Where is Outer Banks Beach Access (Kitty Hawk),Kitty Hawk, North Carolina?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Outer Banks Beach Access in Kitty Hawk is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills and is situated on the barrier islands of the Outer Banks. It is famous for its sandy beaches, historic Wright Brothers’ first flight site, and water activities.

Outer Banks Beach Access (Kitty Hawk) Location Map,Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Outer Banks Beach Access (Kitty Hawk)

  • Kitty Hawk Beach – Wide sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
  • Kitty Hawk Pier – Fishing pier offering ocean views, fishing opportunities, and sunset photography.
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial – Historic site commemorating the first powered flight with trails and exhibits.
  • Beach Access Trails – Boardwalks and paths providing easy access to the shoreline and dunes.
  • Water Sports – Opportunities for surfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot shorebirds, sea turtles, and occasional marine mammals along the coast.
  • Picnic & Recreation Areas – Designated spots for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the ocean scenery.

Outer Banks Beach Access (Kitty Hawk) Facts

Official NameOuter Banks Beach Access – Kitty Hawk
LocationKitty Hawk, Dare County, North Carolina, USA — Atlantic Ocean coastline / Outer Banks barrier islands
Latitude & Longitude36.0646° N, 75.7031° W
Total AreaApprox. 2 miles (3.2 km) of public beach access; part of the 200+ mile Outer Banks coastline
Established / OpenedDeveloped as public beach access in mid-20th century; continues to be maintained for recreation
Managed ByDare County Department of Parks and Recreation / North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
RegionOuter Banks / North Carolina Coast / Atlantic Ocean barrier islands
AddressKitty Hawk Beach Access Points, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, USA
Zip Code27949
Area Code252
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptCoastal recreation, Atlantic beaches, surfing, fishing, family-friendly tourism, water sports, scenic nature
Main Sections / AreasKitty Hawk public beach access points, lifeguarded beach zones, dunes, boardwalks, nearby parks and picnic areas
Famous AttractionsBeach activities (swimming, sunbathing, surfing), Wright Brothers National Memorial nearby, sand dunes, kite flying, family recreation
Annual VisitorsApprox. 500,000–700,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypeParking fees required; public beach access generally free
Ticket Price RangeParking: ~$5–$15 per day; beach access free
Ticket OptionsDaily parking permits, seasonal parking passes, guided tours nearby, surfboard rentals
Best Time to VisitMay–September for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports; spring & fall for fewer crowds and mild weather
Nearby AirportWright Brothers Regional Airport / Dare County Airport (Manteo, NC) – ~8 miles (13 km); Norfolk International Airport (ORF) – ~100 miles (161 km)
TransportationCar access via NC-12 and local roads, bicycle paths, walking along beaches and dunes, taxi and rideshare, parking areas
Official Websitehttps://www.outerbanks.org/

Distances from Outer Banks Beach Access (Kitty Hawk) to Nearby Landmarks

  • Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Kitty Hawk Kites – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Currituck Beach Lighthouse – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Jockey’s Ridge State Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Kill Devil Hills – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Outer Banks History Center – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Nags Head Beach – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Roanoke Island – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Manteo, NC – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Elizabethan Gardens – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Oregon Inlet – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Outer Banks Scenic Byway – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Duck, NC – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Jennette’s Pier – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Kitty Hawk Bay – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Carova Beach – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Roanoke Sound – 15 km (9.3 mi)