Nags Head, NC

Steeped in history, Nags Head, North Carolina is the place for a traditional family vacation. In addition to the beaches, enjoy bike & jogging trails, 2 fishing piers, and the widest variety of restaurants on the Outer Banks.

Just south of Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head was the first vacation resort on the Outer Banks, dating back to the 1830s. Because the area is so well known, many people mistakenly use the term "Nags Head" to refer to the entire Outer Banks.

 

 

As with other areas of the Outer Banks, the beach is the main attraction in Nags Head, but the town has also become a hot spot for water sports, like kiteboarding and surfing, as well as pier and surf fishing. Vacationers can also enjoy a visit to Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, whether it be on foot or on a hang glider. After a day at the beach, take a short trip to Manteo for a visit to the Elizabeth II, North Carolina Aquarium, Roanoke Island Festival Park, or the Lost Colony.

Nags Head also offers nature tours and entertainment. You can enjoy a scenic beach or the water with a boat rental or watersport activities. In the evening you can explore some of the Nag Head’s fine dining. Nags Head can also be the perfect setting for a beachside wedding.

 

 

Nags Head Attractions:

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey's Ridge features tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States and offers self-guided hiking trails, a 360 foot boardwalk and nature trail. Hang gliding and sand surfing are permitted in designated areas of the park. The park also offers areas for kayaking and swimming.

 

Nags Head Woods

The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offers 1,092 acres of natural habitat ranging from sand dunes to wetlands. Hiking trails are open dawn till dusk. Horses and bikes are not permitted on the park trails but allowed on a gravel roadway.

 

Whalebone Welcome Center

The Whalebone Welcome Center offers information on attractions, events and a picnic area. The rest areas are open 365 days a year.

 

Nags Head Fishing Pier

The Nags Head Fishing Pier is one of the oldest and longest piers on the Outer Banks, NC. Along with fishing, there is the Pier House Restaurant offering fresh seafood.

 

Jennette's Pier

A landmark constructed in 1939, the 1,000-foot long Jennette’s Pier offers fishing with spot, croaker and flounder as common catches. The pier house features educational exhibits, fishing tackle and hot dogs.

 

Gallery Row

Offering art ranging from jewelry to paintings, Gallery Row is a collection of over 40 unique shops featuring the work of Outer Banks artists.

 

Tanger Outlet Center

The Tanger Outlet offers 25 brand name outlets in one place. Find the leading designer and brand name stores featuring the latest fashion trends. Stores include Coach, Nine West and Polo Ralph Lauren.

 

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Dating back to 1872, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is over 150 feet high and offers a visitor center at the keeper’s quarters that is open year round. While the lighthouse is not open for climbing, the base is open for viewing.

 

Oregon Inlet

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is a full service marina and home of one of the largest fishing fleets on the eastern seaboard.