Nags Head Travel Guide

A favorite family vacation destination, the welcoming Nags Head in North Carolina is found on islands known as the Outer Banks. Its beaches boast golden sand and blue sea, as well as delicious seafood being a highlight of the town. If you're looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Nags Head is the retreat you need! While you can chill out at the beach, you can also enjoy some thrills with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. When you get hungry, there are cafés, grills and taverns to visit. Don’t forget to do some shopping while you're in town, with an outlet mall and lots of gift shops for souvenirs to take home.

Things to Do in Nags Head

You can’t visit the town without relaxing at Nags Head Beach. Here, you can enjoy 12 miles of shoreline, with soft sands and clear waters where you can cool down when the sun is shining. For outdoor enthusiasts, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is highly recommended and you can see the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast, as well as go sand-boarding. Make sure you check out the endless trails in Nags Head Woods to get back to nature. For unforgettable views, climb to the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Your reward for successfully reaching the peak of 200 steps is being able to see the Atlantic Ocean and tall pines.

Best Places to Stay in Nags Head

You can make the most of the beautiful beaches in Nags Head by staying at one of the oceanfront hotels that are close to the action. There are also traditional cottages in the historic district, which includes Gallery Row.

Best Time to Visit Nags Head

The most popular time to visit Nags Head is during the summer months when the sun is out and the temperatures are hot. But to enjoy lower hotel prices, you can also visit Nags Head during the spring when the weather is still pleasant.

A Local's Guide to Nags Head

Choosing where to spend family vacations can be tricky and finding somewhere that is conveniently located and offers everything you need for a week or two in the sun is hard work.

Nags Head, a busy vacation spot in North Caroline, has it all. The beaches and sand dunes on the east coast offer families, friends and couples a fantastic place to stay.

Staying in a vacation home in Nags Head means travelers are close to plenty of attractions. Rentals in Nags Head come in all shapes and sizes so there is something to suit every visitor to the beautiful American town.

The destination is the perfect place to begin a North Carolina Outer Banks vacation as it is so close to the barrier islands.

The Dare County town is rumored to have been named after one of the Nags Heads on the English coast. Another explanation is that horses (called nags) would be used by shipwreckers to lure boats in too close to the shore where they would run aground and be looted.

It has been a popular vacation destination since 1830 and Jockey’s Ridge is now the only sand dunes left undeveloped. These dunes are the first thing that were seen by explorers landing in America to set up colonies.

The Jockey Ridge State Park is a must visit for all tourists in the area. This is the largest sand dune on the east coast and the shifting sands have changed the landscape over decades – even burying a miniature golf course. It is these ups and downs in the landscape that mean so many people come back year after year. Tidal pools are created and filled in, wildlife is moved and the area changes shape.

The park is also a really popular spot for hang gliders and kite fliers who take advantage of the coastal breezes. A Visitors' Center in the park has a museum includes exhibits on the local environment and there are foxes, squirrels and deer making their home around the state park. Swimmers can take a dip in Nags Head Beach and the Roanoke Sound.

South Nags Head is Bodie’s Island Lighthouse where visitors can climb to look out across the stunning landscape. North of Jockey’s Ridge is the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve which is a protected National Natural Landmark.

History lovers can check out the historic cottages that overlook Nags Head Beach. There are also three piers for fishing -- Nags Head Pier, Jennette's Pier and Outer Banks Pier.

For children, there are miniature golf courses and small amusements such as go-karts and bumper cars. Older golfers can take a trip to the Nags Head Golf Links for a round or two. The incredible Scottish-links style course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers a private swimming pool and restaurant. And as with any beachside town, there is plenty of sunbathing and swimming for visitors to enjoy.

There are plenty of Nags Head offers which help you get homes in Nags Head with views of the ocean for a bargain price. September and October are the best times to visit although there tends to be great weather all year round.

Homes in Nags Head come with plenty of great features. From a private hot tub, access to community pools and beach access there is something to suit every group.

If groups include a four-legged visitor, be sure to check out the pet friendly rentals in Nags Head.

Condos in Nags Head

A stay in Nags Head is every nature and outdoor enthusiast's dream, as well as a haven for a family vacation. With plenty of beach access, Jockey Ridge State Park is the place for hang gliding, the tallest natural sand dunes on the east coast, and the Nags Head Golf Links. The island is part of the North Carolina Outbanks, located near Kill Devil Hills, and offers a large selection of beach cottages and condos to stay in.

Vacation homes in Nags Head are a great way to experience the area like a local. Many Nags Head condo rentals are pet-friendly, so the furriest member of you family can join in the fun. Vacation rentals range from being oceanfront, semi oceanfront or located in the town center close to all the attractions. Outer Banks vacation rentals (OBX vacation rentals) are a good option, as well as the beach cottages in South Nags Head.