Wright Brothers National Memorial Tours

Wright Brothers National Memorial showing a statue or sculpture
Wright Brothers National Memorial featuring a memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial


A true testament to the origins of aviation history, this monument is also a visually impressive and inspiring feature of the North Carolina landscape.

If you’ve read about the first plane taking off near Kitty Hawk, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial where this epochal moment occurred. Stand in the trail of history and see where Orville and Wilbur Wright flew their first four test flights between 1900 and 1903.

The Wright Brothers were two bicycle mechanics originally from Dayton, Ohio. In Dayton they completed the majority of their research and planning before relocating to Kill Devil Hills to set up camp. The rather flat plains, heavy winds and seclusion of this area made it an excellent place for their initial flights. Appreciate the perseverance and ingenuity that these two brothers displayed in inventing a marvel of human achievement, the airplane.

Be sure to see the visitor center for the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Here learn about the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright, their many groundbreaking experiments and the seminal four flights that changed the world. Take a walk along the exact flight path used by the Wright Brothers’ first test aircrafts.

Tour the reconstructed 1903 buildings where the Wright Brothers camped during their stays. Visit the Wright Brothers Monument and take a picture under the giant monolith. Get a close look at an artistic brass rendering of the aircraft that made the historic flight on December 17, 1903.

Entrance to the memorial requires a fee. To get here, drive 77 miles (120 kilometers) south from the city of Norfolk, Virginia or 144 miles (232 kilometers) east from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Spend the night in the town of Kill Devil Hills or in any of the towns located along the coastline.

The memorial is located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks coastline. Enjoy the scenic drive up the coast as you travel to the narrow stretch of land that leads to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Treat yourself at the end of your day of sightseeing by looking out over a beautiful nearby harbor as the sun sets.

Plan a trip to see Wright Brothers National Memorial

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Best Lodging Options Near Wright Brothers National Memorial

Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills

Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills

2 out of 5
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Shutters on the Banks

Shutters on the Banks

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Mariner Inn and Suites

Mariner Inn and Suites

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Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront - Wilbur

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3.5 out of 5
201 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
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Sea Ranch Resort

Sea Ranch Resort

3 out of 5
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Sea Ranch Resort
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront

3 out of 5
1701 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
Comfort Inn On the Ocean

Comfort Inn On the Ocean

2.5 out of 5
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Comfort Inn On the Ocean
Cypress House Inn

Cypress House Inn

3.5 out of 5
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KD0606, New Listing, Remodeled, King Bed, Dogs Welcome

KD0606, New Listing, Remodeled, King Bed, Dogs Welcome

2 out of 5
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KD0606, New Listing, Remodeled, King Bed, Dogs Welcome
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Wright Brothers National Memorial

At Wright Brothers National Memorial, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including surfing along the stunning beaches and witnessing breathtaking sunrises that paint the sky with vibrant colors. The memorial itself offers a rich historical experience, allowing tourists to explore the site where aviation history began.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop, just 0.6 miles from the memorial. The Outer Banks Mall, 6 miles away, offers a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Outlets Nags Head, located 8 miles away, featuring a mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Paradise Fun Park, located 3 miles from the memorial, enjoy a lively mini-golf experience with family-friendly vibes. For a more challenging round, visit Sea Scape Golf Links, 5 miles away, offering a scenic golf course. Closer to the memorial, Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf features adventurous mini-golf just 0.8 miles away.

Adventure

Experience exhilarating fun at OBX Laser Tag, located 2 miles from the memorial, where you can engage in thrilling laser battles. For nature lovers, Sweetgum Swamp Trail, also 2 miles away, offers a scenic hiking experience amidst lush surroundings. For speed enthusiasts, Full Throttle Speedway, 7 miles away, delivers exciting karting adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Wright Brothers National Memorial offers fun for everyone. Check out Destination Fun, an arcade adventure zone just 1 mile away for family-friendly excitement. For a cultural experience, visit The Lost Colony theater 6 miles away, blending romance and entertainment. Flippers Arcade, 19 miles away, promises more adventure.

Find the best attractions near Wright Brothers National Memorial

Discover the rich history and culture at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Explore nearby attractions such as jetties and state parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Don't miss the chance to delve into the legacy of the Wright brothers, with various vacation options available at the memorial. Make the most of your visit by enjoying the blend of heritage and nature that this area offers.

  • Nags Head Fishing Pier: Located 4 miles from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, this lively pier offers a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts and those looking to soak up the sun. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the sound of waves and the joy of catching fish, while taking in stunning ocean views.
  • Nags Head Woods Preserve: Just 2 miles away, this beautiful reserve is a hidden gem featuring scenic trails surrounded by diverse wildlife. The friendly vibe makes it an inviting place for nature lovers and families to explore, hike, and enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustling beach.
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park: A mere 4 miles from the memorial, this national park boasts the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. Adventure seekers can hike, fly kites, or try sandboarding, all while enjoying breathtaking scenery and the great outdoors.

Best time to go to Wright Brothers National Memorial

The best time to visit Wright Brothers National Memorial can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wright Brothers National Memorial falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Wright Brothers National Memorial falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowModerately Low
February46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowModerately Low
March50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighModerately High
July79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighModerately High
August78.8°F (26.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighModerately High
September75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wright Brothers National Memorial

To save money on your trip to Wright Brothers National Memorial, consider visiting between December and February for lower hotel rates. Book your accommodations about a month in advance for the best deals, especially on Tuesdays, the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that include flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Look for sustainable hotel options to stay eco-friendly while keeping costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Wright Brothers National Memorial is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Wright Brothers National Memorial are December to February, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Wright Brothers National Memorial about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wright Brothers National Memorial is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Wright Brothers National Memorial is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Wright Brothers National Memorial with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.