Overview
Nags Head is a city on the Outer Banks. Legend has it that the names comes from when pirates used to put a lantern around a horse's neck and walk along the beach. When a ship at sea saw the light, it would think the light was from another ship at anchor, and so would come closer and end up running ashore.
1 sights · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Nags Head
Bodie Island Lighthouse
The current Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced “body island”) is the third that has stood in this vicinity of Bodie Island on the Outer Banks and was built in 1872. It stands 156 ft tall on the Roanoke Sound side of a p…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 34°F. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Norfolk)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ORF Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk — 72 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 94 mi away. Directions
From the north follow I 64 to Rt. 168 in Chesapeake Va. Head South on Rte 168, this will become Rt. 158 and lead you to the Wright Memorial Bridge, northern access to the Outer Banks. After crossing the bridge head south for ten miles and you will enter Nags Head.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
The Tale of The Whale Great seafood and substantial portions. Located on the causeway just after the intersection of rt 158 and 64. Early Bird special between 4 and 5 pm, 20% off all items on the menu.
What to ask about, for your diet
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Map
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Understand
Tourist information
Nags Head guide
Get in
From the north follow I 64 to Rt. 168 in Chesapeake Va. Head South on Rte 168, this will become Rt. 158 and lead you to the Wright Memorial Bridge, northern access to the Outer Banks. After crossing the bridge head south for ten miles and you will enter Nags Head.
From the West follow Rt. 64 from Raleigh. Three hours later you will be in Nags Head.
From the South take the ferry (requires reservations and a small fee) to Ocracoke from Cedar Island then take Hwy 12 north. You will take the free ferry to Hatteras Island then drive through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for about 50 miles until you enter Nags Head. (It is quicker to come north until you hit Rt. 64 and take it in from the west but the southern route via ferry to Ocracoke is much more scenic. Nearest airport is in Norfolk (ORF). Nags Head is also accessible from Raleigh Durham (RDU). There is a small airport in Manteo NC (MQI) but no scheduled service. Nags Head is located between Kill Devil Hills and Rt. 64
Get around
As with much of the Outer Banks, two roads run north-south through Nags Head: Virginia Dare Trail (known as "Beach Road") and S. Croatan Hwy (Rt. 158)
See
- Jockey's Ridge
- Bodie Island Light station
- Mattie Midget House and Store
- Nags Head Beach Cottages Historic District
- First Colony Inn
See Bodie Island Lighthouse
The current Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced “body island”) is the third that has stood in this vicinity of Bodie Island on the Outer Banks and was built in 1872. It stands 156 ft tall on the Roanoke Sound side of a portion of a peninsula that is the first part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Do
- Go to the beach. Swim, sunbath, walk, collect shells or just relax. The beach is the best thing about Nags Head and the Outer Banks in general. There are public access points with free parking spread throughout the town so find a close one and get to it. Pack some sunscreen, a blanket and a bottle of water and head on over. You can walk to the beach from almost anywhere in Nags Head but if you are planning a longer stay or carrying a lot of stuff then drive and park, it is a lot easier.
- Visit Jockey's Ridge State Park, a fantastic place to appreciate the natural environment of the Outer Banks. Hang gliding lessons take place at the park during the day. Atop the dunes is a good location for kite flying. Just before sunset is a popular time to climb the dunes.
- Play miniature golf.
- Take a walk on the multi use path. There is a path that runs the length of the town along the oceanside road (known locally as "the beach road"). This is a great place to walk or bike ride. get out and get some exercise. If you walk the section from Jockeys Ridge south for about 1.5 miles you will pass the Nags Head Cottage Row district. This is a group of about 60 homes built between 1890 and 1930. They were built as summer homes and remain unchanged. Collectively they are known as the "Unpainted Aristocracy". The path runs the entire length of the town (12 miles) and is well suited to walking, jogging or biking. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the path. When on the path it is best to stay to the right (just like driving) and keep in eye and ear out for others. You will get a lot of
- Jannette's Fishing Pier is the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks provides a great fishing experience for the entire family. The main exhibit, Giants of the Sea, showcases state-record trophy fish mounts and five aquariums with indigenous fish species on display. The pier also houses an outpost for the North Carolina Aquarium Education Department, which offers a wide variety of coastal educational opportunities for children of all ages. Aquarium education classes run Monday - Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Eat
The Tale of The Whale Great seafood and substantial portions. Located on the causeway just after the intersection of rt 158 and 64. Early Bird special between 4 and 5 pm, 20% off all items on the menu.
Drink
- Brew Thru, Drive-through beverage and convenience store.
- ABC Store. North Carolina limits the sale of liquor to state run stores. The Nags Head store is located on the town's northern border at 8th St.
Sleep
Nearby
Manteo
City / town · 6 listings · 4 mi away
Colington
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Kill Devil Hills
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Southern Shores
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My experience
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