Kill Devil Hills and the Outer Banks offer history, beaches and exploration for every traveler. The Wright Brothers National Memorial marks where the world's first powered flight launched on December 17, 1903, with a museum and exhibits on aviation's birth. Jockey's Ridge State Park features the tallest natural East Coast sand dune with hiking, hang-gliding, kite flying and sound views. Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head beaches stretch for miles along the Atlantic, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, shell hunting and beach walks with stunning sunrise and sunset views. Jennette's Pier extends into the Atlantic at Nags Head for fishing, sea views and pier-side dining. The Bodie Island Lighthouse offers guided tours and surrounding marsh trails for nature photography and birdwatching. Roanoke Island and historic Manteo, across the sound, feature the outdoor Lost Colony drama, the North Carolina Aquarium and colonial-era historic sites. Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable weather and fewer crowds, summer brings warm ocean waters and peak activity, and winter quiets the islands for peaceful solitude.
There is more within easy reach: The Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head beaches. Seasonal highlights include The Wright Brothers first-flight anniversary (December), The Outer Banks summer beach and watersport season (summer), The Jockey's Ridge hang-gliding and kite events (warm months). Kill Devil Hills rewards visits in every season, from green-season hiking and water days to brilliant autumn foliage and quiet, snow-dusted winters. And because Kill Devil Hills sits within easy reach of Corolla, New Bern, Wilmington, it works well as a base for wider day trips across the region.