Visiting Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

In its early days, Kitty Hawk was primarily a fishing village on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Thanks in part to the Wright brothers and their first powered flight in 1903, the area has become a haven for aviation enthusiasts, beach-goers, and travelers the world over. If you’re planning on visiting Kitty Hawk, here are some of the best things to do on your trip. 

Wright Brothers National Monument

Just as the North Carolina license plates boast, the state touts the phrase “First in Flight,” pays homage to the Wright Brothers, who in 1903 made their successful and historic flight attempt. If you’re visiting Kitty Hawk, a stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial – part of The National Parks Service – is a must. 

Located atop Big Kill Devil Hill, the monument stands to “commemorate the conquest of the air,” and guests can look out into the field for a better perspective of this historic event. The First Flight Boulder marks the spot where the Wright brothers set their dream into action; guests can walk to each of the marked areas that highlight each flight attempt. At the visitors center, guests can explore a variety of exhibits that chronicle the brothers’ ups and downs and highs and lows (pun intended) as they toiled away at their dream. 

The Wright Brothers National Monument is open 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and remember if you’re traveling with a fourth grader, the National Park Service offers free admission as part of the Every Kid Outdoors program. 

Adrenalin-Seeking Fun When Visiting Kitty Hawk

For those looking for a more heart-pumping experience when visiting Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a trip to Jockey’s Ridge State Park should do the trick. Jockey Ridge State Park is home to the tallest dunes on the East Coast. Encompassing over 420 acres of windswept sand; this is the very same wind that made the area the perfect location for the Wright brothers’ experiments. Surrounded by the Roanoke Sound, Jockey Ridge State Park is the ideal spot for outdoor family adventures.

Kitty Hawk Kites is your one-stop outfitter whether your family wants to try their hand at sand surfing; yes that’s a thing! Or, put yourself in the Wright Brothers’ shoes and book a hang gliding lesson. Ideal for ages 4 and up, Kitty Hawk Kites offers comprehensive lessons at their training center – you’ll be airborne in no time!   

Visiting Kitty Hawk With Young Children

We all know that traveling with young children can be a challenge at times. There’s coordinating nap schedules and figuring out mealtimes and the logistics that come with that. But, if you’re looking for things to do with kids when visiting Kitty Hawk, the Outer Banks has plenty to offer.

Of course, beaches are always a go-to; there are plenty of public access options in and around town. And, if you need to get out and work off some energy, Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve is 1,800 acres of maritime forest and marsh with walking trails ideal for observing wildlife and birdwatching. 

Where to Eat in Kitty Hawk NC

There’s no shortage of dining on the Outer Banks and especially in Kitty Hawk–here are a few spots to get you started!

Firehouse Boil Delivery

If you’ve never had a Lowcountry boil, you’re missing out. But, since there’s a bit of prep that goes into making this local specialty, Firehouse Boil Delivery is a popular option in Kitty Hawk. 

The company delivers seafood boil kits directly to your beach house or condo, so you can have a fresh seafood meal on your table in about an hour. Kits include a variety of seafood options that you can customize to your taste and liking. So whether you prefer jumbo shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes or a mix of shrimp, crab legs, lobster, and clams, you’ll get exactly what you want, delivered right to your door! 

Shipwrecks Taphouse and Grill 

Shipwrecks – popular with both tourists and locals – is a pet-friendly spot to eat in Kitty Hawk. With lunch and dinner offerings, plus an overall fun environment complete with yard games, outdoor dining, and live music. Food-wise, guests can enjoy oysters, seafood platters, burgers, steaks, and sandwiches as well as 20 craft beers on tap. 

Trio Restaurant & Market

For a casual and eclectic bite, Trio Restaurant & Market offers guests an expansive menu. This highly rated, local favorite and “best of” winners’ menu includes salads, tapas, paninis, local seafood, and beach noshing favorites. With several craft beer offerings, beer on tap, and over forty different wine options, it’s the perfect date night spot. And, if you’re visiting on the weekend, TriO has a delicious brunch option.  

Duck Donuts

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you may be interested in visiting the flagship Duck Donuts store. Located just minutes from Kitty Hawk, in, you guessed it, Duck, North Carolina, this delightful donut shop is the perfect stop before your beach day adventure.

Where to Stay

If you enjoy traveling and experiencing all the comforts of home when it comes to accommodations, Beachwood’s Resort is a great place to stay in Kitty Hawk. While it is a timeshare resort, anyone can visit and since it’s nestled in the middle of the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, it’s a welcoming, relaxed location for families.

Centrally located, there are plenty of stores and restaurants nearby and guests can choose from a variety of well-appointed condos with full kitchens and laundry facilities. Of course, if you prefer, there are plenty of Outer Banks options available through sites like VRBO, Twiddy, and Airbnb. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I’m not a fan of these, but plenty of people are and they are an option in the area.

And, finally, a little bit of trivia for you! Are you considering visiting Kitty Hawk and the Outer Banks because you or someone in your family is a fan of the Netflix Original series, Outer Banks? If so, sadly you won’t any familiar series landmarks on your trip. The television series is filmed in the Lowcountry, so consider a three-day trip to Charleston, SC if you’d like to see some of those spots!