Kitty Hawk Beach

Kitty Hawk Beach is located on the oceanic side of Bodie Island, a naturally-formed barrier island. Centred around its pier, the beach stretches out in either direction for several miles. Although lined almost all the way by beachside properties built to face the miraculous Atlantic sunrises, Kitty Hawk Beach still manages to maintain a feeling of serenity above all else.

Local and visiting fishermen can often be found on the pier, while low tide offers the chance for shelling alongside the sands. It’s said to be best in the early summer. When wind conditions are right, Kitty Hawk Beach becomes popular with surfers. At other times, its waters are dominated by swimmers. There are lifeguard patrols carried out by Ocean Rescue personnel (part of Kitty Hawk Fire Department) during the summer months.

Kitty Hawk will always be synonymous with the Wright Brothers as this is the location of their legendary flight. The aircraft, also named Kitty Hawk, was launched into the wind in the dunes above the beach here and flew 850ft under its own power, ushering in the age of flight. There is a monument to the flight near the pier.