Nags Head sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8652226, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Nags Head in lots like Bonnett Street Beach Access, Hargrove Street Beach Access, Jennette's Pier. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from Free and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Nags Head, don't miss the Shrimp Burger at Sam & Omie's. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Nags Head from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, including the Gulf Stream Offshore Charter — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoNags Head hosts Sunset at Jockey's Ridge and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Nags Head into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeIt depends on when. Dogs are allowed on the Nags Head beach at any time of day, all year, as long as they are on a leash. Owners must clean up after them. Source: Town of Nags Head, Visitor FAQs, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesOnly with a permit. Beach pit fires are allowed with a permit from Nags Head Fire and Rescue. Permits are issued online between 5:30pm and midnight daily, are valid only on the day of issue through midnight, and only within the Town of Nags Head. Source: Town of Nags Head, Visitor FAQs, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesIt depends on when. Tents, canopies and awnings may be no larger than 12 feet by 12 feet or higher than 10 feet, must be at least 10 feet apart and may not be tied together. No personal equipment may be left unattended on the beach between 8pm and 6am, so tents must come down each night. Source: Town of Nags Head, Visitor FAQs, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesOnly with a permit. You need prior approval from the Nags Head town manager before launching or recovering a drone on any town owned property, which includes the public beach accesses. Commercial work also needs North Carolina and FAA permits. Source: Town of Nags Head, Visitor FAQs, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesYes. Metal detectors may be used on the public beach in Nags Head. Source: Town of Nags Head, Visitor FAQs, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesAt Nags Head, the sun sets at 6:49 PM today — about 11h 52m of daylight. Sunrise was 6:57 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Nags Head update at the top of the conditions page.