Nags Head is where the Outer Banks piles up its superlatives: the tallest active natural sand dune system on the East Coast, a thousand-foot concrete pier with a brand-new deck, 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 — from October 1 through April 30, 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. Everything below is on the map.
Open this map full-screen in Google Maps — handy for saving it offline before you lose signal.
Things to Do in Nags Head
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, at 300 W Carolista Dr, is the headline — the tallest active natural sand dune system on the East Coast, free to enter and open daily. A new accessible boardwalk runs toward the dunes. Wear real shoes, because the sand gets scorching, and stay for sunset, which is the best free 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, reopened in April 2026 with a brand-new deck after a full re-planking. A blanket license covers pier fishing, so you don’t need your own. Open 6 AM to 10 PM.
Nags Head Fishing Pier, at 3335 S Virginia Dare Trail, is the old-school counterpart — built in 1947, with a tackle shop, a small arcade, and the Pier House restaurant, which will cook your catch. Small walk-on fee.
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 — free, 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. It’s climbable in season — for 2026, April 22 through October 12 — at $10 per adult, with same-day tickets released online at 7 a.m. that sell out quickly.
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.
Can you drive on the beach in Nags Head?
Yes, seasonally — the town allows beach driving from October 1 through April 30 with a town-issued permit. In summer, the beach is for feet only.
Does Jockey’s Ridge cost anything?
No — it’s a free state park, open daily. The only cost is the bottom of your feet if you cross the sand barefoot in July.
Do I need a fishing license at Jennette’s Pier?
No — the pier’s blanket license covers everyone fishing from it. You’ll still pay the pier’s fishing fee.
When can you climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse?
In season — for 2026, April 22 through October 12. Same-day tickets go on sale online at 7 a.m. and sell out quickly; $10 for adults.
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. It’s free either way.