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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Beach Quarters Resort
Boardwalk Resort and Villas
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

Reviews of Wright Brothers National Memorial

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
221
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
101
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was great area with beautiful view

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There are no benches on the way up to the top of the hill.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

We went to the outer banks 10 year ago, we love history so we stopped to the wright brothers memorial and everything went great, and was very pleased with the visit. You could take pictures of the plane with no problem.There was signs saying 'NO CLIMBING ON THE PLANE" However, this year, 2019, when we visited the outer banks, I wanted to take my son,6 years old, to see the replica of the first plane ever flown, because he likes history too. BUT you couldn't even see the plane for all the kids on it playing around. Nor could I get a good picture of my son with the plane. I'm sorry, but I didn't go there to see and get pictures of other peoples kids. History is not a jungle gym for kids to play on, and when my mother asked a staff member about the signs, He said "we encourage kids to play on it." UMMMM NOOOOO. History is not meant for this. You go to learn about it, not to let your kids run loose and destroy it. Because their are people out here that still respect history. HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Closed due to gov shutdown but accessible

5/5 - Excellent

John

Jeanettes Pier, Oregon Inlet, beach

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Wright Brothers National Memorial

Shutters on the Banks

Shutters on the Banks

3.5 out of 5
405 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Shutters on the Banks
Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront - Wilbur

Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront - Wilbur

3.5 out of 5
201 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront - Wilbur
Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills

Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills

2 out of 5
804 North Virginia Dare Trail, NC 12, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Travelodge by Wyndham Outer Banks/Kill Devil Hills
Mariner Inn and Suites

Mariner Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
1801 N Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Mariner Inn and Suites
Sea Ranch Resort

Sea Ranch Resort

3 out of 5
1731 N. VA Dare Trail MP 7, Kill Devil Hills, NC
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
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

John Yancey Oceanfront Inn

2 out of 5
2009 S Virginia Dare Trl, Kill Devil Hills, NC
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - Stay At the Beach

Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - Stay At the Beach

2 out of 5
1003 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - Stay At the Beach
Cypress House Inn

Cypress House Inn

3.5 out of 5
500 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Cypress House Inn
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 in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including vacation and photo tours, museum visits, and day tours. For the adventurous, water sports and surfing opportunities abound, along with the chance to witness breathtaking sunrises in this historic area. Embrace the spirit of aviation and exploration while making unforgettable memories at this iconic site.

Shopping

The nearest store is Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop, located 0.6 miles from Wright Brothers National Memorial, perfect for souvenirs. Outer Banks Mall is 6 miles away, offering a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Outlets Nags Head, 8 miles away, for more extensive shopping options.

Recreation

At Paradise Fun Park, indulge in a round of mini-golf surrounded by family-friendly vibes and adventure. Just a short drive away, Sea Scape Golf Links offers a tranquil golf experience with beautiful outdoor scenery. For a unique twist, play at Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf, featuring exciting themes and challenges.

Adventure

Experience thrilling battles at OBX Laser Tag, located 2 miles away, perfect for family fun. Explore the scenic Sweetgum Swamp Trail, a 2-mile hiking adventure amidst beautiful landscapes. For high-speed excitement, visit Full Throttle Speedway, a karting venue 7 miles from the memorial.

Nightlife

At Wright Brothers National Memorial, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Destination Fun, an arcadeAdventureZone just 1 mile away, filled with adventure vibes. For a cultural experience, The Lost Colony theater, 6 miles away, offers romance and entertainment. Flippers Arcade & Variety Store, located 19 miles away, promises more fun and adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Wright Brothers National Memorial

When visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Explore popular attractions such as the nearby jetty, state parks, and preserves that cater to families and adventure seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to visit the memorial itself and discover the best local points of interest to enhance your trip.

  • Nags Head Fishing Pier: Located only 4 miles from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, this lively pier is perfect for fishing enthusiasts and those looking to soak up the coastal atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, try your luck at fishing, or simply relax and take in the scenic ocean views.
  • Nags Head Woods Preserve: Just 2 miles away, this tranquil nature reserve features lush trails and diverse wildlife. Experience the friendly vibe while walking through the picturesque landscape, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying a peaceful retreat.
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park: A 4-mile drive leads you to this stunning state park, home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast. Engage in outdoor adventures like hiking, sandboarding, or simply enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 on your visit to Wright Brothers National Memorial, consider traveling during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance usually ensures the best rates, especially for stays on Tuesdays, which tend to be the cheapest. Look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Wright Brothers National Memorial about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other preferences. You can easily sort the results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • 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.

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