Wide Outer Banks sand beside historic Jennette's Pier.
Nags Head is in Dare County, North Carolina, on the Atlantic coast.
The tide gauge behind Coasti's forecasts for Nags Head is mounted right at Jennette's Pier in Dare County. Parking is free at the public beach access lots, and leashed dogs are welcome on the sand without the summer hour limits some beach towns set. Myrtle Beach is the closest other beach Coasti covers, and it's still the better part of 250 miles south. Jockey's Ridge, the tallest natural dune system on the East Coast, rises just across the highway.
Today's flag, water temperature, surf, wind, UV and tide times for Nags Head load on this page automatically. Conditions change through the day, so nothing on this page is a substitute for the flag flying when you arrive.
Amenity details are Coasti's own notes and can go out of date. Fees, lifeguard seasons and dog rules are set locally.
Flags run from green for low hazard to double red for water closed — see what each flag color means.
Tide predictions come from NOAA station Jennettes Pier, Nags Head (ocean) (8652226).
Weather and marine forecasts come from the National Weather Service at First Flight Airport, Kill Devil Hills (KFFA).
That depends on the flag and the surf, and both change through the day. Coasti shows the posted lifeguard flag when a current one exists, and estimates from surf, wind and rip-current risk when it does not. Today's answer for Nags Head loads at the top of this page.
Nags Head has lifeguards in season. Outside those months no flag is posted, and no flag flying does not mean the water is safe.
Parking at Nags Head is free. Free public beach access lots. Fees and lot hours change, so check locally before you go.
Dogs are allowed at Nags Head. Leashed dogs allowed on the beach. Leash and off-leash rules change, so check locally before you go.