Nags Head Beach

Nags Head Beach lies on North Carolina’s Outer Banks barrier island network. It’s lined on its landward side by private beachfront homes and hotels, although public access and parking is maintained at specific points.

Once visitors have reached Nags Head Beach, they’ll find an apparently endless expanse of golden sand. It probably takes its name from one of the many Nags Heads in England which usually relate to something horse head-shaped. One of the main attractions here is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which contains the tallest dune system on the US east coast.

Constantly shifting, the dunes have swallowed a mini golf course, while their height provides the launch point for the world’s largest hang-glide school. Kite flying is also popular, while other attractions include a pier, opportunities to sandboard, taking in the sunset, swimming and sunbathing.

Lifeguards patrol Nags Head Beach during the summer season.