Outer Banks Beach Access Guide

Planning the perfect beach day on the Outer Banks starts with knowing where to go. From Corolla to South Nags Head, the northern Outer Banks offers dozens of public beach accesses with amenities ranging from free parking and bath houses to outdoor showers, handicap-accessible walkways, and seasonal lifeguards.

Whether you're vacationing with young children, bringing beach gear for the day, or simply looking for the easiest access to the sand, this guide highlights some of the best public beach accesses on the northern Outer Banks.

Visitors planning an Outer Banks vacation may notice ongoing work associated with the 2026 Nags Head Beach Nourishment Project. This important initiative helps preserve the wide, beautiful Nags Head beaches that residents and visitors enjoy each year. By adding sand to areas affected by erosion, beach nourishment helps protect oceanfront infrastructure, improve storm resilience, and maintain the shoreline that makes Nags Head one of the most popular beach destinations on the Outer Banks.

Beach nourishment activities will take place along portions of the Nags Head shoreline between 2919 South Virginia Dare Trail and 10436 South Old Oregon Inlet Road. While construction will temporarily impact specific sections of beach, not all Nags Head beaches will be closed throughout the project. Work zones will move as the project progresses, and many beach accesses and stretches of shoreline will remain open for visitors to enjoy.

Because construction locations and operating schedules may change, visitors are encouraged to check the latest updates from the Town of Nags Head before heading to the beach. The town regularly posts information about active work areas, beach access impacts, and project progress so guests can plan their beach days accordingly. Beach nourishment is an investment in the future of the Outer Banks, helping ensure that Nags Head's beaches remain healthy, accessible, and enjoyable for years to come.

For the latest project updates, visit the Town of Nags Head's Beach Nourishment Information page.

Parking lots at popular accesses can fill quickly during peak summer weeks, especially between 10 a.m. and noon.

Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but schedules can vary depending on weather and staffing.

Always use designated walkways and stay off protected dunes to help preserve the Outer Banks coastline.

Even beaches with bath houses and showers can become busy during summer, so it’s helpful to bring:

• Drinking water
• Sunscreen
• Beach umbrellas or tents
• Sandals or water shoes

Most Outer Banks beaches allow dogs, but leash requirements and seasonal restrictions vary by town.

From Corolla’s quiet beaches to the convenient family-friendly accesses in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head, there’s a perfect beach access for every type of vacation. Whether you’re looking for easy parking, public bathrooms, outdoor showers, or lifeguarded beaches, planning ahead can help you enjoy a stress-free day on the Outer Banks.

Throughout the summer season, many Outer Banks beach accesses from Corolla to South Nags Head feature staffed lifeguard stands to help keep visitors safe while enjoying the ocean. Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day during daytime hours, though schedules and coverage may vary depending on weather and town. Beach accesses with lifeguards are especially popular with families, swimmers, and visitors unfamiliar with Outer Banks ocean conditions such as rip currents, shore break, and changing surf. Even at lifeguarded beaches, visitors should always pay attention to ocean conditions, warning flags, and instructions from ocean rescue personnel.

• Bonito Street Beach Access
• Shad Street Beach Access
  
• Corolla Village Road Access
  

• Barrier Island
• Caffey's Inlet
• Christopher Drive
• Four Seasons
• Scarborough Lane
• Schooner Ridge Drive
• Snow Geese South

• Chicahauk Trail
• Hillcrest Drive
• 142 Ocean Blvd
• Dogwood Trail
• Ocean View Loop

• Byrd Street
• Eckner Street
• Kitty Hawk Bath House

• Helga Street
• Hayman Blvd
• Avalon Drive
• 5th Street
• 3rd Street
• 2nd Street
• 1st Street
• Asheville Drive
• Woodmere Ave
• Ferris Ave
• Raleigh Ave
• Carlow Ave
• Sutton Ave
• Ocean Bay Blvd
• Oregon Ave
• Martin Street
• Atlantic Street
• 8th Street

• Albatross Street
• Abalone Street
• Bonnett Street
• Hollowell Street
• Enterprise Street
• Epstein Access
• Gray Eagle Street
• Jennette's Pier
• Gulfstream Street
• Hargrove Street
• Ida Street
• Indigo Street
• Juncos Street
• Limulus Drive

Use our Outer Banks Beach Access Map to easily explore public beach accesses from Corolla to South Nags Head. The map helps visitors quickly find nearby parking, lifeguard stands, bath houses, outdoor showers, handicap-accessible accesses, and other beach amenities before heading out for the day. Guests can also browse the detailed beach access listings below to learn more about each location and find the best beach access for their Outer Banks vacation.

Corolla beaches are known for their wide shoreline, clean beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Public parking is more limited here than in the central Outer Banks towns, but several convenient access points are available.

• Access at Bonito Street & Lighthouse Drive
• Parking is 1 block west at Bonito Street & Whalehead Drive
• Wooden Walkway
• Lifeguard

• Access at Shad Street & Lighthouse Drive
• Parking is 1 block west at Shad Street & Whalehead Drive
• Wooden Walkway

• Access at Sturgeon & Lighthouse Drive
• Gravel public parking lot is 1 block west at Sturgeon & Whalehead Drive. Enter lot from Whalehead Drive
• Wooden Walkway
• Lifeguard

• Access is at Sailfish & Lighthouse Drive
• Parking is 1 block west at Sailfish & Whalehead Drive
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway

Located near Historic Corolla Park and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, this access is ideal for combining sightseeing with a beach day.

• Gravel Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Limited 4WD Parking
• Bath House
• Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• A fairly significant walk from the parking lot to the beach.

Important Note: Corolla has fewer public restrooms and bath houses than other Outer Banks towns, so plan ahead if you’re spending the full day on the beach.

Unlike many other Outer Banks towns, the Town of Duck does not provide public beach accesses with public parking facilities. Most beach access points in Duck are private neighborhood accesses reserved for property owners, renters, and their guests.

Throughout Duck, visitors staying in vacation rental communities will find numerous private wooden walkways and dune crossovers that provide convenient access to the beach.

If you’re vacationing in Duck, check with our expert reservationists for the nearest neighborhood beach access and parking information available for your stay. Many homes are located within walking distance of private community beach walkways, making beach access simple and convenient for guests.

Like Duck, Southern Shores does not offer traditional public beach accesses with large public parking lots or bath house facilities. Instead, the town maintains several neighborhood beach access locations and wooden dune walk-overs intended only for town residents, renters, and their guests with passes.

• Paved Parking (Across Rt. 12)
• Handicap Parking
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• Parking with resident town sticker only. Towing enforced.

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Porta Potty
• Lifeguard
• Volleyball Net
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• Parking with resident town sticker only. Towing enforced.

• Limited parking
• Lifeguard

• Limited parking
• Lifeguard

• Limited parking
• Lifeguard
• Handicap-accessible beach access

Kitty Hawk offers some of the best-equipped public beach accesses on the northern Outer Banks, making it a popular choice for families.

• Paved Parking – Large lot across the street
• Handicap Parking
• Porta Potty
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking Across the Street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking Across the Street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking across the street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking across the street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited parking across the street
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited parking across the street
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking across the street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking across the street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Gravel Parking across the street
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Large Parking Lot Across Street
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Wooden Walkway/Dune Deck
• Pet Waste Bags

• Large Parking Lot
• Handicap Parking
• Handicap Beach Access
• Bath House
• Showers & Bathrooms
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

Kill Devil Hills has numerous public beach accesses throughout town, many with parking and seasonal lifeguards.

• No Parking
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access

• Ample Paved Parking (Across Street)
• Handicap Parking (Across Street)
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags
• Porta Potty

• Gravel Parking (Private – for Avalon Beach Assoc)
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Next to Avalon Pier
• Pet Waste Bags
• Permit parking only. Towing enforced without a permit

• Paved Parking
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• No Parking
• Partial Walkway
• Sand Access

• No Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Dune Deck
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Porta-potty
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

This access features a Little Free Library, as well as a Little Red Mailbox. Inside this little red mailbox is a bound journal and two pens – an invitation to anyone who wants to share their thoughts.

• Ample Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Ample Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Porta Potty
• Pet Waste Bags

• Plenty of Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Porta Potty
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Bike Rack
• Pet Waste Bags

• Ample Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Handicap Access/Ramps
• Stabilizing Sand Mats
• Outdoor Showers
• Bath House
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Bike Racks
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Outdoor Showers
• Porta-potty
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Stabilizing Beach Mat for Wheelchairs
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

Nags Head offers some of the most visitor-friendly public beach accesses on the Outer Banks, with multiple bath houses, large parking areas, and lifeguarded beaches.

• Paved Parking
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking (limited additional parking across street)
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Showers
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Shower
• Porta-potty
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking (additional parking across street)
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Shower
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Stabilizing Beach Mat for Wheelchairs
• Bath House
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• Picnic Tables
• Volleyball Net

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Shower
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdor Showers
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Wooden Walkway
• Next to Nags Head Fishing Pier

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Shower
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Shower
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Shower
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Outdoor Shower
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking Across Street
• Handicap Parking Across Street
• Porta-potty Across Street
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking (Additional parking across street)
• Handicapped Parking
• Bath House
• Outdoor Shower
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Showers
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Porta-potty
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• This beach access is next to Jennette’s Pier on the north side.

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Stabilizing Beach Mat for Wheelchairs
• Bath House
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• The modern, 1,000 ft. pier not only offers beach access, but an aquarium, gift shop, snacks and fishing.

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Shower
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• This beach access is next to Jennette’s Pier on the south side.

• Paved Parking
• Porta-potty
• Sand Access
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Porta-potty
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Bath House
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Stabilizing Mat
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved & Gravel Parking
• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Limited Paved & Gravel Parking
• Sand Access
• This beach access is next to Outer Banks Fishing Pier on the north side.

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Showers
• Lifeguard
• Bike Rack
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Shower
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags

• Paved Parking
• Handicap Parking
• Porta-potty
• Outdoor Shower
• Lifeguard
• Sand Access
• Wooden Walkway
• Beach Driving Access (seasonal w/ permit)
• Pet Waste Bags

• Lifeguard
• Wooden Walkway
• Pet Waste Bags
• On Residential Street

• Large Parking Lot
• Handicap Parking
• Lifeguard
• Bath House
• Changing Rooms
• Outdoor Showers
• Water Bottle Filling Station
• Wooden Walkway/Dune Deck
• Bike Rack
• Pet Waste Bags
• Entrance to ORV Ramp 2