The best family beaches in Kill Devil Hills are the public beach, Ocean Bay Boulevard, Fifth Street and the Colington Road access, and Ocean Bay Boulevard is the easiest with small kids. It has a large free parking lot, clean restrooms and restaurants close enough for lunch. The town’s lifeguards work the stands from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and three of these four accesses are on their map. Colington Road is the quiet one but has only a handful of spaces. Our test for a beach day with kids is how far you carry things and how close the bathroom is. Below is how each access does on both, when the parking runs out, and where the guards are.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Kill Devil Hills Public Beach | Restrooms & Showers | View Details → |
| Colington Road Beach Access | Restrooms & Showers | View Details → |
| Ocean Bay Boulevard Beach Access | Handicap Access | View Details → |
| Fifth Street Beach Access | Restrooms & Showers | View Details → |
Kill Devil Hills Public Beach
The main public beach is central and simple to get to, with facilities right at the access.
- The Beach: A wide beach with room for sandcastles, and moderate surf that older kids enjoy.
- Key Amenities: Public restrooms, showers and parking at the street ends.
- Tip: Check which street end has parking before you load the car, to avoid a long walk.
Good to know: In peak summer the parking goes quickly. Arrive before mid-morning.
Colington Road Beach Access
Colington Road is the quiet access, with fewer people than the central beaches.
- The Beach: Less noise and less traffic than the busier tourist accesses.
- Key Amenities: Restrooms and showers. It is not confirmed as a lifeguard stand location on the town’s map.
- Tip: The few spaces are usually gone by 10:00 AM.
Good to know: With so little parking, this one suits early risers.
Ocean Bay Boulevard Beach Access
Ocean Bay Boulevard is the convenient choice, with restaurants close enough to walk to for lunch.
- The Beach: Easy to reach and set up at, with newer facilities.
- Key Amenities: A large free parking lot, accessible entry and restrooms.
- Tip: Eat lunch at one of the nearby restaurants and leave the big cooler at home.
Good to know: It is popular, but the lot is big enough that you will usually find a space.
Fifth Street Beach Access
Fifth Street is a smaller access that locals use, and it tends to be well kept.
- The Beach: One of the town’s guarded accesses in summer.
- Key Amenities: Offers convenient parking, restrooms, and showers for a quick rinse off.
- Tip: If the lot is full, try the side streets nearby.
Good to know: It gets busy, so settle in early.
FAQs About Family Beaches in Kill Devil Hills
Are these beaches safe for toddlers?
Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue staffs the stands from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day (Town of Kill Devil Hills). Set up in front of a stand, check the flags, and keep toddlers at the water’s edge.
What is the best time to arrive at the beach?
Before 10:00 AM. That is when you can still park near the access and not carry your gear far.
Are there restrooms available at these locations?
Yes, all four accesses have public restrooms and showers.
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