Most
likely, you’re visiting the Outer Banks because of the beaches,
and in the town of Kitty Hawk you won’t be disappointed. The beaches
are beautiful.
Read on for some of our tips for enjoying them safely. If you’re arriving from the north, stop in at the Aycock Brown Welcome Center as you drive into town. They have a wealth of information that can help you plan your visit. While you’re there don’t miss the Monument to a Century of Flight. Kitty Hawk is home to an amazing maritime forest, Kitty Hawk Woods, and we’ll tell you how to get there. For family entertainment, take in a show at the Outer Banks Music Showcase. There’s something for everyone with the variety of musical numbers in every show.
The Beach
The beach is hands-down the most popular attraction in Kitty Hawk. There is no end to the pleasure to be had there - hunt for shells or sea glass, swim, fly a kite, people watch, build a sand castle, take a jog or walk, surf, boogie board, or if all that is too much, simply read a book or snooze. You can enjoy the surf and sand more safely and responsibly by being aware of the following town ordinances.
Red flags will fly at the beach when swimming is prohibited. This only happens when ocean conditions are very unsafe, even for experienced swimmers. Ignoring the warning could result in a fine up to $250 not to mention the risk you impose on your own safety and rescue personnel.
In season (from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day) dogs are only allowed on the beach from 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. The rest of the year, dogs are allowed on the beach anytime. But at all times, dogs on the beach must be on a leash and the owner must clean up after the pet properly.
Boats or personal watercraft that are powered by an engine are not allowed to launch from or land on the beach at any time.
Driving on the beach and beach fires are prohibited within the town of Kitty Hawk.
It is always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard. In Kitty Hawk, lifeguards are posted on stands from
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Public beach accesses with lifeguards are:
-
Byrd Street
-
Eckner Street
-
Kitty Hawk Bath House (near the intersection of Kitty Hawk Road and the Beach Road)
The Sound
Heading to the soundside is a different beach experience. The sound is usually warmer, calmer and more shallow than the ocean. Still, the sound is affected by wind for depth and turbulence, so a mean Southwest wind can whip up some waves, though they won’t really rival ocean waves. Because the sound is typically very shallow, even far from shore, you’ll often see kayakers, kite boarders and windsurfers in the sound. Wading in the sound on calm days is ideal for small children, who are often overwhelmed by the noisy ocean. There are no lifeguards on the sound side in Kitty Hawk, so use caution when swimming or wading, and don’t let the little ones out of your sight.
A public sound access is located at Windgrass Circle. It is handicapped accessible.
General Attractions
Aycock Brown Welcome Center
The Bypass, MP 1
(877) OBX-4FUN
The Aycock Brown Welcome Center is an excellent stop for planning your Outer Banks vacation. If you’re arriving from the north, it will be a convenient stop as you drive into town. There is information on everything to see and do on the Outer Banks, with displays and exhibits as well as local newspapers and pamphlets to take with you. The center is operated by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and staffed with helpful, friendly locals who are happy to help with any questions.
Monument to a Century of Flight
The Bypass, MP 1
Behind the Aycock Brown Welcome Center
The Monument to a Century of Flight was dedicated in November of 2003, just before the First Flight Centennial “in celebration of the soaring of the human spirit.” Fourteen steel wing-shaped structures reach from 10 to 20 feet, circling 120 feet, the distance of the Wright Brother’s first flight. The pillars have engraved granite panels that chronicle the 100 most significant events in the history of aviation. They begin with the first flight in Kitty Hawk by the Wright Brothers in 1903 and go on to list such achievements in flight as the first solo flight across the Atlantic, made by Charles Lindbergh in 1927, Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier in 1947 and Neil Armstrong walking on the moon in 1969. The monument ends the celebration by stating, “Humankind is a continuum of pioneers sharing timeless dreams and the boundless possibilities of vast unexplored world.” Standing among the wing-shaped pillars that reach for the sky as you stand high on a dune, looking out at the Atlantic, you can’t help but agree.
Kitty Hawk Woods
Kitty Hawk Woods is a unique environment: a maritime forest, swamp and marsh. Totaling 1,877 acres, the Town of Kitty Hawk owns 461 acres with a conservation easement from the state. A diverse array of wildlife is at home in Kitty Hawk Woods. In some areas gray foxes, raccoons and white-tailed deer can be found. In marsh areas, a number of amphibians and reptiles thrive as well as river otter and muskrat. Birders will want to explore the woods for the hawks, wrens, herons and swans that can be found in the woods and the marsh areas. You can access Kitty Hawk Woods from Eckner Street, Amadas Road and Birch Lane. Please respect this unique natural setting and stay on marked trails while exploring the woods.
Outer Banks Music Showcase
Kitty Hawk Plaza
The Bypass, MP 4.5
(252) 261-7505
The Outer Banks Music Showcase is wholesome entertainment for the whole family. The Music Showcase is a two-hour variety show featuring live music and comedy. Done in the Branson, Missouri, style, the 15-member cast includes vocalists and a full, seven-piece band putting on a live, entertaining show. The musical numbers include a wide range of genres from pop, country and beach music hits from the 50s all the way to the popular songs of today. The regular season show is new every year and runs from April to October. The Christmas show begins in mid-November and runs through December. Look for special shows like an Elvis tribute, Bluegrass, and family comedy show. Tickets are $20.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 12 and younger and $19.95 for seniors. Ask about group rates for parties of 20 or more.
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