Kitty Hawk is home to a unique mixture of classic one-story motels and upscale chain hotels that are among the newest accommodations on the OBX. Whether visitors are on the hunt for all-inclusive resorts or quaint oceanside accommodations, the selection of hotels in Kitty Hawk ensures everyone can enjoy a fantastic Outer Banks stay.

Kitty Hawk Hotel Locations

All of the hotels and motels in Kitty Hawk are concentrated along the Beach Road, or NC Highway 12. This means that all of these establishments are close to the beach, and may even have their own private boardwalk or walkway to the shore. (Visitors should note that all Town of Kitty Hawk beaches are public, which means that hotel guests will not have private use of the beach in front of their hotel or motel.)

Kitty Hawk Hotels can be found from the Southern Shores town borders, next to the Wright Memorial Bridge, all the way to edge of Kill Devil Hills. This locale, which is literally minutes away from the Wright Memorial Bridge, makes these hotels the easiest-to-access for visitors who are arriving to the Outer Banks from the north via US Highway 158.

The Beach Road region that borders Kitty Hawk hotels and motels is sprinkled with a handful of restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. These establishments are typically within walking access for hotel guests, and are perfect for dinners out, quick lunches, or loading up on beach supplies without venturing too far away from the hotel grounds.

The Shoreside Shopping center - a major shopping plaza which features a grocery store, Walmart, and a number of fast food restaurants and specialty shops - is also just a few minutes' drive away from any Kitty Hawk hotel.

Watersports rentals and lessons are also located nearby, like the Promenade Watersports Center and Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Hotel patrons will also be close to a number of prime Outer Banks attractions, including the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk Pier, and the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills.

Essentially, the half dozen hotels and motels that call Kitty Hawk home may be located close to the quieter Beach Road region of the Outer Banks, but they are effortlessly close to all the amenities a family requires for a fully fun OBX vacation.

Staying at a Kitty Hawk Hotel

Visitors who stay at a Kitty Hawk Hotel will have their choice of small beachy establishments and larger, nationally recognized hotel chains.

The Outer Banks' newest grand hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, is found in Kitty Hawk and is a popular venue for weddings, receptions, and conferences. The Hilton is also home to the Kitty Hawk Pier which, though privately owned, is open to visitors when not reserved for private events.

The other 5 hotels and motels along the Beach Road are noticeably smaller, but nonetheless inviting for their on-site amenities, (like pools, snack bars, and beach walkways), as well as their proximity to the oceanfront.

Kitty Hawk hotels and motels are the best options for couples and small families who are planning a long weekend or short stay on the Outer Banks.

Visitors will note that the rates for Kitty Hawk hotels fluctuate with the seasons. During the prime summer weeks, when the beaches are warm and all local OBX businesses are open, hotel rates are at their highest. These rates tend to drop in the shoulder spring and fall months, and are at their lowest in the wintertime.

Booking a Kitty Hawk Hotel

Outer Banks visitors who are planning a Kitty Hawk vacation will want to keep the following in mind when booking a Kitty Hawk hotel or motel.

  • Larger Kitty Hawk hotels and motels have websites where guests can view rooms, peruse community amenities, and reserve their stay online.
  • Smaller motels may have limited websites, and / or friendly staff on call who are happy to help guests reserve a room over the phone.
  • Because there are only 6 area hotels and motels, advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
  • Summertime visitors, or vacationers who are planning to visit during prime holiday weekends, are encouraged to reserve their stay at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure availability.
  • Many hotels and motels offer special amenities, like handicapped accessible first floor rooms, or pet friendly rooms. (An extra fee may be required for a pet friendly room.) Call in advance for special accommodation requests.
  • Some hotels and motels offer discounts on off-season, weekday, or multi-day stays.
  • Discounts may also be available for AAA members, current and retired military personnel, senior citizens and larger groups. Call in advance or review the hotel's website for more information.
  • Because of their proximity to the beach, Kitty Hawk hotels are an excellent option for seashore fans who want to be close to the ocean, as well as the restaurants and shops along the Beach Road.
Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park leads its visitors through the heart of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve, one of the largest maritime forests remaining in North Carolina. Completed in two phases, the park now encompasses 1600 acres of marshland, waterways and maritime forest. The park features a wooden boardwalk, two gazebos, a fishing and many more amenities for the enjoyment of the area's natural beauty and wildlife. On a stroll through the park you will likely run into many of the area's indigenous creatures and plants.Just after entering the park, and next to the ample parking area you’ll find a covered picnic pavilion, a putting green, cookout grills and a basketball half court. Below the pavilion is a canoe and kayak access deck. Beyond this recreation and picnic area is a half-mile loop, mostly boardwalk, that will take you on a scenic and educational tour of a large section of the Preserve, where wildlife and plants are identified by plaques placed along the route. At the first gazebo stop is another kayak and canoe access where you’re sure to see many yellow-bellied slider turtles swimming all around and an Osprey family nesting above. Other creatures you may get a glimpse of include deer, otter, egrets, raccoons and even a nutria. Also along the boardwalk you’ll find an observation deck and a pier for fishing (license required). The fishing pond is stocked with several varieties of fish, including brim and bass..Sandy Run Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Although the cost is free, the natural serenity and beauty it offers is priceless.

TRiO Restaurant & Market

TRiO Restaurant & Market

Wine, beer and cheese lovers will love TRiO, an exciting retail and tasting destination in Kitty Hawk. Both a gourmet retail wine, beer and cheese shop as well as a bistro with a wine bar and tap house, TRiO offers the best of the worlds of wine, beer and cheese for your enjoyment on premise or in the comfort of your home. TRiO's bistro is elegant and comfortable, with a large bar and two-story dining and bar area. The gourmet bistro menu of appetizers, and light fare such as cheese and charcuterie, paninis and salads make TRiO a wonderful lunch and dinner restaurant. Unique and high-tech self service WineStations are available in the downstairs bar area, where you can sample full, half and tastes of wines of all regions at varying price ranges. If you prefer beer, you can select from 24 beers on tap or try a TRiO Flight and sample a taste of four beers. In the upstairs mezzanine, which is part of the bistro, you'll find comfortable lounge seating and a free pool table.