want to miss. The Farmer’s Market is generally scheduled for the spring, summer, and fall of each year. The market is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through September 9 and is very popular among vendors because of its success over recent years.

Hours & Location

Dowdy Park is located at 3005 S Croatan Highway in Nags Head, just minutes away from our most popular Nags Head vacation rentals. You can enjoy the park daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.Plan your trip on the Outer Banks and tell your friends and family to meet you at the Nags Head parks for the most fun you’ll ever have. Contact the staff at OBX Cola to select your Outer Banks vacation rentals and start planning your trip!

Last week, the Town of Nags Head held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dowdy Park. This is great news for both residents and visitors of Nags Head who have noticed the need for more public recreational space in town.

Those of you that have been visiting Nags Head for a long time will remember the original Dowdy’s Park, an amusement park in the same location that was open from 1962-2005. You may even have some fond memories of visiting the park on vacation for a night of rides and good times with loved ones. Plans for the new Dowdy’s Park began in 2013 when the town bought the 5 acre lot by Nags Head Elementary School and the YMCA. In 2014, elementary school students had the opportunity to paint their ideas for a new park on shingles that were hung on the concrete wall where the landmark Dowdy’s Amusement Park once stood. Many of those ideas made it into the plans for construction. The park will include a centralized green space and gazebo for events, an events plaza to host craft fairs and similar activities, a multi-purpose playing field, sport court, fitness and walking trails, formal and informal children’s play areas, and garden spaces. Additionally, the park will host art exhibits and rotating art displays.

Phase one of the park’s construction is expected to be completed as early as this winter. We are looking forward to seeing the park completed and enjoying its many wonderful features!