KITTY HAWK BEACH ACCESS
NOTE: Some beach access amenities may change
Click on streets in white below to view Kitty Hawk beach access
Some areas only have boardwalks and dune deck walkovers.
(These have no links, but are shown below for their location).
Information and access amenities may change • Map is not to scale.
About Kitty Hawk
Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in Dare County, the Town of Kitty Hawk offers year-round residents and visitors alike many spots for Kitty Hawk beach access, and a unique and relaxing vacation environment with plenty of things to do. The origin of Kitty Hawk’s name is still a matter of local debate.
Many believe the name is derived from a Native American name “Chickeawk” or “Chickahawk”, a time or place to hunt geese. Others believe it is derived from early English pronunciation of “mosquito hawk” or “skeeter hawk”, a name commonly used for the dragonfly. Whatever the origin, the name Kitty Hawk was spelled as it is today on old land deeds dating back to the eighteenth century.
The Town of Kitty Hawk is rich in history and tradition. When Orville and Wilbur Wright looked for a site for their aviation experiments in 1900, they needed a place with winds regularly over 15 mph. with gentle hills for glider launching, a sandy surface for soft landings, and a remote location to avoid public attention. A Kitty Hawk citizen, Mr. Bill Tate, assured the Wrights in a letter that Kitty Hawk would provide the ideal location. In closing, Mr. Tate encouraged Wilbur: “If you decide to try your machine here & come I will take pleasure in doing all I can for your convenience & success & pleasure, & I assure you, you will find a hospitable people when you come among us.” That tradition lives on today.
Kitty Hawk Beach Access Locations – With Photos (listed from north to south):