Once the entire area was covered with a series of “sand mountains,” some reaching to over 100 feet high. This is how Kill Devil Hills received its name, from the highest sand dune which was called Kill Devil Hill. (This is the hill from which the Wright Brothers chose to launch their flying machine). There is also legend that the name derived from a brand of rum that washed up on the beach from a shipwreck. This may explain why K.D.H. is still the best spot for Outer Banks nightlife.
There are many places to eat, play and stay in Kill Devil Hills - from fast food to fine faire, fresh Seafood, Mexican, and Italian. You name it. There are many public beach accesses along Highway 12. Kill Devil Hills also offers a public bathhouse/lifeguard station with public restrooms located at the intersection of Virginia Dare Trail (Highway 12) and Ocean Bay Drive.