Nags Head Live Cam

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Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina, stands as a beloved landmark along the Outer Banks, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. This iconic pier, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, has become a symbol of the region's resilience and a focal point for both locals and tourists. The history of Jennette's Pier is rich with tales of storms, rebirth, and community spirit, while its climate and geography contribute to the distinctive charm of this coastal destination.

History

The story of Jennette's Pier dates back to 1939 when it was first constructed by the Jennette family. At that time, it was a modest wooden structure, stretching 754 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The pier was originally built as a family-owned business to cater to the growing number of tourists who were drawn to the Outer Banks for its pristine beaches and fishing opportunities. Over the years, Jennette's Pier became a popular destination for anglers, beachgoers, and families looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Nags Head.

However, the pier's history is also marked by its vulnerability to the forces of nature. The Outer Banks are known for their susceptibility to hurricanes and nor'easters, and Jennette's Pier has faced its fair share of challenges. In 1962, Hurricane Alma severely damaged the pier, leading to its reconstruction. The rebuilt pier was longer and more robust, reflecting the community's determination to preserve this cherished landmark.

Despite these efforts, Jennette's Pier was again severely damaged in 2003 by Hurricane Isabel, a powerful storm that caused widespread devastation along the North Carolina coast. The destruction of the pier was a significant loss for the Nags Head community, but it also provided an opportunity for renewal. Recognizing the pier's importance to the local economy and culture, the North Carolina Aquarium Society and the state government took on the task of rebuilding Jennette's Pier.

The new Jennette's Pier, which opened in 2011, was a state-of-the-art facility designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment. The pier was extended to 1,000 feet, making it one of the longest piers on the East Coast. In addition to its traditional role as a fishing pier, the new structure was equipped with modern amenities, including a wind turbine, solar panels, and a wave energy research station, making it an important site for sustainable energy research.

Today, Jennette's Pier is more than just a place to fish or take in the ocean views. It serves as an educational and environmental hub, offering programs and exhibits that highlight the importance of marine conservation and renewable energy. The pier's history is a testament to the resilience of the Outer Banks community and its commitment to preserving this iconic landmark for future generations.

Climate

The climate of Jennette's Pier in Nags Head is characterized by its location on the Outer Banks, a narrow strip of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, which is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream. This climate type is marked by hot, humid summers and mild, but occasionally cool, winters.

Summers at Jennette's Pier are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-34°C). The ocean plays a moderating role, keeping temperatures slightly cooler than inland areas, but the humidity can make it feel hotter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer months, often providing a brief respite from the heat. These storms are usually short-lived but can be intense, with heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds.

Fall is a transitional season at Jennette's Pier, with temperatures gradually cooling from the summer heat. September and October are considered the peak months for hurricane activity in the Atlantic, and the Outer Banks are particularly vulnerable to these powerful storms. The region has a long history of being impacted by hurricanes, which can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding. Despite the threat of hurricanes, fall is a popular time to visit the Outer Banks, as the weather is generally pleasant, and the ocean remains warm enough for swimming.

Winters at Jennette's Pier are mild compared to much of the United States, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (8-13°C). However, the region can occasionally experience cold snaps, with temperatures dropping below freezing, particularly at night. Snowfall is rare on the Outer Banks, but it is not unheard of, especially during strong winter storms known as nor'easters. These storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, and coastal erosion, posing a threat to the pier and surrounding areas.

Spring is another transitional season, with temperatures gradually warming as the days lengthen. The spring months are generally mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers and migrating birds adding to the natural beauty of the area. However, spring can also be a windy season on the Outer Banks, as the region is influenced by a variety of weather systems, including cold fronts from the north and warm, moist air from the south.

Overall, the climate at Jennette's Pier is shaped by its coastal location and the dynamic nature of the Atlantic Ocean. While the weather can be unpredictable, it is also one of the factors that contribute to the unique character and appeal of this iconic destination.

Geography

Jennette's Pier is located in Nags Head, a town situated on the central portion of the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks extend over 200 miles (320 km) from the Virginia border to the southern tip of Ocracoke Island, forming a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland of North Carolina. This unique geographical setting has a significant impact on the environment and lifestyle of the area.

The Outer Banks are composed primarily of sand dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests, with the landscape constantly shaped and reshaped by the forces of wind, waves, and currents. Nags Head, where Jennette's Pier is located, is known for its wide, sandy beaches and rolling dunes, which are among the tallest on the East Coast. The most famous of these dunes is Jockey's Ridge, the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, which rises more than 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level.

Jennette's Pier itself extends into the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning views of the surrounding seascape. The pier is anchored to the sandy ocean floor, with its pilings driven deep into the substrate to provide stability against the relentless forces of the ocean. The geography of the area around the pier is characterized by a mix of sandy beaches, shallow coastal waters, and deeper offshore areas, making it an ideal location for fishing, surfing, and other water-based activities.

One of the most notable features of the geography around Jennette's Pier is the dynamic nature of the shoreline. The Outer Banks are subject to constant erosion and accretion, with the shoreline shifting over time due to the action of waves, currents, and storms. This ever-changing landscape has required the community to adapt and innovate, leading to the construction of more resilient structures like the modern Jennette's Pier.

In addition to its natural features, the geography of Jennette's Pier is also influenced by human activity. The pier is part of the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, which operates the facility and offers educational programs and exhibits related to marine life and conservation. The surrounding area includes a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, with a strong emphasis on preserving the natural environment while accommodating the needs of visitors and residents.

Overall, the geography of Jennette's Pier and the surrounding area is defined by its coastal setting, with the Atlantic Ocean playing a central role in shaping the landscape and the way of life in Nags Head. Whether it's the shifting sands of the dunes, the rolling waves of the ocean, or the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters, the geography of Jennette's Pier is a key part of what makes it such a special and enduring destination.

An exceptional banquet facility all at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head

Welcome to Nags Head, an area of North Carolina’s Outer Banks that is rich in history and steeped in tradition. You hold in your hands a book designed to help you explore the particular nature of both Old Nags Head, a historic district that stretches one mile along the Atlantic Coast as well as the Nags Head of today.

The first part of the book guides you along the Nags Head Walking Tour, a carefully mapped out tour taking you alongside many of our state’s oldest beachfront cottages. The second part of the book, the Nags Head Guide, gives you all the information you need to know while visiting the area about the attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and accommodations that continue to lure vacationers to this area more than 150 years after the first vacationer set foot on these shores.

Whether you’re planning a visit or are already here, you’re in for a wonderful treat!

Hang Gliding: Jockey's Ridge State Park is the spot for learning to fly like the birds. Lessons from qualified instructors are available. You may also want to try aero-tow gliding, available at Corolla and the Currituck Airport.

Diving: Along our sea floor rests the remains of more than 1,500 ships, which is why the Outer Banks coast is also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. There are several dive shops that offer charters offshore for wreck diving, lessons, and equipment rental.

Crabbing: Easily harvested by the beachcomber, the blue crab is found abundantly along the Outer Banks and can be caught with minimal equipment and skill. All you need is a length of cord with suitable bait tied to one end — chicken necks or fish heads do nicely. Throw the bait into the water, wait a few minutes, then pull on the line gently to see if you get a nibble. If so, s-l-o-w-l-y pull the bait to the surface, but not out of the water, dipping up the crab slowly with your dip net. Another method is to use circular crab nets and collapsible crab traps. This way is especially useful when crabbing from a bridge, pier or dock. With these, the bait is tied securely to the center of the net and lowered into the water. Raising the trap after three to five minutes should provide you with several nice crabs. Crabs can be caught from late spring into early fall, but the best time is May, June and July.

Cruising: Whether a daytime harbor tour or an evening under the stars, there are a number of sight-seeing cruises offered here on a variety of vessels, from sailboats to headboats. Special charters can be booked for private parties, family reunions or weddings.