Welcome to Kitty Hawk, an incredible small town in the heart of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. While at first glance, Kitty Hawk might seem like a quiet town with not much to do, don’t let its quaintness fool you!
Although of course best known for its strip of pristine beach and marshland, Kitty Hawk has a lot more going on than you probably assumed. To be fair though, this coastal town is best suited for those looking for a tranquil getaway rather than a buzzing city with late night entertainment.
If you’re itching for the perfect destination for a family-friendly vacation, reunion with friends, or a romantic getaway all on the low-key side, Kitty Hawk is the place for you.
With fantastic vacation rentals to keep you comfortable at night, let’s see what you can do during the days to keep you entertained.
1. Visit the Kitty Hawk Pier
5353 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
Kitty Hawk Pier is an old-school style fishing pier located right in the heart of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and sightseeing. The pier is also a great spot for photography and events like weddings and reunions. The pier is 1,000 feet long and provides stunning views of the ocean, sound, and marsh. This makes it a great spot for bird-watching, so bring your binoculars. The pier is open 24 hours a day and is free to the public.
2. Explore the History of Flight Wright Brothers National Memorial
1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC
252-473-2111
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a national memorial that commemorates the achievements of Wilbur and Orville Wright. These two men were responsible for inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane. People come to the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the Wright brothers and their accomplishments. The memorial is also a popular spot for family picnics and hiking.
3. Go for a Run at Sandy Run Park
The Woods Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC
252-261-3552 4351
Sandy Run Park is a quaint local park in Kitty Hawk. The park offers a variety of amenities for residents and visitors, including a playground, picnic areas, a walking trail, and a fishing pier.
The park is a popular spot for families, as it provides a safe and fun environment for children to play. It is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with its scenic walking trail and views of the soundside.
Fishing is also a popular activity at the park, as the pier provides access to some good fishing spots. Overall, Sandy Run Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you are looking to relax or have some fun.
4. Behold the Monument to a Century of Flight
100 Ocean Green Ct, Kitty Hawk, NC
The North Carolina Museum of History’s “Monument to a Century of Flight” is a granite monument that celebrates the history of aviation. The monument was built in 2003 and is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The monument features a granite sculpture of an airplane, as well as a granite relief map of North Carolina.
The monument is also inscribed with the names of North Carolina’s aviation pioneers. The monument is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Many people come to the monument to learn about the history of aviation in North Carolina. The monument is also a popular spot for photography. The granite sculpture and relief map make for beautiful photos.
5. Hit the Dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC
252-441-7132
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a 4,223-acre state park in Dare County, North Carolina. It is located in the town of Nags Head, on the Outer Banks. The park is named for Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast of the United States.
The park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, and more. The dunes of Jockey’s Ridge are a popular spot for hang gliding and kite flying, and the park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and experience the unique beauty of the North Carolina coast.
6. Kitty Hawk Regional Public Beach Access
3840 N Va Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
252-261-3552
Kitty Hawk Regional Public Beach Access is one of the most popular beaches on the Outer Banks. It is located on the southern end of the island, just north of Nags Head. The beach is known for its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Visitors can enjoy swimming or sunbathing, go fishing, or try watersports like paddle boarding and windsurfing. The beaches are also great for sunrises and sunsets, so set your alarms and head out early.
7. Ghost Crab Quest
213 Woodland Dr, Southern Shores, NC
804-731-1353
Have you ever heard of the Ghost Crab Quest? If not, it’s time to learn about this unique event that takes place on the beaches of Florida each year. So what exactly is it? It’s a contest that challenges people to find and capture as many ghost crabs as they can. The person who catches the most crabs wins a prize.
Ghost crabs are interesting creatures that are not often seen. They are also very fast and hard to catch, which makes the challenge all the more fun. The Ghost Crab Quest is a great way to spend a day on the beach with family and friends. It’s also a great way to learn about these fascinating and rare creatures of the seashore.
8. Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a nature reserve located in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The reserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, as well as a variety of natural habitats. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. The reserve is also a popular spot for fishing and swimming.
9. Take in the View at Avalon Pier
2111 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
252-441-7494
Avalon Pier is a historic wooden boardwalk and pier located in the town of Avalon on Catalina Island, California. The fishing pier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is a great spot for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the stunning views of the ocean. Avalon Pier was originally built in the late 1800s as a landing spot for steamships, and has since been rebuilt and restored several times. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions on Catalina Island, and is a great place to enjoy a day by the water.
10. And While You’re at it, Why Not Check out Jennette’s Pier?
7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
252-255-1501
Jennette’s Pier is a public pier located in Nags Head, North Carolina. It is named after John Jennette, who built the pier in 1939. The pier is a popular spot for fishing, as well as for picnics and swimming. There is also a restaurant on the pier, which offers a great view of the ocean. The pier is a popular tourist destination, as it is one of the few remaining piers from the pre-Hurricane Irene era.
11. Break out at the OBXscape Rooms
1 Ocean Blvd suite 109-111, Southern Shores, NC
252-564-9636
Have you ever been to an OBXscape Room? If you haven’t, they are basically interactive puzzle rooms where you and your friends are locked in a room and have to use clues to solve puzzles and escape within a certain amount of time. They are a lot of fun and a great way to test your problem-solving skills with your friends. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your friends, I would definitely recommend checking out an OBXscape Room!
12. Pet a Stingray at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
374 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC
252-475-2300
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The Aquarium is home to over 200 species of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
Visitors can also enjoy hands-on activities, such as touch tanks and feedings. The Aquarium also offers educational programs and events throughout the year.
13. Find your way at Bodie Island Lighthouse
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd, Nags Head, NC
Bodie Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark located in North Carolina. The site is popular among tourists for its beautiful views and interesting history. The lighthouse was built in 1847 and is one of the oldest structures in the state. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the area. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of many beautiful lighthouses along the Carolina coast. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the history and beauty of North Carolina.
14. Stop and Smell the Roses at the Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC
252-473-3234
The Elizabethan Gardens are a 10-acre public garden located in Manteo, North Carolina. The gardens are open year-round and feature a variety of Elizabethan-themed gardens and events. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, enjoy the view from the gazebo, or take a tour of the grounds. The gardens are a popular spot for weddings and special events.
The Elizabethan Gardens are a beautiful spot to enjoy the outdoors. The gardens are well-maintained and offer a variety of activities for visitors. The gardens are a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you are looking to relax or explore.
15. Take Advantage of all that Public Beach Access
The ample public beach access in Kitty Hawk, NC offers up plenty of great places to enjoy the sun and the waves. People come to the beaches to relax, have fun, and spend time with friends and family. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking.
The best part about spending an afternoon at the beach is that it’s free! So pack up your beach chair and umbrella, and head on over to Kitty Hawk for a day of fun in the sun.
16. Test your hand at Turf’s Up OBX
3712 N Croatan Hwy suite E, Kitty Hawk, NC
252-715-5820
Turf’s Up OBX is a local business that offers a variety of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. They have a wide range of activities available, from group games and activities to individual sports and games. There is something for everyone at Turf’s Up OBX.
Turf’s Up OBX is also a great place to enjoy a day out with family and friends. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the games and activities are great fun. There is always something new to try. Turf’s Up OBX is the perfect place to spend a day enjoying the outdoors and having fun.
17. Get that Birdie at Sea Scape Golf Links
300 W Eckner St, Kitty Hawk, NC
252-261-2158
Sea Scape Golf Links is the perfect place for a little golf on your vacation. The course is located on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean from every hole. The course is well-maintained and offers a nice local challenge for players of all skill levels. In addition to the great golf, the resort features a number of amenities that will make your stay enjoyable, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a restaurant.
18. Wright Brothers Multi-Use Path
3613 Windgrass Cir, Kitty Hawk, NC
The Wright Brothers Multi-Use Path is a great choice for visitors because it offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of places to go for a walk, jog, or bike ride, and the scenery is beautiful. The path is also great for bird watching, as there are many different species of birds that can be seen.
19. Catch Some Swell Surf at Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School
6150 North Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC
(252) 261-0145
Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School is a good choice for sporty visitors because it is one of the only kayak and surf schools on the Outer Banks. The school offers a variety of kayaking and surfing lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced. In addition, the school has a retail shop where visitors can purchase kayaks, surfboards, and other gear.
20. Have Fun with Havin’ Fun Soundside Charters
4200 Bob Perry Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC
252-475-0090
There are many reasons to check out Havin’ Fun Soundside Charters! The company is family-owned and operated, so you can trust that you’ll be in good hands.
They offer a variety of charter options, so you can find the perfect one for your group. And they’re passionate about giving their customers a great experience – they’ll make sure you have a blast out on the water!
Enjoy Your Vacation to Kitty Hawk
For a tranquil getaway right in the heart of the Outer Banks, you can’t do better than a stay in Kitty Hawk. With easy access to other Outer Banks towns but still plenty to keep you entertained right in town, Kitty Hawk is the unassuming destination you’ll love.