Nags Head: The Perfect Home Base for an Outer Banks Vacation

Beach time

There are public beach access points (with parking) spread along NC Highway 12. Head further South along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for less crowded beaches. Waters along the Outer Banks are known for their strong currents and occasional riptides. If you are with kids, keep an eye on them and park your umbrellas closer to a lifeguard station. If you want calmer (and often warmer) waters, head over to the sound side, but find your beach spot early before the sand fills up. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge, year-round, from Douglas A. Remaley Fire Station 16 (reservations required) and many public beach access points have access ramps specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

Nature trails

Nags Head is near two areas that offer leisurely nature breaks. Head a few miles south to the tiny barrier island known as Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Created in 1938, Pea Island serves as a protected area for migratory birds and a protected habitat for turtles. There are walking trails, fishing spots and opportunities for guided tours. If you want more woods overhead than birds, drive north to the Nags Head Woods Preserve for a tranquil stroll under the maritime trees and through protected marshes and wetlands. Nags Head Woods is a fully accessible, ADA-compliant trail. Bring bug spray to both!

Spend the day in Manteo

Travel & Leisure ranked Manteo as one of the 12 best small towns in North Carolina. There are plenty of ways to spend an entire day discovering why it made the list. It’s only a 10-to-15-minute drive from Nags Head. Make sure the NC Aquarium, the Elizabethan Gardens and a visit to see the Elizabeth II in Roanoke Island Park are on your itinerary. Manteo is a great place to kayak and there are plenty of great restaurants in the walkable downtown area.

Bodie Island Light Station

In the summer months, if your legs allow, you, climb to the winding steps to the top of the Bodie Island Lighthouse to enjoy a 360° degree view of miles of pristine coastline and inlets (say Body not Bowdee). Bodie is still a functional lighthouse and is operated by the National Park Service. It’s also possible to purchase a permit to drive a vehicle (Four-wheel drive highly recommended) onto the beach just across the highway from the lighthouse.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

It’s hard to miss the mountain of sand known as Jockey's Ridge as you drive along the beach road. This NC State Park is home to the tallest living dune system on the Atlantic coast. It is perfectly windy for flying kites and hang-gliding, or just watching the professionals take flight. Hike the dunes in several spots for views of the ocean and the sound and if you come in the evening to enjoy a brilliant sunset. Sand boarding is also a popular activity for those seeking a faster way down from the top. For the adventurous, there are several companies that offer hang-gliding lessons. The park provides a dune ride with 24-hour notice and has a beach wheelchair available for use.

Kayaking the local waterways

Nags Head is surrounded by water, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Oregon inlet to the Pamlico Sound. There are countless places to explore via kayak (or SUP) whether you have your own or need to rent one. You can also go out on your own or via a guided tour. If you fish, grab a cooler and head out for the day with your net and rod. There are several rental companies that have accessibility-friendly tours.

Wright Brothers Memorial

Just down the road in Kitty Hawk, Orville and Wilbur Wright piloted the first successful airplane flight in 1903. At this National Park Site, you’ll be able to visit the spot where the brothers took off and landed and check out a reconstruction of their living quarters. A small hike up to the top, you’ll be able to visit a monument commemorating the location of many of their gliding experiments. Check out their event calendar and schedule a ranger-led tour if it fits your schedule.

Early-bird fishing

Book a fishing charter, head out to one of several piers or just park your pole in the sand near your beach house rental for an early morning fishing session in a part of the US that’s known for some record-setting catches. Do your fishing the first day or two of your stay so you can enjoy your fishing haul for meals the rest of your vacation. Make sure to check out any fishing license requirements that may be needed before you cast your line. Jennette’s Pier is fully accessible for all guests and offers mobi-mats for beach access.

Sam & Omie’s Restaurant

Known as a haven for fishermen, Sam & Omie’s is loved by locals and visitors alike. In its current building since 1971, the cozy restaurant serves all three meals every day except Wednesday. Expect to wait in line, but that’s part of the experience. For many it’s both the first and last meal of their stay. The crab cakes, corn bread and shrimp burger are solid selections.

Fishheads Bar & Grill

Fishheads is such a popular place it keeps expanding its real estate on the historic Outer Banks Pier. The pier setting means you’ll enjoy amazing views in a family-friendly setting while enjoying great seafood and burgers. They have a robust selection of beers on tap to tide you over while waiting for a table. Fishheads is also well-known for their Happy Hour Shrimp. It can get crowded, so come early.

Thai Room

The Thai Room has been serving authentic Thai dishes to the Outer Banks for over 30 years. In the quest for traditional beach meals, it often gets overlooked as an option for a flavorful seafood fix. Try the Mussels & Basil, Spicy Shrimp Cakes or the 3-Flavor Whole Fish. Call ahead for their daily specials.

Colington Café

A bit off the beaten path, head to Colington Café if you want to trade your swimwear in for a sundress or linen pants. Colington prides itself in using the freshest products available from local purveyors. This includes plump scallops from the Wanchese fishing boats, white shrimp from Roanoke Sound and sweet crabmeat from Lake Matamaskeet. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Olives A Greek Kitchen

Set on the waterways, Olives makes a perfect lunch spot during a day visit to the village of Manteo. Serving homemade Greek cuisine, including soups and a delicious spicy feta dip. The specials that reflect the coastal setting. Olives is a nice change of pace when you need a break from the traditional beach seafood establishments. Enjoy your meal with a bellini, sangria or glass of Greek wine.

Food Dudes Kitchen

A tiny restaurant located in a non-descript strip mall. It’s possible you might drive by Food Dudes if you aren’t paying attention. Founded by two dudes who like food, the local favorite serves tasty Caribbean-inspired dishes with some Mexican flare and classic Southern flavors. Go for lunch or dinner, whenever you can snag a table.

The Kill Devil Grill

Located in Kill Devil Hills. The front part of the restaurant is an old-school diner. You can pull up for a cocktail while waiting for a table. It opens into an energetic restaurant in the back that’s never not buzzing with the energy of one of the most sought-after restaurants on the Outer Banks. They don’t take reservations, but the service is fast. They know what they’re doing. Finish off with their Strawberry Shortcake, which often sells out.

BlueWater Grill & Raw Bar

Set on a marina on the Croatan Sound between Nags Head and Manteo, BlueWater Grill offers panoramic harbor views in an upscale upstairs venue. Bluewater serves a locally sea-to- table inspired menu including Southern favorites like Shrimp & Grits, Fried Oysters, Steamed Shrimp and Grilled Pork Chop. You can also snack on NC and VA oysters from the raw bar.

Duck Donuts

Not that long ago, Duck Donuts could only be found on the Outer Banks. So a visit would not be complete without a visit to pick up a dozen of their fresh-baked donuts before a day on the beach. Fan favorites include Bacon in the Sun, The Flip Flop and Beach Ball.

Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant

If you are craving hush puppies, cole slaw and fried seafood, but want to avoid one of the larger “beach” restaurants, Darrell’s is a great choice. Run by the same family since the 1960s, Darrell’s is a favorite for its friendly service, large portions and historic appeal. Plus, there’s a giant Marlin hanging on the wall.