A car hunt · Nags Head, Outer Banks · Family

The Beach Access Hunt

Seven real public beach accesses, about seven miles of Beach Road (NC 12), roughly two to two-and-a-half hours. Drive between stops, park in marked lots, and walk only the public paths. Every answer is on a sign or a marker. Every stop gives you one letter. Seven letters, one word, and the old story of how this town got its name.

Hand-drawn map of a Nags Head beach access, wooden walkover, and an X on the sand with a ship offshore — Start: Bladen Street, milepost 11.5. Finish: Ida Street, milepost 18.5. All stops are on the ocean side of NC 12 — no need to cross US 158.

Before you start

Distance~7 miles, north → south
Time2–2½ hours
Stops7
Best forFamilies, mixed ages

Safety: The driver drives and the passenger plays. Park only in marked lots, stay on walkways and off the dunes. Full safety page

Restrooms: Bonnett St. (next to the start), Epstein St., Jennette’s Pier, Hargrove St.