Nags Head, Coastal town in Dare County, North Carolina, United States
Description
Nags Head sits on the Outer Banks and stretches along the Atlantic Ocean with wide sand beaches and many fishing piers spaced throughout. The coastline features flat areas right at the water's edge backed by dunes that rise gradually inland.
History
The town got its name in the early 1800s from a deceptive practice where locals placed lanterns on horses to lure ships onto sandbars. This dark origin gave way to a fishing community that later became a destination for visitors.
Culture
The town remains tied to fishing traditions that shape how locals and visitors use the waterfront daily. You'll see fishing piers, boat launches, and seafood restaurants reflecting the deep connection between the community and the ocean.
Practical
Vehicles can drive on designated beach sections from October through April with a permit, making access easy during those months. Planning your visit during this period offers direct shoreline access for fishing and recreation without long walks.
Did you know?
Jockey's Ridge State Park contains the largest natural sand dune system on the East Coast with heights reaching 100 feet (30 m). The park attracts hang gliders and offers trails that wind through this shifting landscape.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Dare County).
Jockey's Ridge State Park
3.8 km
North Carolina Aquariums
8.2 km
Roanoke Island Festival Park
5.1 km
Sea Foam Motel
2.9 km
First Colony Inn
1.8 km
Nags Head Beach Cottages Historic District
3.9 km
George Washington Creef House
5.8 km
Mattie Midgett Store and House
2.9 km
University of North Carolina - Coastal Studies Institute
7.7 km
John T. Daniels House
6.8 km
Theodore S. Meekins House
5.8 km
Virginia Dare Monument
8.5 km
Washington Baum Bridge
4.3 kmMelvin R. Daniels Bridge
3.7 kmThomas Hariot Trail
8.6 km
Fort Raleigh
8.5 km
Waterside Theatre
8.5 km
Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center
8.7 km
First Light of Freedom Memorial
8.5 kmLindsay Warren Visitor Center
8.5 km
Elizabethan Gardens
8.7 kmWhalebone Junction Information Station
3.4 kmJumpmasters Trampoline Park
6.3 kmThe Mother Vine
4.9 kmElizabeth II
5.3 kmLost Colony Outdoor Theater
8.5 kmStatue, Work of art
6.5 kmJockey's Ridge Overlook
3.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes