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Kill Devil Hills Beach Access

Kill Devil Hills Beach Access Guide (Lifeguards, Parking, Amenities)

Planning a beach day on the Outer Banks? Use this local guide to find the best Kill Devil Hills beach access for your crew—where to park, which accesses have lifeguards, showers and restrooms, and safety tips (including flag warnings and rip current resources).

Quick Jump Links

Lifeguarded Accesses & Hours

Typical guard hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. After Labor Day, KDH runs roving patrols through mid-October (weather permitting). Always check posted signs and the official ocean rescue page for updates.

Common lifeguard stand locations in season include (north → south): Helga St, Hayman Blvd, Eden St, Avalon Dr, 5th St, 3rd St, 2nd St, 1st St, Coral Dr, Asheville Dr, Woodmere Ave, Carlow Ave, Ocean Bay Blvd, Oregon Ave, Baum St, Clark St, Martin St, Atlantic St, Neptune Dr, Lake Dr, Eighth St. Availability can shift with staffing and surf conditions—verify day-of at the link below.

Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue →

Top Beach Accesses (Parking, Restrooms, Showers)

Looking for the easiest in/out? These popular Kill Devil Hills beach access points offer a reliable mix of parking and facilities. Arrive early in July–August; lots fill fast after ~9:30 a.m.

  • Ocean Bay Boulevard — Central, well-signed access with parking and facilities; great for mixed-age groups.
  • Hayman Boulevard (MP 6) — Parking, restrooms, and showers; convenient for families.
  • Fifth Street (MP 6.5) — Popular in-season with lifeguard coverage and easy boardwalk/dune deck access.
  • First Street — Paved parking, outdoor showers, dune deck; often a good balance of convenience and beach width.
  • Atlantic Street (MP 9.5) — Typically has facilities and seasonal guard coverage; quick access to Beach Road.
  • Eighth Street (MP 10) — Southern end option with parking; check guard hours in season.

For a full list (including quieter boardwalks without extra amenities), see the town map and regional access guides below.

Town of KDH Beach Access Map (PDF) →  |  Outer Banks Public Beach Access (interactive) →

Amenities & Accessibility

  • Parking: Most larger accesses have paved lots; smaller walkovers may be street-parking only. Obey posted signs to avoid tickets/tows.
  • Restrooms & Showers: Found at select accesses (e.g., Hayman Blvd, Atlantic St, Eighth St). Bring a small towel for quick rinse-offs.
  • Lifeguards: Fixed stands in summer; roving patrols into October (conditions permitting). Swim near a guard whenever possible.
  • Mobility: Boardwalks and dune decks can help with strollers and beach carts. For beach wheelchairs, check availability with local providers or town resources.
  • Peak-season strategy: Aim for sunrise arrivals or after 3:30 p.m. turn-over. Consider sound-side breaks midday, then return for late-afternoon surf.

Beach Safety, Flags & Daily Conditions

Always follow the local flag system and posted advisories. Red flags mean no swimming. Even on blue-sky days, rip currents can be dangerous; check the daily risk before you go and choose a guarded beach when available.

Pro tip: If red flags are up or surf is rough, switch to a sound-side park for calm water and sunset views—then head back oceanside for an evening walk when winds drop.

Staying in KDH? Our ocean-view rental keeps you close to lifeguarded beach accesses, showers, and food options.

Photos and Availability