THE BEACH
At 11 miles, Nags Head has more beach than any other town on the Outer Banks. To date it is the only town that has used beach nourishment, and the results have been excellent. After beach nourishment, sandbars formed around Jennette’s Pier creating ideal surfing conditions.
There are numerous CAMA parking facilities adjacent to the beach with many of the parking lots featuring showers and a few with restroom facilities.
Nags Head includes a National Park beach at Coquina Beach, which is just south of the end of Old Oregon Inlet Road.
JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK
Depending on wind conditions, Jockey’s Ridge is either the largest or second largest sand dune on the East Coast. Home to the Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding school, it is considered one of the finest places in the world to fly a kite.
The dune is barren with nothing to block the view which is a breathtaking panorama of the sound and sea.
FISHING PIERS
There are three fishing piers in Nags Head. Going from north to south they are: Nags Head Pier, Jennette’s Pier and the Outer Banks Fishing Pier.
Nags Head Fishing Pier is at MP 11.5 on the Beach Road. A traditional wooden pier, it has a recently renovated restaurant, and a tackle store.
In South Nags Head, the Outer Banks Fishing Pier is at MP 18.5 on Old Oregon Inlet Road. Almost 50 years old, it extends 600’ into the surf zone giving anglers a great chance to hook some of the larger fish running a little farther offshore.
Jennette’s Pier is the most spectacular pier on the Outer Banks. When Hurricane Isabel destroyed the original Jennette’s Pier, The NC Aquarium Society bought the property and created a 1000’ concrete pier that includes a small aquarium and fully stocked gift shop. The Pier offers of classes and a wide variety of public information forums.
Located at MP 16.5 on the Beach Road, the pier is at the intersection of Old Oregon Inlet Road and the Beach Road (NC12).
GOLF – NAGS HEAD GOLF LINKS
Nags Head Links parallels the Roanoke Sound. Featuring beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound, the links style par 71 course changes dramatically with the wind. Finesse and low drives seem to do best here.
SHOPPING
Nags Head has some different shopping opportunities. Major stores are located along the Bypass, family businesses on the Beach Road.
GALLERY ROW
Extending from East Driftwood on the north to Bonnet Street, the Gallery Row district of Nags Head features a number of galleries. Here are a few to visit:
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery (210 E. Driftwood) – A wooden quonset hut shaped building, the gallery features the artwork of Glenn Eure and at least one and sometimes more artists. A visit with Glenn is worth the price of admission – which is free.
Jewelry by Gail (Driftwood Street, across from Ghost Fleet Gallery) Recognized nationally and internationally for her artistry, the the showroom is a fascinating look at Gail’s creations.
Sea Green Gallery (Beach Road at MP 11) – “The fine art of reuse.” Owner Susan Evans has created a new look and a new purpose for even the most ordinary of items.
Seaside Art Gallery is just down the road from Sea Green. One of the original galleries in Nags Head, it has an eclectic blend of art. Expect to spend some time wandering through the rooms.
JOCKEY’S RIDGE CROSSING
Home to the original Kitty Hawk Kites Store and Kitty Hawk Surf Company (was Kitty Hawk Sports), Jockey’s Ridge Crossing is a shopping experience reminiscent of a time when the only stores in an Outer Banks mall were locally owned. A two story wooden structure across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, in addition to the kite and surf stores, there is a sandwich/ice cream shop, a fudge shop and other stores.
TANGER OUTLET MALL
Bargain hunter take note. Tanger Outlet Mall at MP 16 on the Bypass is an overstock and outlet mall for a number of national retailers including The Gap, Eddie Bauer, Ralph Lauren and more.
