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Nags Head Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos
Although the name “Nags Head” sounds a bit harsh, the natural beauty of the expansive countryside will definitely put anyone at ease. Located in the town of Dare County, Nags head – with its population hovering around 2,700 – is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in all of the Outer Banks. Characterized by a landscape full of high sand dunes visible from miles away at sea, Nags Head’s name most likely came from pirates that were lured to the shore during a time of rough seas. Although thankfully there aren’t any more pirates in the region, Nags Head lures visitors in with it’s friendly small town atmosphere, proximity to the roaring Atlantic and miles and miles of gorgeous beach front property. With three scenic piers – Nags Head Pier, Jennette’s Pier and Outer Banks Pier – fishing is an incredibly popular attraction in Nags Head. For another remarkable Nags Head fishing spot, make sure to check out Albemarle Sound. The largest freshwater sound in all of North America, Albemarle Sound – which is also part of the Intra Coastal Waterway - is a favorite recreational fishing hot spot as well as a great place for those looking to cruise and sail on the open water.
The aspiring beach bum will be delighted to know about Coquina Beach, which not only boasts massive natural (and clean) beaches chock full of unique life forms like the coquina clam, but also contains the scattered remnants of the famous Laura Barnes shipwreck. Anyone interested in checking out a unique natural phenomenon? Well head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park which at 420 acres is the largest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States and is the most prominent landmark in all of Nags Head. And – get this – when it rains, water often pools near the bottom of the dunes creating a temporary lake. With a museum nearby explaining the history of the site, one can easily spend many an enjoyable hour in what might just be thought of as a bunch of sand.
