Outer Banks Vacation Tips > Outer Banks Town Info & Attractions > Nags Head

Community Description

Nags Head was named #1 family-friendly beach by TripAdvisor® for 2007. Home of the east coast's largest sand dune, the area features attractions, shops, restaurants, night life, water sports and more. Jockey's Ridge State Park is the perfect spot to fly kites, hang glide or sand surf. Close to Roanoke Island, historic Manteo and Oregon Inlet.

History

Legend states that early inhabitants of the area tied lanterns to the necks of horses and led the horses up and down the beach after dark to lure merchant ships. Sailors who saw the lights would mistake them for lights from ships and decide to come closr to shore. When they did, they would run aground and Nags Head residents would pillage the ship’s cargo.

Attractions back to top

Gallery Row
 Mulitple art galleries, jewelry shops and more.
Location: Mile Post 10

Jennette's Fishing Pier
Fish from the pier or enjoy the ''Giants of the Sea' exhibit, which showcases the state's largest collection of life-sized trophy mounts. Owned and operated by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the pier offers eucational programs for children in its newly-opened ocean classroom.
Location: Mile Post 16.5
Hours: 252.441.6421

Jockey's Ridge State Park
The tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States coast rises 110 feet in the air in some spots. Activites include: Hiking, hang gliding, kite flying and sunset watching over Roanoke Sound. The park features a picnic area, museum and auditorium. Nature trails, educational programs and recreational activities are offered.
Location: Mile Post 12
Hours: (November - February): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; (March and October): 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM; (April, May and September): 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM; (June and August): 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Closed: Christmas Day

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
A 1,400 acre maritime forest. More than five miles of hiking trails and a visitor's information center are features of the preserve.
Location: 701 West Ocean Acres Drive
Telephone: 252.441.2525

Neighborhoods back to top

Villages at Nags Head - A sound to sea community, Nags Head Golf Links championship course, oceanfront Village Beach Club, Olympic sized pool, large sundeck, private beach, bar & grill, bathhouse, lighted tennis courts, shuttle service, game room, adult and children’s activities, sound access, restaurant overlooking the 9th green and Roanoke Sound.

Dune Lantern – Oceanfront condominiums

Admirals View – Condominiums, pool, onsite laundry.

Heron Cove – Oceanfront condominiums, community pool.

Pirates Cove - Community pool, outdoor hot tub, tennis courts, playground, clubhouse, adult fitness center, 152-slip marina, and Ship’s store, & restaurant.