Best BeachesKitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Cruise along "The Beach Road" formally known as Virginia Dare Trail. There are public beach accesses about every 1/4 - 1/2 mile with free parking all along the east side. Some local favorites are Kitty Hawk Beach Access, 1st & 2nd Street Access, Colington Bath House Access and Bonnett Street Access. See below for more details!
Jennette's Pier
Hook into world-class fishing, youth adventure camps and an exceptional banquet facility all at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. Enjoy our clean, wide beaches, public bathhouse and free parking. Inside the pier house, come face to face with native fish species while peering into one of our large aquariums by the North Carolina Aquarium. Explore interactive science exhibits and learn about renewable energy. Come see why Jennette's Pier is a family favorite.
Corolla & Carova Beach
Corolla is most famous for the Corolla wild horses and sand dunes, but also has some of the best beaches in the Outer Banks. It is unique because it borders the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. The sound side is perfect for families looking for calmer beaches and kayakers. Carova beaches are home to the wild horses and can only be accessed with 4 wheel drive. If you do not have a 4x4, you can take a tour!
Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills is a great beach to go to if you're looking for close amenities like food, supplies, and lodging. The town does a great job of maintaining its facilities. Along Highway 12, you'll find various public beach accesses and public bathhouses, the one pictured is great and is located at 103 S. Virginia Dare Trail. It is important to keep in mind that Kill Devil Hills, along with Kitty Hawk, have some of the biggest waves on all of the northern beaches. Kill Devil Hills is known for the best waves and water sports in the area. If you realize you've forgotten something including lunch, Stop N Shop is just across the Beach Road and has a wide variety of beach supplies.
Avalon Pier
The Avalon Pier and beach are at Milepost 6. There are 15 paid parking spots there. It is a lifeguarded beach with a wooden walkway leading to the beach. It is a beautiful area to stroll the wide beach and picturesque pier. Admission to the pier for sightseeing is $2.00. They also have an arcade, a bar plus lunch & dinner food.
Kitty Hawk Beach
Kitty Hawk Beach is a wonderful place to spend some time playing in the waves and enjoying the sand. You can access the beach between Byrd Street and Lillian Street. Most of the streets in between have parking areas. If you're looking for access to showers, handicap parking, and lifeguards, you should access the beach in the town of Kitty Hawk from Byrd Street (Mile 2) or Lillian Street (Mile 4). If you're visiting during the busy season, most parking lots fill up by 10-11 am. Dogs are allowed on Kitty Hawk Beach year-round but the rules vary based on the time of the year and time of day.
