Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Town of Kitty Hawk offers year-round residents and visitors alike a unique environment. Whether you visit to relax or have fun, Kitty Hawk offers both in abundance.
Table of Contents
- History of Kitty Hawk, NC
- Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC
- Activities and Attractions in Kitty Hawk, NC
- Beach Guidelines in Kitty Hawk, NC
- Where to Stay in Kitty Hawk, NC
History of Kitty Hawk, NC
The origin of Kitty Hawk’s name is still a matter of local debate. Some believe it came from a Native American name “Chickeawk” or “Chickahawk”, which means a time or place to hunt geese. Others believe it is derived from early English pronunciation of “skeeter hawk”, a name commonly used for the dragonfly. Whatever the origin, the name Kitty Hawk is spelled as it is today on land deeds dating back to the eighteenth century.
The Town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina is rich in history. 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. With gentle hills for glider launching, a sandy surface for soft landings, and a remote location to avoid public attention. Kitty Hawk fit the bill and as they say, the rest is history. The Wright brothers finally made their historic recorded flight just south of Kitty Hawk in the town of Kill Devil Hills.
Today’s Kitty Hawk, incorporated as a town on April 13, 1981, consists of a traditional village, a beach community 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 and 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 Kitty Hawk, North Carolina! Here's a list of some Kitty Hawk 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 in Kitty Hawk, NC
1. Wright Brothers Memorial
What better way to celebrate Kitty Hawk's contributions to aviation than to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial. The over 60 foot monument dedicated to Orville and Wilbur Wright is truly a sight to behold. Stand on the historic dunes of Kill Devil Hills and relive the historic moments that made North Carolina "First in Flight."
2. Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve
Explore the great outdoors by taking a hike through the Kitty Hawk woods. Experience the beautiful natural landscape of the Albemarle Sound and its gorgeous maritime forest.
3. Golfing
The quiet landscapes of Kitty Hawk make it a golfer's paradise. Enjoy a round golf at Duck Woods County Club or Sea Scape Golf Links right here in Kitty Hawk, NC. Both are 18-hole golf courses.
4. Fishing
Go fishing with the whole family! Visitors can go surf fishing or pier fishing in and near Kitty Hawk, NC. The Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills is a local landmark and favorite. There is nothing like casting a fishing rod into the deep blue sea and experiencing the thrill of catching a fish.
5. Shopping
Take home a souvenir or pick up groceries and other necessities right here in Kitty Hawk. There are many surf shops and gift stores to browse, as well as supermarkets and hardware stores for everyday needs. Kitty Hawk is a great shopping destination for visitors.
6. Restaurants
There are dozens of restaurants to choose from in Kitty Hawk, NC. Indulge in a variety of foods in Kitty Hawk: from local fresh seafood, to delicious oven-baked pizza, enjoy the vibrant culinary scene and festive nightlife in Kitty Hawk.
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 go out and splash in the waves! Read more about some guidelines for visiting the beach in Kitty Hawk below.
Beach Guidelines in Kitty Hawk, NC
There are several public beach accesses that allow for easy access to the towns well cared for beaches. Area visitors who decide to go swimming in the Atlantic during the summer months can breathe easier and feel safer when splashing around in the water in-front of one of the town’s lifeguarded beach accesses.
In addition to the vigilant lifeguards carefully watching over swimmers, there are frequent ATV beach patrols that cover the town during the busy summer months. If you are planning to visit Kitty Hawk, be advised to follow the local ordinances. These include strict policies against glass on the beach, bonfires and no swimming when the red flags are out that 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 in the town of Kitty Hawk, allowing vacationers to bring along their four-legged friend for a small nominal amount.
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.
