Get to know Kill Devil Hills, NC Beaches on the Outer Banks
We'll guide you to some of the best restaurants, beach areas and OBX vacation rentals here - just don't forget the beach! You'll find a broad choice of dining and hotel options, plus Kill Devil Hills has vacation rentals that range from the older beach houses to newly constructed beach rentals, both oceanfront or close to the ocean.
In the summertime, vacationers flock to the 4.7 miles of beautiful beach to swim, surf, and play. It's common to see kites coloring the sky, being flown en-masse from atop the high sandy hills, or hang gliders getting the best of the ocean breeze. The beach is wide with a gentle slope, making it a very family-friendly vacation spot.
There are about 20 public beach access sites with parking every few streets along Beach Road (NC 12). A regional access site with a showers and restrooms is located on Ocean Bay Boulevard - turn east off of US 158 bypass at the traffic light at Colington Road (Ocean Bay Boulevard), just past the Wright Brothers Memorial.
One thing that may help you choose Kill Devil Hills is that the beaches here are protected by lifeguards, on duty during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Lifeguards are posted at many (but not all) of the public access points, and there are also roving lifeguards that patrol all day by 4-wheelers.
The town is divided into mile markers. As you drive along it's easy to see them posted. Everything is advertised as milepost "something" on "whatever" road. So if you want your takeout dinner delivered, know your closest mile marker!
Best Restaurants at Kill Devil Hills
Miller's Seafood & Steakhouse - They serve up a terrific breakfast until noon, after which you can dive into an excellent menu of seafood, steaks, sandwiches and salads. The have a children's menu, and the parking lot is rarely empty. It's right across from the Ramada Plaza on Beach Road at milepost 9.5.
Kill Devil Grill - Listed in the National Registry of Historic Buildings, this is an old diner with modern food. Get the Big Kahuna Burger, a plate of ribs, or try the crab cakes... you can't miss. Always plenty of fresh seafood cooked just right, complete with beach atmosphere and an inviting bar. Located at milepost 9 3/4 on Beach Road, KDH.
Crabby Fries - If you want to "eat and go" but still get a very good meal, Crabby Fries is our pick. Jumbo lump crab cakes, steamed crabs, and fresh-cut spicy fries is at the top of the list... wash it all down with real squeezed lemonade or a sherbet soda float. You'll appreciate the good service, too. Find them 7 days a week at milepost 9 on the Beach Road.
Flying Fish Café - Another great seafood restaurant, with entrees ranging from scallops and sea bass to shrimp and grits and lobster stuffed with crab. It's been called a "diamond in the rough" and is a favorite of both vacationers and locals. Located "downtown" Kill Devil Hills at milepost 9.5 on Croatan Highway (US 158.)
Places to Go
For those who prefer catching the big one over catching a tan, there is the 700 foot long Avalon Pier. On Beach Road at Mile Post 6, this family-oriented pier is a delight, with friendly service and a great group of folks who appreciate the fishing here. There's a game room for kids plus a good supply of bait and tackle.
Consider a side trip to nearby Colington Island - home to fishermen and soft-shell crab farmers, this little island adorned with beautiful vacation home subdivisions. On the way to the island, you'll find another wonderful dining experience, the Colington Cafe. This Victorian-era home is famous for its delicious menu and specialty desserts. Reservations are advised!
Aviation History at Kill Devil Hills
Rich in history as the epicenter of modern aviation, Kill Devil Hills, NC is best known as the site of the first successful flight of the Wright Brothers.
Thousands visit Big Kill Devil Hill and the Wright Brothers Memorial year-round. A US National Park, this historic landmark features artifacts that are beautifully rendered, including full-scale reproductions of the original "flying machines." Take a ranger-conducted tour and see the take-off point and walk the flight line of the first controlled flight; enjoy films in the auditorium, and many other exhibits.
The first of October brings the Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition, held at the Wright Brothers Memorial. This is sport kite flying at its best, and is sanctioned by the American Kiting Association. It's well worth the visit, as non-competitors can enjoy workshops, demos and kite making for kids.
