Points of Interest

Regional Public Beach Access - Kitty Hawk

A no-frills public stretch of Kitty Hawk sand, open early til late every day

(1,013)

Kitty Hawk, NC

About

Regional Public Beach Access sits right on the oceanfront in Kitty Hawk, off N Virginia Dare Trail, giving you a straightforward way onto the sand without any resort or boardwalk scene attached. It's a town-run access point: parking, a path to the water, and that's the whole pitch. Kitty Hawk is the quieter end of this stretch of the northern Outer Banks, and this spot reflects that — no beach driving here (that's reserved for Hatteras Island, much further south), just open ocean.

Hours: open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 3840 N Va Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Good for: swimming, sunbathing, or a quick walk on the sand before or after exploring the rest of Kitty Hawk

This is a public access point, not a business, so don't expect concessions or rentals on site — bring what you need for the day. Early mornings here tend to be calm, with a classic Outer Banks sunrise over the Atlantic and noticeably fewer people than the busier accesses down in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills during peak summer weekends.

Reviews (1,013)

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4.7

1,013 reviews

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Gregory Hamby

4 months ago

This 6/10 mile stretch of beach has only one house. Storms from 23- 62 years ago washed away the homes there. Now this beach is the longest undeveloped publicly accessible beach in the Northern Outer Banks. All traces of the homes once there are long gone save the lone surviving house. This beach has had sand put on it twice since 2017. There is ample parking and there is a Town of Kitty Hawk shower and comfort facility there. There are two good restaurants adjacent. The 1874 US Lifesaving Station still survives and is now part of The Black Pelican Restaurant. This station was frequented by the Wright Brothers to get weather information and to use the telegraph. From here the world was informed that powered flight had been achieved on December 17th 1903. There are two Lifeguard Stands along here as well. This a spot that has been returned to a natural state courtesy of Mother Nature. It is only a bit crowded near the three accesses. The parking is free and beach access is also free.

Jousy Solonio

3 months ago

I had such a fantastic time visiting the Regional Public Beach Access - Kitty Hawk recently. The facility is well-maintained and provides very convenient access to the shoreline, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing day by the water. I really appreciate how clean everything is kept, and having amenities like showers and nearby parking makes the whole experience much more comfortable and hassle-free. It’s a wonderful spot to soak up some sun or take a pleasant walk along the beach, and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back during my next trip to the coast.

Dani Blane

3 months ago

First time, loved the easy access to the parking lot, less crowded than Jeanettes Pier, AMAZING seashells.

J Willi

a year ago

Great place to park!! Basically walk across the street and your on the beach, this spot didn't even have stairs, just walk straight onto the beach!! We visited in mid October so probably a lot harder to park in peak season. Also bathrooms and rinsing station right there at the parking lot, made it extremely nice!

House

a year ago

It’s nice to have a public beach to rinse off, go to restroom, change, and has free parking. Today there were tons of large jellyfish and sea lice, so very important to rinse feet. Of course NO One was in the water, but I did stick my feet in. No ocean swim today. Stupid global warming and no USA effort to help that. I hope we can do better to make a difference for our children and grandkids!