A quiet street-end crossover that puts Kill Devil Hills' stretch of the Atlantic within an easy walk
Lake Dr Public Beach Access is one of the many marked crossovers that give beachgoers a direct route from the Beach Road corridor onto the sand in Kill Devil Hills. Like most of the public accesses strung along this stretch of the northern Outer Banks, it's a straightforward, no-frills way to reach the Atlantic without needing a hotel or rental house right on the water — just park nearby, walk over the dune line, and you're on the beach.
Kill Devil Hills sits on a narrow barrier island, so the ocean is only ever a short walk from the highway, and Lake Drive's access point is no exception. Beach driving isn't permitted in this part of the Outer Banks (that's a Hatteras Island thing further south), so this is a walk-on access rather than a 4x4 ramp.
Like the rest of the northern beaches, it's busiest from Memorial Day through Labor Day and much quieter — and often more pleasant — in the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October. If a summer storm is tracking toward the coast between August and October, check conditions before heading out, since this stretch of shoreline is exposed to the full Atlantic.
6 reviews
4 months ago
Lake Drive Public Beach Access is a really nice little spot to relax and enjoy the water. The views are beautiful, the beach area is fairly clean, and it’s a convenient place to stop if you’re looking for a quieter public access point away from larger crowded beaches. We enjoyed spending time here and appreciated how peaceful the atmosphere felt. Overall, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area and looking for an easy place to enjoy the beach.
a year ago
Pretty disappointed, went pretty early to see horses. Didn’t even see a horse turd; too many houses built up I think are pushing these poor things too far out. Local driving on the beach drive like maniacs and are pretty rude. Other than that-if you go on a nice day it’s pretty beautiful.
3 years ago
Great place to go visit the beach. Got a lifeguard there. Plus free chairs to sit down in in. Can drink beer there. Absolutely gorgeous. My only complaint is that the lifeguard doesn't seem very vigilant. But other than that it's beautiful. Ton of free boogie boards in trash can. Trash cans everywhere please don't liter
a year ago
Amazing!
3 months ago
The beach is simply amazing!