Where is Outer Banks National Seashore,Nags Head, North Carolina?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Outer Banks National Seashore is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Nags Head and Ocracoke Island and is situated along the barrier islands of the Outer Banks. It is famous for its sandy beaches, wild coastal landscapes, and historic lighthouses.

Outer Banks National Seashore Location Map,Nags Head, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Outer Banks National Seashore

  • Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse offering tours and scenic views of the coastline.
  • Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – Protected area for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and walking trails.
  • Coquina Beach – Beach access with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
  • Ocracoke Island – Remote island with historic village, lighthouse, and pristine beaches.
  • Fishing & Boating – Popular activities along the seashore, including surf fishing and kayaking.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot shorebirds, sea turtles, and marshland animals in natural habitats.
  • Scenic Overlooks & Trails – Trails and viewpoints offering panoramic ocean and dune landscapes.

Outer Banks National Seashore Facts

Official NameOuter Banks National Seashore
LocationNags Head, Dare County, North Carolina, USA — Atlantic Ocean coastline / Outer Banks barrier islands
Latitude & Longitude35.9540° N, 75.6150° W
Total AreaApproximately 70,000 acres (≈283 km²) — includes beaches, dunes, marshes, and historic sites
Established / OpenedAugust 17, 1953
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionOuter Banks / North Carolina Coast / Atlantic Ocean barrier islands
AddressOuter Banks National Seashore, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954, USA
Zip Code27954
Area Code252
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptBarrier island conservation, coastal recreation, wildlife protection, historic preservation, family-friendly tourism
Main Sections / AreasCorolla, Nags Head, Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, beaches, dunes, historic lighthouses
Famous AttractionsCape Hatteras Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, OBX beaches, wild horses in Corolla, watersports, nature trails
Annual VisitorsApprox. 4–5 million visitors
Entry Fee TypeVehicle Entrance Fee / Annual Pass required for designated areas; most beaches accessible free
Ticket Price RangeVehicle daily pass: ~$10–$20; annual park pass: ~$40; guided tours extra
Ticket OptionsDay-use vehicle permits, guided lighthouse tours, wildlife tours, kayak / surfboard rentals
Best Time to VisitMay–September for beach activities, swimming, and surfing; spring & fall for wildlife observation and quieter visits
Nearby AirportWright Brothers Regional Airport (Manteo, NC) – ~20 miles (32 km); Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – ~100 miles (161 km)
TransportationCar access via NC-12 and US-158, ferry services to Hatteras Island, bicycle paths, walking trails, local shuttle services
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/obx/index.htm

Distances from Outer Banks National Seashore to Nearby Landmarks

  • Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Hatteras Village – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Rodanthe – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Ocracoke Island Ferry – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Buxton – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Frisco – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Coquina Beach – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Oregon Inlet – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Corolla – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Duck, NC – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Kitty Hawk – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Jockey’s Ridge State Park – 110 km (68.3 mi)
  • Kill Devil Hills – 115 km (71.5 mi)
  • Manteo – 105 km (65.2 mi)
  • Roanoke Island Festival Park – 105 km (65.2 mi)
  • Currituck Beach Lighthouse – 125 km (77.7 mi)
  • North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island – 105 km (65.2 mi)
  • Oregon Inlet Fishing Center – 40 km (24.9 mi)