Wright Brothers National Memorial

On December 17, 1907, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first airplane flight in history in what is now Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Decades later, the Wright Brothers National Memorial remains as a monument to their achievement. The memorial is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is an essential destination for any Outer Banks vacation. There are multiple areas of the memorial to check out, including the monument, the visitor center, and the flight line. All areas are handicapped-accessible, and there are wide sidewalks connecting everything.  

Visitors can walk down the stretch of land where the Wright brothers made their first flight and up to the monument that towers over the surrounding land. Inscribed on the monument is a tribute to Wilbur and Orville's achievement: "In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright, conceived by genius and achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith."

Climbing the hill up to the monument offers great views of the surrounding area as well as a perfect sunset viewing spot. To access the area after 5 p.m., visitors can park at the First Flight Airport behind the memorial.