Nags Head Fishing Pier Sold: A New Chapter for an Outer Banks Icon

Few landmarks capture the spirit of the Outer Banks quite like the Nags Head Fishing Pier—a beloved oceanfront gathering place where generations have fished, dined, celebrated, and soaked in the magic of the Atlantic. This winter, the pier entered a new era with a major ownership change that promises both preservation and thoughtful upgrades.

According to a report from The Outer Banks Voice, the pier was sold just before Christmas in a $4.05 million transaction from longtime owner Andrew “Andy” McCann to Kevin Nielsen, president of NH Pier Holdings LLC outerbanksvoice.com.

A Legacy Built by Andy McCann

For years, Andy McCann has been the steady hand behind the Nags Head Fishing Pier—overseeing the pier itself, the Pier House Restaurant, the Tiki Bar, and the oceanfront cottage rentals. Under his ownership, the pier remained one of the most welcoming and nostalgic spots on the beach, drawing locals and visitors back season after season.

McCann’s stewardship helped maintain the pier’s reputation as a family‑friendly destination where fishing stories were born, sunrises were unforgettable, and summer nights came alive with ocean breezes and live music.

His decision to pass the torch marks the end of an era—but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Meet the New Owner: Kevin Nielsen

New owner Kevin Nielsen has deep ties to the area—he and his wife own a home near the pier—and he’s approaching the project with a clear respect for its history. In his interview with The Voice, Nielsen emphasized that his goal is to “carry on the legacy and carry the torch” while making long‑needed improvements to the property outerbanksvoice.com.

Planned Upgrades Include:

  • Renovations to the oceanfront cottages
  • Significant updates to the restaurant kitchen
  • Repairs and remodeling across the pier property
  • Continued collaboration with the Town of Nags Head on development permits

With the pier currently closed for winter, Nielsen says the team is pushing to reopen on the pier’s typical seasonal schedule.

Why This Sale Matters for Nags Head

The Nags Head Fishing Pier isn’t just a business—it’s a cultural anchor in Nags Head. It’s where families teach their kids to cast a line, where vacationers grab their first oceanfront breakfast, and where locals unwind at the Tiki Bar after a long day.

A refreshed, revitalized pier means:

  • A stronger tourism draw
  • More vibrant dining and entertainment options
  • Renewed energy along the Nags Head oceanfront
  • Continued preservation of a historic OBX landmark

For homeowners and investors, upgrades to iconic destinations like this often strengthen nearby property values and enhance the overall appeal of the community.

Explore the Nags Head Fishing Pier

You can learn more about the pier and follow future updates here:
Nags Head Fishing Pier: https://www.nagsheadpier.com/

Photo Credit-Nags Head Fishing Pier