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Home >  United States  >  North Carolina  >  Nags Head  >  

Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach

United States, North Carolina, Nags Head 

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Coquina Beach

United States, North Carolina, Nags Head 

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Sandee Coquina Beach

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Coquina Beach is a serene and undeveloped stretch of shoreline located in the Outer Banks, near Nags Head, North Carolina. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling beach towns, with its natural dunes and expansive sandy beaches. The beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, ensuring it remains free from commercial development and maintains its pristine beauty. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, though they should be mindful of the strong currents and rough surf that can occur. The beach is accessible by foot or via 4WD vehicles with a permit, making it a unique spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Coquina Beach is named after the colorful coquina clams found in the area, adding to its natural charm. The beach is also known for its historical significance, being the final resting place of the shipwreck Laura Barnes, which ran aground in 1921. This blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes Coquina Beach a fascinating destination for those seeking a more secluded beach experience.

Its proximity to Nags Head and other Outer Banks towns provides easy access to amenities and attractions, yet it feels miles away from the crowds, offering a peaceful retreat for those who visit.

For dining near Coquina Beach, visitors can explore a variety of options in Nags Head. Blue Moon Beach Grill offers seafood and Southern comfort food in a cozy setting, while Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe is renowned for its waterfront seafood. The Dunes Restaurant serves Southern classics and seafood, and Tortugas Lie offers a Caribbean twist on seafood and burgers. For a more casual experience, Sam & Omie's is a local favorite for breakfast and seafood.

These restaurants provide a mix of casual and upscale dining experiences, ensuring there's something for every taste and preference. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a seafood feast, or a relaxed meal with a beach vibe, Nags Head's dining scene has it covered.

Accommodations near Coquina Beach include a range of options to suit different needs. The Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront offers modern amenities and ocean views. The Surf Side Hotel provides straightforward lodging with pools and sea views. For a more budget-friendly option, the Comfort Inn South Oceanfront includes free breakfast and an outdoor pool. The Seahorse Inn & Cottages offers relaxed accommodations with kitchenettes available. Lastly, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront provides direct beach access and an indoor pool.

These hotels cater to a variety of preferences, from family-friendly stays to romantic getaways, ensuring a comfortable base for exploring Coquina Beach and the surrounding area.

Coquina Beach offers several amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The beach features a bathhouse with changing rooms, outdoor showers, and restrooms. There is also a water bottle filling station available. A wooden walkway leads from the bathhouse to the beach, and a primitive path is accessible from the northern parking lot. Additionally, the beach has large parking lots with accessible spaces, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the area. Trash bins and recycling stations are also available to encourage sustainability.

For those interested in water activities, lifeguards are present during the summer season, providing a safer environment for swimmers. The beach is also equipped with picnic areas and nearby bike racks, making it suitable for families and groups looking to spend the day outdoors.

Overall, Coquina Beach provides a well-rounded set of amenities that support both relaxation and recreation, while maintaining its natural beauty.

Coquina Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Swimming is a popular pastime, though caution is advised due to strong currents. Surfing and bodyboarding are also favored activities, especially during swells from hurricanes or nor'easters. The beach is a great spot for sunbathing and relaxation, with its expansive sandy areas and natural dunes providing a serene backdrop.

For those interested in exploring the area, Coquina Beach is accessible by foot or via 4WD vehicles with a permit, allowing for a unique beach driving experience. Fishing is another common activity, with surf fishermen often spotted along the shoreline. The beach's proximity to Nags Head and other Outer Banks attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's many outdoor activities.

Whether you're looking for adventure or simply want to unwind, Coquina Beach provides a versatile setting for a range of activities.

Coquina Beach offers several accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the area. The bathhouse includes accessible changing rooms and restrooms, and there are wheelchair-accessible parking spaces in both the northern and southern parking lots. A wooden walkway leads from the bathhouse to the beach, though it may not be suitable for all mobility aids due to its natural terrain.

Additionally, beach wheelchairs are available for rent from local equipment rental companies or can be borrowed from the Nags Head Fire Rescue, though reservations are recommended due to limited availability. This service helps ensure that visitors with mobility impairments can access the beach and enjoy its amenities.

While some areas of the beach may be challenging to navigate due to natural obstacles like sand and dunes, the accessible facilities and services provided aim to make the experience as inclusive as possible.

Parking at Coquina Beach is well-organized, with multiple lots available. The northern parking lot includes accessible spaces and accommodates longer vehicles, while the southern lot is closer to the bathhouse and also offers accessible parking. Parking is available from early morning to midnight, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the beach. The lots are well-maintained, with trash bins and recycling stations nearby to encourage responsible waste management.

The proximity of the parking areas to the beach ensures that visitors can easily access the shoreline without a long walk. Additionally, the availability of parking for 4WD vehicles near the access ramps facilitates beach driving for those with the appropriate permits.

Overall, the parking facilities at Coquina Beach are convenient and well-suited for both day trips and extended stays.

Coquina Beach is named after the colorful coquina clams that are commonly found in the area. These clams are a distinctive feature of the Outer Banks and add to the beach's natural charm. The beach is also historically significant as the final resting place of the shipwreck Laura Barnes, a four-masted schooner that ran aground in 1921. Despite the harsh conditions that led to its demise, the crew was rescued by the brave personnel of the Bodie Island Lifesaving Station.

Coquina Beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is known for its pristine natural beauty and rich maritime history. The area is popular among surfers and fishermen, who come to enjoy the strong waves and abundant marine life.

The beach's undeveloped nature makes it a haven for wildlife, with various species of birds and marine animals calling the area home. This blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and wildlife makes Coquina Beach a unique and fascinating destination.

Coquina Beach is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark and a must-visit for those interested in maritime history. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, of which Coquina Beach is a part, offers numerous hiking trails and scenic drives, providing opportunities for nature walks and wildlife spotting.

Nags Head, located just north of Coquina Beach, offers a variety of attractions, including Jennette's Pier, a popular spot for fishing and sunset viewing. The town also features several shops, restaurants, and recreational activities, making it a great base for exploring the Outer Banks.

For those interested in history, the remains of the shipwreck Laura Barnes can still be seen near Coquina Beach, adding a touch of historical intrigue to the area.

Basic Details

INParking

INRestroom Available

INBeige

IN8101 North Carolina Hwy 12, Nags Head, NC 27959, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesShowers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Disabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Parking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Coquina Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Coquina Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Coquina Beach have lifeguards?

    Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.

    Is Coquina Beach a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Coquina Beach good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Coquina Beach have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Coquina Beach a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Coquina Beach?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Coquina Beach?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Fishing, Paddleboarding.

    Does Coquina Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is Coquina Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Coquina Beach good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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