Kitty Hawk, NC Vacation Guide

Kitty Hawk Guide Sections

• Where to Stay
• Attractions and Activities
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Beach Guidelines
• Upcoming Events
• History
• The Landscape
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Photos

Kitty Hawk Listings

• Kitty Hawk Restaurants
• Kitty Hawk Activities
• Kitty Hawk Shopping
• Kitty Hawk Vacation Rentals

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.

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

brought to you by:

Beach Realty & Construction Quality Outer Banks Vacation Rentals since 1964. Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals offers over 450 rental homes in 4x4 Carova Beach, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head. Oceanfront to Sound front, 2 – 9 bedrooms and many offer private pools, elevators, keyless entry, linens & pet-friendly! Weekly, partial week & long term rentals available! Call us: 800.635.1559... www.beachrealtync.com

Vacasa Outer Banks - With over 800 vacation rentals and all your wish-list amenities, Vacasa has vacation rentals for every group and budget. Our local team is dedicated to providing the best vacation experience for everyone, whether you are a longtime visitor of the Outer Banks or looking to plan your first stay. With our professional team and 24/7 customer service, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Carolina Designs represents quality, well-maintained vacation rentals. Our inventory of 350+ Outer Banks vacation rentals range in size, from smaller retreats to reunion-ready homes with 15 bedrooms or more. Whether you're searching for an oceanfront house, sound front rental, or somewhere in between, our OBX rentals offer prime locations and easy access to the beach.

Southern Shores Realty Offering over 350 homes from Corolla to S. Nags Head, the Outer Banks Experts at Southern Shores Realty make it easy to find the perfect vacation rental! Proudly operating since 1947, we are family owned business that serves Outer Banks visitors and locals. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront luxury rental or an affordable place to hang your hat, we make finding the perfect home as simple as it should be... www.southernshores.com

Resort Realty offers premier Outer Banks vacation rentals from Corolla to Hatteras Island. Choose from a wide range of vacation rentals from small, classic beach boxes to luxe, lavish oceanfront homes. Resort Realty has a vacation home for everyone. Browse our website at www.resortrealty.com or give us a call at 800-458-3830 and our vacation specialists will be happy to help you find the perfect home!

Brindley Beach Vacations offers premier real estate and property management services on the entire Outer Banks. Representing more than 600 vacation rental homes, Brindley Beach caters to all regions from the south beaches of Hatteras Island, Frisco, Buxton, Avon, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, to Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and north to Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla, as well as the 4WD area of Carova Beach. As a result, vacationers will find a wide range of homes or lots to choose from, from sunny condos with a host of amenities to massive sandcastles on the edge of the beach.

Atlantic Realty has been helping families create Outer Banks vacation traditions for almost 40 years. Our wide variety of rental homes and condos are sure to fit every family's style, size, and budget. All of our OBX vacation homes are well maintained with attention to detail, a superior housekeeping staff and on-staff maintenance - ensuring that your vacation experience is fantastic year after year.

Sun Realty offers the largest selection of rentals in the Outer Banks. Choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet friendly lodging and more. Our properties span the entire OBX coast including Carova, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and South Nags Head. On Hatteras Island, we proudly offer beach cottages in all villages... www.sunrealtync.com

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in service and a one-of-a-kind OBX vacation experience. We've got your perfect Nags Head vacation rental, oceanside escape in Corolla, or oceanfront beach house in Kill Devil Hills. Call 866-316-1843 or visit www.keesouterbanks.com

Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates Since 1968, our family owned and operated company has offered families just like yours a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals in beach communities and towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags Head. We invite you to view our brilliant photos, detailed property descriptions complete with amenity lists and maps. www.joelambjr.com

Outer Banks Blue - Since 2005, Outer Banks Blue has delivered exceptional vacations for OBX visitors. Our family-owned and locally managed rental company focuses on service and promises “a relaxing experience with a local touch.” Turn your dream vacation into a date on the calendar by choosing from 250+ meticulously maintained rental houses in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Call us at (252) 255-1220 for assistance in finding the perfect vacation home.

Twiddy & Company's vacation rentals are the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends and we offer the biggest selection of any company in the northern Outer Banks. From expansive oceanfront rentals to peaceful soundfront homes our Outer Banks vacation rentals allow you an infinite variety of vacation experiences. For more information, visit www.twiddy.com or call 252-457-1100.

Hotels

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, but no glass bottles. 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:

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.

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.

What's close to Kitty Hawk?

To the North

• Duck's boutique shopping - Just a short drive North on NC 12, you'll find a cluster of cozy shopping centers in Duck. The Waterfront Shops, Scarborough Lane, Scarborough Faire, Osprey Landing and the Flip Flop Shops offer hours of shopping for upscale, unique, locally-crafted items and beach favorites. All within walking distance of each other.
• Historic Corolla Park is a popular destination in Corolla. Visit the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, or Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
• Tour 4x4 beaches in Corolla - See the famous herd of Wild Mustangs or just park and enjoy a day at the beach.

To the South

• Wright Brothers National Memorial - Learn about the Wright Brothers. See a replica of the Wright flyer. Visit the site of the first flight.
• Jockey's Ridge State Park - Climb 90 feet to the top of the park's giant sand dune. Take a hang gliding lesson. Hike through the adjoining Nags Head Woods.
• Bodie Island Lighthouse - Climb to the top of the 170 feet tall tower and view the Outer Banks from above. Open during the Summer months.
• Jenette's Pier - Bring (or rent) a fishing rod and catch your dinner on this extra-sturdy 750 foot deck.
• Downtown Manteo - Shop, eat and see some history. Don't miss the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and small Roanoke Island Maritime Museum.
• Elizabethan Gardens - Tour the beautiful, meticulously-maintained grounds and formal garden with labeled plant species.
• The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama - See the longest-running outdoor production about the first English settlement in the New World, on Roanoke Island.
• N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island - Learn about local wildlife, fish, and see sharks swimming in a 285,000 gallon tank.

Upcoming Kitty Hawk Events

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.

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