SandyBeach Type
OceanWater
Iconic Outer Banks beach with excellent surfing and hang gliding at Jockey's Ridge.
Best For
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and early fall for warm weather without hurricane season peaks
About Outer Banks - Nags Head
Nags Head is the heart of North Carolina's legendary Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands steeped in maritime history and natural beauty. This was where the Wright Brothers made their historic first flight, and the same steady winds that lifted their plane make Nags Head one of the East Coast's premier destinations for kiteboarding and hang gliding. Jockey's Ridge State Park features the largest living sand dune system on the East Coast, reaching 80 feet high and offering sunset views that stretch across both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound. The beach itself is classic Outer Banks—wide, sandy, and backed by dunes covered in sea oats. Wild horses roam the northern beaches, remnants of Spanish colonial shipwrecks. The area's many fishing piers and the Gulf Stream's proximity make it exceptional for anglers.
Amenities
Lifeguards
Restrooms
Parking
Showers
Access Information
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Activities
Nearby Attractions
- Wright Brothers Memorial
- Jockey's Ridge
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Roanoke Island
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