Nags Head

Outer Banks, NC

family surfing nightlife

Current Weather

7 /10
85°F
Feels like 93°F
Mostly Cloudy
11 mph
Today's Recommendations:
• Perfect beach day - bring sun protection!

Must Knows

Classic OBX beach town with iconic pier
Jockey's Ridge State Park for hang gliding
The Strip (Beach Road) for dining and shopping
Strong surf culture and fishing scene
Great mix of family activities and nightlife

Sights Worth Seeing

Jockey's Ridge State Park

Tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast with hang gliding, sandboarding, and sunset views.

sand dunes hang gliding sandboarding state park
Good for: families adventure sunset views unique landscape
Must-see natural wonder and popular hang gliding destination.
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Nags Head Pier

Historic fishing pier extending 750 feet into the Atlantic Ocean with fishing and ocean views.

fishing pier historic ocean views fishing
Good for: fishing sightseeing pier walking photography
Popular fishing spot with tackle shop and snack bar.
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Coquina Beach

Historic beach site of the shipwreck Laura Barnes with visitor center and beach access.

historic beach shipwreck visitor center Cape Hatteras
Good for: history beach activities education photography
Part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore with historic shipwreck remains.
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Jockey's Ridge State Park

Home to the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States.

State Park Sand Dunes Hang Gliding Sunset Views
Good for: Families Sunset Views Adventure Sports Nature Lovers
Free admission. Great for sunset viewing and hang gliding. Visitor center with exhibits.
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Nags Head Fishing Pier

Historic oceanfront fishing pier extending 750 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offering fishing, dining, and spectacular ocean views.

Fishing Pier Ocean Views Dining Photography Fishing
Good for: Fishing Ocean Views Photography Dining Sunrise/Sunset
Open year-round. Pier pass required for fishing. Restaurant and bait shop on site. Great spot for sunrise and sunset photos.
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Top Restaurants & Bars

Owens' Restaurant

Historic oceanfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and steaks with panoramic ocean views since 1946.

historic oceanfront seafood steaks
Good for: special occasions ocean views fine dining history
Nags Head institution with over 75 years of serving quality seafood.
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Sam & Omie's Restaurant

Iconic beachfront diner serving hearty breakfast, fresh seafood, and comfort food since 1937.

iconic diner breakfast comfort food
Good for: breakfast families local history generous portions
Famous breakfast spot and Outer Banks landmark since 1937.
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Tale of the Whale

Casual beachside restaurant with fresh seafood, steaks, and stunning oceanfront dining.

beachside oceanfront seafood casual
Good for: families ocean views casual dining seafood
Great ocean views with consistently good food and service.
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Coffee & Breakfast

Coffee Waves

$

Beachside coffee shop with smoothies and light bites.

beachside smoothies
Perfect pre-beach fuel.

Gear Rentals & Activities

Kitty Hawk Kites

World-famous kite shop offering kite flying lessons, hang gliding, and adventure sports equipment.

kites hang gliding lessons adventure sports
Original location of the famous kite company. Hang gliding lessons available.
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Kitty Hawk Sports

Premier water sports center offering kayak tours, paddleboard rentals, and windsurfing lessons.

kayak tours paddleboards windsurfing lessons
Professional instruction and guided eco-tours available.

Outer Banks Diving & Charters

Scuba diving outfitter with wreck diving trips, equipment rentals, and certification courses.

scuba diving wreck diving equipment rental certification
Access to famous Outer Banks shipwrecks and certification courses.
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Kitty Hawk Kites Nags Head

Original location offering kite flying, hang gliding lessons, and adventure sports equipment.

kites hang gliding adventure sports original location
Historic location where Kitty Hawk Kites began operations.
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Nags Head Beach Equipment

Complete beach rental service with umbrellas, chairs, surfboards, and kayaks.

beach equipment surfboards kayaks rental service
Full-service beach equipment with delivery throughout Nags Head.
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Whalebone Surf Shop

Premier surf shop with board rentals, lessons, and quality surf gear for all skill levels.

surf shop board rentals surf lessons gear
Experienced surf instructors and quality rental equipment.
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Beach Access & Parking

Getting to the Beach

  • Nags Head Pier charges for parking but includes beach access
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park has separate parking and fees
  • Multiple public beach access points along Beach Road
  • 4WD beach access permitted with proper tags

Safety & Local Tips

Stay Safe & Respect Local Guidelines

  • Lifeguards on duty at popular beach areas in summer
  • Hang gliding area at Jockey's Ridge - watch for activity
  • Strong surf conditions common - check conditions
  • No alcohol on beach during certain events

Essentials (Grocery, Pharmacy)

Harris Teeter Nags Head

Full-service grocery store with fresh produce, deli, bakery, and extensive vacation essentials.

Upscale grocery store with high-quality fresh foods and full services.

Outer Banks Outdoors

Outdoor gear and sporting goods store with fishing equipment, beach supplies, and local maps.

Complete outdoor outfitter with local expertise and quality gear.