From its beginning back during the 1800’s, Nags Head in the famous Outer Banks of North Carolina has primarily been made up of a few cottage courts, small hotels, and single-family cottages. Today, visitors can still find many historic cottages, predominantly located near Jockey’s Ridge State Park, perhaps the most significant attraction in town with its unmatched views of the town. Nags Head is also full of small family-owned and operated businesses and many restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood in the state. There’s also a thriving art scene, particularly with Gallery Row.
1. Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey's Ridge State Park in the popular Outer Banks town of Nags Head encompasses more than four hundred acres and is home to the eastern United States region’s tallest active system of sand dunes. The day-use popular park is made up of three different ecosystems: the maritime forest, the sand dune system, and Roanoke Sound. There is no charge for admission and Jockey's Ridge State Park is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day. Ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year and there is also a visitor center with a boardwalk and museum.
300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-7132
2. Bodie Island Lighthouse
The Bodie Island Lighthouse dates back to the year 1872 and today invites visitors to climb up the more than two hundred steps spiraling to the top. This 170-foot-tall lighthouse is among around a dozen brick, tall tower lighthouses that still remain standing in the country. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is also one of the nation's few remaining lighthouses with a first-order original Fresnel lens. The lighthouse is open to the public from the middle of April through early October. Tickets are required.
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-475-9501
3. Jennette's Pier
Jennette's Pier in the town of Nags Head, North Carolina offers an excellent banquet facility, youth adventure camps, world-class fishing, numerous wildlife to see, and more. Inside of the pier house, visitors can get face-to-face with a variety of native fish species in one of the large aquariums. Interactive science exhibits provide information about renewable energy. Jeannette’s Pier also features a public bathhouse, wide and clean beaches, and a Pier Shop. More NC Getaways
7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-255-1501
4. Full Throttle Speedway
The Full Throttle Speedway is a place for people of all ages to experience race day excitement in the Outer Banks. Both kids and adults alike can enjoy a day of go-karting at the speedway, which features Indy-style, gas-powered Go-Karts and two different track styles: the Figure 8 and the Slick Oval. The Go-Kart tracks are able to accommodate as many as twenty racers, which make the Full Throttle Speedway great for families or groups. For younger guests of at least 40 inches in height, there are the Kiddie Karts, which race on their own, not with the adult karts. More Day Trips in NC
6504 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-4499
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5. Seaside Art Gallery
The family-owned and operated Seaside Art Gallery is situated within the town’s Gallery Row Art District, only steps from the ocean. The gallery boasts the title of being the first art gallery in the Outer Banks, established in 1961 by the Smith family. It is also one of the Southeast’s largest privately owned art galleries. The expansive Seaside Art Gallery consists of twelve rooms featuring original fine art, including nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first century master and famed animation art created by Hanna Barbera, Warner Brothers, and Disney, as well as works by internationally and locally known artists in various media. More North Carolina Vacations
2716 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 800-828-2444
6. Blue Moon Beach Grill
The Blue Moon Beach Grill offers a fun-filled, quirky dining experience in Nags Head, North Carolina. While the restaurant may be on the smaller side, it boasts a big personality, striving to give customers a “once in a Blue Moon experience.” Open daily, Southern comfort food is served here with a touch of flair and a creative twist, while the staff always aim to be cordial and provide guests with Southern hospitality. The menu features many favorite dishes, such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fish tacos, as well as daily creative specials written on the blackboard. More ideas: NC Beaches
4104 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-261-2583
7. Owens' Restaurant
Owens' Restaurant has been a local dining establishment in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for more than seventy-five years and is still owned and managed by the original family that founded it. Highlights of the menu include the freshest shellfish and seafood, whole Maine lobster, pasta, ribs, and aged tender Angus beef, as well as some homemade outrageous desserts. The restaurant’s decor features artifacts given to Owens’ by longtime fans and friends, local history items, and family heirlooms. With artifacts connected to the area’s maritime past and a variety of seafood, Owens’ captures the spirit of the coast. More beaches near Jacksonville, NC
7114 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-7309
8. Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe, like many restaurants in Nags Head, specializes in local and fresh seafood, including some of the area’s freshest oysters from the waters of North Carolina, as well as shrimp, crab, clams, and fish. Along with delicious food, guests at the Lone Cedar Cafe can also enjoy warm and friendly hospitality and panoramic views of the Roanoke Sound. The restaurant also takes pride in being a “green restaurant” by focusing on local foods and helping keep the environment clean. In addition to serving North Carolina seafood, vegetables are sourced from farms within the state as well. More Things to Do in NC
7623 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-5405
9. Sam & Omie's Restaurant
Sam & Omie's Restaurant is about as authentic as a restaurant can get in the Outer Banks. The family-owned and operated small restaurant at Milepost 16.5 of Beach Road first opened its doors to the Nags Head community back in 1937 as a place where fishermen could get breakfast before heading off to catch fish. Sam & Omie's Restaurant still has an old Outer Banks cottage feel and look with walls lined with old scenes of Nags Head and photos of fishermen proudly displaying their large catch, wood plank floors, low wood ceilings, beadboard walls, and Carolina blue cushions. More ideas: North Carolina Islands
7228 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-7366
10. The Dunes Restaurant
The Dunes Restaurant serves local, fresh seafood just how customers like it, including oysters, shrimp, crabs, and an array of fish. Along with lunch and dinner every day, the local eatery also offers “big breakfasts.” The fruit and breakfast bar is loaded full of fresh fruit, creamed chipped beef and sausage gravy, baco, grits, eggs, and a variety of homemade pastries. Since 1982, the Dunes Restaurant has been a local favorite for its southern, locally inspired cooking and its friendly atmosphere. The restaurant also includes a full bar with ten beers on tap and wine available by the bottle or glass. More Things to Do in NC
7013 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959, Phone: 252-441-1600
11. First Flight Adventure Park
For an exciting day out with family or friends First Flight Adventure Park is hard to beat. Here you can spend a few hours enjoying a variety of challenging aerial ropes courses and zip lines which will test your skills and perseverance. Anyone who is reasonably fit can come and have fun at the park. You do not need to have prior experience and you can relax in the knowledge that you will be safely tethered in a harness at all times. The obstacle course is regularly changed so that you can have a new experience each time you visit. That said, it could be really challenging if you have a heights phobia.
6716 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959, 252 715 3622
12. Glenn Eure Ghost Fleet Gallery
Retired army Major Glenn Eure was born in the Hawaiian Islands, but he spent his later years in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where his unique gallery extends a warm welcome to all visitors. Although the legendary artist and “teller of tall tales” passed away in 2018, his gallery is definitely still worth a visit. The gallery is filled with unique art works in a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, and multi-media pieces which could include sculptural elements. There are also works created by a selection of other artists including wood turners and sculptors. Regular exhibitions are held featuring guest artists, both accomplished and emerging. More ideas: Lakes in North Carolina
210 E. Driftwood St, Nags Head, NC 27959, 252 441 6584
13. Nags Head Fishing Pier
Ocean-side dining and leisure just doesn’t get better than the Nags Head Fishing Pier. Jutting out into the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Nags Head Pier offers amazing fishing and has an on-site tackle shop where you can find everything you need to catch a big one. To make things even better, the on-site restaurant will prepare and cook it for you while you enjoy a beer at the TiKi Bar. Captain Andy’s has a great menu for you to enjoy at any time of the day while you watch the waves breaking just meters from you. They open for breakfast and are still serving their delicious ocean-fresh favorites at dinner time. More Places to Visit in NC
3335 S. Va. Dare Trail, Milepost 11.5, Nags Head, NC 27959
