Destinations

Explore Kill Devil Hills: Beaches, History & Local Charm

Dive into Kill Devil Hills! Explore unique shops, historic gems, lush forests, and pristine beaches. Find local brews, family fun, and endless coastal charm.

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A long timber fishing pier with a pale green pier house on pilings, running out under a clear blue sky

Kill Devil Hills Business District

The business district of Kill Devil Hills is situated along the Bypass and Beach Road. The businesses along the Beach Road tend to be smaller with the feel for what the original Outer Banks beach towns were like.

Along the Beach Road, large hotels dominate the ocean side of the road, but there are still a few of the small, personalized cottage courts and motels tucked away like Driftin Sands at milepost 6 among the Ramadas and Holiday Inns.

There are a couple of businesses worth checking out to get a great feel for the Outer Banks.

Certainly the Outer Banks Brewing Station on the Bypass is one of the locations that’s worth a visit. They brew their own beer—and it’s very good. They also brew their own root beer and it’s outstanding. The food is upscale pub grub (their description) and there is a very large outdoor dining area behind the building. Easy to find. Just look for the wind turbine that powers the brewery.

Just south of the Brewing Station, KDH Co-op Gallery highlights the many talents of local artists. It’s a funky little store with uneven floors and one of the co-op artists always manning the register. A great place to get a gift that’s bit different.

Parks and Forests

Nags Head Woods

Part of the Nature Conservancy, Nags Head Woods a remarkably diverse maritime forest.

The visitor’s center andparking is in Kill Devil Hills as is most of the preserve. Turn west at the light at Pigman’s Barbecue onto Ocean Acres Drive. The lot will be on the left about 100 yard after the pavement ends.

There is something for everyone here.

For a real challenge, check out the Sweetgum Swamp Trail, a 2.25 mile loop trail that has elevation gains reminiscent of a mountain hike.

There is a paved ADA loop trail that circles a freshwater pond. The ADA parking is limited at the site.

For little legs and and an easy hike, the Discovery Trail is a half mile trail that’s perfect.

Looking to learn a bit about local history? Walk the Roanoke Trail that connects to the Discovery Trail and goes to Roanoke Sound. Signs along the way tell the story of the Tillett family that once owned the land.

Finally Old Nags Head Road is a packed dirt road and a blast to ride with a bike that has fat tires and some gears.

Hayman Street Park

Need a place to take the little ones? Hayman Street Park on West Hayman Street is a classic playground park with swings, a slide and a climbing tower. There’s a huge live oak tree with low branches that kids love to climb. And lots of grass for kids to run around.

Take some water—there are no fountains.

The Beach

The town of Kill Devil Hills offers frequent beach access with parking lots and crossovers. Look for the CAMA signs indicating public access to the beach.

The Kill Devil Hills Bath House is at the end of Ocean Bay Boulevardacross from the Stop and Shop which is an excellent, well-stocked convenience store. The bath house has spacious changing rooms and multiple showers.

The Kill Devil Hills beach is very nice. For the most part it’s quite wide with soft sand. But one of its best features, that parents may appreciate, is many of the beach access points are close to stores and locally owned fast food restaurants.

Avalon Pier

One of the oldest piers on the Outer Banks, Avalon Pier is a great fishing pier. Fishing in general is an important part of the local experience and Avalon Pier is about as Outer Banks as it gets.

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