Nags Head Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nags Head is a charming coastal town located in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina. Known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, Nags Head is a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

One of the main attractions in Nags Head is its beautiful sandy beaches. Stretching for miles along the Atlantic Ocean, these beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax under an umbrella with a good book, take a refreshing swim in the ocean, or try your hand at water sports such as surfing or paddleboarding, Nags Head's beaches have it all.

For history enthusiasts, Nags Head offers a glimpse into the past. One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Built in 1872, this towering structure stands at 156 feet tall and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating history.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in Nags Head. Jockey's Ridge State Park is a must-visit destination, featuring the largest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes and enjoy panoramic views of the area. The park also offers opportunities for hang gliding, kite flying, and birdwatching.

In addition to its natural beauty, Nags Head is also home to a vibrant dining and shopping scene. The town boasts a variety of seafood restaurants where visitors can indulge in fresh local catches, as well as quaint boutiques and galleries where unique souvenirs can be found.

Alternative names: Population: 2.9 thous.Area: 6.66 mi²Elevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°57'57"N, 75°37'33"W

Location

North CarolinaUnited States

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Nags Head Top Attractions

Nags Head Attractions - What to See and Explore

Nags Head offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bodie Island, Mattie Midgett Store and House, Jennette's Pier, Seaside Art Gallery. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

35°53'40"N • 75°35'23"W
Bodie Island
Bodie Island is a long, narrow barrier peninsula that forms the northernmost portion of the Outer Banks. The land that is most commonly referred to as Bodie Island was at one time a true island, but in 1811 Roanoke Inlet, which had separated it from the Currituck Banks in the north, closed.
Museum • Shingle style architecture
Mattie Midgett Store and House
Mattie Midgett Store and House, also known as Nellie Myrtle Pridgen's Beachcomber Museum, is a historic home and general store located at Nags Head, Dare County, North Carolina. The store was built in 1914, and the house in 1933. The store is a two-story frame Outer Banks Shingle Style building with a hipped shingle roof.
35°54'36"N • 75°35'44"W
Jennette's Pier
Piers and boardwalks

35°58'56"N • 75°38'20"W
Seaside Art Gallery
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
State park • Geologic formation • Park
Jockey's Ridge Overlook
Jockey's Ridge State Park is a North Carolina state park in Dare County, North Carolina in the United States. Located in Nags Head, North Carolina, it covers a 427-acre area, and includes the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States.
35°58'39"N • 75°38'22"W
Dowdy Park
Park
35°59'24"N • 75°38'40"W
Glenn Eure Ghost Fleet Gallery
Shopping • Art gallery • Museum
35°47'46"N • 75°32'52"W
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Fishing charters and tours • Tours • Outdoor activities

Day trips

Nags Head – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Nags Head, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills), Bodie Island Lighthouse (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Hatteras Island).

4.1 miNW
History museum, Historical place, Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of two of America's greatest inventors, Orville and Wilbur Wright. Situated in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, this national memorial marks the site where the Wright brothers...
11 milesS
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The Bodie Island Lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This striking black and white striped tower, nestled in Dare County, has been guiding sailors and captivating visitors since its...
50 milesS
Historical place, Reportedly haunted, Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Hatteras Island
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an iconic beacon on Hatteras Island and a quintessential symbol of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Towering at an impressive 198.5 feet (60.5 meters), this striking black and white spiraled structure is the tallest brick lighthouse in the...
31 milesN
Lighthouse, Historical place, Vernacular architecture
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla
The Currituck Beach Light is a lighthouse located on the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina. The Currituck Beach Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1973.
27 milesS
Museum, Maritime museum
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, Hatteras Island
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is a former station of the United States Life-Saving Service and United States Coast Guard. It is located in Rodanthe, North Carolina, on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks, on the east side of what is today Highway 12. Today, the surviving buildings of the station form a museum.

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Best Time To Visit Nags Head

Learn when is the best time to travel to Nags Head weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April, November and December. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Nags Head?

The top attractions to visit in Nags Head are:

What is the best time to visit Nags Head?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and February.