Kitty Hawk vacation rentals

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Popular amenities for Kitty Hawk vacation rentals

Stay near Kitty Hawk's top sights

Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant183 locals recommend
TRIO Restaurant & Market179 locals recommend
Art's Place161 locals recommend
Food Lion159 locals recommend
Harris Teeter137 locals recommend
Bad Bean Baja Grill128 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Kitty Hawk

  • Total rentals

    600 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $60 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    28K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    440 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    170 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    260 properties have a pool

Your guide to Kitty Hawk

Introduction

Made famous by the Wright Brothers, whose celebrated flight put the area on the map in 1903, Kitty Hawk’s place in history often precedes its reputation as a quiet beach town. For the 3,500 people who live here, and those who’ve made the visit, it’s so much more than a landmark. As one of North Carolina’s barrier islands known collectively as the Outer Banks (or OBX), Kitty Hawk is a traditional seaside village with generous beach access, a small residential community supporting mom-and-pop businesses, and a vast forest reserve. The reasons the Wrights chose the area for their flight experiments — soft, sandy beaches; gentle hills; frequent breezes — make Kitty Hawk ideal for taking in the natural scenery, and welcome visitors to experience its local culture year-round.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk experiences a humid subtropical climate due to its position along the Gulf Stream. This means that there is little variance in precipitation from season to season, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. During the summer, the heat index can push temperatures to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, though Kitty Hawk’s naturally breezy air brings some welcome relief. During winter, temperatures seldom drop below the upper 30s, and typically hover in the 50s. The entire Outer Banks region is susceptible to hurricanes during tropical storm season (midsummer to early fall), so if you’re planning to book one of the area’s vacation rentals during this time, pay especially close attention to local weather forecasts, and keep a close eye on storm systems developing in the Gulf.


Top things to do in Kitty Hawk

Southern Shores

For decades, this area — which blends into Kitty Hawk’s northern border — was considered part of Kitty Hawk. It wasn’t until a land-parcel purchase in the 1940s that Southern Shores began to develop an identity of its own. These days, it’s a popular stopover thanks to its wonderfully quiet beaches, and quaint restaurants and shops.

Kill Devil Hills

Just south of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills is a lively beach town lauded for its sandy beach, wealth of watersports (surfing and kiteboarding are particularly popular, given the wind), and nightlife. Most famously, Kill Devil Hills marks the spot where Orville and Wilbur Wright took their first successful flight, commemorated by the large Wright Brothers National Memorial in the heart of town.

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

More than half of Kitty Hawk’s geographical area comprises the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, an 1,890-acre maritime forest along the western border of the town. The topography varies from deciduous forest to freshwater wetlands, with plenty of critters — racoons, owls, river otters — to spot in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Kitty Hawk?

    Kitty Hawk experiences a humid subtropical climate with cool winters and warm summers. In summer, temperatures average around 89°F (32°C), while in winter, they can drop to around 32°F (0°C). Rain is spread evenly throughout the year, so don't forget your raincoat.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Kitty Hawk?

    In Kitty Hawk, you can explore the Wright Brothers National Monument, stroll along the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, or enjoy a peaceful day at the Kitty Hawk Pier. For beach and water sport enthusiasts, the town has a variety of activities, including surfing, kayaking, and fishing.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Kitty Hawk?

    June to August is the most popular time to visit Kitty Hawk, thanks to the warm beach-friendly weather. Local events include the annual Kite Festival in October and the Independence Day Fireworks in July.

  • What are the best places to stay in Kitty Hawk?

    The Beach Road area is popular for its proximity to the ocean, while the Sea Scape community is beloved for its peaceful environment and golf course. For a beachfront stay, consider homes along Lindbergh Avenue.

  • What are the best places to visit in Kitty Hawk?

    Popular places to visit in Kitty Hawk include the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kitty Hawk Pier, and Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. For a unique dining experience, visit the Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant located in a historic lifesaving station.

  • What are some hiking trails in Kitty Hawk?

    Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve has several trails, including the David Paul Pruitt, Jr. and Ridge Swamp Trails, where you can explore diverse coastal ecosystems. The multi-use path along NC 12 is also a popular choice, especially for bike rides.

  • What are some family activities to do in Kitty Hawk?

    Families can spend a day at the beach, explore the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, or visit the Monument to a Century of Flight. For an educational experience, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is a fantastic choice.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Kitty Hawk?

    Venture out to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 55 miles (88 km) away, or visit the historic Roanoke Island, just 15 miles (24 km) away. Another option is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a 70-mile (113 km) drive from Kitty Hawk.

  • Are there vacation rentals near Kitty Hawk's top attractions?

    You're in luck! Stay at the heart of it all with our vacation rentals near Kitty Hawk's top attractions. We offer over 5,070 vacation rentals near TRIO Restaurant & Market, over 4,920 vacation rentals near Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant, over 5,070 vacation rentals near TRIO, and over 4,690 vacation rentals near Art''s Place, and so much more! Experience the best of Kitty Hawk right on your doorstep.

  • What types of vacation rentals are available in Kitty Hawk?

    Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Kitty Hawk. From over 50 cottage rentals, over 60 condo rentals to over 280 house rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. North Carolina
  4. Dare County
  5. Kitty Hawk