Manteo is located on Roanoke Island, a small eight-mile island in Dare County, North Carolina, that borders the Outer Banks. Manteo is a charming summer vacation resort as well as one of the Outer Banks’ most fascinating historical settlements.
You’ve heard of the “Lost Colony of Roanoke” tale, which is a significant event in America’s early history. In 1587, more than 100 pioneering English immigrants arrived on the island, looking for a fresh start. However, three years later, supply ships arrived to discover the colony deserted and abandoned, leaving a mystery.
Today, Roanoke Island is a flourishing town that celebrates its rich history via museums, immersive theatre, and other activities. While the island is no longer deserted, it has not lost its appeal.
Visitors may enjoy a range of outdoor activities, as well as delicious food at fantastic restaurants and outstanding events. Manteo has something for everyone, from history enthusiasts to adrenaline seekers, and offers an unforgettable experience in this unique city. Let’s get started on the things to do in Manteo NC.
THINGS TO DO IN MANTEO NC
Are you planning a summer trip to the Outer Banks? Manteo is the ideal place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the finest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Here’s a detailed list of the best things to do in Manteo.
1. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN MANTEO
Downtown Bookstores
Downtown Books is a locally owned bookshop located one block from the beach. They have wall-to-wall shelves of books in every genre conceivable. They are also strong supporters of Dare County Schools, doing whatever they can to assist today’s young readers.
NouVines
NouVines is a pleasant wine bar that focuses on small-batch wines from across the world. Guests are invited to try new wines, engage in creative food pairings, attend quiz night, listen to live music, or simply enjoy good company while enjoying superb glasses.
Historic Walking Tour of Manteo
Manteo’s beloved retired Chief of Police offers midnight walking tours of historic Manteo. Francis D’Ambra knows approximately 400 years’ worth of incredible stories, ghost stories, and intriguing facts by heart, and if you’re lucky, he’ll even tell you some of his astonishing stories.
From April to October, visits begin at 7 p.m. and run around one hour and a half. If you’ve ever wondered about Manteo’s past or want to learn more, this is the place to start.
The Creamery at Olde Town
Olde Town Creamery is a classic soda shop that serves ice cream, hot dogs, pizzas, and other delights. They feature a lovely outside terrace and are perfect for a sweet treat or a quick meal.
Farmers Market in Manteo
The Manteo Farmers Market takes place every Saturday at George Washington Creef Park and is a seasonal event. Fresh cuisine, baked goods, crafts, merchants, and music are all available.
Gourmet Olives
The Gourmet Olive is a one-of-a-kind store that sells gourmet oils, vinegar, jams, locally produced spices, and spreads. Anyone is welcome to come in and try samples or purchase one-of-a-kind items that they will not find anywhere.
Lollipop Laughing
The Laughing Lollipop is Manteo’s prettiest store! This modest mom-and-pop candy shop offers all of your favorite nostalgic candies, as well as ice cream, homemade cotton candy, and delectable gifts.
Charis Coffee Co.
Charis Coffee is a locally roasted coffee company that delivers delicious coffee drinks produced with the freshest ground beans. Every month, a portion of their revenues are contributed to an organization dedicated to making the world a better place.
Distillery on the Outer Banks
Outer Banks Distillery is the Outer Banks’ first licensed distillery. They specialize in small-batch rums with a beachy, nautical flavor that is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Tours of the factory are available, and you can even buy your bottle of the award-winning rum.
2. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM
374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954
The North Carolina Aquarium is North Carolina’s best and most visited aquarium. The vast facility houses thousands of aquatic life species, such as sharks, turtles, jellyfish, sea otters, reptiles, amphibians, and many more.
The aquarium also provides a range of interactive indoor/outdoor educational programs for youngsters who are interested in animals and science. Examples of such programs include fishing, kayaking, behind-the-scenes visits, aquarium tours, and live feeding shows.
The North Carolina Aquarium is a must-see when visiting Manteo, NC! Everyone of all ages will have a fantastic time, so add it to your list of things to do in Manteo, NC.
3. ELIZABETHAN GARDENS
1411 National Park Dr., Manteo, NC 27954
The Elizabeth Gardens are a historical landmark and a replica of Queen Elizabeth the First’s garden. These botanical gardens are home to a diverse range of animals, as well as seasonal flowering plants, shrubs, and flowers.
As tourists go around the grounds, they will come across a sunken garden, a butterfly garden, a forest garden, a rose garden, and other themed gardens. Following your tour, you must visit the Royal Exchange Gift Shoppe, where you may find plant sales as well as fine toys, souvenirs, garden décor, and artwork.
4. FORT RALEIGH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE/ THE LOST COLONY
1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site safeguards the area where Sir Walter Raleigh’s intended colony was initially established. The site also honors the cultural significance of Roanoke Island’s Native Americans and African Americans. The park offers plaques, artifacts, walking pathways, and educational programs.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site also hosts The Lost Colony, a symphonic play about Roanoke Island’s early settlers. This show takes place in the Waterside Theatre, a massive outdoor venue that has been in operation since 1937, making it the longest-running outdoor symphonic drama in history.
5. ROANOKE ISLAND FESTIVAL PARK
1 Festival Park, Manteo, North Carolina 27954
If you’ve ever wondered what life was like for the first settlers in 1585, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a must-see. This 27-acre park brings history to life and allows visitors to engage with it firsthand.
The park’s attractions include a model of the “Elizabeth II” ship, historical lectures in American Indian Town, and hands-on activities at the Adventure Museum. There are also live demonstrations, events, exhibits, shops, and other attractions.
The main stage at Roanoke Island Festival Park is also used for festivals, concerts, and live performances. If you want to see a live event, here is the place to go!
6. ROANOKE MARSHES LIGHTHOUSE
104 Fernando Street, Manteo, NC 27954
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is one of five lighthouses in the Outer Banks. Visitors are permitted to view the lower house, which has a small maritime museum with artifacts and exhibitions.
Climbing the actual lighthouse is not authorized for safety reasons. More information about this lighthouse and the other Outer Banks lights can be found on the website 5 Great Outer Banks Lights.
7. ISLAND FARM
1140 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC 27954
The Roanoke Island Farm is a living history farm that simulates life on Roanoke Island in the 1850s. The farm provides exciting live demonstrations of blacksmithing, animal feeding, traditional agriculture, and other farm occupations.
You will also be able to engage in several hands-on activities. This is an excellent chance for people of all ages to learn more about Roanoke Island’s history, you can’t leave without trying some of their delicious homemade apple butter!
8. JUMPMASTERS TRAMPOLINE PARK
Manteo, NC 27954 (728 US-64).
Jumpmasters Trampoline Park is one of Manteo’s latest attractions. The enormous indoor park offers trampolines, ninja warrior courses, dodgeball, climbing walls, axe throwing, and other activities. Jumpmasters are enjoyable for the whole family, even the little ones, who may participate in toddler time every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
9. COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA REFUGES GATEWAY VISITORS CENTER
Manteo, NC 27954 (100 Conservation Way)
The Coastal Refuges Gateway encompasses more than 152,000 acres of nationally preserved wetland area. This area is home to hundreds of wildlife, including black bears, alligators, birds, and fish.
The Gateway Visitors Centre connects the other nine coastal North Carolina refuges. Trained staff volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have while transporting you to the attractions you desire to see. The visitor’s center also has interactive displays, 37 species, including a red wolf cave, photos, and more.
10. MANTEO WATERFRONT PARK
Manteo, NC 27954 (207 Queen Elizabeth Ave #14)
The intriguing Waterfront Park, which has a playground, picnic tables, seats, and access to the promenade, is only a short walk from Manteo’s Waterfront Marina. The park is great for enjoying lunch by the water or setting up a picnic on the lawn. There is also a gazebo where visitors may snap pictures.
11. THE MOTHER VINE
263 Mother Vineyard Road, Manteo, NC 27954
The Mother Vine is a breathtaking 400-year-old grapevine that is believed to be America’s oldest. Although the vine is currently on private land, anybody is welcome to come to see it and marvel at its intricate root system. Grapes continue to grow on the vine, and the owner regularly makes jelly to share with family and friends.
12. ROANOKE ISLAND MARITIME MUSEUM
104 Fernando Street, Manteo, NC 27954
The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum is housed at the George Washington Creef Boathouse located on the downtown riverfront. The Boathouse is a fully operational boat shop where volunteers work on projects, design boats, and repair them. This is where the renowned Elizabeth II (at Roanoke Island Festival Park) was built.
Visitors are welcome to roam around the grounds and view the exhibitions within the boathouse. Everyone on the staff is happy to answer questions, engage with guests, and share their knowledge.
13. OBX AXE THROWING
728 US Highway 62, Manteo, NC 27954
OBX Axe Throwing is the Outer Banks’ first axe-throwing facility. Axe throwing is a fun hobby that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s a wonderful way to mark a particular occasion or try something new. OBX Axe Throwing also has a small concession stand with drinks, and food trucks are often parked outside.
14. DARE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT MUSEUM
410 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954
The Dare County Regional Airport Museum is housed in the historic WWII operations room of the Dare County Public Airport. The museum exhibits World War II artifacts, papers, photographs, and uniforms, as well as other local historical materials.
Helicopter Tours on the Outer Banks
Visitors may enjoy a thrilling helicopter tour from the Dare County Regional Airport to see OBX sites from above. It is the best way to view the entire Outer Banks without crowds and with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
Aeroplanes OBX
A tourist service that allows guests to fly in a red, open-cockpit biplane. They also provide flight lessons and banner towing. What a great complement to your Manteo activities.
15. GEORGE WASHINGTON CREEF MEMORIAL PARK
104 Fernando Street, Manteo, NC 27954
George Washington Creef Memorial Park is a small beachfront park in front of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. George Washington Creef was a well-known boat builder on Roanoke Island. The park is a lovely place to stretch your legs and have a picnic while watching the ocean.
16. DARE COUNTY ARTS
300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954
Dare County Arts is a non-profit arts organization that promotes the works of local artists. The gallery is open to the public and exhibits paintings, fiber arts, metalwork, pottery, mixed media, photography, and other works of art.
17. COLLINS PARK
Manteo, NC 27954 622 Sir Walter Raleigh Street
The Herbert M. Collins Boathouse Museum is situated within a small municipal park. Herbert M. Collins was the last keeper of America’s sole all-African-American US Coast Guard station, Pea Island Life Saving Station.
DRINKS AND RESTAURANTS IN MANTEO NC
There are so many amazing options that we can’t possibly list them all. Here are some great ideas to explore while looking for things to do in Manteo, NC.
Tavern of the Lost Colony
208 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954
This popular neighborhood tavern and restaurant is situated in the heart of Manteo. The Lost Colony Tavern, named after the Lost Colony, serves old-world flavours including British-style beers and a variety of ingredients imported from the UK and Ireland.
Sandwich Shop Poor Richard’s
305 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo, NC 27954
Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop has been a Roanoke Island mainstay since 1984. Their scrumptious sandwiches are made with imported Boars Head meats and cheeses, and they have a large menu with all of your sandwich favorites, including Reubens, Italian subs, cold wraps, and more.
Pelican Deli for the Hungry
205 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954
For almost 30 years, the Hungry Pelican Deli in Manteo has offered delicious food. They provide soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, daily specials, and delicious homemade desserts.
Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar Ortega’z
Manteo, NC 27954 201 Sir Walter Raleigh St
Ortega’z brings southwestern-style cuisine and beverages to North Carolina’s beaches. They provide a delightful assortment of authentic Mexican food, as well as an extensive wine list and unique cocktails.
Ortega’z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar
201 Sir Walter Raleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954
Ortega’z serves southwestern-style food and drinks on North Carolina’s beaches. They serve a delectable menu of genuine Mexican cuisine, as well as a vast wine variety and creative drinks.
Restaurant Darrell
521 US-64, #264, Manteo, NC 27954
Darrell’s Restaurant has been serving delicious breakfasts and some of the best fried oysters in town to Roanoke visitors since 1960. Guests may enjoy a large selection of homestyle food and pastries at their relaxing, pleasant eatery.
A Greek Kitchen with Olives
Waterfront Shoppes is located at 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave, 1st Floor, Manteo, NC 27954.
Olive is a lovely tiny restaurant located in Manteo’s seaside shopping zone. They provide traditional Greek cuisine prepared from family recipes, which may be enjoyed on their beautiful outdoor patio.
Stripers Bar and Grille
Manteo, NC 27954; 1100A S Bay Club Dr
Stripers are a must-see sight on every excursion to Roanoke Island. This award-winning three-story restaurant serves the greatest locally caught fish, homemade pastries, and more. The first floor is an outside dining area with live music, the second floor is more of a family-style dining experience, and the third floor is the restaurant’s romance part, complete with spectacular views and another outside deck.
THINGS TO DO NEAR MANTEO NC
Wildlife Refuge on the Alligator River
Miltail Road, East Lake, NC 27953
The Alligator River Wildlife Refuge is located on the Albemarle Peninsula, approximately an hour’s drive from Roanoke Island. The refuge was created to protect the area’s unique wetlands and to provide habitat for black bears, alligators, river otters, and other wildlife. This is a wonderful area for kayaking or paddling, and fishing and hunting are allowed with restrictions and licenses.
ANNUAL EVENTS IN MANTEO NC
Here are some of the most interesting community activities happening on Roanoke Island this year.
The Dare Day Festival will take place on June 3, 2023.
Manteo, NC 27954 (downtown Manteo) 407 Budleigh Street
Every year, this fun, family-friendly event starts off the summer season. Crafts, food, art, games, music, children’s games and activities, obstacle courses, and more vendors will be present. This is a family event that should not be missed!
Bluegrass on the Outer Banks (October 19-21, 2023)
Roanoke Island Festival Park is the address.
The Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival is one of the year’s most popular events. Musicians and music enthusiasts from all over the world come together to celebrate bluegrass, good food, and good fun. The festivities will feature well-known musicians such as Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, and the Kitchen Dwellers.
Dirty Heads – Island Glow Tour (6 August 2023).
Roanoke Island Festival Park is the address.
The Dirty Heads have spent the last three years visiting the Outer Banks. This year’s music performance will feature Lupe Fiasco, Bikini Trill, and other performers.
Music and fireworks on the Fourth of July
Manteo, NC 27954 (downtown Manteo) 407 Budleigh St
The Fourth of July is one of the most significant beach festivals on the Outer Banks. There are exciting events, games, gastronomy, and stunning fireworks displays all along the beach. Manteo has one of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in the area, lasting all day and culminating with stunning fireworks.
Vendors, children’s games, face painting, food trucks, music, parades, and other events will fill the streets of downtown Manteo. Then head to Roanoke Island Festival Park for some music and a spectacular view of the fireworks. Manteo Waterfront Park is another great place to see the fireworks.
OBX Pride Festival (September 8–10, 2023).
Roanoke Island Festival Park is the address.
OBX Pride is the biggest LGBT pride celebration on the North Carolina coast. Anyone is welcome to join us in celebrating life, love, and community over two days in September! Drag shows, music, live performances, food trucks, refreshments, games, and other activities will take place in this safe and inviting setting.
Every day provides a fresh set of festivities, including drag brunches, sunset booze cruises, and DJ dance parties. Saturday’s main event is free and family-friendly.
The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival will take place on April 15, 2023.
Fort Raleigh Historic Site is located at
As previously noted, Roanoke Island is home to America’s oldest grapevine, and today is dedicated to commemorating both it and North Carolina wine. The most popular attraction at the Waterside Theatre is the Grand Tasting. Regional chefs will make wonderful foods to go with the wine, and there will be live music, a silent auction, and other activities.
Conclusion
Manteo is an essential stop on any trip to the Outer Banks. This small but magnificent island is home to so much of the Outer Banks’ history, flavor, and excitement, and it should not be missed! Whether you’re looking for exciting events, excellent music, amazing restaurants, coastal excursions, or whatever else your heart desires, Manteo, NC offers it all.
