Nags Head Fun Facts

  • Though just one town, Nags Head is often referred to as two different communities - "Nags Head" and "South Nags Head."
  • South Nags Head begins at the end of US Highway 158, and comprises of a small community of vacation homes that are located 1-5 lots away from the beach.
  • Nags Head is bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and is bordered to the west by the Albemarle Sound. South Nags Head is bordered to the west by the Roanoke Sound, and subsequently Roanoke Island.
  • There are no alligators in the Albemarle Sound, but the region is home to thousands of seasonally migrating birds, as well as plenty of fish, reptiles, and even the occasional nutria and otter.
  • Along with Currituck County, Nags Head was one of the first areas of the Outer Banks that attracted visitors, thanks to its locale that was just a day's boat ride across the Albemarle Sound for mainland residents.
  • The first "beach homes" along the Nags Head oceanfront were established in the 1880s, and were comprised of salvaged materials.
  • In 1970, the town's year-round population was 414. Today, the year-round population hovers around 2,800, making it one of the most populated beach towns along the Outer Banks.
  • This population swells to 40-50K in the summer months when the town is filled with beach vacationers
  • Nags Head is 6.6 square miles in area, which includes just 0.1 square miles of water.
  • Nags Head is home to a big portion of the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, which is a whopping 1,092 acres.
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park, one of Nags Head's most visited attractions, is just 426 acres in area, but features the tallest active sand dune system in the Eastern United States.
  • Scientists estimate that the famed sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge were established roughly 7,000 years ago.
  • Jockey's Ridge is known as one of the best hang gliding destinations on the Eastern Seaboard.
  • Nags Head is home to one of the oldest fishing piers, Jennette's Pier, and one of the oldest restaurants in the Outer Banks.
  • Nags Head has its own beach cottage historic district, with homes that date back to the early 1900s, which is known as "Millionaires Row."
  • Nags Head was devastated by 2003's Hurricane Isabel, which destroyed a number of beach homes as well as the historic Jennette's Pier.
  • The pier was subsequently rebuilt after Hurricane Isabel to become one of the longest piers in NC at 1,000' feet long.

 

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites

Kitty Hawk Kites has been Teaching the World to Fly since 1974 and is home to the world’s largest hang gliding school. As the Outer Banks leader in quality outdoor recreation and adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers more than 30 activities to choose from, so get out that pen and start crossing things off your OBX bucket list today! Visit KittyHawk.com or call 1.877.FLY.THIS to book your Kitty Hawk Kites adventure today.

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Fishing Unlimited Boating Center

Fishing Unlimited Boating Center

Owned by Garry Oliver, the proprietor of the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, this small wooden aqua blue-colored store on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway has been serving the needs of fishermen for decades. A full line of tackle is available for all types of fishing --- surf, pier, inshore and offshore --- with fishing rods stored on the ceiling as well as along the walls.  The store is an authorized dealer for major tackle brands, including Fish Bites, Daiwa and Gulp, and has a large selection of fresh, frozen and live bait.  In addition, it stocks crabbing supplies, and sells sunglasses, jackets, hoodies, T-shirts and hats. The store also rents outboard and pontoon boats for sound fishing, and is an authorized outlet to purchase state-required recreational fishing licenses. We also offer Dolphin Watching Tours!

Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

Kitty Hawk Surf Co.

Experience more adventure, fun, and style with Kitty Hawk Surf Company. As the trusted Outer Banks retailer for all top surf and lifestyle brands, including, Hurley, Billabong, RVCA, The North Face, Patagonia, Salt Life, Salty Crew, Volcom, O’Neill, Roxy, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Hobie, Catch Surf, Under Armour, Reef, Rainbow and more, you will always find the latest fashions and trends available in store. Our unmatched quality and service makes us a favorite for locals and visitors alike, and our easy to shop layout allows you to find your next purchase a breeze.

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