Visit Bodie Island Lighthouse
South Nags Head 1.5 hrs
Climb the historic lighthouse for stunning coastal vistas.
Where to stay
Hotels in Nags Head
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English
Local currency
USD
(USD)
Local time
(GMT-4)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Nags Head Oceanfront
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
15-20% customary
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
90 · Outstanding
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Fresh Seafood
Carolina BBQ
Hushpuppies
Shrimp and Grits
When to visit Nags Head
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: July
Busiest: Jun-Aug
-
Jan20
Cold, quiet
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Feb25
Cold, quiet
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Mar40
Cool, windy
-
Apr60
Mild, pleasant
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May75
Warm, pleasant
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Jun90
Hot, busy
-
Jul95
Hot, very busy
-
Aug90
Hot, humid, busy
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Sept80
Warm, less crowded
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Oct65
Mild, beautiful
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Nov40
Cool, quiet
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Dec25
Cold, quiet
Things to do in Nags Head
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
2 places
Explore Pirate's Cove Marina
Manteo (nearby) 3 hrs
Experience world-class fishing charters or enjoy waterfront dining and shops.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Try Water Sports
Various 3 hrs
Go kayaking, paddleboarding, or surfing in the calm sound waters or ocean waves.
Best in the evening
1 place
Dine at Outer Banks Brewing Station
Kill Devil Hills 2 hrs
Enjoy local craft beers and pub fare at the Outer Banks' first microbrewery.
Any time of day
4 places
Explore Jockey's Ridge State Park
Nags Head 2.5 hrs
Climb the tallest sand dune on the East Coast for panoramic views and hang gliding.
Fish or Stroll Jennette's Pier
Nags Head 2 hrs
Enjoy fishing, ocean views, and marine life exhibits at the state-of-the-art pier.
Discover Wright Brothers National Memorial
Kill Devil Hills 2 hrs
Learn about the birth of flight where the first successful airplane flights took place.
Relax on Nags Head Beach
Nags Head Oceanfront 4 hrs
Spend a day swimming, sunbathing, and collecting shells on the expansive sandy shores.
Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Nags Head
Straight-line distance from the centre of Nags Head.
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