Nags Head:
A Popular Vacation Spot in 1861!

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This article appeared in the Daily Dispatch (Richmond) in May 1861. In the very month that Virginia seceded from the Union and the Capital of the Confederacy had been moved to Richmond, Nags Head was recommended as a favorite and pleasant summer resort, whose surf bathing was “nonsurpassed.” But, perhaps its most notable attribute, given the “present excitement,” i.e., the Civil War, was that it was thought to be “secure from attack, either by land or water.”

And, yes, Nags Head was considered to be in Currituck County at that time.

Outer Banks Beaches Among Best in US and World

Nags Head Named Most Family-Friendly Beach in U.S.

Each year, Road & Travel Magazine names a list of "Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches" in the United States. This year, Nags Head Beach of The Outer Banks was given the #1 ranking on this list. Criteria used for selection included the fact that Nags Head is surrounded by 900 square miles of water, as well as sandy beaches, lifeguards and water sports.

For more information about this recognition of Nags Head as the "Top Family-Friendly Beach in the United States," click here.

Ocracoke Island Named Best Beach in US by Dr. Beach

The first recognition for 2007 gave Ocracoke Island the coveted title of "Best Beach in the United States." The title was given to this special island by international beach expert Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. Dr. Beach releases an annual list of the Top 10 Beaches in America. This year marks the first year that a beach outside of Florida or Hawaii won the top spot on the list, which has been released each year since 1991. More than 650 beaches throughout the United States are included on the list of possible "top beaches."

Ocracoke Island is situated in the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina and surrounded by the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Accessible only by passenger ferry, private boat or airplane, Ocracoke Island gives visitors a true secluded island getaway for swimming, fishing, surfing, birdwatching, exploring, camping and more! Ocracoke Island has gained both national and worldwide recognition this year as one of the top beaches.

Dr. Beach uses a list of 50 criteria for his selection, which are listed under four primary categories:

• Physical Factors - sand softness, number and size of waves
• Biological Factors - color and condition of the water
• Presence of Wildlife and Pests
• Human Use and Impacts - lifeguard protection, views and traffic

For more information about this special recognition of Ocracoke Island as the "Best Beach in the United States," click here.

Ocracoke Island 5th in "World's 30 Best Island Beaches"

The second recognition for 2007 was given to Ocracoke Island by Conde Nast Traveler in their "World's 30 Best Island Beaches" list. In this worldwide competition, Ocracoke Island was ranked 5th for its safe swimming and seldom crowded beaches. For more information or to read the full article, click here.

To view a video of Dr. Beach on the June 8, 2007 Today Show, click here. (Realplayer required)

To view a video of Dana Dickey of Conde Nast Traveler on the July 6, 2007 Today Show, click here.