Nags Head Beaches

Enjoy a Classic Beach Vacation in Gorgeous Nags Head. Visitors have been relaxing and playing on the beaches of Nags Head for generations. We invite you and your loved ones to experience a vacation on the wide, sandy beaches of Nags Head.

Beach Rules and Regulations

• Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach year-round. Leashes cannot exceed 10 feet in length.
• Dispose of all trash in proper receptacles, including pet waste.
• Fireworks, beach fires, and bonfires are not permitted.
• Do not enter the water when red flags are flying.
• Beach pit fires are allowed on the beach in Nags Head with a permit. For more information, contact Nags Head Fire and Rescue at (252) 441-5909.
• Do not walk or play on the dunes. Use designated beach walkways to access the beach.
• Attend to and refill all beach holes.
• Personal Motorized Watercraft (PWCs) are permitted on the ocean; however, PWC launch restrictions apply. From May 1 through September 30, PWCs must be launched by manpower only. From October 1 through April 30, when beach driving is permitted, PWCs may be launched using a vehicle with a Town-issued beach driving permit. PWCs must proceed straight in or out from shore without causing a wake or exceeding 5 mph. They must not be operated within 600 feet of the sound or ocean shoreline.
• Vehicles are allowed on the beach from October 1 through April 30 with a Town-issued permit. Driving on the dunes is prohibited.
• Beach wheelchairs are available for use on the Town of Nags Head beaches. For more information, call Nags Head Fire Department at (252) 441-5909.
• Remove all personal items daily, including tents, chairs, and umbrellas, by 7:00 pm, or they will be removed and discarded.

Nags Head Lifeguard Stands:

Roving lifeguards (4x4 trucks and ATVs) are on patrol from April through October. Lifeguards are on duty at fixed stands from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguard stands are located at the following locations:

• Albatross Street
• Abalone Street
• Bonnett Street (bath house)
• Epstein Street (bath house)
• Enterprise Street
• Forrest Street
• Gray Eagle Street
• Gulfstream Street
• Hargrove Street (bath house)
• Hollowell Street
• Ida Street
• Indigo Street
• Juncos Street
• Limulus Street
• Town Hall

Nags Head Beach Accesses:

Beach accesses in Nags Head are abundant, and most have ample parking. Each lifeguard stand location listed above is a public beach access. Lifeguard stands are subject to change, please visit Nags Head Ocean Rescue’s website for the most current information. In addition to that list, the following beach accesses are also available in Nags Head.

• Admiral Street
• Bainbridge Street
• Baltic Street
• Barnes Street
• Bittern Street
• Blackman Street
• Bladen Street
• Conch Street
• Curlew Street
• Ehmann Street
• Eighth Street
• Gallery Row
• Glidden Street
• Governor Street
• Grouse Street
• Gull Street
• Holden Street
• Huron Street
• Isabella Street
• Islington Street
• Jacob Street
• James Street
• Jay Street
• Jennette's Pier
• June Street
• Loggerhead Street
• Oregon Street
• Small Street