About Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
One of the most iconic towns located on the Outer Banks, this central beach community blends rich aviation history with laid-back coastal living. Sitting just north of Kill Devil Hills, the area makes a great base for exploring the central OBX. Visitors enjoy surfing, kayaking, and strolling the wide beaches and sand dunes where the Wright brothers once flew. Choose from oceanfront rentals, homes with private pools, or walkable beach cottages.
History of Kitty Hawk, NC
The origin of the town's name is still a matter of local debate. Some believe it came from a Native American name "Chickeawk" or "Chickahawk," meaning a time or place to hunt geese. Others trace it to an early English pronunciation of "skeeter hawk," a common name for the dragonfly. Whatever the source, the name is spelled as it is today on land deeds dating back to the eighteenth century.
This historic town sits on one of the barrier islands that make up the northern Outer Banks. When Orville and Wilbur Wright looked for a site for their aviation experiments in 1900, they needed a place with winds regularly over 15 mph. They also wanted gentle hills for glider launching, a sandy surface for soft landings, and a remote location to avoid public attention. The area fit the bill, and as they say, the rest is history. The brothers made their historic recorded flight just south of here in the town of Kill Devil Hills.
Incorporated as a town on April 13, 1981, the community today consists of a traditional village, a beach neighborhood of residential cottages, and a 461-acre maritime forest reserve called Kitty Hawk Woods. The Woods feature a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is not uncommon to see fox, deer, and the occasional endangered red wolf.
Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC
There are plenty of fun things to do in and near this central OBX town. Here's a list of some local activities and attractions to make your visit memorable, including but not limited to:
- Wright Brothers Memorial
- Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- The Beach
See more about all of the fun things to do on the Outer Banks here.
Activities and Attractions
1. Wright Brothers Memorial
What better way to celebrate the area's contributions to aviation than to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial? The 60-foot monument dedicated to Orville and Wilbur Wright is truly a sight to behold. Stand on the historic sand dunes of Kill Devil Hills and relive the moments that made North Carolina "First in Flight."
2. Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Explore the great outdoors with a hike through the woods. Experience the beautiful natural landscape of the Albemarle Sound and its gorgeous maritime forest.
3. Golfing
The quiet landscapes make this a golfer's paradise. Enjoy a round at Duck Woods Country Club or Sea Scape Golf Links. Both are 18-hole courses.
4. Fishing
Go fishing with the whole family! Visitors can try surf fishing or pier fishing nearby. The Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills is a local landmark and favorite. There is nothing like casting a rod into the deep blue sea and feeling the thrill of a catch.
5. Shopping
Take home a souvenir or pick up groceries and other necessities. You'll find many surf shops and gift stores to browse, plus supermarkets and hardware stores for everyday needs. It's a great shopping destination for visitors.
6. Restaurants
There are dozens of restaurants to choose from. Indulge in a variety of foods, from local fresh seafood to oven-baked pizza, and enjoy the vibrant culinary scene and festive nightlife.
7. The Beach
Of course, there's nothing like having fun in the sun and the sand. Relax and enjoy the cool ocean breeze, or splash in the waves. Read more about guidelines for visiting the beach below.
Beach Guidelines
Several public beach access points make it easy to reach the town's well-cared-for shoreline. Visitors who go swimming in the Atlantic during the summer months can feel safer splashing around in front of one of the lifeguarded access points.
In addition to vigilant lifeguards, frequent ATV patrols cover the beach during the busy summer months. If you are planning a visit, be sure to follow local ordinances. These include strict policies against glass on the beach and bonfires, plus no swimming when red flags are out, which indicate dangerous rip currents and water conditions.
Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk, NC
VACATION RENTAL HOMES IN KITTY HAWK, NORTH CAROLINA
Seaside Vacations offers over 70 vacation rental homes located in the town of Kitty Hawk, NC. The town is located in the geographic center of the Outer Banks and offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities including access to 18-hole and putt-putt golf courses, fishing piers, fine dining, nightlife, shopping, and movies. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Albemarle Sound to the West, Kitty Hawk is a water enthusiast’s paradise.
Choose from rental homes that range in size from oceanfront estates with secluded and private beach access to quaint soundfront cottages that offer spectacular views during the day and magnificent sunsets at night.
Some of the homes in our vacation rental home program located in Kitty Hawk, NC have luxurious amenities including in-ground heated pools, private secluded hot tubs, recreation rooms equipped with pool tables and more, as well as spacious living rooms and well-equipped kitchens.
We also offer a wide array of pet-friendly vacation rentals, allowing vacationers to bring along their four-legged friend for a small nominal fee.
There's no question Kitty Hawk, North Carolina is a favorite place to stay among Outer Banks of North Carolina visitors who travel to the area for vacation at least once a year to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and unwind with family and friends. Begin your search for the perfect vacation accommodations with Seaside Vacations today! We have plenty of rental homes located in Kitty Hawk to choose from that are sure to fit your party's individual needs and wants.
