Nags Head, NC Vacation Guide

Nags Head, NC Vacation Guide

Nags Head Guide Sections

Expanded Nags Head Listings

Nags Head is arguably one of the Outer Banks' most established tourism destinations, and the area remains popular with visitors today for its wealth of amenities, sprawling ocean and soundfront views, and classic Outer Banks style. In Nags Head, a beach-loving vacationer can find virtually anything to make an OBX vacation perfect, including some of the area's favorite restaurants, natural and historical attractions, and miles of beach fun. Visitors come here year after year for the fantastic Outer Banks beaches and ample entertainment, and have been doing so for generations. An ideal mix of on-the-beach relaxation and off-the-beach amenities, Nags Head remains one of the Outer Banks' most loved vacation destinations.

Hang gliding lessons at Jockey's Ridge State Park

Where to Stay in Nags Head

Not sure where to stay in Nags Head? The town offers tons of possibilities from nationally recognized oceanfront hotels to well-loved local motels that have been in business for decades. The majority of visitors opt to stay in vacation rental homes, which can be impeccable modern oceanfront mansions, to historic classic cottages, to quiet and hidden Nags Head woods retreats. Your vacation rental company can help steer you in the right direction to finding the vacation rental home that best suits your family's needs.

Nags Head Oceanfront Homes

It's no surprise that vacation rental homes are Nags Head's most popular accomodations. Homes range in size and amenities. Top vacation-rental companies offering homes in Nags Head include the following:

Vacation Rentals

brought to you by:

Brindley Beach Vacations offers premier real estate and property management services on the entire Outer Banks. Representing more than 600 vacation rental homes, Brindley Beach caters to all regions from the south beaches of Hatteras Island, Frisco, Buxton, Avon, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, to Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and north to Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla, as well as the 4WD area of Carova Beach. As a result, vacationers will find a wide range of homes or lots to choose from, from sunny condos with a host of amenities to massive sandcastles on the edge of the beach.

Brindley Beach Vacations

Beach Realty & Construction Quality Outer Banks Vacation Rentals since 1964. Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals offers over 450 rental homes in 4x4 Carova Beach, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head. Oceanfront to Sound front, 2 – 9 bedrooms and many offer private pools, elevators, keyless entry, linens & pet-friendly! Weekly, partial week & long term rentals available! Call us: 800.635.1559... www.beachrealtync.com

Beach Realty and Construction

Twiddy & Company's vacation rentals are the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends and we offer the biggest selection of any company in the northern Outer Banks. From expansive oceanfront rentals to peaceful soundfront homes our Outer Banks vacation rentals allow you an infinite variety of vacation experiences. For more information, visit www.twiddy.com or call 252-457-1100.

Twiddy & Company

Southern Shores Realty Offering over 350 homes from Corolla to S. Nags Head, the Outer Banks Experts at Southern Shores Realty make it easy to find the perfect vacation rental! Proudly operating since 1947, we are family owned business that serves Outer Banks visitors and locals. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront luxury rental or an affordable place to hang your hat, we make finding the perfect home as simple as it should be... www.southernshores.com

Southern Shores Realty

Sun Realty offers the largest selection of rentals in the Outer Banks. Choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet friendly lodging and more. Our properties span the entire OBX coast including Carova, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and South Nags Head. On Hatteras Island, we proudly offer beach cottages in all villages... www.sunrealtync.com

Sun Realty

Vacasa Outer Banks - With over 800 vacation rentals and all your wish-list amenities, Vacasa has vacation rentals for every group and budget. Our local team is dedicated to providing the best vacation experience for everyone, whether you are a longtime visitor of the Outer Banks or looking to plan your first stay. With our professional team and 24/7 customer service, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Vacasa Outer Banks

Atlantic Realty has been helping families create Outer Banks vacation traditions for almost 40 years. Our wide variety of rental homes and condos are sure to fit every family's style, size, and budget. All of our OBX vacation homes are well maintained with attention to detail, a superior housekeeping staff and on-staff maintenance - ensuring that your vacation experience is fantastic year after year.

Atlantic Realty of the Outer Banks

Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates Since 1968, our family owned and operated company has offered families just like yours a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals in beach communities and towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags Head. We invite you to view our brilliant photos, detailed property descriptions complete with amenity lists and maps. www.joelambjr.com

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates

Carolina Designs represents quality, well-maintained vacation rentals. Our inventory of 350+ Outer Banks vacation rentals range in size, from smaller retreats to reunion-ready homes with 15 bedrooms or more. Whether you're searching for an oceanfront house, sound front rental, or somewhere in between, our OBX rentals offer prime locations and easy access to the beach.

Carolina Designs

Outer Banks Blue - Since 2005, Outer Banks Blue has delivered exceptional vacations for OBX visitors. Our family-owned and locally managed rental company focuses on service and promises “a relaxing experience with a local touch.” Turn your dream vacation into a date on the calendar by choosing from 250+ meticulously maintained rental houses in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Call us at (252) 255-1220 for assistance in finding the perfect vacation home.

Outer Banks Blue

Resort Realty offers premier Outer Banks vacation rentals from Corolla to Hatteras Island. Choose from a wide range of vacation rentals from small, classic beach boxes to luxe, lavish oceanfront homes. Resort Realty has a vacation home for everyone. Browse our website at www.resortrealty.com or give us a call at 800-458-3830 and our vacation specialists will be happy to help you find the perfect home!

Resort Realty

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in service and a one-of-a-kind OBX vacation experience. We've got your perfect Nags Head vacation rental, oceanside escape in Corolla, or oceanfront beach house in Kill Devil Hills. Call 866-316-1843 or visit www.keesouterbanks.com

KEES Vacations

Hotels

brought to you by:

Surf Side Hotel is the ideal hotel choice for visitors who are truly looking to take advantage of all that the Outer Banks has to offer! They offer oceanfront and ocean view hotel rooms where guests can relax and enjoy the sunrise over the water. A variety of accommodations are available, including efficiency rooms, loft rooms, double queen and single king bed rooms, and full honeymoon suites to boot! Amenities include hot tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, private balconies and a free continental breakfast.

Surf Side Hotel

Nags Head beach

Nags Head Attractions

The Beach - The beach in Nags Head is the area's #1 attraction. Most visitors come to Nags Head for some hard-earned R&R on the sandy shore. Here are some guidelines you should know:

Nags Head beach

Beach Guidelines

  • Nags Head beaches are pet friendly. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round. They must remain on a leash 10ft or shorter.
  • Fireworks are prohibited. Bonfires are allowed on the beach with a permit. Permits are issued by Nags Head Fire and Rescue online here. Permits are based on current wind and fire danger conditions.
  • Beer is allowed on the beach, but no glass bottles. Wine and liquor are not officially permitted. Please drink responsibly.
  • Metal detecting is allowed.
  • Red flags = no swimming. When you see red flags flying, dangerous conditions are present and swimming is prohibited.
  • Please stay off sand dunes.
  • It is illegal to dig large holes. Holes in the sand can be a hazard.
  • Be mindful of Noise. Most communities consider a violation of the noise ordinance to be any sound that can be heard from inside a nearby residence, and any load noise after approximately 11:00 p.m.
  • No glass on the beach. Be mindful of glass bottles. Alcohol is allowed on all beaches, but if at all possible, stick to cans and plastic to save future beach-goers from any bare foot injuries.
  • Surf fishing is allowed. A fishing license is required in North Carolina and can be obtained before your vacation via the NC Marine Fisheries and Wildlife website, or a fishing license can be purchased at most any tackle shop on the Outer Banks.
  • 4x4 Driving on the Beach - Driving on the beach is permitted October 1 - April 30. Obtain a beach driving permit either from the Town of Kill Devil Hills or the Town of Nags Head. Through a reciprocal program, each town recognizes the beach driving permit issued by the other. UTVs and ATVs are not permitted on the beach.
  • Leaving equipment on the beach unattended from 8 pm-7 am each day is prohibited. Canopies and tents must be placed no closer than 10 feet apart. Tents and canopies cannot be larger than 12x12 and stand no higher than 9 feet above the sand when erected. Beach equipment cannot obstruct the line of sight of a lifeguard to the sand and cannot obstruct the passage of public works or emergency vehicles.

Modern vacationers can enjoy go-kart tracks, a handful of mini-golf courses, a number of ice cream shops, and restaurants located both on the quiet oceanside beach road as well as along the busy Highway 158 bypass. In addition, Nags Head vacationers will also enjoy close proximity to movie theatres, pool halls, and the Outer Banks' only bowling alley.

Climbers admire the view from the top of Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse - The Bodie Island Lighthouse, (pronounced "Body") is located just south of the town of Nags Head and Whalebone Junction, where Highway 158, Highway 64, and NC Highway 12 intersect. Visitors can view the lighthouse year-round, and climbing the 156' tower is a new option during the Summer months.

Jennettes Pier

Jennette's Pier - Not too far on the oceanfront lies the newly remodeled Jennette's Pier. This historic local pier was first constructed in 1939, but by the early 2000s, had an uncertain fate after decades of devastating hurricanes, cumulating with Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which, initially, looked like it had destroyed the pier for good.

Luckily, the state of North Carolina, as well as local and national organizations, took an interest in the fate of the historic pier and today, after an extensive remodel, the pier is better than ever and serves a multitude of purposes. In addition to the exceptional "in-shore" fishing, the pier is also home to an educational center including a small museum and research center. This center serves as a launching point for a number of kid-friendly learning activities, from primers on local species and pier fishing to tutorials on how local wind turbines work. Programs are available throughout the year, with the majority of seminars, sessions and classes offered during the summer months of June, July and August Ideal for all ages and all interests, Jennette's Pier is a fantastic attraction for visiting Nags Head fishermen, budding scientists, and anyone who wants to learn a little more about the Outer Banks' ecosystems.

Outer Banks Fishing Pier

Outer Banks Pier - The Outer Banks Pier, is located just a couple miles south in picturesque South Nags Head. This area may be located just south of Nags Head, right where the bypass ends and divulges into US Highway 64 and the southern side of NC Highway 12, but it can seem worlds away from the busy central Nags Head area.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockey's Ridge State Park - For sports and nature lovers, one of the biggest Nags Head attractions is the Jockey's Ridge State Park, located on the soundside of the Highway 158 bypass and clearly recognized by its towering mountains of bare sand. The sand hill portion of this park is the launching ground for hang gliding adventures, seasonal sand castle building contests, as well as adventurous treks for vista lovers who want a panoramic view of Nags Head from the ocean to the sound.

Fish Heads at Outer Banks Fishing Pier

Oregon inlet - This popular fishing center offers several charter boat options, boat tours, a boat ramp, and restaurant. Very pretty place in the late afternoon.

Oregon inlet

A fishing charter boat leaves pre-dawn from Oregon inlet

Nags Head Activities

From surfing and fishing to biking and sightseeing, there is no shortage of things to do in Nags Head. With its central location, Nags Head is the perfect base for those looking to experience all the Outer Banks has to offer.

Nags Head Restaurants

Nags Head boasts a diverse and exciting culinary scene. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, there is something for every palate and preference in this commercial center. With a focus on locally sourced produce and seafood, Nags Head's restaurants offer an authentic taste of Coastal North Carolina. nags Head restaurants offer a welcoming, family atmosphere and exceptional service. Here are a few top picks:

Nags Head Shopping

With an array of local boutiques, specialty stores, and well-known brands, visitors are sure to find something unique and memorable during their shopping experience. From beach gear and souvenirs to high-end fashion and home decor, as well as large national chains and grocery stores, the shopping scene in Nags Head offers something for every taste and budget. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly shop owners, browsing local stores in Nags Head is a leisurely and enjoyable activity for visitors of all ages.

Upcoming Nags Head Events

Outer Banks Skim Jam
July 25th, 2025 - July 27th, 2025

Spectators and active watersports fans alike are welcome to head out to the beach near Jennette’s Pier to catch a spectacular on-the-water show by some of the best skimboarders on the East Coast.

Meet a Banker Horse in Nags Head
July 28th, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Come meet a rescued, gentled Banker horse and learn more about the wild horses, the rescue farm, and what the Corolla Wild Horse Fund does to keep the horses safe and thriving.

Celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved local celebration that’s held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head features...

Outer Banks Pirate Festival
August 14th, 2025

Get ready for a pirate invasion on the Outer Banks, courtesy of the two-day Outer Banks Pirate Festival. This festival that will be held next to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the central Outer Banks town of Nags Head promises plenty of...

WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest
August 27th, 2025 - August 29th, 2025

Known as one of the most highly anticipated surf contests on the Outer Banks as well as the East Coast, the WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest is a thrill for participants and spectators alike, thanks to a stellar location in the town of Nags Head...

jockeys Ridge State Park

OBX Fishing Pier

Nags Head History

Like most of the Outer Banks, Nags Head's earliest residents were local Native Americans, until it became known as the area's first "tourist colony." The town was reportedly named by these earliest visitors in a Harper's New Monthly Magazine article, which heralded the pirates and local residents who roamed the beach with a lantern tied to an old horse's neck to light their way. By the time the town was officially incorporated in 1949, it had held the name of "Nags Head" for well over a hundred years.

Visitors first discovered Nags Head in the early 1830s. A mixture of local inland plantation owners, wealthy businessmen, and their families, these vacationers were the first visitors to the new North Carolina tourist colony. The area was remote, beautiful, but a relatively short trek from their business back home in eastern NC. During this time period, a cleaver entrepreneur and frequent visitor decided to buy over 200 acres of oceanfront l5 in the hopes that more people would be attracted to the quiet beach landscape.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Clearly, the gamble paid off. By the mid-19th century, Nags Head had over two dozen vacation cottages, its own collection of shops, a bowling alley, and even a church for vacationers to frequent on non-beach-going Sundays.

Development was stalled during the Civil War, but renewed again in the late 1800s and early 1900s with a collection of new oceanfront rentals for wealthy vacationers to enjoy. The vast majority of these homes are still available to rent today (for visitors of all budgets) along Nags Head's original "Millionaire's Row." This section of homes is unmistakable for its' weathered cedar shakes, multi-colored storm shutters, and wraparound decks that provided pre-air conditioning vacationers a shady spot to enjoy the breeze, no matter what time of day or year. This collection of homes is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, though because of their constant and careful upkeep, few vacationers would ever guess they were well over 100 years old.

By the 1960s, the Nags Head beach scene was in full swing with a healthy handful of locally run motels, restaurants, shops, and all the other conveniences a vacationer needs, regardless of the area. As a result of this early ingenuity, the town of Nags Head is also home to some of the oldest restaurants on the Outer Banks, many of which still boast their original cedar floor boards and wainscoting, dating back to the 1940s.

Heading out to watch the sun set at Jockey's Ridge

Nags Head Today

Today, Nags Head retains plenty of that classic beach charm of wide, wraparound porches and classic locals-favorite restaurants, but in the past few decades, the areas has introduced a number of new attractions as well.

Past the sand dunes, visitors will find a series of hidden nature trails that wind through patches of undeveloped maritime forest, leading eventually to the Roanoke Sound. Here, water lovers will find a second parking area as well as a launching point for a number of Outer Banks water sports, including kayaking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, stand-up-paddle boarding and even wave runner adventures. The sound beaches in the park are also perfect for the youngest of vacationers, as the gentle waves and gradual slopes of the sound waters make perfect playing grounds for the little ones in the group. Open year-round and offering new attractions in any season, from white-tailed deer and foxes who frequent the area in the winter to the kiteboarders and kayakers who rule the water in the summer, Jockey's Ridge is a must see for outdoor lovers of all varieties.

Many Fishing Charters leave from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

Unlike the northern area of Nags Head, which is a collection of hotels, motels, renowned golf courses, shops, and restaurants, South Nags Head is comprised primarily of vacation rental homes that are a block or two away from the oceanfront. This area is ideal for vacationers who want to "get away from it all" but still be within a few miles of the central Outer Banks' abundance of local attractions and amenities.

Nags Head, after all, has all the lures that have reeled in Outer Banks vacationers from the 1830s. Vacationers are free to explore, lounge, and play with a number of state parks, amusements, restaurants, shopping centers, and other attractions that are just waiting to be discovered.

The star attraction, of course, is the beach, and Nags Head vacationers will find no qualms in this arena as well, as even on the busiest summer days, the beaches are relatively uncrowded and boast miles of shoreline to explore. Several public accesses along the beach road are lifeguarded from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a well-tended red flag system alerts vacationers of impending bad swimming conditions. Like all towns in the central Outer Banks, vacationers should pay close attention to local beach rules, such as keeping your dog on a leash at all times, and no beach driving during the late spring to early fall months.

4x4 Beach Access near Oregon Inlet

In addition to the multitude of attractions and amenities, Nags Head is also home to a number of instrumental services, including several chain grocery stores, medical centers, and the Outer Banks Hospital, which serves all of Dare County and the Currituck Beaches. The small hospital is recognized as one of the best hospitals in the state, and offers top-notch emergency and medical care, so Nags Head and Outer Banks vacationers can rest assured that professional medical facilities are nearby, just in case.

Nags Head has a long history of being a vacationers' paradise, and the sentiment is as true today as it was in the mid-1800s. With a world of fun just waiting around every beach block, as well as miles of privacy if a vacationer so chooses, Nags Head comprises the very best the Outer Banks has to offer. Vacationers of all ages and eras will appreciate the attractions, restaurants, shopping, wildlife, and fabulous beaches that the town features in spades. After a vacation here, most folks completely understand the beachy appeal that has spanned generations, and will surely continue to do so for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head is located in the central Outer Banks. It’s bordered by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Hatteras Island to the south, and the town of Kill Devil Hills to the north.

How do you get to Nags Head, NC?

Visitors from the north can reach Nags Head via US 158, also known as the Beach Bypass. From the southern and eastern regions, Nags Head can be reached via US 64 and / or NC Highway 12.

What is there to do in Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head has miles of beaches, which are the star attraction, as well as plenty of off-the-sand activities and landmarks. The town is home to several fishing piers, the Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the Nags Head Golf Links, and a wide array of shops and restaurants. In addition, the town is a popular spot for soundfront and oceanfront watersports, including surfing, kiteboarding, SUP, and kayaking, and it is close to the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Where did the name Nags Head come from?

Legend has it that the name “Nags Head” originated from a method that local pirates used to lure in unsuspecting ships. As the story goes, the pirates would tie a lantern around a nag’s head, and walk the nag along the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge. Captains would be fooled into thinking that this was an indication of a safe harbor, and their ships would be plundered. While there is no concrete evidence that this story is true, it lingers on, and many shops and stores sell gifts and shirts that feature the famous nag.

What is the difference between Nags Head and South Nags Head?

Nags Head is more developed and is located along the Beach Bypass. South Nags Head begins where the Beach Bypass / US 158 ends, and is a collection of homes that are up to two blocks away from the ocean. There are far more stores, restaurants, and businesses in Nags Head than South Nags Head, however the southern region features great beaches and a fishing pier.

What are the special events in Nags Head?

Nags Head hosts a wide array of special events at local venues including the new Soundfront Event Site and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Popular annual events include the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in October, the Wright Kite Festival in July, and the Independence Day celebration with fireworks over the ocean.

Where are the beach accesses in Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head has more than 40 public beach accesses which may include parking, restrooms and showers, and handicapped accessible facilities. Nags Head and South Nags Head access points with parking are located at the following sites, which are listed from north to south:

  • Albatross Street
  • Gallery Row
  • Abalone Street
  • Baltic Street
  • Barnes Street
  • Blackman Street
  • Bonnett Street
  • Bittern Street
  • Bladen Street
  • Bainbridge Street
  • Curlew Street
  • Hollowell Street
  • Conch Street
  • Enterprise Street
  • Loggerhead Street
  • Town Hall
  • Epstein Access
  • Forrest Street
  • Gidden Street
  • Gull Street
  • Gray Eagle Street
  • Jennette’s Pier
  • Gulfstream Street
  • Governor Street
  • Huron Street
  • Holden Street
  • Hargrove Street
  • Ida Street
  • Isabella Street
  • Indigo Street
  • Jay Street
  • June Street
  • Juncos Street
  • Limulis Drive
  • Coquina Beach

Does it cost any money to park at the Nags Head public beach accesses?

It is free to park at all of the Nags Head beach accesses.

Are there lifeguards in Nags Head?

The Nags Head beaches are patrolled by Ocean Rescue personnel on ATVS throughout the summertime. In addition, fixed lifeguard stands are found at the following public beach access locations from Memorial Day to Labor Day:

  • Albatross Street
  • Abalone Street
  • Bonnett Street
  • Hollowell Street
  • Enterprise Street
  • Town Hall
  • Epstein Access
  • Forrest Street
  • Grey Eagle Street
  • Gulfstream Street
  • Hargrove Street
  • Ida Street
  • Indigo Street
  • Juncos Street
  • Limulus Drive

What are the attractions in Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head is home to the Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is the site of the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast. The town also has three fishing piers, (including the historic Jennette’s Pier), an 18-hole golf course, “Gallery Row” which features a collection of art galleries, and a number of historic beach homes.

Are there shops and restaurants in Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head has many shops and restaurants, which includes an outlet shopping center and several shopping plazas.

Where do you stay in Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head features a wide array of vacation rental homes and condos, as well as roughly a dozen hotels and motels. Camping is also available nearby, in Kill Devil Hills and within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

What can you do on a rainy day in Nags Head, NC?

Nags Head has a number of shops which includes an outlet shopping center, beach stores and boutiques, and “Gallery Row,” which features a collection of art galleries. In addition, the town is close to indoor amusement centers and central OBX attractions, like the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Are pets allowed on the beach in Nags Head, NC?

Dogs are allowed on the beaches year-round in Nags Head, but must be on a leash that is 10 ft. long or less.

Can I drive on the beach in Nags Head, NC?

Driving on the beach in Nags Head is allowed from October through April. A beach permit from the Town of Nags Head is required, and can be obtained at the Nags Head Town Hall, the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall, and at local Nags Head tackle shops.

Are there shells in Nags Head, NC?

South Nags Head and northern areas of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, like Coquina Beach, are popular destinations for shelling, due to their isolation. However, any area of Nags Head can be a good shelling destination after a storm or passing hurricane. 

Are beach bonfires allowed in Nags Head?

Beach bonfires are not allowed in Nags Head. They are allowed within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore with a permit, which is located just south of the town’s borders.

When is the best time to visit Nags Head?

Nags Head is most popular in the summer months, especially July and August. However, many businesses stay open year-round, and the town hosts a number of festivals throughout the year such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Kites with Lights celebration during the holidays, and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in October.

What are the air temperatures each month in Nags Head?

January - high: 52°, low: 36°F 

February - high: 54°, low: 38°F 

March - high: 60°, low: 43°F 

April - high: 69°, low: 52°F 

May - high: 77°, low: 59°F 

June - high: 84°, low: 69°F 

July - high: 88°, low: 73°F 

August - high: 86°, low: 72°F 

September - high: 81°, low: 68°F 

October - high: 72°, low: 58°F 

November - high: 64°, low: 49°F 

December - high: 56°, low: 40°F 

Nags Head Photos

Bodie Island Lighthouse

A soundside dock behind a Nags Head neighborhood at sunset

House in Nags Head over the sound at sunset

     Strolling along the Roanoke Sound at Jockey's Ridge State Park   

Oregon inlet charter boats
 

Jennette's Pier
  

Miss Oregon Inlet Tours

Headed out for a day of fishing  

Coquina Beach

Nags Head oceanfront homes

Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head, NC

Outer Banks Map
Carova Corolla Duck Southern Shores Kitty Hawk Kill Devil Hills Manteo Nags Head Wanchese Rodanthe Waves Salvo Avon Buxton Frisco Hatteras Ocracoke
Events
(More Events)
KEES Vacations

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in...

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, with its black and white candy-cane stripes, is one of the most famous and recognizable lighthouses in the world. Protecting one of the most treacherous stretches of the Outer Banks, with a beam of light that spans 20...

Family Water Adventures

Shelling, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding, Eco Tours & Light Fishing. Guided family adventure trips on Hatteras Island, NC. We take your group to multiple tidal islands along the Cape Hatteras seaside. These islands are constantly changing and...

Outer Banks Swimming Guide

Swimming is a local sport that never goes out of style on the Outer Banks, and with literally miles of ocean and sound waters to paddle around, there's no shortage of refreshing locales to enjoy a dip. Vacationers will find they have their choice of...

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to...

Currituck Banks Reserve

Vacationers adore the Outer Banks for its unspoiled stretches of undeveloped shoreline, and some may not initially realize that this sporadic lack of development is completely intentional, and is the result of decades of careful environmental...

Donutz on a Stick

Stay, Play and Eat- Donuts, Ice Cream & Coffee Treats! Located on the Duck Boardwalk, behind Dockside Seafood, this breakfast & Dessert-Shop features treats you've never tasted before! Try the hot, made to order, donutz...

Hatteras Inlet

The southernmost attraction on Hatteras Island is Hatteras Inlet, and fishermen, mariners, beachcombers, and island lovers all know this area of the Outer Banks shoreline very well. Located approximately half mile past the edge of the populated...

Miss Oregon Inlet

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is the home of the largest and most modern charter boat fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard. A full service marina in Nags Head NC, Oregon Inlet offers a comprehensive charter boat fishing experience for the "old salt...

Scenic Spots on the Outer Banks

There's a reason why so many aspiring and professional photographers flock to the Outer Banks. Ocean sunrises, sound sunsets, and miles of quiet wildlife in between create some breathtaking landscapes, ideal for photographers, painters, or plain-old...

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours

Welcome to Back Beach Wild Horse Tours in Corolla NC. Our tours embark from Corolla NC, the last Outer Banks outpost before the road ends into nothing but stretches of wide beach. We provide safe family fun to see the Corolla Wild Horses...

Coquina Beach

Located just south of Nags Head, Coquina Beach is a refreshingly undeveloped stretch of shoreline that's close to the central Outer Banks towns of Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk, but feels like it's miles away.

Coastal Smoothie Cafe

At Coastal Smoothie Cafe, we have created a menu and atmosphere that is designed to be as unique as the northern shores of the Outer Banks. Our creations utilize fresh local produce when possible. There is nothing better than local NC strawberries...

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or...