Nags Head

United_States

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.

  • 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 too 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.*

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 too 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.

  • How Sweet It Is, homemade ice cream, located next to Kitty Hawk Kites in the Jockey's Ridge Crossing complex. 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.

How Sweet It Is, homemade ice cream, located next to Kitty Hawk Kites in the Jockey's Ridge Crossing complex.

  • 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.

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.

Front Porch Cafe MP 10.5 Rt. 158 (S. Croatan Hwy)(252) 480-6616. A great traditional coffee shop with Wifi access. Parking is a bit limited but a great place for a meet up or to take a quick break.

Slammin' Sammys (is now closed 12/08) The Hot Spot on the beach MP 11 (2407 S Croatan Hwy) (252) 449-2255 Sports bar with free wifi. Great lunch spot or dinner.

Harbor Point Grille and Pizzaria 5000 S Croatan Highway (at the Outer Banks Mall) 252-261-6800. Lunch and pizza with free wifi access.

Old Nags Head Cove Clubhouse. 4512 S. Hesperides Dr. 252-441-4562 Guests in this Nags Head subdivision can use the wifi at the clubhouse for a small fee. Call for details.

Many rental cottages have access points installed. Many of these access points are not secured using WEP or any other form of security. Check with your realty company about the availability of access and its security.