Nags Head vacation rentals

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Popular amenities for Nags Head vacation rentals

Stay near Nags Head's top sights

Jennette's Pier215 locals recommend
Jockey's Ridge State Park395 locals recommend
The Kill Devil Grill226 locals recommend
Blue Moon Beach Grill161 locals recommend
Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill159 locals recommend
Tortugas Lie153 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Nags Head

  • Total rentals

    1.2K properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $40 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    33K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    1K properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    410 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    630 properties have a pool

Your guide to Nags Head

Introduction

Typical American beach towns got into the tourism groove in the 1940s and ’50s, but Nags Head is anything but typical. Located in the heart of North Carolina’s barrier islands known as the Outer Banks (or OBX), Nags Head has been a popular resort area since the 1830s, drawing visitors with its colossal sand dunes and long, sandy beaches. Those pioneering vacationers’ oceanfront cottages are now among the many national historic landmarks in Nags Head, where old traditions live side by side with an impressive concentration of watersports and recreation, including the world’s largest hang-gliding school.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Nags Head

Given its location along the Gulf Stream, Nags Head experiences a humid subtropical climate, in that there is little variance in precipitation from season to season. Summers are hot and humid, with extremities reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, though cooling sea breezes can offer some welcome relief. Winters in Nags Head are very mild, with temperatures seldom dropping below the 40s, and typically bottoming out around 50 degrees. It should be noted that the entire Outer Banks region is susceptible to hurricanes from June through November, so any visits planned during that time should be made with caution, paying close attention to local weather forecasts.


Top things to do in Nags Head

Nags Head Woods Preserve

Open from dawn till dusk with family-friendly (and pet-friendly) trails, Nags Head Woods is a living ecosystem just west of the sunny beach strip. Featuring 1,400 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and wetlands, the entire area is protected by the bank of sand dunes along its eastern border, allowing rare plants to thrive despite the nearby salty air.

Jockey’s Ridge

Situated in a vast 426-acre park with two self-guided trails, Jockey’s Ridge is arguably the most famous natural attraction in OBX. This is the mother of all sand dunes — the largest on the East Coast. Climbing it in time for sunset is a rite of passage, and hang-gliding off the top of it is how the sport got its start.

Jennette’s Pier

There are a half-dozen piers up and down the OBX, but Jennette’s is the longest at 1,000 feet, and one of the most popular. Built in 1939 as a concrete structure, it had taken beatings over decades of hurricanes, but eventually reopened as a state-of-the-art facility and educational center in 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Nags Head?

    Nags Head has a temperate coastal climate. Summers are typically warm, with highs around 86°F (30°C), while winters can get as chilly as 41°F (5°C). It gets the most rainfall in August, while November is usually the driest month.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Nags Head?

    Visitors to Nags Head often enjoy exploring the Jockey's Ridge State Park, surfing at Nags Head Fishing Pier, and taking a scenic stroll along the Nags Head Woods Preserve. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is also a popular site for history and architecture enthusiasts.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Nags Head?

    The most frequented time to visit Nags Head is during the summer months from June to August. During this time, you can attend local events such as the Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival in October, or the OBX Watermelon Festival in August.

  • What are the best places to stay in Nags Head?

    Many visitors choose to stay in the central area of Nags Head for its proximity to local attractions and beaches. South Nags Head is also popular for its serene and residential feel, offering a more relaxed stay. North Nags Head is favored by those seeking close access to dining and shopping options.

  • What are the best places to visit in Nags Head?

    Popular places to visit in Nags Head include the Nags Head Fishing Pier, Jockey's Ridge State Park, and the Nags Head Woods Preserve. History enthusiasts favor the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

  • What are some hiking trails in Nags Head?

    Hikers in Nags Head often explore the Nags Head Woods Preserve, which is home to several trails including the Sweetgum Swamp Trail and the Blueberry Ridge Trail. Jockey's Ridge State Park also has trails like the Tracks in the Sand and Soundside Nature.

  • What are some family activities to do in Nags Head?

    Families in Nags Head can enjoy a day of fun at the beach, explore the Nags Head Woods Preserve, or learn about history at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The nearby North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is also a fun and educational outing.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Nags Head?

    Popular day trips from Nags Head include a visit to the charming town of Manteo, a trip to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, or a ferry ride to the tranquil Ocracoke Island. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is also within a day's trip for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Are there vacation rentals near Nags Head's top attractions?

    You're in luck! Stay at the heart of it all with our vacation rentals near Nags Head's top attractions. We offer over 3,920 vacation rentals near Jockey''s Ridge Treasure Hunt, over 2,980 vacation rentals near Outlets Nags Head, over 2,740 vacation rentals near Jennette''s Pier, and over 3,920 vacation rentals near Jockey''s Ridge State Park, and so much more! Experience the best of Nags Head right on your doorstep.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Nags Head?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 410 vacation rentals in Nags Head featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. North Carolina
  4. Dare County
  5. Nags Head