For many first timers to the beach it is difficult to determine where Kill Devil Hills ends and Nags Head begins. This may be why many vacationers refer to the whole area as Nags Head.  Even for the trained eye, one can not see much difference between Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk but Nags Head does have its own unique flavor and it is noticeable once here for a while.

Geologists believe that the large sand dunes running down the middle of the island were created as a result the last ice age.  No where along the Outer Banks are these large dunes more prevalent than in Nags Head.  In fact Nags Head is home to the east coast’s largest sand dune called Jockey’s Ridge.  This ridge runs from the town line in the north almost to the hospital in the middle of the town.  Some of the highest peaks are more than fifty feet above sea level and offer some homeowners panoramic views of the ocean and sound.

Within the town limits, Nags Head has four unique and precious areas of public land.  The northern part of town is home to one of the largest known Maritime Forest Preserves in the world called Nags Head Woods.  According to the Nature Conservancy, this thousand acre tract is home to over 100 species of birds and has a diversity of hard wood trees and other plant life not usually found this close to the ocean.  The Nature Conservancy offers trails throughout this property for hikers to enjoy.  In the middle of the town is Jockey’s Ridge State Park.  This park is a perfect spot to try hang gliding, to fly a kite or to just get a better view of the island.  The southern part of town has the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  This area includes thousands of acres of wetlands. The last public area is the new Jennettes Pier.  This new concrete and wood pier is part of the North Carolina Aquarium system and serves not only as a fishing pier but also a place to learn more about marine science.

Nags Head is also the center of health care on the Outer Banks.  The Outer Banks Hospital is known for its southern hospitality and good care.  Many specialist doctors have offices in Nags Head and perform surgery at this hospital when necessary.

Many national chains have now made Nags Head home as well.  Restaurants like Appleby’s, and Outback Steak house and Dunkin’ Donuts have opened here in the last few years.  Local cuisine is also famous here. 

In recent years, erosion has been an issue in this town. Some ocean front houses have been lost to hurricanes and winter storms.  Many local governmental bodies have worked over 20 years to put a beach nourishment project in place. Nags Head finally started their project in May of 2011. Coastal engineers expect this nourished beach to last up to ten years.   

Nags Head is known for its progressive development ideas.  It is the only town in the area that has architectural guidelines for buildings and large single family homes.  They have worked hard to make the Nags Head style architecture a prominent feature in the town.  Nags Head also has a few distinct subdivisions which have enhanced beach living.   The Village at Nags Head was developed in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  With its links golf course and beach club, it is one of the Outer Banks premier subdivisions.

The rental season in Nags Head lasts from May into September with many later weeks rented by golfers and fishermen.