Nags Head

Full of history and abounding in recreational activities, it is easy to see why Nags Head, NC has been attracting visitors for over 150 years. OBX vacationers return to a Nags Head vacation rental home year after year for the beaches, recreational activities, dining experience, and shopping. Whether it is a romantic getaway or a large family vacation, Nags Head provides all the fun and adventure vacationers are seeking and more.

Nags Head Vacation Homes And Communities

Nags Head vacation rentals range from classic “Old Nags Head” style cottages to brand new oceanfront, luxury homes. These homes are located from the ocean on the east to the sound on the west. Our Nags Head homes provide OBX vacationers with the space and amenities they desire. Vacation homes in Nags Head are located within communities as well as in the Town of Nags Head in general. Each community is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and most importantly, the beach. Some of the amenities include pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and golf access. Whether you are looking for tradition and history, or new and lavish, Nags Head has the perfect vacation home waiting for you.

Nags Head Beach Accesses

Not renting an oceanfront vacation home? Like to know more about the beach accesses in Nags Head? Click here to view the amenities associated with each access and view pictures of most accesses. Please note, the town of Nags Head is expected to start beach restoration over the summer of 2022. The restoration project will take place on 4.45 miles of Nags Head beaches in the southern part of the town. This area will span from about Jennette’s Pier near Mile Post 16 ending near the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. You can get more info on beach nourishment on the town of Nags Head website here or on our beach nourishment info page here.

Things To Do In Nags Head

Nags Head offers numerous events and activities to excite every member of your family. Vacationers can climb the historical Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east coast. At the top, visitors can hang glide, fly a kite, or just enjoy the spectacular views. Take a short drive over to the North Carolina Aquarium and learn about the ocean and sea creatures that live there. Those looking for an adventure can take kayak tours, surfing lessons, hang-glide, or parasail. The sportsmen in the family will love the close proximity to the Oregon Inlet fishing center and Jennette’s Pier. After a long day at the beach, unwind with a fantastic meal from a variety of locally-owned restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the fresh local seafood and island-style dishes. Those looking for some retail therapy will enjoy the unique items found at locally owned boutiques and the outlet mall. Visit and see why so many make vacationing in Nags Head an annual tradition.

Featured Properties In Nags Head

The Stars (5466)

  • 26
  • 12
  • 12.5

This house boasts one of the highest points in Nags Head compared to other oceanfront homes. From the crow's nest you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as views of the town of Nags Head. Complete with a private access to the beach, The Stars ensures a fun filled, beach filled Outer Banks vacation!

Cloud Nine (5568)

  • 18
  • 8
  • 8

This is the ultimate luxury Outer Banks home you’ve been searching for. Located just steps away from the ocean, Cloud Nine features stunning décor, beautiful views of the ocean, and amenities including rec room fully equipped with a pool table and arcade games, a private pool, hot tub, and quality applicances and furnishings.

1 Perfect Vacation (5814)

  • 20
  • 9
  • 9.5

1 Perfect Vacation is going to be just that! This Outer Banks vacation rental is located in the middle of it all. Enjoy world-class golf, great local shopping, and amazing dining. 1 Perfect Vacation is also just a short walk away to the Outer Banks Pier where you can cast out a line or enjoy a bite to eat and great brew at Fish Heads Bar & Grill!

47th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular

May 16, 2019 — May 20, 2019
Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to host the 47th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show! Join professional hang gliders, fans, and families at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for this Outer Banks tradition. This event is the oldest continually held hang gliding competition in the world! The Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show will run from May 16 through May 20, with competitions each day....
Read More

Kitty Hawk Kites Tournament of Champions

May 16, 2019 — May 16, 2019
All previous winners of the Hang Gliding Spectacular are invited back to compete in a one-day, winner-take-all competition on the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge to kick off the 48th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular.
Read More

Wills Wing Demo Days

May 17, 2019 — May 20, 2019
The largest hang glider manufacturer in the world will have their latest models available to fly on the dunes and at the Cotton Gin Flight Park.
Read More

Eaglet Wars

June 8, 2019 — June 29, 2019
Our weekly eaglet hang glider competition on Jockey’s Ridge! Pilots of all skill levels will compete to see who has mastery of our training gliders. We supply the glider, you supply the “skill”. Spot landings, distance and pylon flying are all part of the fun. Minimum of beginner rating required. Event recurring weekly on June 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
Read More

Running of the Leprechauns

March 14, 2020 8:00 am — March 14, 2020 12:00 pm
Come join Outer Banks Sporting Events for the Running of the Leprechauns. Outer Banks Sporting Events is excited to add this 5K and 10K race to their line-up of amazing race events. Registration is open Friday evening for the race from 4-7 pm at Rooster's Southern Kitchen. Enjoy an Irish-themed after party and the Get Lucky Costume Contest! The after-party at Outer Banks Sporting Events...
Read More

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 15, 2020 1:00 pm — March 15, 2020 3:00 pm
Parade starts at 1 pm at MP 11.5, at the intersection of Bladen St. and Virginia Dare Trail (Beach Road) and continues north to Driftwood St. Held annually, the St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at Mile Post 11.5, at the intersection of Bladen Street and South Virginia Dare Trail. https://www.outerbanks.org/event/annual-st-patricks-day-parade/607/
Read More

Taste of The Beach

March 26, 2020 — March 29, 2020
4 days of "food, drink, and fun" and the best of the Outer Banks Restaurant Association. Save the Date and make plans to join us for the upcoming Outer Banks Taste of the Beach! The Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend is a fantastic way to sample many of the Outer Banks menus in one food-centric weekend. "This fun food festival event features: wine tastings,...
Read More

Spring Hang Gliding Camp

April 19, 2020 — April 26, 2020
Learn to fly with a group of like-minded students. Immerse yourself in hang gliding for the week. Lessons daily, lodging included. Hang 1 or Hang 2 training available. For more information, call Kitty Hawk Kites at 252-441-2426. https://www.kittyhawk.com/adventures/hang-gliding/becomeapilot/hang-1-camp/
Read More

Hang Gliding Spectacular

May 14, 2020 — May 18, 2020
Come be a part of the oldest continually held hang gliding competition in the country. We’ll fly on Jockey’s Ridge Friday through Sunday, and tandem at the Cotton Gin on Monday. https://www.kittyhawk.com/event/hang-gliding-spectacular/
Read More

OBX Shred Fest

May 16, 2020 1:30 pm — May 16, 2020 8:30 pm
Shred Fest is an annual fundraiser for Dare2Care OBX that builds awareness for Veterans and encourages inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Outer Banks community, while supporting programs for these groups. The family-friendly event will feature live music on two separate stages by multiple bands including the return of the Dare2Care OBX Shredders.  There will also be demos by professional skateboarders, BMX riders, and...
Read More

Band in the Sand 5K

May 23, 2020 5:30 pm — May 23, 2020 8:00 pm
Kick off the Memorial Day Weekend BAND IN THE SAND! Challenge yourself with a run on the sand.  Bring the whole family out for a fun 5K or 1K from Jennette's Pier among the glowing light of tiki torches along this out and back course! Cross the finish line to the rockin' good time sounds of a live band, cold beer and a cook out!  Meal/Band ticket...
Read More

Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown

May 31, 2020 11:30 am — May 31, 2020 4:00 pm
Join us for the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown! This family friendly event is guaranteed to be a tummy-tempting, toe-tapping good time as local and regional food trucks, breweries and musicians show off their talents at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. Place your vote for the tastiest truck and see who drives off with the Showdown Champion Belt. https://www.outerbanks.org/event/outer-banks-food-truck-showdown/1541/
Read More

Soundside Funfair

June 11, 2020 5:00 pm — June 14, 2020 11:00 pm
The annual Soundside FunFair is back again in Nags Head! Enjoy this summer kick-off carnival to benefit the Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County! From 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on June 13th through the 16th enjoy carnival rides, games, fair food, and of course tons of fun! For more information, contact Children & Youth Partnership at darekids.org/events or call at (252) 441-0614. https://www.outerbanks.org/event/soundside-funfair/874/
Read More

Rogallo Kite Festival

June 19, 2020 — June 21, 2020
Francis Rogallo was a NASA scientist and inventor of the flexible wing. His inventions started the sport of hang gliding, and his designs have evolved into the development of paragliders, stunt kites, power kites, kiteboarding kites, and hang gliders that are flown today. We invite you to join us and fly a kite at the annual Rogallo Kite Festival to celebrate Francis Rogallo and his...
Read More

Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament

September 19, 2020 — September 20, 2020
Join Kitty Hawk Surf Company for the “main event” of the year! The 6th Annual Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament features fantastic prizes for the best kayak anglers on the Outer Banks. This event is a slam style tournament targeting Drum, Flounder and Trout. Last year the Grand Prize was a Hobie Outback kayak, and Kitty Hawk Surf Company is looking to go big again...
Read More

Fall Hang Gliding Camp #1

September 20, 2020 — September 27, 2020
Learn to fly with a group of like-minded students. Immerse yourself in hang gliding for the week. Lessons daily, lodging included. Hang 1 or Hang 2 training available. For more details, call (877) 359-8447 or visit https://www.kittyhawk.com/adventures/hang-gliding/becomeapilot/hang-1-camp/.  
Read More

Fall Hang Gliding Camp #2

October 18, 2020 — October 25, 2020
Learn to fly with a group of like-minded students. Immerse yourself in hang gliding for the week. Lessons daily, lodging included. Hang 1 or Hang 2 training available. For more details, call (877) 359-8447 or visit https://www.kittyhawk.com/adventures/hang-gliding/becomeapilot/hang-1-camp/.  
Read More

Nags Head Fourth of July

July 4, 2021 9:25 pm — July 4, 2021 9:45 pm
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Nags Head! The Town of Nags Head’s annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular will take place at Nags Head Pier at 9:25 p.m.  The fireworks display will last approximately 20 minutes. The pier is located at 3335 South Virginia Dare Trail near Mile Post 11.5. For updates, visit Nags Head Facebook post Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular.
Read More

OBX Watermelon Festival

August 5, 2021 —
Celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Enjoy games, food, face painting, tie-dye shirt making, arts and crafts activities, and TONS of watermelon fun. OBX Watermelon Festival is free for guests to attend; however, the purchase of tickets is required to play and...
Read More

Outer Banks Pirate Festival

August 11, 2021 — August 12, 2021
Ahoy, Mateys! Get ready for a swashbucklin’ good time as Kitty Hawk Kites hosts the Outer Banks Pirate Festival. Pirates of Blackbeard’s Crew and mates will be camped out at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Come learn the vast history of pirates on the Outer Banks and participate in Scallywag School to see if your little ones have what it takes to be a part of Blackbeard’s...
Read More

Outer Banks Kite Festival

September 11, 2021 — September 12, 2021
A regional kite festival that brings some of the nation’s best stunt kite pilots right here to our backyard. Come out and join us for two days of kite flying fun for the whole family. Enjoy massive display kites flying high, including a 100-foot octopus, 80-foot panda and a 50-foot fish, and participate in FREE stunt and power kite lessons given by pros. On Sunday,...
Read More

OBX Brewtag

October 23, 2021 —
How far can a keg fly? Hosted by the Rogallo Foundation, this event is a celebration of flight and beer. Brewtag teams from all over the east coast compete to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest. The sky is the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome. A rather...
Read More

Hanging with Santa + Kites with Lights

November 26, 2021 — November 27, 2021
Come spread the holiday cheer with Kitty Hawk Kites and the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing crew. Free visit and pictures with Santa and a festive hang glider, cocoa and baked goods, and a light show with kites on Jockey’s Ridge are just a few of the fun and festive things going on! https://www.kittyhawk.com/event/kites-with-lights/
Read More

Outer Banks Seafood Festival

October 15, 2022 10:30 am — October 15, 2022 6:00 pm
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is an Outer Banks staple! This family friendly event is the perfect time to learn all about the important fishing community on the Outer Banks, the area’s seafood heritage, and the Outer Banks community. Meet local watermen and eat fresh, local seafood from local vendors. For more information, visit the Outer Banks Seafood Festival website.
Read More

Beach Portraits OBX

The beach portrait experience with Sarah D'Ambra Photography provides Outer Banks vacationing families with fun and candid beach portraits. We (Sarah and Madeline) are a sister team of photographers who recognize the value in time spent together as a family. All families are welcome here, no group is too big or too small! Booking information can be found at: www.beachportraitsobx.com Instagram @outerbanksbeachportraits  252-423-1335 | sarahdambraphotography@gmail.com
Read More

Blue Moon Beach Grill

Located in Nags Head, NC, The Blue Moon Grill is a quirky, fun filled dining experience for the entire family. Blue Moon provides southern comfort food, with a creative twist and flair. Their staff is very cordial and southern hospitality will always be king. They want your experience to be a “Once in a blue moon” experience. Let them surprise you with their...
Read More

Bodie Island Lighthouse

  • Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959
  • Website: http://www.nps.gov/caha
  • Phone Number: (252) 441-5711
Pronounced “body,” The Bodie Island lighthouse is located before Oregon Inlet on Hwy. 12 at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Fearing that the 80-foot tower would be used by Union forces as an observation post, the original lighthouse was destroyed during the Civil War. Today’s lighthouse was constructed in 1872 and stands 156 feet tall and has 214 stairs leading to the top. Its...
Read More

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The narrow barrier islands of Cape Hatteras National Seashore are in a constant state of change. Tides, waves and currents provide daily, sometimes subtle changes, while storms can provoke more sudden changes to the islands.
Read More

Causeway Watersports

Causeway Water Sports offers parasailing, wave runners, kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin tours. Whatever family activity you decide to particpate in, you can be assured that you will have a fun, safe and hassle free time. Their equipment is top of the line and all captains are fully licensed, insured, and expereinced.
Read More

Island Limousine

Providing reliable professional limousine, taxi & transportation service to the Outer Banks of North Carolina including Outer Banks transportation from Norfolk airport, Virginia Beach and neighboring areas since 1987, Island Limousine brings dependable class and dignity.
Read More

Jennette’s Pier

A stroll down the 1,000-foot pier invites reading the hundreds of plank inscriptions of past, present and future anecdotes about Jennette’s Pier experiences of others from across the country. In addition to ample bench seating, several welcoming and shaded exhibit areas break the 1,000-foot journey into enjoyable segments with topical exhibits for young and old alike. Besides family fun and fishing, classes will...
Read More

Jockey’s Ridge Crossing

This shopping center has a collection of 8 unique retailers and is directly across the street from Jockey's Ridge. In the summer, check out the weeknight ‘Summer Sunset Festivals’ with entertainment and activities and ‘Kids Day’ on Wednesdays with mid-day activities that include kite making; visits from performers who appear in ‘The Lost Colony’; pirates; and always a special collection of kites flying...
Read More

Jockeys Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Located in Nags Head, it is one of the most significant landmarks on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Park is open year round. Free programs are offered each season. For some, space is limited and pre-registration is required. Programs include: Sunset on the Ridge, Crabby Clinic, Kayaking, Birding on...
Read More

Markee Fuller Photos

Markee Fuller is a lifetime Outer Banks native with an eye for genuine moments and specializes in family, couple, engagement, and maternity photography. There's a time and a place for posing and Markee believes that's at the beginning of your Outer Banks photography session, the rest? Pure moments between you and your loved ones. Instagram: @markeefullerphotos
Read More

Mulligan’s Raw Bar & Grille

Located across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, in Nags Head, Mulligan's offers unbelievable views from the second floor deck of the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Nags Head cottages. Take a look at their menu and daily specials to see what local seafood is prepared for the today. Mulligan's strives to offer the best local seafood, local produce and locally butchered meats. Try...
Read More

Nags Head Pier & Restaurant

Fishing from one of our three fishing piers is a great way for novices and experts alike to experience the thrill of saltwater fishing. Most piers offer tackle rentals and you can purchase bait, ice and all the necessities right on site. Or, stroll the pier and take in the scenery for a nominal fee. Piers offer daily, 3-day and weekly passes.
Read More

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

regon Inlet Fishing Center and full-service marina is the home of the largest and most modern fishing fleet on the eastern seaboard. Located just 8 miles south of Whalebone Junction on NC 12 at the north end of the Oregon Inlet Bridge, Oregon Inlet offers a comprehensive fishing experience for the "old salt" or the vacationing fisherman. Allow their seasoned guides to treat...
Read More

Outer Banks Pier

Fishing from one of our three fishing piers is a great way for novices and experts alike to experience the thrill of saltwater fishing. Most piers offer tackle rentals and you can purchase bait, ice and all the necessities right on site. Or, stroll the pier and take in the scenery for a nominal fee. Piers offer daily, 3-day and weekly passes.
Read More

Outlets Nags Head

Outlets Nags Head is made up of over 30 popular stores providing apparel, footwear, accessories, houseware and furnishings.
Read More

Owens’ Restaurant

After 66 years Owens' Restaurant is still owned and operated by the founding family. Owens' Restaurant serves the rich cuisine of the Coastal South, influenced by the provocative culinary flavors of today. Menu highlights are fresh off the boat - seafood and shellfish, Whole Maine lobster, tender aged Angus beef, ribs, pasta, and outrageous homemade desserts. Seasonal ingredients determine the chef's choice of...
Read More

Sound Veterinary Hospital

Sound Veterinary Hospital was established in January 2020 by Dr. Blythe Hayes. Dr. Hayes and Sound Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to providing quality patient care and excellent customer service. Sound Veterinary Hospital offers vaccinations and preventative care, general surgery and dentistry, emergencies and referrals, and more.
Read More

Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant

Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant is a family owned establishment where customers are sure to enjoy the view, service and most of all the food. Right on the Causeway, soundfront sunsets make the restaurant a favorite for visitors and locals. Sugar Creek Restaurant has two dining rooms and an outside deck with a newly remodeled gazebo for private parties, and the Sugar Shack seafood...
Read More

Wave Watchers

Wave Watchers is a local beach equipment set up service that make your beach days a little more relaxed! With setup from Nags Head to Corolla, Wave Watchers features weekly tent, chair, and umbrella rentals plus so much more.
Read More