Sandy Run Park Kitty Hawk NC
A serene 16-acre park in Kitty Hawk, NC, famous for its hundreds of turtles and accessible boardwalk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, active wildlife
Sandy Run Park Kitty Hawk NC
Best Time
Cooler temps, active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 16-acre park in Kitty Hawk, NC, famous for its hundreds of turtles and accessible boardwalk.
"You'll be amazed at all of the turtles we saw! My children counted over 70!"
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Go early or late for best turtle sightings. Bring binoculars!
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Stroll
The boardwalk is flat and accessible, perfect for all ages and strollers. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtle Haven
The boardwalk and pond
Witness hundreds of turtles, including massive snappers, basking and swimming. A true wildlife spectacle!
Scenic Boardwalk
Throughout the park
An accessible, well-maintained wooden walkway offering beautiful views and easy wildlife spotting.
Picnic & Play
Designated areas
Enjoy family time with picnic tables and a small playground, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Spotting Success
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Go early or late for best turtle sightings. Bring binoculars!
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Stroll
The boardwalk is flat and accessible, perfect for all ages and strollers. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Visit during cooler parts of the day in summer. Hydrate! :droplet:
🎣 Catch & Release Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the designated areas. Remember to practice catch and release. :fishingpoleand_வத:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Turtle Spotting Tips
Go early or late for best turtle sightings. Bring binoculars!
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Stroll
The boardwalk is flat and accessible, perfect for all ages and strollers. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Visit during cooler parts of the day in summer. Hydrate! :droplet:
🎣 Catch & Release Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the designated areas. Remember to practice catch and release. :fishingpoleand_வத:
⚠️ Be Wildlife Aware
Watch for snakes and poison ivy near the path. :snake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sandy Run Park for its incredible abundance of turtles, with many spotting hundreds, including large snappers. The accessible boardwalk and family-friendly amenities like picnic areas and a playground are also highly appreciated. Some note that it can get hot in summer and suggest visiting during cooler parts of the day.
"We kayaked in the marsh around the corner, but didn't see much wildlife. Our guide suggested we check out this park. We were amazed at all of the turtles we saw! My children counted over 70! We also saw a blue heron and tons of fish! The boardwalk was a very easy walk and a great length for children. There was also a tiny playground and a place to picnic."
N W
"We truly enjoyed our walk at Sandy Run Park. It is a well maintained trail with beautiful scenery surrounding you. There was a nice breeze the day we went, but I imagine in july and August, it gets right hot. There were many seating and picnic areas on the water along the trail. We saw many native species and hundreds of 🐢 turtles, including a few very large snapping turtles. Highly recommend for a nature walk alone or with family!"
Mary
"I have never seen so many turtles in one place. We saw a really big one by the far gazebo as well. Also saw some fish and crabs. Short walk worth seeing if your in the obx!"
April Guilford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandy Run Park is located in Kitty Hawk, NC. It's easily accessible by car and has a parking lot. Many visitors find it a convenient stop while exploring the Outer Banks.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the park. It can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transport options are limited on the Outer Banks. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Sandy Run Park.
Absolutely! Sandy Run Park is a great addition to a day trip from Nags Head, offering a different kind of natural beauty and wildlife viewing.
Sandy Run Park is located near Bay Drive and is easily accessible from US-158, a main thoroughfare on the Outer Banks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sandy Run Park is a public park and entry is free for all visitors. :ticket:
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's a natural park, so official hours are not strictly enforced, but it's best to visit during daylight.
There is no admission fee to enter Sandy Run Park. It's a free public amenity for everyone to enjoy. :moneywithwings:
No booking is required as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Follow park guidelines for a pleasant experience for all.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is famous for its abundant turtles, including large snapping turtles. You can also spot blue herons, fish, crabs, and sometimes raccoons.
Yes, the boardwalk is flat and accessible, making it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility challenges.
There is a porta-potty available in the parking lot. For more facilities, you might need to visit nearby public beaches or commercial areas.
Families can enjoy wildlife spotting, walking the boardwalk, picnicking, and there's a small playground for children. Catch and release fishing is also an option.
Yes, birdwatchers can spot various species, including blue herons and other coastal birds, especially around the water and marshy areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants within Sandy Run Park itself. It's a nature park focused on outdoor activities.
Yes, Sandy Run Park has picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a family picnic amidst nature.
Kitty Hawk and neighboring towns like Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head offer a wide range of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to family-friendly restaurants.
It's highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks, especially if you plan to picnic or spend a few hours exploring.
Yes, there are several local cafes and coffee shops in Kitty Hawk, such as Ashley's Espresso Parlour, perfect for a pre or post-park treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers fantastic opportunities to photograph the abundant turtles, scenic boardwalk views, coastal birds, and the natural marsh landscape.
Absolutely! With hundreds of turtles and various bird species, it's a prime location for wildlife photography. Consider a telephoto lens.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
Drone usage rules can vary. It's best to check local regulations for Kitty Hawk and the Outer Banks before flying a drone in the park.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the scenic boardwalk and marsh views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many parents rave about how much their children loved spotting the turtles, with some counting over 70!
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
The well-maintained boardwalk provides excellent vantage points for observing these creatures in their natural habitat. Even in cooler months like November, the park offers a pleasant experience for a nature walk.
The peaceful atmosphere and the chance to encounter diverse local fauna make it a rewarding visit for anyone looking to connect with the Outer Banks' natural beauty. Remember to bring binoculars for enhanced viewing opportunities. 📸 Photographers
+1Consider bringing a camera with a good zoom lens to capture detailed shots of the wildlife from a respectful distance.
The accessible nature of the park means you can set up for shots without extensive hiking. It's a great spot for both casual snapshots and more serious nature photography endeavors. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Famous Turtles of Sandy Run Park
Pro Tip: While turtles are visible year-round, they are most active and visible when the weather is warm and sunny. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best opportunities to see them basking on logs or the banks.
Remember to observe from a distance and never feed the wildlife. Exploring the Boardwalk and Trails
Beyond the main boardwalk, there are often smaller paths or areas around the pond that offer different perspectives. While the boardwalk is the primary feature, exploring these adjacent areas can lead to additional wildlife sightings, such as various bird species or small marsh creatures.
The park is a great place for a leisurely stroll, a nature walk, or even a light jog, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Family Fun and Amenities
Many visitors appreciate the park's suitability for children, noting the easy-to-navigate boardwalk and the sheer excitement of seeing so many turtles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit