About Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Kitty Hawk is one of the most iconic beach towns on the Outer Banks. Here, aviation history meets laid-back coastal living. The town sits just north of Kill Devil Hills, making it a great home base for exploring the central OBX.
Visitors come for the surfing, kayaking, and wide, open beaches — the same dunes where the Wright brothers once flew. Choose from oceanfront rentals, homes with private pools, or walkable beach cottages.
History of Kitty Hawk, NC
No one agrees on where the name "Kitty Hawk" came from. Some say it comes from "Chickeawk" or "Chickahawk," a Native American term for a hunting ground for geese. Others trace it to "skeeter hawk," an old term for a dragonfly. Either way, the spelling has stayed the same on land deeds since the 1700s.
Kitty Hawk sits on a barrier island in the northern Outer Banks, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Currituck Sound to the west. In 1900, Orville and Wilbur Wright picked this stretch of coast for their flight experiments. They needed steady winds over 15 mph, soft sand for landings, gentle hills for launching gliders, and a quiet spot away from crowds. Kitty Hawk checked every box. The brothers' historic first flight actually took place just south, in what's now Kill Devil Hills.
The town was incorporated on April 13, 1981. Today it's made up of three parts: a traditional village, a beachfront neighborhood of cottages, and the 461-acre Kitty Hawk Woods maritime forest. Keep an eye out in the Woods — fox, deer, and even the occasional endangered red wolf call it home.
Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC
This central Outer Banks town packs in a lot for its size. Here's a quick list before we dig into the details:
- Wright Brothers Memorial
- Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- The beach
See more things to do on the Outer Banks here.
1. Wright Brothers Memorial
Stand where history was made. The 60-foot monument honoring Orville and Wilbur Wright sits on the same dunes where they tested their gliders. It's a fitting tribute to the moment that made North Carolina "First in Flight."
2. Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Trade the beach for the trail. A hike through Kitty Hawk Woods reveals a different side of the Outer Banks — a maritime forest opening onto the Currituck Sound.
3. Golfing
Golfers love the quiet, scenic landscape here. Play a round at Duck Woods Country Club or Sea Scape Golf Links — both offer full 18-hole courses.
4. Fishing
Cast a line with the whole family. Try your hand at surf fishing or head to the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, a local favorite for pier fishing. Few things beat the feeling of a catch on the line.
5. Shopping
Need groceries, hardware, or a souvenir to take home? Kitty Hawk has surf shops, gift stores, and everyday essentials covered.
6. Restaurants
Hungry? Take your pick from dozens of local restaurants. From fresh-caught seafood to wood-fired pizza, Kitty Hawk's food scene keeps things lively after dark, too.
7. The Beach
And of course — the beach. Relax in the sun, catch the ocean breeze, or wade into the waves. A few ground rules apply; here's what to know before you go.
Beach Guidelines
Kitty Hawk has several public beach access points, many staffed by lifeguards during the summer. For extra safety, choose a lifeguarded access point when you swim.
ATV patrols also cover the beach throughout the busy season. A few rules to keep in mind:
- No glass on the beach
- No bonfires
- No swimming when red flags are flying — they signal dangerous rip currents
Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk, NC
VACATION RENTAL HOMES IN KITTY HAWK, NORTH CAROLINA
Seaside Vacations offers more than 70 vacation rental homes in Kitty Hawk. Sitting at the geographic center of the Outer Banks, this beach town puts golf, fishing piers, dining, shopping, and nightlife all within easy reach — with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Currituck Sound on the other. It's a natural fit for anyone who loves the water.
Our rentals range from oceanfront estates with private beach access to soundfront cottages with front-row sunset views over the Currituck Sound.
Many homes come with the extras that make a vacation feel special: in-ground heated pools, private hot tubs, game rooms with pool tables, spacious living areas, and fully equipped kitchens.
Traveling with a pet? 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.
It's easy to see why Kitty Hawk is one of the most requested beach towns on the Outer Banks, drawing the same families back year after year. Start your search with Seaside Vacations today and find the Kitty Hawk rental that fits your group.
