Nags Head is where the Outer Banks piles up its superlatives: the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, a thousand-foot concrete pier, and a restaurant that’s been feeding fishermen since 1937. It’s the busiest stretch of the central beaches, and it earns the traffic.
It’s also the town with a beach-driving season of its own — roughly from October through April, Nags Head allows driving on its beach with a town permit, which makes it the off-season answer for people who missed the 4x4 beaches up north. The seasonal program and permit details are covered in this Nags Head beach driving permit guide. Everything below is on the map.
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Things to Do in Nags Head
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, at 300 W Carolista Dr, is the headline — the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, and the signature stop in town. An accessible boardwalk runs toward the dunes. Wear real shoes, because the sand gets scorching, and stay for sunset, which is the best show in town. The hang gliders you’ll see overhead launch from these dunes.
Jennette’s Pier, at 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, is the state-owned showpiece: 1,000 feet of concrete with aquarium exhibits in the pier house. A blanket license covers pier fishing, so you don’t need your own. For timing a session around low water, check the Nags Head tide times before you go.
Nags Head Fishing Pier, at 3335 S Virginia Dare Trail, is the old-school counterpart — built in 1947, with an on-site tackle shop and the oceanfront Pier House Cafe.
Sam & Omie’s, at 7228 S Virginia Dare Trail across from Jennette’s, has been serving fishermen’s breakfasts and seafood since 1937. Old school in the best way — go early.
Nags Head Woods Preserve is the Nature Conservancy’s maritime forest of trails and ponds — quiet and well marked. The entrance at 701 Ocean Acres Dr is technically over the Kill Devil Hills line, but the woods carry Nags Head’s name. Bug spray in the warm months.
Bodie Island Lighthouse stands just south of town near Oregon Inlet, black-and-white bands over a marsh boardwalk. Climbing is seasonal and ticketed, so check the National Park Service for current climbing status before you go.
Where to Eat & Stay
Sam & Omie’s has been feeding fishermen across from Jennette’s Pier since 1937, and it’s still the move. Lodging runs from classic beach-box cottages to the densest run of oceanfront hotels and motels on the beach road. See our full Outer Banks Restaurants guide for the wider area.
Related OBX Guides
See the Bodie Island Lighthouse and go pier fishing at Jennette’s Pier. Head north to Kill Devil Hills to see where the Wright brothers first flew. Browse everything in our Things to Do in the Outer Banks guide.
Locally verified
Reviewed by the Beach4x4 team in Kill Devil Hills, NC
Last checked: July 2026
Sources: NOAA, National Park Service, and local town & county offices. Always confirm hours, fees, and closures with the official source before you go.
Can you drive on the beach in Nags Head?
Yes, seasonally — the town allows beach driving roughly from October through April with a town-issued permit. In summer, the beach is for feet only.
What is Jockey’s Ridge State Park?
The tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast, at 300 W Carolista Dr. An accessible boardwalk runs toward the dunes, and the hang gliders overhead launch from them.
Do I need a fishing license at Jennette’s Pier?
No — the pier’s blanket license covers everyone fishing from it.
When can you climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse?
Climbing is seasonal and ticketed — check the National Park Service for current climbing status before you go.
Is Nags Head Woods actually in Nags Head?
Mostly — the preserve spans the town line, and the entrance at 701 Ocean Acres Dr is technically in Kill Devil Hills.