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Before you go
Your trip to Nags Head.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Nags Head – North Carolina Destination Outer Banks
How to get there
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Norfolk International Airport (ORF) 140 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By car, via US-158 and NC-12, about 10 km from Kill Devil Hills and 140 km from Norfolk Airport (ORF).
How many days
One day for Jockey's Ridge and the Bodie Island Lighthouse; more days for the beach and outings around Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
When to go
From May to October. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is typically open for climbs from late April to mid-October. Spring and fall have good winds for hang gliding and kites.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. Attractions are spread along the island roads, and there is no regular public transit.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Nags Head
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Morning
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Buy the day ticket early and climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse; then walk the boardwalk through the marsh.
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Late afternoon
Jockey's Ridge
Climb the dunes at Jockey's Ridge to watch the sunset over the Roanoke Lagoon.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Nags Head?
Climb the dunes at Jockey's Ridge, tandem hang gliding lessons with an instructor, visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and enjoy the beaches and fishing piers.
Where to see the sunset in Nags Head?
At the top of the dunes at Jockey's Ridge, facing the Roanoke Lagoon to the west.
Can you climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse?
Yes, during the climbing season, generally from late April to mid-October, with tickets purchased the same day.
What time zone is Nags Head in?
Nags Head follows Eastern Time: UTC-5 in winter and UTC-4 in daylight saving time, from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.