Manteo, the heart of Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks, is the center of visitor activity. To call this small coastal town on the protected Shallowbag Bay picturesque doesn’t do it justice. We've gathered 20 things for you to do in Manteo, NC.
#1 Go to the Aquarium
374 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
One of the four North Carolina Aquariums is located on Roanoke Island. At the aquarium there are all kinds of fun things to do with friends and family such as visiting the pollinator habitat garden, rain garden, carnivorous plant garden and maritime forest restoration area. Also check out the soundside pier, and walk around the various exhibits outside. Of course the Roanoke Island Aquarium also has many amazing aquatic / semi-aquatic creatures such as alligators, otters, sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, stingrays, hermit crabs, sea urchins, and seahorses, just to name a few. It is required to buy tickets online ahead of time.
#2 Visit Fort Raleigh
1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is the location of the very first known English colony in the “New World” from 1584-1590. Fort Raleigh works to preserve the cultural heritage on Roanoke Island. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the Lost Colony, Native Americans, Battle of Roanoke Island, Freedmen’s Colony, and Fesseden’s Radio Experiment. Follow along and walk historic trails, and learn about the history as you go along. Fort Raleigh does not require any fees or daily passes, learn more here.
#3 Stop by Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954
Come see the beautiful botanical gardens at Elizabethan Gardens. Visit the butterfly garden, head over to the kids nature play area, and see the stunning statues of Queen Elizabeth I and Virginia Dare. There are 1320 square feet of gardens to explore. Just enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of nature. Tickets are recommended to be purchased ahead of time. However, they are also sold at the door.
#4 Ace Run Disc Golf Course
North End Park, U.S. 64, Manteo, NC
This course is named the Ace Run because of how short each hole is. Some people have been able to get multiple Aces in one run through the nine hole course. It is perfect for a fun and quick outdoor competition between friends and family.
#5 Wildlife Refuge Center
100 Conservation Way, Manteo, NC 27954
The Visitor Center was a long-time dream for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and many refuge and wildlife supporters on the Outer Banks and in eastern North Carolina. It represents eleven national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery, offering an invitation to visit them all.
#6 Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 27954
Festival Park has a lot to offer. There are hiking trails, shows, concerts, and events. Take a tour of a replica of the Elizabeth II Ship, which was used by the first colonists to sail to the “New World”, and see how the first settlers lived. There is a waterside hiking trail which leads to the amphitheater, where many events, and concerts are hosted. Visit festival park’s website to see further dates and events. To buy tickets for admission, visit their website.
#7 Visit Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
End of the pier on the Manteo Waterfront, Manteo, NC 27954
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, also known as Marshes Light, is located in the heart of downtown Manteo. Take a walk on the boardwalk and stop by the lighthouse, to see its history. The inside of the lighthouse is open, Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
#8 Visit the Maritime Museum
At the Museum, a NC Shad boat and early commercial fishing exhibit features the 1883 Shad boat Ella View, as well as exhibits on regional boat building. Education programs focus on the use, construction and celebration of traditional watercraft and related maritime activities.
#9 Grab a Bite to Eat
Downtown Manteo is filled with locally owned restaurants, easy to walk to, with amazing food. There are plenty of places to grab a snack, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
#10 Support Local Businesses
Manteo is also lined with a bunch of locally owned shops. Stop by the General Store, Coastal Outfitters, Downtown Books, or even more small boutiques.
#11 Watch a movie at The Pioneer Theatre
113 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954
The Pioneer Theatre first opened its doors in 1918, and is a standing piece of history in the Manteo community. Showtimes and tickets are on their website. You can also buy tickets at the door.
#12 Kayak Kitty Hawk Kites Rental
307 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, NC 27954
Kitty Hawk Kites & Adventures is your one stop shop for all things fun in The Outer Banks. With 11 different locations, including Manteo, you can book an adventure for yourself or the entire family.
#13 Dolphin Tours
400 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954
In the downtown Manteo marina there is an adorable dolphin tours boat. Go on an adventure through the Albemarle Sound and see dolphins for yourself.
#14 Go on a Ghost, History, Rum, or Self Guided Walking Tour
Take a stroll through historical downtown Manteo and learn of all the stories that have made the town what it is today.
#15 Jump Master’s Trampoline Park
728 US HWY 64Manteo, NC 27954
With open jump trampolines, a foam pit and an epic ninja obstacle course, there is something for everyone. If Trampolines and the Ninja Course are not your thing test your skills at our newest attraction of Urban Axe Throwing.
#16 Visit the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum
622 Sir Walter Raleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954
Explore the history of America's only all African-American U.S. Coast Guard station, the Pea Island Lifesaving Station. See commemorative statue of Richard Etheridge, the nation's first black officer in charge of a Lifesaving Station. Starting in 1880 and until it was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1947, the crew risked their lives to save victims and cargo along the Outer Banks. Memorabilia, artifacts, relics and pictures depicting life in the Lifesaving Service.
#17 Stop by Island Farm
1140 US-64, Manteo, NC 27954
Explore Island Farm, a living history site interpreting daily life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s
#18 Visit the Dare County Regional Airport Museum
410 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954
The Outer Banks is known for being the first in flight, so why not visit the local airport museum to learn of our rich history. Also, don't miss an opportunity to take an aerial tour of the area as well where you can see Jockey's Ridge, The Wright Brothers Memorial, or the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse.
#19 Festivals & Events
Find a full list of events and festivals on our events page. Some unique Manteo festivities include:
- Dare Days
- Vusic Fest
- Kid's Fest
- Farmer’s Market
- First Friday
#20 Explore downtown Manteo by bike or walking trails
You will find many paths, avenues, boardwalks, and roads to explore by bike or walking.
