The small coastal community of Kill Devil Hills is a gateway to North Carolina’s Outer Banks region and all it has to offer. In addition to the miles of dune-studded beaches along the Atlantic Coast, the town boasts a handful of outstanding parks known for their hiking and wildlife spotting. On the outskirts of town, the shoreline is dotted with brightly colored pastel homes, providing a picturesque backdrop for the swimming, surfing, and fishing the area has to offer.

In the center of Kill Devil Hills, you’ll find memorials and museums commemorating the historical achievements of the region; most notably, this is where humans first achieved powered flight. In addition to the bars and cafes hosting live musical performances, several markets and restaurants in town highlight fresh seafood from the surrounding waters. Yellowfin tuna, striped bass and sea trout are popular catches and menu items here.

Seasonal temperature changes can be fairly drastic between the summer and winter months in Kill Devil Hills. However, humidity, wind, and precipitation stay relatively consistent, with only minor variations throughout the year. From May to September, the weather is warm, a great time to look for rentals in Kill Devil Hills, when the temperature is conducive to swimming, hiking, and generally enjoying nature.

Several events occur during this time, like the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, best enjoyed on the beach. There is also the National Aviation Day Celebration at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in August, where the history of aviation is celebrated along with Orville Wright’s birthday. From October to March, temperatures plunge to levels that are too cold for enjoying ocean activities. However, the brisk temperatures are pleasant for hiking in the surrounding parks and reserves.

Outer Banks Arboretum & Teaching Garden

There’s no better place to learn about the ecologies of coastal North Carolina than at the Outer Banks Arboretum & Teaching Garden. You’ll find sensory gardens, a butterfly highway, and a composting demonstration area in the beautifully manicured grounds landscaped with native plants. Take one of the several accessible walking trails throughout the complex to guide you on your exploration.

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve

This nature reserve north of town is home to several rare habitats and ecological communities, including maritime swamp forests, freshwater wetlands, and deciduous forests. The reserve is also a hotspot for local wildlife, including leopard frogs, snapping turtles, marsh rabbits, and bobcats. Several trailheads provide access to the park, and an interlacing series of waterways allows you to explore the reserve by kayak.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

This memorial is a site dedicated to the first instance of powered flight in history. In 1903, the Wright brothers made their historic flight at the very spot where this memorial now sits. The visitor center and museum grounds have several exhibits that include a reconstruction of the brothers’ hangar and workshop, a replica of their plane, and a towering 60-foot granite monument to the occasion.