Emerald Isle – North Carolina, USA
- Bogue Inlet Drive, Emerald Isle, Carteret County, North Carolina, 28594, United States
- +1 (252) 354-3424
- October 13, 2025
About This Beach
Nags Head, located in the heart of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is one of the most iconic beach towns on the East Coast — a perfect blend of classic seaside charm, outdoor adventure, and natural beauty.
Stretching for miles along the Atlantic Ocean, Nags Head offers wide sandy beaches, towering dunes, and family-friendly attractions that define the Outer Banks experience. From surfing at Jennette’s Pier to sandboarding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, it’s a destination that appeals to beach lovers, thrill-seekers, and history buffs alike.
Whether you’re building sandcastles, catching a sunrise surf, or savoring local seafood, Nags Head embodies the laid-back rhythm of coastal North Carolina.
📜 History & Unique Features
Founded in the early 1800s, Nags Head became one of the first beach resort towns in the Outer Banks, known for its rustic cottages and maritime heritage.
The name “Nags Head” is said to come from old folklore about pirates leading ships astray with lanterns tied to horses’ necks (“nags”).
Jennette’s Pier, built in 1939 and rebuilt in 2011, is a premier fishing and educational landmark.
Home to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, featuring the tallest living sand dunes on the East Coast.
The historic Cottage Row District preserves 19th-century beach homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities, fewer crowds.
Summer (Jul–Aug): Peak season for swimming, fishing, and family fun.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Warm ocean temps and peaceful beaches.
Winter (Nov–Mar): Quiet and ideal for solitude or photography.
Summer (Jul–Aug): Peak season for swimming, fishing, and family fun.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Warm ocean temps and peaceful beaches.
Winter (Nov–Mar): Quiet and ideal for solitude or photography.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Relax on the Beach: 11 miles of pristine sand ideal for swimming, shell collecting, and sunbathing.
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park: Hike the dunes, fly kites, or try sandboarding down 100-foot hills.
- Jennette’s Pier: Fish, sightsee, or explore the educational exhibits managed by the NC Aquarium.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Take a scenic drive south for lighthouses and unspoiled coastal beauty.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore Roanoke Sound’s calm backwaters.
- Hang Gliding: Go tandem hang gliding off the dunes with Kitty Hawk Kites — an unforgettable experience.
- Fishing: Try surfcasting, pier fishing, or charter a deep-sea adventure.
- Mini Golf & Go-Karts: Family fun at Galaxy Golf or Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguard-protected beaches (seasonal)
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Public parking lots and access points
- Beach wheelchair rentals
- Picnic shelters and gazebos
- Lifeguard stations and first-aid posts
- Nearby restaurants, cafés, and surf shops
- Pet-friendly zones (leashed dogs allowed)
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Surf Side Hotel: Family-friendly with oceanfront views and pool.
Nags Head Inn: Beachfront hotel steps from the pier.
The First Colony Inn: Historic 1930s inn with classic Outer Banks charm.
Jennette’s Cottages: Cozy vacation rentals near the dunes.
Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront: Great amenities for families.
Camp Hatteras RV Resort: Waterfront camping for RV travelers.
Nags Head Inn: Beachfront hotel steps from the pier.
The First Colony Inn: Historic 1930s inn with classic Outer Banks charm.
Jennette’s Cottages: Cozy vacation rentals near the dunes.
Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront: Great amenities for families.
Camp Hatteras RV Resort: Waterfront camping for RV travelers.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Jennette’s Pier: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended summer hours)
Jockey’s Ridge State Park: 8:00 AM – Sunset
Jennette’s Pier: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended summer hours)
Jockey’s Ridge State Park: 8:00 AM – Sunset
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: Free at most public lots
Jennette’s Pier Entry: $2–$5; fishing passes $10–$15
Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge: ~$130 per flight
Sandboarding Permits: Free (available at park office)
Parking: Free at most public lots
Jennette’s Pier Entry: $2–$5; fishing passes $10–$15
Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge: ~$130 per flight
Sandboarding Permits: Free (available at park office)
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Kill Devil Hills: Home of the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Kitty Hawk: Surfing, kayaking, and maritime history.
Bodie Island Lighthouse: 15 minutes south — stunning photo spot.
Roanoke Island: Museums, gardens, and historic sites.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Endless pristine coastline.
Kitty Hawk: Surfing, kayaking, and maritime history.
Bodie Island Lighthouse: 15 minutes south — stunning photo spot.
Roanoke Island: Museums, gardens, and historic sites.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Endless pristine coastline.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Nags Head is known for sea-to-table dining, classic seafood shacks, and waterfront restaurants with unbeatable views.
Top Picks:
Tale of the Whale: Local seafood overlooking Roanoke Sound.
Owens’ Restaurant: Outer Banks’ oldest family-owned restaurant (since 1946).
Sam & Omie’s: Classic diner-style breakfast spot for surfers and fishermen.
Blue Moon Beach Grill: Creative Southern coastal fare.
Fish Heads Bar & Grill: Laid-back pier bar with live music and ocean breezes.
The Dunes Restaurant: Buffet and homestyle cooking near the pier.
Top Picks:
Tale of the Whale: Local seafood overlooking Roanoke Sound.
Owens’ Restaurant: Outer Banks’ oldest family-owned restaurant (since 1946).
Sam & Omie’s: Classic diner-style breakfast spot for surfers and fishermen.
Blue Moon Beach Grill: Creative Southern coastal fare.
Fish Heads Bar & Grill: Laid-back pier bar with live music and ocean breezes.
The Dunes Restaurant: Buffet and homestyle cooking near the pier.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
OBX Seafood Festival (October): Celebrating local seafood and live music.
Kite Festival at Jockey’s Ridge (April & September): Colorful kites fill the sky.
Outer Banks Marathon (November): Scenic coastal race route.
Fourth of July Fireworks: Held at Jennette’s Pier.
Surfing for Autism (August): Community surf event supporting local families.
Kite Festival at Jockey’s Ridge (April & September): Colorful kites fill the sky.
Outer Banks Marathon (November): Scenic coastal race route.
Fourth of July Fireworks: Held at Jennette’s Pier.
Surfing for Autism (August): Community surf event supporting local families.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Parking fills fast near Jennette’s Pier — arrive early in summer.
Bring bug spray for soundside areas during humid months.
Rip currents can occur — always swim near lifeguards.
Best sunrise views: From the pier or Jockey’s Ridge dunes.
Bring a kite! Nags Head is one of the best places in the U.S. for kite flying.
Visit nearby Manteo for the Roanoke Island Aquarium and Elizabethan Gardens.
Bring bug spray for soundside areas during humid months.
Rip currents can occur — always swim near lifeguards.
Best sunrise views: From the pier or Jockey’s Ridge dunes.
Bring a kite! Nags Head is one of the best places in the U.S. for kite flying.
Visit nearby Manteo for the Roanoke Island Aquarium and Elizabethan Gardens.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Swim near lifeguards only.
No glass, fires, or alcohol on public beaches.
Dogs must remain on a leash (max 10 ft).
No littering — “Leave No Trace” policy enforced.
Observe dune protection fences — walking on dunes is prohibited.
No glass, fires, or alcohol on public beaches.
Dogs must remain on a leash (max 10 ft).
No littering — “Leave No Trace” policy enforced.
Observe dune protection fences — walking on dunes is prohibited.
FAQs
Can you drive on Nags Head Beach?
No, but nearby areas like Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras allow limited beach driving (seasonal).
Is Nags Head pet-friendly?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed year-round.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, Dare County, North Carolina, 27959, United States
Access Points
Getting There:
From the mainland: Cross the Wright Memorial Bridge via US-158 East into the Outer Banks.
Approximately 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia, and 200 miles east of Raleigh, NC.
Free and paid parking available at multiple access points along the beach.
From the mainland: Cross the Wright Memorial Bridge via US-158 East into the Outer Banks.
Approximately 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia, and 200 miles east of Raleigh, NC.
Free and paid parking available at multiple access points along the beach.
South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, Dare County, North Carolina, 27959, United States
Media
Review
Write a ReviewThere are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review
Carolina Beach – North Carolina, USA
- 100, Cape Fear Boulevard, Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States
- +1 (910) 458-8434
- October 13, 2025
Wrightsville Beach – North Carolina, USA
- 23, East Salisbury Street;Salisbury Street East, Parmele Isles, Wrightsville Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
- +1 (910) 256-7925
- October 13, 2025