If you're looking for the perfect hidden gem for your beach days this summer, look no further than Coquina Beach! Located south of Nags Head, along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this quiet, undeveloped beach is the perfect vacation destination for vacationers looking to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the southern Outer Banks. With rolling sand dunes, long stretches of warm beach, and flora and fauna to keep you entertained for days, Coquina Beach is much more than just a place to set up your umbrella and spend the day. It's the perfect place to get out in the world, explore, connect with nature, and experience the Outer Banks as it was meant to be enjoyed.
Why Visit Coquina Beach?
Pristine & Peaceful
South of the central region of Nags Head and just north of the Bodie Island lighthouse, Coquina Beach is idyllic for its serenity and beloved location as an undeveloped spot to set up for the perfect family beach day. Take advantage of the large parking lot, handicap parking, a seasonal lifeguard, bath house, changing rooms, outdoor showers, pet waste bags, and an entrance to ORV Ramp 2.
Excellent Shelling
Due to its location on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you'll find that this is a beautiful spot for beachcombing. In fact, the beach gets its name from the tiny Coquina clams that can be found burrowing around the water's edge. As you watch the tide roll out, you'll see the shimmering shades of pink, purple, and yellow as the clams make their way back underground. The shells from these creatures can be found on the beaches from Cape May, New Jersey, down to Florida.
History & Shipwrecks Nearby
One of the most compelling landmarks on Coquina Beach is the Laura Barnes shipwreck, a vessel that ran aground in 1921. The remains of the wreck still rest along the beach and serve as a dramatic reminder of the Outer Banks' nickname: the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Take a glimpse at the exhibit to learn more about the wreck and the rescue of the crew by the Coast Guard. Just across the highway, the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands tall as another nod to the area’s maritime past.
What You’ll Find (and What You Won’t)
Ample Parking – There are two parking lots, each with about 50 spaces, but be sure to get there early - spots fill up fast!Modern Bathhouses – Clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing rooms are available, maintained by the National Park Service.Lifeguards in Summer – A staffed lifeguard station ensures safety during the season.Benches & a Wooden Walkway – Bring lunch and enjoy it on the built-in benches or bring a picnic blanket and a towel.
No Restaurants or Shops – Bring all your beach essentials with you (coolers, snacks, sunscreen).No Rentals On-Site – Unlike commercial beaches, you won’t find umbrella or chair rentals here.
Activities You Can Do at Coquina Beach
Whether you're planning a peaceful retreat or an adventurous day in the sun, Coquina Beach has something for everyone.
Surf Fishing, Surfing, and Bodyboarding
Coquina is a hotspot for surf fishing, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Anglers can expect to catch species like bluefish, drum, and flounder. When the swell picks up, it's also a great place to catch a few waves—perfect for surfing or bodyboarding. Especially if you're just getting started and looking for the perfect place to get your gills wet, this is the spot to do it!
Picnicking
Coquina Beach is a great spot on the Outer Banks to have a picnic with a water bottle filling stations and bath houses, in addition to the public beach access, making it easy to plan a relaxed, family-friendly beach day. While the NC location is more rugged and natural, you're welcome to bring a cooler and blanket for a DIY picnic with ocean views.
Don’t miss our guide to the Best Picnic Spots on the OBX for more ideas!
Shelling Adventures
The beach’s dynamic shoreline makes shelling a popular activity. You’ll often find scallops, whelks, moon snails, and coquinas scattered along the tide line—especially after a storm or early in the morning before the crowds arrive. You'll find that the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is prime real estate for beachcombing and finding sea glass on the Outer Banks.
Nature Trails and Birdwatching
If you enjoy birdwatching or hiking, the nearby Pea Island Wildlife Refuge offers scenic trails through maritime forests and marshlands. Keep your binoculars handy—this area is a haven for migratory shorebirds, herons, egrets, and even the occasional osprey.
Tips for Visiting Coquina Beach
Arrive early to claim your favorite spot near the dunes — especially if you're bringing little ones or a beach canopy.
Pack it in, pack it out – As part of the National Seashore, this beach is all about conservation. Please take your trash with you.
Visit at golden hour for absolutely stunning sunset photography across the dunes and sea.
Pair your trip with a stop at nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse for panoramic views of the marshes and sound.
How to Access Coquina Beach
Guests will find Coquina Beach on the stretch of land alongside NC Highway 12, just across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse on the way to Hatteras Island. A short drive south of Nags Head, there's a convenient paved parking lot with direct walkways over the dunes. And since the beach is maintained by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you can expect a protected and well-maintained space that's quiet and ideally located for that perfect family day at the beach.
For those who want to drive directly onto the beach, you can access the sand via the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) ramp with a 4WD vehicle and a permit from the National Park Service ORV Permit Office (or online at www.nps.gov). Please be aware of seasonal restrictions on beach driving and maintain proper 4WD etiquette, including following all airing up and down procedures. Find out more about OBX beach driving here.
Important Policies and Regulations at Coquina Beach
- Be aware of rough surf, tides, and rip currents that are common due to the locations of the barrier island.
- Permits are required to drive on the beach. Permits can be purchased online at Recreation.gov (search for Cape Hatteras ORV). ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles are not permitted on Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.
- A fishing license is required for all recreational fishing and can be obtained at local tackle shops or online.
- The trailering, launching, or landing of personal watercraft (such as a JetSki or Waverunner) is not allowed on the seashore.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6' at all times and are prohibited within any resource closure. Pets are not allowed in buildings.
- A Beach Fire Permit is required for all beach bonfires. This permit is free and available at campgrounds or visitor centers. Beach fires are not allowed from 10 pm to 6 am. From May 1 to November 15, beach fires are only allowed on ocean beaches at Coquina Beach Day Use Area, Ocracoke Day Use Area, and the beaches in front of the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.
- Please visit the NPS website for additional rules, regulations, and recommendations.
Find Seaside Vacations Rentals Near Coquina Beach
Planning to spend time at Coquina Beach? Make your trip unforgettable by staying in a Seaside Vacations rental home just minutes away. We've got gorgeous homes in Nags Head, Manteo, and on Hatteras Island! Whether you're looking for a spot to spend your couples' weekend, need room for the whole family, or want to prioritize a space that's great for the kids, we've got a little bit of something for everyone at Seaside Vacations!
Proximity
We offer a variety of vacation homes in Nags Head, Hatteras Island, and Manteo, putting you within a short drive of Coquina Beach and other nearby Outer Banks attractions.
Variety
Whether you're looking for a cozy oceanfront cottage for two or a large family-friendly house with plenty of space, we have options to suit all group sizes and preferences.
Amenities
Many of our homes come with ocean views, private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and easy beach access—everything you need to relax and enjoy your Outer Banks getaway.
Browse our selection of vacation rentals in Nags Head, Hatteras Island, and Manteo and start planning your beach vacation today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Coquina Beach
Where is Coquina Beach located?
Coquina Beach is located on NC Highway 12, about 8 miles south of central Nags Head, across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Is there a fee to park at Coquina Beach?
No, parking at Coquina Beach is free and includes restroom facilities and outdoor showers.
Are pets allowed on the beach?
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6' at all times and are prohibited within any resource closure. Pets are not allowed in buildings.
Can I drive on the beach at Coquina?
For beaches open to off-road-vehicle use, a permit is required. Vehicles must be licensed, insured and registered. Permits can be purchased online at Recreation.gov (search for Cape Hatteras ORV). ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles are not permitted on Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.
What’s the best time to visit Coquina Beach?
Spring through early fall offers the best weather for beach activities, but Coquina is a peaceful destination year-round for nature walks and photography.
Are there lifeguards on duty?
Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak summer months. Always check posted signs and swim with caution.
Book Now and Enjoy the Beach!
Coquina Beach is the perfect mix of rustic charm and natural splendor — the kind of place that captures the true spirit of the Outer Banks. Whether you're in the OBX for a week or just passing through, carve out time for a visit to this coastal treasure. Don’t forget your camera, your beachcombing bucket, and your sense of adventure!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
FIND THE PERFECT VACATION HOME BY CATEGORY:
- Dog-Friendly Rentals
- Oceanfront Rentals
- Rentals with a Private Pool
- New to Seaside
- Group Travel and Event Homes
- Any Day Stays
Or by City:
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on BlueSky, Tumblr, Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
