Kitty Hawk Guide Sections

Kitty Hawk Listings

Many visitors remark on the unusual town names to be found on the Outer Banks, and one of the names that causes the most head-scratching is Kitty Hawk. Kitty Hawk, a small but popular vacation village in the busy central Outer Banks, was originally named "Chickahawk" by its Native American residents, which means "place to hunt geese." Over several generations, the name changed, the area developed, and the town became the prominent tourist destination it is today.

Kitty Hawk Pier

Outer Banks vacationers find that Kitty Hawk has a little something for everyone, including fantastic beaches, plenty of shops and restaurants, and even a large section of maritime forest where visitors can enjoy quiet nature trails, and spot all those geese that the original Native Americans were referring to.

Where to stay in Kitty Hawk

Vacation Rental Companies

Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk NC

Attractions and Activities

Kitty Hawk offers a sample of everything that makes the Outer Banks a great vacation destination. Visitors will find nature preserves, great shopping and restaurants all located centrally.

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve - The Kitty Hawk Coastal Reserve - Offers visitors over 1800 acres of forests and marshes to explore. As a result, nature lovers can explore virtually desolate trails and enjoy an afternoon of bird watching, and critter watching. Kitty Hawk Woods is an ideal locale to spot dozens if not hundreds of native Outer Banks species, including white-tailed deer, gray foxes, and even occasional otters, thriving in their natural habitat.

The Beach - The beach in Kitty Hawk is still the #1 attraction for visitors. Here are some things to know about Kitty Hawk beach policies:

  • Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round. From the Friday before Memorial Day until the day after Labor Day, they must be on a (maximum) 6ft leash between 10am and 6pm. All other times of the year, dogs must be on a (maximum) 12ft leash. Dogs may be taken off the leash during the off-season only if they are controlled by their owners and do not disturb others. Owners must be within 30feet of an unleashed dog, and have a leash with them at all times.
  • Fireworks and beach bonfires are not permitted in Kitty Hawk.
  • Beer is allowed on the beach. Wine and liquor are not officially permitted. Please drink responsibly.
  • Metal detecting is allowed.
  • Red flags = no swimming. When you see red flags flying, dangerous conditions are present and swimming is prohibited.
  • It is illegal to walk on dunes, and it is also illegal to pick live sea oats growing on the beaches.
  • Fill in any holes you dig. Holes in the sand can be a hazard.
  • Be mindful of Noise. Most communities consider a violation of the noise ordinance to be any sound that can be heard from inside a nearby residence, and any load noise after approximately 11:00 p.m.
  • No glass on the beach. Be mindful of glass bottles. Stick to cans and plastic to save future beach-goers from any bare foot injuries.
  • Surf fishing is allowed. A fishing license is required in North Carolina and can be obtained before your vacation via the NC Marine Fisheries and Wildlife website, or a fishing license can be purchased at most any tackle shop on the Outer Banks.
  • 4x4 Driving on the Beach is not permitted in Kitty Hawk

Here are some additional popular activities in Kitty Hawk:

Avalon Fishing Pier in Kitty Hawk NC

Kitty Hawk Restaurants

Kitty Hawk has a vibrant and diversified restaurant scene thanks to its central location on the Outer Banks. From fresh seafood to gourmet burgers, Kitty Hawk's restaurants provide an extensive choice of cuisines and dining experiences. Many of the town's restaurants get their food from local farms and boats, emphasizing coastal North Carolina's rich agricultural and fishing tradition. Whether you're looking for a casual seaside lunch or a romantic evening with a view, Kitty Hawk's restaurant scene offers something for everyone.

Black Pelican

Black Pelican oceanfront restaurant is one of the Outer Banks’ premier restaurants serving lunch and dinner daily. Black Pelican is where you can enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, vegetarian dishes, sandwiches and some of the barrier island’s best wood-fired pizzas complete with a beautiful...(more)

Black Pelican

TRiO Restaurant & Market

Wine, beer and cheese lovers will love TRiO, an exciting retail and tasting destination in Kitty Hawk. Both a gourmet retail wine, beer and cheese shop as well as a bistro with a wine bar and tap house, TRiO offers the best of the worlds of wine, beer and cheese for your enjoyment on premise...(more)

TRiO Restaurant & Market

Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream

Multiple locations

Serving our customers on the Outer Banks since 1994, Big Buck's ice Cream is dedicated serving you “The Best.” We offer a full line of super-premium ice cream products, smoothies, chocolates, and custom-made ice cream cakes! 2 locations are open all year: Duck  and Manteo, at The...(more)

Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream

Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for 25! years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on...(more)

Jimmy's Seafood Buffet
Load More

Kitty Hawk Shopping

Kitty Hawk offers a wide range of unique boutique shops, specialty stores, and gift shops, many of which are locally owned and operated. From handmade crafts to surf gear, Kitty Hawk's shopping scene is sure to delight visitors and leave them with lasting memories of their time on the Outer Banks.

Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream

Multiple locations

Serving our customers on the Outer Banks since 1994, Big Buck's ice Cream is dedicated serving you “The Best.” We offer a full line of super-premium ice cream products, smoothies, chocolates, and custom-made ice cream cakes! 2 locations are open all year: Duck  and Manteo, at The...(more)

Big Buck's Homemade Ice Cream

Brew Thru

Multiple locations

No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without cruising through Brew Thru, the Outer Banks’ original drive thru convenience store. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing cold beverage of Coke, Pepsi and other soft drinks on the go, stocking up your cooler with refreshments to enjoy at...(more)

Brew Thru

Super Wings

Multiple locations

Best store on the beach! Everything you need for your vacation. The newest ladies' and girls swimsuits, 20% off every day! Largest selection of beach supplies and the best deals on T-shirts, sweatshirts and mens, ladies, and kids, apparel, swimwear and resort wear. Get all your souvenirs, suntan...(more)

Super Wings

Gray's

Multiple locations

Gray’s Outer Banks Lifestyle Clothing Company offers the absolute best in Outer Banks T-shirts and Sweatshirts including Champion, Under Armour with "Outer Banks” and Gear! We carry quality fashions and accessories for the whole family by all your favorite brands including Tommy Bahama...(more)

Gray's

Sound Feet Shoes

Multiple locations

Sound Feet Shoes is family owned and operated. Sound Feet has been in the retail shoe business for over 70 years, opening their first store in 1953. They provide the best customer service and are the only Outer Banks’ area full service shoe store since 1987. Now, the family owned business...(more)

Sound Feet Shoes

TRiO Restaurant & Market

Wine, beer and cheese lovers will love TRiO, an exciting retail and tasting destination in Kitty Hawk. Both a gourmet retail wine, beer and cheese shop as well as a bistro with a wine bar and tap house, TRiO offers the best of the worlds of wine, beer and cheese for your enjoyment on premise...(more)

TRiO Restaurant & Market
Load More

What's close to Kitty Hawk?

To the North

To the South

Upcoming Kitty Hawk Events

There are no scheduled upcoming events at this time.

History of Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk has been attractive to visitors for a long time. Two brothers from Ohio chose the area as an ideal spot to launch a series of glider tests from 1900-1903. The first flight took off from Kill Devil Hills, but the Wright Brothers selected Kitty Hawk as their place to reside and test, and even to announce their final success. After the triumphant launch of the first powered flight in December 1903, the Wrights walked to the Weather Bureau office in neighboring Kitty Hawk where they sent out a telegram announcing the news. (As expected with an accomplishment of this magnitude, the first person they telegrammed was their father, who was reportedly and understandably very proud.)

The Current Landscape

Today, Kitty Hawk is a mixture of accommodations including a luxury resort and hotel, a collection of small motels, and a number of both oceanside and soundside vacation rental homes and unimposing condos. Vacationers can opt to stay near the action on the beach, where the beach road features a small number of shops, restaurants and night spots, or closer to the Currituck Sound, bordering the Kitty Hawk Woods and miles of open sound waters.

Wright Memorial Bridge to the Currituck Mainland

On the oceanside, vacationers will find 7 public beach accesses, including three that are lifeguarded from Memorial Day to Labor Day, along with a roving lifeguard ATV patrol that covers the town in the busy summer season. Visitors are free to explore the miles of open beaches, but are advised to follow the local town beach ordinances, including no glass on the beach, no beach bonfires, and no swimming when the red "Dangerous Conditions" flags are waving. All of these rules are in place for visitors' safety, and to ensure everyone on the shore enjoys a great time.

Take a stroll up the beach to check out the Kitty Hawk Pier. Damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, the pier has since been remodeled and revitalized and serves as a venue for special events and lunching guests of the nearby resort. Kitty Hawk is also home to the Aycock Brown Visitors' Center, the main visitors' center for vacationers entering the Outer Banks from the north, and a fantastic resource for newcomers to the OBX with plenty of publications, pamphlets, and local experts on hand to answer questions.

On the outskirts of town, a couple miles from the beach, visitors will even find several large chain stores, including grocery stores, shopping centers, and a soundside watersports center for waterfront adventures of all mediums, such as kayaking, parasailing, sailing, and even kiteboarding. Mariners will also find a handful of public boat ramps on the soundside of town, as well as a collection of every-day services, including banks, a post office, and even an Urgent Care medical center.

In short, for vacationers and residents alike, Kitty Hawk has a sample of everything Outer Banks. From charming shops to large shopping plazas, beach-side dives to more formal restaurants, and water in all directions, Kitty Hawk can easily accommodate all tastes. The first beach town that northern vacationers encounter after the Wright Memorial Bridge is also, clearly, a perfect sample of what the Outer Banks is all about: Fun, sun, and plenty of nature and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kitty Hawk, NC?

Kitty Hawk is located in the heart of the Outer Banks, and is the closest community to the Wright Memorial Bridge. It’s bordered by Southern Shores and Duck to the north, and Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head to the south.

How do you get to Kitty Hawk, NC?

The easiest way to get to Kitty Hawk it to take US 158 and cross the Wright Memorial Bridge, which directly connects with the town. Visitors staying in the southern and northern Outer Banks can also reach Kitty Hawk via NC Highway 12.

What is there to do in Kitty Hawk, NC?

Kitty Hawk is most popular for its beaches, however the town also has a collection of shopping plazas, stores and restaurants. In addition, Kitty Hawk is home to the 1,822 acre Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, which is a popular destination for kayaking, hiking, birding, and other outdoor activities off the oceanfront. Other attractions include the Wright Brothers Memorial and Avalon Fishing Pier. Kitty Hawk also features two golf courses – Sea Scape Golf Links, and Duck Woods Country Club in adjacent Southern Shores.

Where did the name Kitty Hawk come from?

The town was originally known as "Chickehauk" or "Chickahawk” in the 1700s. Though it’s not certain how this name morphed into the current “Kitty Hawk,” many local historians believe that it ties into a Native American name for the region that indicated exceptional geese hunting, such as "Killy honker" or "Killy honk."

What are the special events in Kitty Hawk?

Many restaurants and nightlife venues in Kitty Hawk offer live music and special events throughout the summer season. The area’s Kitty Hawk Woods is also the host of a suite of birdwatching and kayaking events that coincide with the annual Wings Over Water Festival, which is held in October and December.

Where are the beach accesses in Kitty Hawk, NC?

There are a number of public beach accesses within the town of Kitty Hawk. Beach accesses with public parking are located at the following spots:

  • Balchen Street
  • Bennett Street
  • Bleriot Street
  • Fonck Street
  • Hawks Street
  • Lillian Street
  • Maynard Street
  • Wilkins Street

 In addition, beach accesses with public parking and restrooms are found at the following sites:

  • Byrd Street
  • Lillian Street
  • Kitty Hawk Bath House

There is also a handicap accessible public sound access which is located at Windgrass Circle.

Are there lifeguards in Kitty Hawk?

There are three fixed lifeguard stands between Memorial Day and Labor Day in Kitty Hawk, which are located at the Byrd Street beach access, the Eckner Street beach access, and the Kitty Hawk Bath House. In addition, the town has seasonal ocean rescue patrols which monitor the beaches on ATVs.

What are the attractions in Kitty Hawk, NC?

Kitty Hawk’s biggest attraction – literally – is the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. Located along the soundside, this 1,822 acre site features maritime woods, soundfront beaches and access points for watersports, and a network of hiking and paddling trails. The town is also close to a number of central Outer Banks attractions including area fishing piers, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head.

Are there shops and restaurants in Kitty Hawk, NC?

Kitty Hawk is home to a number of shops and restaurants, which are found along the Beach Road or adjacent to the entrance to the Wright Memorial Bridge. The town is also home to several shopping plazas, as well as several large chain stores.

Where do you stay in Kitty Hawk, NC?

There are a lot of accommodation options in Kitty Hawk, NC which include vacation rental homes and condos, hotels and motels, and campgrounds that can accommodate tent campers and / or RVs. Kitty Hawk is also home to one of the Outer Banks’ largest hotels, the Hilton Garden Inn.

What can you do on a rainy day in Kitty Hawk, NC?

The area has a variety of shops and restaurants, which include art galleries, craft or beading stores, boutiques, and surf shops. Visitors can also easily reach the charming shops of Duck, or head to other central Outer Banks attractions like the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. There are also several amusement centers found nearby in the central OBX, such as a laser tag arena and a bowling alley.

Are pets allowed on the beach in Kitty Hawk, NC?

Dogs are permitted on Kitty Hawk’s public beaches, but must be on a leash at all times. Owners must also itty Hawk Road for residents and / or property owners and their guests.

Can I drive on the beach in Kitty Hawk, NC?

Driving on the beach is prohibited in the town of Kitty Hawk.

Are there shells in Kitty Hawk, NC?

Beachcombers may find a collection of shells in Kitty Hawk, especially after an offshore storm or hurricane. Popular shelling destinations include the area near the Kitty Hawk Pier and the Kitty Hawk Bath House.

Are beach bonfires allowed in Kitty Hawk?

Beach bonfires are not allowed in the town of Kitty Hawk.

When is the best time to visit Kitty Hawk?

The most popular time to visit Kitty Hawk is in the summer months, when water temperatures are at their warmest, and all seasonal businesses are open for visitors. With that being said, many shops and restaurants – especially chain stores – remain open all year long.

What are the air temperatures each month in Kitty Hawk?

January - high: 52°, low: 36°F 

February - high: 54°, low: 38°F 

March - high: 60°, low: 43°F 

April - high: 69°, low: 52°F 

May - high: 77°, low: 59°F 

June - high: 84°, low: 69°F 

July - high: 88°, low: 73°F 

August - high: 86°, low: 72°F 

September - high: 81°, low: 68°F 

October - high: 72°, low: 58°F 

November - high: 64°, low: 49°F 

December - high: 56°, low: 40°F 

Photos of Kitty Hawk

   Aycock Brown Welcome Center 

Just for the Beach Rentals

Just for the Beach Rentals

Just for the Beach Rentals (not to be confused with the similarly-named "Just for the Beach") offers rentals to accommodate your stay. Equipment includes linens, baby gates, cribs, monitors, seats, joggers, bikes, kayaks, skim boards, surf boards, and SUP. Free delivery is available with a modest rental order, from Corolla to Nags Head (not including 4x4 areas). Just for the Beach offers two convenient locations in Corolla and Kill Devil Hills.

Outer Banks Nature Spots

Outer Banks Nature Spots

With 150 miles of pristine coastline, and some of the East Coast's largest swaths of undisturbed maritime forest, the Outer Banks is a popular destination for nature lovers. As an important spot on America's "Flyway," which is the route that migrating birds take on their northern and southern treks across the country, the Outer Banks is the temporary home to hundreds of species of birds. Combine this with the number of deer, foxes, waterfowl, fish, turtles, and even alligators, and it's clear that the Outer Banks is truly a wild vacation destination.

Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

Miller's Seafood and Steakhouse

Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse has been a favorite among locals and visitors for more forty years. Offering delicious southern cuisine for both breakfast and dinner in a casual family atmosphere infused with coastal flair, it’s no wonder this Kill Devil Hills restaurant is a family tradition for so many. You’ll love waking up to favorites like biscuits and gravy, farm fresh eggs and buttermilk pancakes. Dinner options are just as tempting with menu items that include the freshest Outer Banks Catch seafood, she crab soup, Angus beef and fried green tomatoes just to name a few. Not only does Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse offer great breakfast and dinner options, Miller’s newest menu item – Hawaiian/American Fusion Sushi – is sure to please the sushi lover in you. From the Miller’s Roll that combines tempura fried crispy lobster tail with tantalizing ingredients to the High Tide and OBX Roller, guests will love choosing from a delicious variety of sushi options developed and prepared by Miller’s expert Sushi chef.

 

Along with its scrumptious cuisine, Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse offers a warm friendly atmosphere coupled with genuine Outer Banks hospitality. You’ll discover that not only is Miller’s a tradition for so many, it’s also a Miller family tradition. Two generations of Millers have worked side by side to make the Kill Devil Hills restaurant a favorite for all who pass through its doors. Owners Brian and Beth Miller want guests to feel at home and can often be found making rounds to check on customers and mingle with them as they dine.

 

Here at Miller’s, everyone is treated like family as they experience an unforgettable dining experience. Large parties are also welcome, making it perfect for extended families to enjoy dining together on their Outer Banks vacation. Come on in and see for yourself why Miller’s Seafood & Steakhouse is more than just a great restaurant. It’s a tradition.

 

It was 1978 when Eddie and Lou Miller first opened Miller’s Seafood and Steakhouse. As a teenager, their son Brian spent his summers working in the restaurant, getting familiar with the family business. After college, Brian and his wife Beth came back to Kill Devil Hills and began working together at Miller’s. Brian and Beth officially purchased the restaurant from Eddie and Lou in 2007. A few years later they opened American Pie together, and both restaurants now carry on the Miller family tradition of quality, excellence and hospitality.

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours

Back Beach Wild Horse Tours

Welcome to Back Beach Wild Horse Tours in Corolla NC. Our tours embark from Corolla NC, the last Outer Banks outpost before the road ends into nothing but stretches of wide beach. We provide safe family fun to see the Corolla Wild Horses, descendants of the Spanish Mustangs brought to the New World by explorers as long ago as the early 1500s. Because we go to their native habitat, you have the chance to experience much more than just a tour to see these majestic beings; you also get stories about the history of this area, a chance to learn about the other wild animals and vegetation of this area…and sometimes even a pirate tale or two!