Once you’ve chosen from among the best Destin beach condos and are starting to identify those events in Destin, FL, that you won’t want to miss, be sure to add the Kitty Hawk Kite Festival to the list. You and your family will reel in some fun and be flying high at this increasingly popular seasonal event!
Since flying a kite is a popular beach activity, neighboring Fort Walton Beach events include a Spring and Fall Kitty Hawk Kite Festival. The Spring kite festival typically takes place in March or April. The Fall 2022 event is set to be held September 24th – 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
“We look forward to putting on our annual kite festivals each year to spread the joy and excitement of kite flying,” said hang gliding pioneer John Harris, who founded Kitty Hawk Kites, which has hosted the Fort Walton Beach Kitty Hawk Kite Festival since 2018. “The smile on someone’s face who is flying a kite for the first time is what truly inspires us to put on these festivals.”
About the Event
Undoubtedly, there is nowhere else in the world where you can experience giant flying turtles, fish, frogs, cows, gators, and other shapes as they glide overhead against the blue skies of Fort Walton Beach. You might even witness people hang gliding! Be sure to bring your camera, because you won’t want to miss snapping some pictures of the incredible kites taking to the skies.
Held with the Emerald Coast Kite Flyers Club, the Kitty Hawk Kite Festival offers two days of kite flying hosted by The Boardwalk’s Kitty Hawk Kites store in Okaloosa Island. Best of all, this event is FREE! There is no admission price to take in the kite flying or any other activities presented during the Festival. Save some money and make incredible memories at this event, which is ideal for families on any budget.
Family fun includes demonstrations of professional stunt kite flying, free kite flying lessons, kite making, and the opportunity to watch a vast array of brightly colored kites of all sizes fill the windy sky. From a 25-foot parrot to a 100-foot panda, you and your kids will be wow-ed as these kites are lifted high over the ocean waves and boardwalk.
The “Fly Into Fall” Kite Festival for 2022 will be held at Kitty Hawk Kites at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway.
About Kitty Hawk Kites
North Carolina-based Kitty Hawk Kites, with stores throughout that state as well as Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Virginia Beach, and New England (Barnegat Light, NJ; Charlestown, NH; Newburyport, MA; and Portland, ME), is a diverse rental, tour, and adventure company.
John Harris founded the company in 1974. During the late 1980s, in addition to providing hang gliding instruction, Kitty Hawk expanded store locations and began selling clothing, kites, and toys, hosting tours, and renting outdoor adventure equipment. Today, with 20 stores, Kitty Hawk Kites is the largest kite brick-and-mortar store and hang-gliding school in the United States. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to hang-glide, you’re in the perfect place!
At the store, you’ll find a wide variety of kites for all ages and stages: beginner, stunt, and power kites are for sale. You will also find t-shirts, jackets, and toys such as board games, puzzles, plush toys, outdoor games, and model kits. You can also purchase gear for kiteboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and gifts for sale range from mugs and jewelry to totes and sunglasses. Used and new hang gliders are also sold.
While kites and hang gliders are among their specialties, Kitty Hawk Kites rent everything from boogie boards and beach chairs to surfboards and umbrellas. Bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, pontoon boats, and wetsuits can also be rented. Through Kitty Hawk, you can sign up for bi-plane or boat tours, go parasailing, take a fishing charter, be part of a dolphin tour, golf, or enjoy horseback riding on the beach. Even if you don’t plan to rent a hang-glider, be sure to check them out for your other activity and rental needs.
Directions to Fort Walton Beach
Are you wondering how to get to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, from Destin beachfront condos or your Destin Florida resort?
Fort Walton Beach is less than a half-hour from Islander Resort in Destin. From Islander Resort’s Gulf Shore Boulevard location, stay in the two left lanes to get onto Harbor Boulevard. After traveling one mile, take Mountain Drive to U.S. 98 West/Harbor Boulevard (you will turn right onto 98 after traveling one mile on Mountain Drive). Fort Walton Beach is approximately 6.5 miles after getting on 98.
Kitty Hawk Kites in Fort Walton Beach is located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway. To reach the store, you will make a U-turn onto Miracle Strip Parkway from U.S. 98 West (if you reach Pier Road before making the U-turn, you have gone too far). All in all, this is a quick journey that should only take you 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Find Your Destin Condo
Some of the top Destin beach condos can be found at Islander Resort on Gulf Shore Drive. All the condos at our Destin, Florida, resort are two-bedroom, two-bath units that sleep up to six. Some have been fully renovated, with granite kitchen counters, tile baths, updated furniture, carpets, and tiled floors, providing a unique and luxurious experience without the luxury price tag
Whether you’re choosing east or West view Destin condos, you’ll enjoy such amenities as fully stocked kitchens with stainless steel appliances, large flat-screen Roku smart TVs (typically 42-in. in the living area) with a DVD Player combo and Blue Ray player, king- and queen-sized beds, in-unit washers and dryers, private balconies, and high-speed internet.
Other outdoor amenities include pools, two complimentary beach chairs, an umbrella, a BBQ grill, a hot tub, tennis and shuffleboard courts, and beach access. You can even enjoy live music by the pool! A Beach Service Attendant can arrange extra beach activities for a fee. Let them take care of your itinerary while you sit back and enjoy the sunshine!
Plan Your Visit
Islander Resort Destin condos are close to casual and fine dining restaurants, theaters, retail stores, grocery stores, fitness centers, golf courses, medical services, and a shopping plaza. You can find it just around the corner, no matter what you need during your Destin getaway.
On top of all that, Islander Resort has one of the most knowledgeable and friendly teams on the island. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about our rentals or things to do in Destin, Florida with kids. We’re here to make your dream Destin vacation come to life.
How many Kitty Hawk kite stores are there?
What do Kitty Hawk kites sell?
Kites and Kite Accessories: They offer a diverse selection of kites, including easy-to-fly kites, stunt kites, power kites, and specialty kites. Accessories include kite lines, tails, bags, and other related items.
Wind Art: This includes wind spinners, windsocks, wind chimes, and other decorative items for outdoor spaces.
Flags: They sell house flags, garden flags, seasonal flags, pirate flags, and patriotic flags.
Games and Toys: This category includes table games, card games, puzzles, outdoor toys, STEM toys, sensory toys, pretend play items, arts and crafts, and novelty toys.
Apparel and Accessories: They offer clothing for men, women, and children, including Life is Good clothing accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, hats, and beach gear.
Home and Gifts: This category includes home décor items, drinkware, and other gift items.
Adventure Activities: They provide a range of Kitty Hawk Kites Adventures and experiences such as hang gliding, kiteboarding, kayak tours, parasailing, dolphin tours, and more.
Rentals: They offer rentals for beach cruiser bikes, boogie boards, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and other beach equipment.
These products cater to both outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for unique gifts and home décor items.
Who owns Kitty Hawk kites?
What is special about Kitty Hawk?
Wright Brothers' First Flight: Kitty Hawk is famously known as the site of the Wright brothers' first powered flight on December 17, 1903. This monumental event marked the beginning of modern aviation. The Wright Brothers National Memorial in nearby Kill Devil Hills commemorates this achievement and attracts many visitors each year.
Natural Beauty: Kitty Hawk is renowned for its picturesque beaches, natural dunes, and maritime forests. Jockey's Ridge State Park, located nearby, is the tallest natural dune system in the Eastern United States and offers stunning views and opportunities for hang gliding, kite flying, and hiking.
Outdoor Recreation: The area is a hub for various outdoor activities. Apart from hang gliding, visitors can enjoy kayaking, kiteboarding, surfing, fishing, and wildlife watching. The diverse recreational options make it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Community and Culture: Kitty Hawk maintains a close-knit community with a rich cultural heritage. The town's unique placement along the Atlantic coast creates a distinct environment that fosters a deep connection to nature and local traditions.
Historical Significance: Besides the Wright brothers, Kitty Hawk has a rich history dating back to its Native American roots and early European settlers. The town's historical significance is preserved and celebrated through various local museums and cultural events.
These aspects make Kitty Hawk a special place, blending historical importance with natural beauty and vibrant outdoor activities.particular
