Kill Devil Hills, NC: a local’s guide from Kitty Hawk
Where the Wright brothers first flew — plus the Outer Banks’ busiest stretch of restaurants, piers and breweries, five minutes south of our homes.
Kill Devil Hills is the town directly south of Kitty Hawk (about Milepost 5–10). Its highlights are the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Avalon Pier, Nags Head Woods Preserve and breakfast and brewpub favorites like Henry’s, the Jolly Roger and Outer Banks Brewing Station.
Kill Devil Hills begins just south of Kitty Hawk, roughly at Milepost 4.5–5, and runs to about Milepost 10. It is the most built-up town on the northern Outer Banks, with a long run of restaurants, shops and piers on both the Beach Road and the US-158 Bypass.
Its claim to fame is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where Wilbur and Orville made the first powered flights on December 17, 1903. Staying in Kitty Hawk puts you about 12 minutes away — close to everything in Kill Devil Hills without the busier traffic.
Where to eat & what to do in Kill Devil Hills
Henry’s Restaurant
Family-run since 1989, a reliable stop for big home-style breakfasts and seafood dinners.
1903 Bar and Kitchen
Bar-and-kitchen serving wings, sliders and whiskey into the late evening.
Jolly Roger Restaurant
Long-running Beach Road landmark (look for the pirate) known for huge breakfasts served into the afternoon and a lively bar.
3 mi · 7 minAvalon Pier
A classic wooden fishing pier with a tackle shop and snack bar, and a pier cam that surfers check before paddling out.
Good to know
Opens 6am daily. Fall hours run to 10pm Sunday-Thursday and midnight Friday-Saturday. Fishing is half price for ages 17 and under. A small walk-on fee applies for non-anglers.
Goombays Grille & Raw Bar
Colorful island-themed grill and raw bar pairing local seafood with Caribbean flavors and fun cocktails.
Lost Treasure Golf
A themed adventure mini-golf course with a jungle-explorer storyline and a little train ride to the first hole, a reliable rainy-evening or after-beach pick for kids.
Good to know
Seasonal hours that are longest in summer, so check before going in the off-season.
Publix (Kill Devil Hills)
Full-service supermarket with a deli known for its subs, an easy stop on the Bypass.
5 mi · 9 minJack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
Beach Road outpost of the cult burger bar, pairing Wagyu burgers with a deep craft-beer list.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Wind-powered brewpub with award-winning house beers, a creative coastal menu, weekend brunch and frequent live music.
5.2 mi · 10 minHuanchaco Lounge
Cozy bottle shop and lounge where you can grab beer, wine and growlers to go or linger over a drink.
5.3 mi · 10 minDare Devil’s Pizzeria
Family-owned Beach Road pizzeria since 1987, loved for its pizzas, strombolis and wings.
5.4 mi · 10 minBonzer Shack
Surf-shack-style hangout serving Southern and island comfort food, with outdoor seating and a bar.
5.5 mi · 12 minWright Brothers National Memorial
The National Park Service site where the Wrights made the first powered flights in 1903, with a reproduction of the 1903 Flyer, the marked flight path and a granite monument atop Big Kill Devil Hill.
Good to know
Open daily 9am-5pm. $10 per person age 16+ (15 and under free); the park’s own annual pass is $35. Card only (cashless), or buy ahead on recreation.gov. Free on Aug 19 and Dec 17.
Colington Cafe
Romantic dinner spot in a Victorian house on Colington Road, best known for she-crab bisque, crab cakes and homemade desserts.
Swells’a Brewing
Striking modern brewery on the Beach Road pouring its own beers in a relaxed taproom.
Kill Devil Grill
Retro diner-car exterior hiding a scratch kitchen known for smoked wings, fresh fish and creative nightly specials.
Country Deli
Decades-old locals’ favorite for overstuffed deli sandwiches, now with a backyard beer garden.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
A brewpub in a lighthouse-style building that brews its beer with help from its own wind turbine, serving full meals and hosting live bands and DJs.
Good to know
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:30am to midnight (2am on band nights). Kitchen 11:30am-9pm. Shows are 21+. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
6.7 mi · 12 minBilly’s Seafood
Dockside Colington market for fresh local seafood and soft-shell crabs in season.
7 mi · 15 minNags Head Woods Preserve
One of the East Coast’s largest remaining maritime forests, protected by The Nature Conservancy, with shady trails that wind past freshwater ponds, tall dunes and soundside marsh.
Good to know
Free. Trails open dawn to dusk. Register at the outdoor kiosk. Trails are foot traffic only, and there is a 0.5-mile ADA boardwalk loop. Bring bug spray in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kill Devil Hills from Kitty Hawk?
The two towns border each other. From our homes at Kitty Hawk Milepost 3¾, most of Kill Devil Hills is 2–6 miles away — about 5 to 12 minutes by car.
Is Kill Devil Hills or Kitty Hawk better to stay in?
Kill Devil Hills has more restaurants and nightlife within walking distance; Kitty Hawk is quieter and more residential while still being only minutes from everything in Kill Devil Hills.
Why is it called Kill Devil Hills?
The name comes from the large sand hills in the area — including Big Kill Devil Hill, where the Wright brothers ran their glider and flight experiments. Several colorful legends explain the “kill devil” part, but its exact origin is uncertain.
Our oceanfront homes in Kitty Hawk
Two neighboring dog-friendly oceanfront homes at Milepost 3¾, with a third home nearby. Book one, or book all three for the same dates for up to 29 guests.
Crab House
Single-level living and an extra-large oceanfront deck, steps from the sand.
Mermaid
A 500 sq ft oceanfront deck, gourmet three-oven kitchen, wet bar and a king suite with a jetted tub.
A Carolina Conch
Classic two-story Outer Banks cottage with wraparound ocean views, carport parking and baby gear on hand.