Shopping - Nags Head
Shop Nags Head for a variety of treasures from handcrafted jewelry and surfboards to designer dresses and original Disney animation art.
Take home a souvenir T-shirt, seashell, lighthouse or hermit crab. Stock up on beach towels, boogie boards and other beach supplies.
Visit the antique mall at Central Square or shop outlet heaven at Tanger Outlet Mall. Specialty stores feature everything from Christmas wares and antique decoys to baby, boating, birding and angling essentials. You can find a variety of gifts in multi-room shops or nestled in restaurant, gallery or recreation hot spots. From fresh seafood catches at the market to oceans of swimsuit selections, Nags Head offers quality goods and services to enhance your daily, weekly or lifetime stay.
Remember that locals call Croatan Highway—aka U.S. Highway 158—The Bypass, and they refer to Virginia Dare Trail—aka N.C. Highway 12—as the Beach Road. Those simple names are just easier to remember!
Cavalier Surf Shop
- 4324 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 13.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7349
- map
One of the oldest surf shops on the Outer Banks, Cavalier is a family-run operation and is known for providing good customer service in sales and rentals. You can buy or rent hard or soft-top surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards and wetsuits. They have a full line of clothing for boys, men and women including beachwear, sportswear, swimwear and sandals. They also have a wide selection of sunglasses. Check out their cool Cavalier Surf Shop T-shirt designs. See Recreation for more information about the surfing lessons they offer.
Chameleon Clogs
- 2515 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, Shoppes at 10.5, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2550
- map
Create your own clogs! Chameleon Clogs assembles its clogs in house, so you can come in and create a clog as unique as you are. Pick your base style and type of clog and then choose from one of 50 leathers, gorgeous hand-woven fabrics from reclaimed textiles or specialty fabrics from pony hide to lush velvet to vegan. For embellishment, select a ribbon for the collar, add studs, add a back strap or choose to have the bases or uppers hand-painted.
With styles for men, women and children, Chameleon Clogs are Swedish clogs with wooden soles, but these are not the wooden soles of yesteryear. They have an orthopedic shape that is healthy for your feet, with arch supports and other features that hold your foot in the proper shape. Women’s clogs come in five styles and three heel styles — low, high and with a polyurethane heel that has a rubber bottom for more support. The popular high heel clog has more of a stylish, feminine flair.
Chameleon Clogs are made from Alder wood, a quick-growing, lightweight, renewable resource similar to bamboo. The wood absorbs moisture for a healthy, dry footbed and makes the clogs light, not heavy and clunky. Clog prices range from $89 to $145, and children’s clogs are $50.
Chameleon Clogs is also the exclusive U.S. distributor for the Brasko line of comfort clogs made in Sweden. The top industry-rated clog, Brasko offers oil and water slip-resistant soles, a memory foam insole, a rubber base and a leather top and is available with a steel toe or with a back strap for insurance requirements.
Cotton Gin
- 5151 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-2387
- map
For a feeling of an old-time country market, step into The Cotton Gin, a coastal shopping tradition for more than 40 years. You’ll find resort fashions for men and women from fine designers like Tommy Bahama and Fresh Produce and other top designers of accessories like Vera Bradley, Pandora and Kameleon jewelry. They offer home fashions, books, collectibles, prints and waterfowl carvings and even fine wine made from their own estate-grown grapes at Sanctuary Vineyards. You can also visit their flagship store on the mainland in Jarvisburg, their new location in Duck and at Timbuck II in Corolla.
Hallmark Gold Crown—Peggy’s Shop
- 5000 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14, Outer Banks Mall
- Nags Head
This Hallmark Gold Crown store is locally owned, specializing in Hallmark branded cards, gifts, gift wrap, stationery and photo albums. You’ll find a large selection of allied products such as Yankee Candles, WillowTree figurines, Jim Shore’s “Heartwood Creek,” Tervis Tumblers and Webkinz plush. They offer gifts and jewelry that can be monogrammed and on-site invitation printing for your special occasions. They also carry wedding supplies, baby gifts, jewelry, ladies fashion accessories and a nice selection of coastal gifts. There’s something in store for everyone on your list, including yourself.
Kitty Hawk Kites and Whalebone Water Sports
- 3933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2210
- map
Kitty Hawk Kites offers equipment for all your adventure needs, including hang gliding, kiteboarding and kayaking. They have souvenirs, including Wright Brothers merchandise, pirate gear and Outer Banks paraphernalia. There is also a great selection of toys, clothing, special gifts and all types of kites. Check out the on-site climbing wall and ask about hang-gliding lessons, which are held across the street at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. See Recreation for more information.
Kitty Hawk Surf Co.
- 3933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer – from the wind to waves to flat water. At Kitty Hawk Surf Co.‘s retail store, located across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, you can find a huge selection of new and used kayaks, kayaking equipment, standup paddleboards, surfboards, Zap skim boards, wetsuits and more. You can also find one of the best selections of surf brands on the beach including Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, Reef and The North Face. While you are there, look into booking a kayak tour or a surf lesson with one of their experienced guides and teachers.
Outer Banks Mall
- 5000 South Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14
- Nags Head
- (252) 430-6161
- map
The Outer Banks Mall is one stop shopping for Food Lion groceries, GNC health food, NY Bagels, Taiko Sushi, the Dollar Tree, Sears, Outer Banks Opticians, The Cottage Shop and Kellogg Design Center, a Hallmark store, Dare Jewelers and more. You’ll also find one of the largest furniture stores on the beach, Outer Banks Furniture.
Pirates & Pixies Toy Store
- 7332 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Whalebone Junction and The Beach Road, MP 17
- Nags Head
A great new addition to the Outer Banks, this fun toy store is dedicated to finding creative, fun and high-quality toys that you won’t find anywhere else. Their play room gives kids some hands-on time with a train set, doll house and kitchen while also giving parents time to shop or chat. The store is packed with cool stuff and has everything from art supplies to stuffed animals, games, jump ropes, puzzles and all the coolest fun and educational toys kids actually want, including the Klutz series. You can also find craft supplies and other items from Alex, Learning Resources, Thomas Chugginton, Calico Critters, Breyer and the popular Melissa & Doug line. Pirates & Pixies has a Jelly Belly jelly bean wall, but watch out for Clarence, their resident dragon — he’s a little protective of the stash!
Radio Shack
- 4711 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2581
- map
You already know this popular chain sells standard Radio Shack stock including tape recorders, CD gear, cell phone accessories and most any electronic gadget you could need. But they also have iPod accessories, satellite radio equipment and other cool stuff. The staff is particularly helpful here.
The Cottage Shop
- 5000 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2522
- map
The Cottage Shop will show you the “Fine Art of Fun Living.” This store features unique gifts, decorative accessories and home décor for your home, birthdays, weddings, holidays or just for fun. Check out their lines of ladies accessories, including shoes by Lindsay Phillips, handmade jewelry, beach cover ups and more. They offer a complete line of open-stock Fiestaware in 14 colors, bedding, bath, housewares and accent furniture to complement any home. Their Cottage Packages are designed to help homeowners outfit their beach homes or year-round residences. The packages include kitchen, bed, bath, decorative accessories and outdoor and recreational items.
TW’s Bait and Tackle
- 2230 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-4807
- map
TW’s Bait and Tackle in Nags Head has 7,500 square feet of goodies for anglers, hunters and sports enthusiasts alike. Check out their massive replicas of the N.C. State record blue marlin and world record yellowfin tuna that adorn the storefront. Inside, you’ll find an impressive selection of inshore, offshore, surf, fly and freshwater tackle including such manufacturers as Daiwa, Shimano, G. Loomis, Okuma, SeaStriker, Black Bart Lures, Berkley Gulp and Yeti coolers. TW’s has a full selection of fresh, frozen and live baits, plus they carry some of the newest products the fishing industry has to offer. They also include fun and functional clothing for the whole family, stocking brands such as Columbia, Calcutta, Guy Harvey, Pelagic, Salt Life and Costa Del Mar. Get your “Fish On” with their awesome selection of gifts, fish mounts, Tervis and Signature Tumblers, custom T-shirts, sweats, hats and decals. TW’s is one stop shopping for those who love to fish or just look like they do.
Whalebone Surf Shop
- 2214 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6747
- map
Locally owned and operated since 1975, Whalebone has all the gear you need to outfit the whole family for the beach. They stock all the major surf brands with a large variety of sportswear, sandals and cool Whalebone logo tees. This is a great place to find a new swimsuit, with a full line of women’s suits and separates, children’s suits and tons of swim trunks for men. You’ll find all the sun protection you need with high-quality sunglasses and sunscreen. Before you hit the surf, head to Whalebone for the best boarding equipment; they sell surfboards made by the best shapers in the world as well as skimboards and bodyboards. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will help find the right board for you. Whalebone is open year round. See Recreation for more about surfing lessons and board rentals offered here.
Yellowhouse Art Gallery
- 2902 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 11
- Nags Head
An Outer Banks icon for more than 40 years, this wonderful old cottage features a collection that fills eight rooms. Find local art prints and original paintings, local photography, antique maps and prints, Outer Banks maps (modern and antique), original antique engravings, original Civil War prints, botanicals and nature prints. Custom framing is available in the Annex.
ABC Liquors
- 2104 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5121
In North Carolina, all liquor and spirits other than beer and wine are sold at package stores by the name of ABC Stores. The Nags Head ABC Store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. Beer and wine are sold at grocery and convenience stores.
Ace Hardware
- 2718 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5644
Ace Hardware sells everything for the home, garden and yard. Most people know Ace as a traditional hardware store, a place to find tools, paint, hardware and lawn and garden supplies. But you may not know that they also sell deck furniture, cleaning supplies, kitchen items, bathroom accessories, beach goods, pet supplies, holiday decorations, fishing tackle, grills, gifts, home accessories, art supplies, Carhartt clothing and much more. Check it out.
Aeropostale
- 7100 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, Tanger Outlet Center, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-9380
Teens and young adults flock to this outlet. It’s filled with stylish clothes for that set.
Anna’s Attic
- 5000 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14
- Nags Head
- (252) 255-1668
This store is full of variety! You’ll find arts and crafts, Americana, fun sundresses, garden decorations, beach supplies, souvenirs, home accessories and a nice selection of Carhartt clothing for men and women. Stop by and browse a bit.
Antique Mall of Nags Head
- 2910 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-6363
Filling the whole middle section of the Central Square shopping area, this shop features 12 antiques dealers and is full of primitives, artwork, glass, antiques and collectibles, wicker, mixed-media art and some jewelry.
Armstrong’s Seafood
- 3022 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 449-TUNA
Armstrong’s offers fresh local seafood at a convenient location in the Pirate’s Quay Shoppes. You’ll also find shrimp, clams, crab and lobster here, along with the spices, beer and wine you’ll need to fix a great seafood dinner at home. Don’t want to cook? Feed two to four with steamer buckets filled with snow crab, shrimp, clams, lobster, potatoes and corn on the cob. Top it all off with Kermit’s Key Lime pie, by the slice or the whole heavenly pie. Headed home? They’ll pack up your seafood so well, it will still be fresh when you get there.
Austin Fish Company
- 3711 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 12.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7412
Austin’s features a variety of seafood including crab meat, shrimp, oysters, clams, fish, scallops, crabs, live lobsters, lobster tails and snow crab legs. They’ll steam your shrimp and crabs for you, and they’ll also vacuum pack and freeze your catch. New this year you will find steamed seafood buckets, soups and fried dinners to go! Nags Head Produce farm stand is adjacent to Austin’s and offers fresh, local, seasonal produce. While Austin’s was already worth the trip, this addition makes them an easy one-stop shopping destination for dinner!
Beach Braids
- 4104 S. Virginia Dare Trail, The Beach Road, MP 13
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6970
Get the ultimate vacation souvenir with a colorful hairwrap, some corn rows or a temporary tattoo. Beach Braids is the only Outer Banks shop offering natural henna tattoos in addition to black henna tattoos, and all three Beach Braids locations have a Mendhi artist on staff during peak season. This store also sells custom, handmade hemp jewelry. All locations have a professional and organized studio with skilled staff and a comfortable air conditioned waiting area. Appointments or walk-ins are accepted, and large groups can be accommodated easily. This business is open in the spring and summer season only at all three locations: Nags Head, Duck and Corolla.
Beach Memories
- 2236 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7277
Shop here for all your scrapbook supplies. Scrapbooking is a great way to archive your memories by displaying photos and memorabilia. Beach Memories has scrapbook pages for all occasions like weddings, birthdays and, of course, vacations. The store also carries specialty items for attractions on the Outer Banks, such as the lighthouses, the N.C. Aquarium, The Lost Colony, the Wright Brothers National Memorial and more.
Beach Waves Too Salon by the Sea
- 7531 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-9992
Beach Waves Too is an affordable, full-service hair salon with a great view of the sound. They have sweet prices on full foils including cuts. Call for an appointment.
Bear Drugs
- 4711 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 14
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-1252
Bear Drugs is a locally owned compounding drugstore. The pharmacists are helpful, and they stock diabetic and home healthcare supplies.
Ben Franklin
- 2117 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 10
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7571
Ben Franklin is a great stop for beach items such as floats, towels, boogie boards, hats and sandals. You can pick up souvenirs and sundries and browse a host of attractive swimsuits and beach dresses for women. There also are great prices on swimsuits, shorts, T-shirts and pants for the whole family.
