Craving coastal breezes and aviation history? Head to Kitty Hawk! Perched on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk blends sandy beach escapes with historic milestones. From sun-soaked days by the Atlantic to scenic bike trails and fresh seafood, this iconic town offers laid-back adventure with a legacy that literally took flight.
Kitty Hawk, NC Highlights:
- Wright Brothers National Memorial: Pay tribute to the first powered flight near where history was made in 1903.
- Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve: Explore maritime forests, salt marshes, and trails by foot, kayak, or bike.
- Kitty Hawk Beach: Bask on wide sandy shores ideal for swimming, surfing, or relaxing under the sun.
- Duck Woods Country Club: Tee off at this scenic semi-private golf course surrounded by Outer Banks beauty.
- Monument to a Century of Flight: Walk among granite pylons that chronicle aviation achievements since the Wright brothers.
Best Time to Visit Kitty Hawk, NC
The best time to visit Kitty Hawk is in late spring through early fall (May to October), when beach weather peaks and attractions are fully open. Early summer and September offer fewer crowds with warm ocean temps and great surf.
How to Get to Kitty Hawk, NC
- If you are traveling by car: Kitty Hawk is accessible via U.S. Route 158 and the Wright Memorial Bridge, about 1.5 hours from Norfolk, VA.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Norfolk International Airport (ORF), followed by a scenic drive to the Outer Banks. Regional flights also serve Dare County Regional Airport in nearby Manteo.
- By Shuttle or Rental Car: Outer Banks shuttles and car rentals are available from the airport or locally.
Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk, NC
- Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks – Oceanfront hotel with private balconies, beach access, and a heated outdoor pool.
- Sea Scape Beach & Golf Villas – Spacious condo-style lodging with resort amenities near the golf course.
- Saltaire Cottages – Charming vintage-style cottages just steps from the beach.
Best Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC
⮕ Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Hike forest trails and spot wildlife during a peaceful nature trip.
The Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve offers a haven of natural beauty and quiet landscapes.
- The large stretch of primarily Albemarle Soundside terrain of the reserve is home to one of the Outer Banks region's largest samples of undeveloped, natural maritime forest.
- Visitors can also find many recreational opportunities within the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, such as hiking the trails through dense woods, boating and paddling on the Albemarle Sound and exploring the rugged shoreline, and more.
- There are several tour companies in the area that lead kayaking eco tours through the reserve’s brackish canals as well. Map
⮕ Kitty Hawk Fire Rescue
Visit for community events or admire the station on a quick educational stop.
Built back in 1912, the historic Kitty Hawk Fire Rescue was in service in the Outer Banks until 1946. Crews that have helped numerous shipwrecked victims have been housed at this station.
- Today, Kitty Hawk Fire Rescue has been authentically preserved and serves as unique accommodations with upgraded modern amenities.
- The house is located near two great spots for surfing and features panoramic, 180-degree, unobstructed views of the ocean.
- Many people stop by this historic building that has withstood the tests of time and weather to see where members of their family had once worked.
Where You'll Find it: Kitty Hawk Lifesaving Station number 7, 3807 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, Phone: 707-847-6297
Where to Eat:
⮕ Spanky's Grille
Grab burgers and enjoy a cheap, casual bite with the family.
Spanky's Grille is a great spot to grab a bite to eat for an affordable price in the town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Visitors shouldn’t be fooled by the slogan of “cheap eats,” however, as the restaurant has received the designation of “Top 10 Burger Joint in North Carolina” for many consecutive years, as well as one of the “Top 5 Hot Dog Stands.” Spanky’s Grille has become a local favorite and offers daily specials and tasty “southern comfort food.”
Spanky's Grille, 4105 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, Phone: 252-261-1917
⮕ Rundown Cafe
Savor island-inspired dishes and ocean views on a relaxing summer outing.
The Rundown Cafe serves local fresh seafood with a touch of “global island influence” for both lunch and dinner in Kitty Hawk. Made-from-scratch dishes are offered at reasonable prices and good portions, combined with friendly service within a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
The deck with its views of the ocean is an ideal place to sit back with a refreshing cocktail. Open between the months of February and November, tourists and locals alike can dine on Caribbean and Polynesian fusion fare and drinks at the authentic surf bar. The Rundown Cafe is open Thursday through Monday for lunch and dinner.
Rundown Cafe, 5218 Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, Phone: 252-255-0026
⮕ Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant
Dine seaside and enjoy a romantic dinner with stunning coastal sights.
The Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant is one of the premier restaurants of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Full of rustic charm and character, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the ocean from both the outdoor deck and the comfortable dining rooms and invites guests to walk through maritime history as they savor a memorable and delicious meal. The menu at the Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant serves wood oven pizzas, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, steaks, and fresh seafood, as well as daily specials for lunch and dinner. There is also a kids menu available and a full-service bar.
Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant , 3848 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, Phone: 252-261-3171
If you are interested in local events:
- Wright Brothers First Flight Celebration (December) – Annual commemoration with flyovers, talks, and reenactments.
- Outer Banks Bike Week (April) – Motorcycle rallies and rides along scenic OBX routes, with events in Kitty Hawk.
- Kitty Hawk Summer Concert Series (Various dates) – Live music and family fun at local parks and beach venues.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina:
- Kill Devil Hills (5–10 min) – Visit Avalon Fishing Pier or enjoy kite flying on scenic sand dunes.
- Duck (15–20 min) – Boutique shopping, boardwalk strolls, and sunset views along Currituck Sound.
- Southern Shores (10 min) – Quiet beaches and residential paths ideal for biking or relaxing.
- Nags Head (20–25 min) – Discover Jockey’s Ridge State Park, go hang gliding, or enjoy fresh seafood.
- Wanchese (30 min) – Visit working marinas and seafood markets in this authentic fishing village on Roanoke Island.
- Manteo (30 min) – Explore the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island Festival Park, or visit the NC Aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Kitty Hawk located?
- The town of Kitty Hawk is in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina.
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What kind of environment does Kitty Hawk offer?
- It offers a relaxing environment for both tourists and year-round local residents with a variety of things to do.
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What type of food is Kitty Hawk known for?
- Thanks to its location along the East Coast, the town is home to restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood.
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