Located along the east coast of North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills is one of the 15 towns that make up the Outer Banks (OBX). It is located at the northern end of the barrier islands, between Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.
A sleepy seaside town, Kill Devil Hills is the perfect place to take it slow and unwind. The beach landscape is unique, with a series of dunes abutting the shore. You can explore these dunes on foot or 4WD cruising. You can hop in a kayak to navigate the inland waters or just jump in the sea.
Whatever your plans for your time in the town of Kill Devil Hills, you’ll want to make sure you have secured the perfect vacation rental for your beach vacation. You can do that by booking a condo with First Flight Rentals. Now, without further ado, let’s go over everything you need to know for your trip to Kill Devil Hills.
About Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
While the Wright Brothers‘ first powered flight took off from Kitty Hawk, it is, in fact, Kill Devil Hills’ claim to fame that the brothers experimented with gliders here, with their first four flights taking off from the large hill in town. Now, it is in that very spot that you can find the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Present day Kill Devil Hills is in Dare County, in the center of OBX, and it has the largest population of all the beach towns sitting along the length of these barrier islands. However, with a population that is still under 8,000 people, the town remains a quiet spot, perfect for Outer Banks visitors to enjoy a laid-back vacation.
Best Things to Do in Kill Devil Hills
With the unique landscape of the beach and the water lapping at the shores, there is plenty to do in Kill Devil Hills. Here are the best things to do to make sure you take full advantage of the beautiful beaches, unspoiled landscapes, and so much more during your visit.
Go Kayaking
Hopping in a kayak is the perfect way to enjoy the calm waters off the southern shores and around Kitty Hawk Bay. Whether you want to go out during the day to catch some sunshine, enjoy a quiet golden sunset on the water, or experience the magic of bioluminescence after dark, Outer Banks Kayak Adventures, based in Kill Devil Hills, has a great selection of tours to choose from.
Alternative to a kayak, you can also test your balance on the water with a SUP.
Visit the Avalon Fishing Pier
If getting your dinner all ready to go from the grocery store or at a restaurant has become too mundane for you, just hit Avalon Pier and catch it yourself! The pier is a family-friendly spot to spend the day. You don’t have to fish — a “sightseeing” day pass is available — but if you do want to fish, you can rent everything you need right here.
From the pass, which is good all day and reduced for kids under 18, to rods and bait, all you have to do is add the bait to your rod, cast it in, and enjoy! There are some rules about which fish you are allowed to keep and eat and which you have to throw back. The Avalon Pier isn’t the only one to cast your reel in OBX; you can also try the Kitty Hawk Pier or Nags Head Pier.
Wander the Kill Devil Hills Dunes
The first thing to note here is that beach access in Kill Devil Hills is completely public. There are some privately owned boardwalks, but the sand itself is all a part of the public beach.
Once you’re on the beach, you can enjoy the gorgeous dunes. There are some trails, but with wind and time, the sand is constantly moving, so feel free to just go off on your own and blaze your own trail. The tallest dunes can be found in Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is at the south end of Kill Devils Hill, right next to Nags Head.
If you want more adventure as you enjoy these miles of beaches, consider sand boarding or even hang gliding. And if you’re visiting in the off-season (October 1 to April 30), you can explore the dunes by 4X4.
Enjoy the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
The Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is now the largest maritime forest on the East Coast. There are several trails that you can use to explore all around the preserve. You can visit the ponds and marshes and see the animal and plant life. Look out for the brightly colored summer tanagers, the ducks, and river otters, and watch out for unique flowers such as the water violet.
One of the shorter trails in the park is completely accessible — including by wheelchair.
Best Time to Visit Kill Devil Hills
The most popular time to visit OBX is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The summer days are long and warm, and being on the Kill Devil Hills beaches is a great escape from the summer heat of spots like New York and other sweltering cities. But that doesn’t mean you should discount a visit during other times of the year. Let’s look at what all of the different seasons in Kill Devil Hills have to offer.
Spring in Kill Devil Hills
Spring in Kill Devil Hills brings very comfortable temperatures, usually ranging from the low 60s F to the low 70s F. Water temperatures remain low, usually around 40 to 50 F. If you’re a runner and a beer enthusiast, join the local craft beer pub — The Brewing Station — for their St. Patrick’s Day “Beer Mile.”
Summer in Kill Devil Hills
In the summer, you can expect warmer daytime temperatures, often reaching into the mid-80s. This is also when the water temperatures reach their peaks, usually hovering around 60 – 70 F. July is the rainiest month of the year, only just beating out August, when you can also expect a rainy day or two.
Every summer at the Wright Brothers Memorial, you can enjoy the Wright Kite Festival. During the two-day festival, kites up to 100 feet in length will be flying over the grassy hill.
Fall in Kill Devil Hills
If you plan to visit the Outer Banks in the fall, you will find that temperatures begin to come back down by late September, heading into the low 70s F. By late November, temperatures fall to the low 60s F.
While the air temperature in fall is quite similar to spring, the water temperatures are actually more comfortable, with the averages being from 50 to 60 F. Fall is also the driest season in the Outer Banks towns, with November being the driest month of all.
Winter in Kill Devil Hills
Winter is the coldest season in Kill Devil Hills, and February is the coldest month, with temperatures in the mid-40s. The rest of the season usually sees low to mid-50s F.
You’ll also enjoy the occasional snowfall through January and February. While this isn’t weather you’d want to be out on the water for, walking the dunes through winter is something quite special. And while some places board up for the off-season, First Flight rental homes are open year round.
Best Restaurants in Kill Devil Hills
Breathe in the salty air, feel the ocean breeze, and prepare your taste buds for a feast! The Outer Banks, perched on the open ocean, is a seafood lover’s paradise. Imagine mountains of succulent shrimp, sweet crab, and briny oysters—fresh from the sea to your plate.
Here are a few of the best restaurants in Kill Devil Hills:
Bonus Travel Tips for Kill Devil Hills
Knowing what to do and where to eat in Kill Devil Hills is crucial for having a great trip. But there is still much to consider. Here are some final tips for your trip to the area.
You’ll need a car
But also, don’t be afraid to ditch the car for a day or two. Driving is really the only way to access the area, and if you want to get away from the center of the Outer Banks and visit other towns like Manteo or Corolla, you’ll want to hop in the car. But to enjoy the immediate area you can do a lot on foot or even rent a bicycle.
Check the National Park Service before your visit
For more information about everything in the area, from guides on local wildlife to the best beaches with lifeguards or even free events, the Cape Hatteras NPS has all the information you need.
Start your days early
You’ll especially want to do this if you are visiting in the summer months. Early risers will not only enjoy the beautiful sunrises and all the birds that wake with the sun, but they will also enjoy much more quiet. As the day wears on, the beaches fill, and the temperatures rise.
Book Your Getaway to Kill Devil Hills
Consider your Kill Devil Hills trip officially planned! This guide has covered everything you need to know, from must-do activities to what to expect during your visit. The only thing left? Securing your ideal getaway spot. Let First Flight Rentals take care of the details and create a seamless for you.