The Best Things to do in Manteo, NC
Nestled in the Outer Banks of NC, Manteo offers a North Carolina small town quiet getaway with plenty to do. From great restaurants and shopping to a history buff’s dream, you can easily spend a week here.
Manteo is located on Roanoke Island. Less than 15 minutes to the east are the Outer Banks beaches including Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, and 5 minutes to the west is Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Of course, the island itself is home to the Lost Colony of Roanoke and the oldest grape vine in North America.
Where Manteo is Located
Manteo, NC is located on Roanoke Island just south of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. You can reach it by driving down NC 12 through the Outer Banks or coming from the mainland to the west via 64. There are bridges on both sides, creating easy access.
Know Before You Go
Check the hours of operation for any of the locations you want to visit. In the off-season especially, things close early in Manteo, including the restaurants. You may need to either rent an accommodation with a kitchen or pick up your meals early.
Some places close on Sundays and Mondays. These are great days to visit the beach, hike around Alligator River Wildlife Preserve, or head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Things to Do in Manteo, NC
While most people know Roanoke Island as the site of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, there’s a lot more to find and explore. Manteo offers a unique beach town vibe with less beach and more waterfront. While the island feels large, the town is cozy and you’re never more than a 10-minute drive from one location to the next.
Downtown Manteo Shops
Downtown Manteo is larger than you may expect. It’s comprised of several streets making something of a grid. There are stores selling clothing, records, wine, toys, and more.
Free parking is available on the street and in some lots throughout town, but trick is finding a spot. I had to drive around a bit to get a spot, but if you go up and down the streets, you should be able to find something. If you can parallel park, your chances of parking closer to town increase.
I enjoy wine and had fun at NouVines. Not far away is Downtown Books for that old-fashioned, local bookstore vibe. Nest had a lot of beautiful things including clothing and decorations for the home. Even if you don’t have kids, Once Upon a Toy has a great selection of toys that will bring you back to your childhood.
Visit the Lighthouse
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is located via a long boardwalk from downtown Manteo. It’s a different type of lighthouse called a screw-pile. It looks more like a small cottage than a tower with black and white stripes.
The original lighthouse was built in the 1800s and fell into disrepair. There were two other further versions made to replace it, with the third being built in 1877. The current lighthouse is a replica of the third “Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse” and was built in 2004.
This is definitely worth a visit. It’s a museum of sorts and you can freely wander down eh boardwalk and explore the lighthouse during its operating hours. Inside the building are educational and historical exhibits and the views of the Bay from the back are beautiful.
Hike The Boardwalk
One of the things I tell people is to always stop by the Visitor Center when you’re heading somewhere new. The Sarah Owens Welcome Center & Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Headquarters gave me everything I needed.
One of the women assisting visitors told me she loved to walk the boardwalk that made a semi-circle around the Bay.
It starts at Festival Park and follows the water around the docks, past the lighthouse, and then goes further towards a group of condos with its own dock.
The hike is short, but as you pass the lighthouse, it becomes quieter and it’s just you and the water. I also had wonderful views of the lighthouse and downtown. It was nice to have a little quiet time.
Learn How Boats are Made at the Maritime Museum
Established in 1998, the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum is a working boat shop, and a little bit of history wrapped in to one.
While I was there, no one was in the museum working, but I was able to walk around and see the different boats. There are also posters and other items on the walls and in the reception area.
There is a replica Shad boat where you walk in made by volunteers in 2002.
When there are volunteers working in the museum, you can learn a lot.
Grab Food or Coffee
As I mentioned above, check hours of operation for any restaurant because they do close early.
Olives Greek Kitchen is popular and makes an insane gyro. Every local I spoke to recommended Olives and they were not wrong.
I had an ice cream from Big Buck’s which was rich and creamy. It hit the spot after a long day.
Thank goodness for Poor Richards. They were the only restaurant open around 7 when I finally had time for dinner on my first night in town. While it’s more bar than a restaurant, they make a great sandwich with Boards Head deli meats and the staff is friendly.
While I couldn’t test every coffee shop, Charis Coffee Company was recommended by several people, and it did not disappoint.
If you’re looking for a drink, Outer Banks Distilling make a variety of rums and always has special cocktails on the menu.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
The difference between the Lost Colony and Roanoke Island Festival Park was confusing to me, so I’ll break it down here. Roanoke Island Festival Park is located in downtown Manteo, and Fort Raleigh is further north on the Island. Fort Raleigh is home to the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Festival Park is a historic site where a boat and settlement from the late 1500s are staged with actors that represent the feel of what an early settlement would look at feel like.
The Park has the Elizabeth II ship that replicates what the living quarters would be like, where people would sleep, and how the ship would run.
Throughout the park are exhibits, some you can walk through on your own and others with actors.
I enjoyed the section where you could put on armor and try to fight. The armor is bulky and heavy. It’s easier to understand how difficult it was for settlers to manage in them.
I was also able to try my skills at woodworking, chiseling a decorative leg for a chair.
There is a fee to enter Roanoke Island Festival Park, but you can spend as long as you like there. My favorite part was the museum. There were large exhibits, and it was informative but not boring.
Overall, it would take a family about 1 hour to go through everything. If you have more than 1 child, it could take longer if they all want to try the armor and woodworking.
Fort Raleigh
Fort Raleigh, one of 12 National Parks in North Carolina, is north of downtown Manteo. It’s as close as you can get to the original site of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, which is now under water.
When you arrive, there is plenty of free parking and the Rangers in the Visitor Center are helpful and friendly. They give free tours at certain times of the day.
Most of the park is free, but there are two things you’ll need to pay for, The Elizabethan Gardens and the seasonal Lost Colony play. The Lost Colony Play only runs during the high season, and it’s fantastic. If you’re near the Outer Banks, see if you can get tickets.
Throughout the park are areas you can explore that explain how the soldiers would have defended the island during the Civil War, and how the first settlers would have lived. It’s interesting that so much history happened on this small island.
The Freedmen’s Colony
There’s more to Fort Raleigh than being the home of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. During the Civil war, Roanoke Island was taken and controlled by Union Forces. Many enslaved people made their way to Roanoke Island in the hopes of being free. Over time, the camp of formerly enslaved people grew to a colony of over 4000 people.
Fort Raleigh celebrates the Freedmen’s Colony with monuments, Ranger talks, and the Freedom Trail. The trail takes you from the park to the water giving a sense of what enslaved men and women went through. Along the way are stories of five people that made the journey.
Even during the day on a well-established trail, I felt alone and a bit nervous. I can only imagine what it must have been like with wild animals, no light, and no trail. It’s humbling to follow the stories as you walk.
Elizabethan Gardens at Fort Raleigh
The Elizabethan Gardens is a non profit organization that operates within Fort Raleigh Historical Site. The gardens are inside a brick wall with a large metal gate and there is an admission fee. You’ll enter and leave through the gift shop.
There’s a map to help guide you through the different gardens. While you won’t get lost, it’s nice to have a little information about the area you’re walking through and make sure you don’t miss anything.
In one area, there’s a view of the water with a note explaining the original site of the Lost Colony is located near buoys in the water. This is the one place where you can clearly see where it used to be.
There is a Rose Garden, a gazebo, a fountain, tons of statues, and many other exhibits and gardens to explore.
Overall, it takes about 30-45 minutes to explore the Elizabethan Gardens. Someone that loves gardening and plants may want more time.
Visitors are not rushed and can spend as long as they like in the gardens, even making a day of it.
The Island Farm
Island Farm is one of two historic sites managed by Outer Banks Conservationists. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the other.
The farm is located on about 13 acres of the original Etheridge Family Farm. The land for the farm was purchased in 1783, and the home was built sometime between 1845 and 1852.
Island Farm is a living history site that shows how people lived on Roanoke Island in the 1850s. You’ll find stations around the farm where you can learn how they made their metal farm tools, and how they got water. The house is large than I thought it would be and the staff provide insights on how the family lived their day to day.
There are live animals on the farm including chickens, cows, and sheep. This is a popular destination for school trips. If you arrive and there is a school trip going on, I would come back another day.
When you visit, be sure to stop by the old Oak Tree towards the back of the farm. It has a quaint swing, but you’ll have to wait your turn. This is a popular place for pumpkin picking.
Island Farm is only open early April through early December. Check the hours of operation before you head out.
The Mother Vine
The Mother Vine is believed to be the oldest grapevine in North America. It’s estimated to be over 400 years old. The vine is a scuppernong grape, a form of muscadine.
It’s on private property but the owners are proud of the vine and welcome visitors. When they built their home, they maintained about a third of the original vine. You can easily find it on Google maps and there is a small parking lot next to the house, before you reach the driveway.
I was surprised that the vine is much smaller than I expected, but it’s still a piece of history. The family has a winery where they make wine using the grapes from the vine.
From the small parking area, there are signs to the grape and the beach. Take some time to follow the beach path to a gorgeous view. Overall, you can see the vine and the beach in 15 minutes, but it’s worth the trip.
Sarah Ownes Welcome Center & Outer Banks Visitor Bureau Headquarters
The Sarah Owens Welcome Center & Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Headquarters is a bright yellow building with friendly staff. You can get a lot of information about the Outer Banks and Manteo by visiting.
There are also nice trails to wander through. As you are facing the building, to the far right is a boardwalk that parallels Route 64. A little ways down, another trail branches off for a longer hike into Manteo. I would stay on the main boardwalk and take it to the end where it stops at the water.
Be aware that the boardwalk goes through a wilderness area and animals do walk on the boardwalks. I passed bear scat on my way to the water. It’s not something to panic or worry about, just be prepared.
Places Near Manteo, NC
Alligator River Wildlife Preserve
Alligator River Wildlife Preserve is a great place to see wild animals. I would plan my visit before heading out. The preserve has a website with a map and plenty of information to help you get started.
There are several ways to explore the Preserve. You can ride on a tram on a Ranger guided tour. If you have a canoe or kayak, there are over 15 miles of marked paddling trails to keep you busy. A quick way to explore the area is to follow the Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive.
The park does remind everyone that hunting is allowed during certain times of the year. Be careful if you’re hiking or driving near the Game Lands.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
I love my North Carolina State Parks and Jockey’s Ridge is another great experience. There are two sections, but most people want to hike up the dunes which are at the main entrance by the Visitor Center.
My advice is to head out in the evening and walk around, then find a spot to watch the sunset. You have views of the colors from an almost 360-degree view. This is a popular event and there will be other visitors with cameras.
You can also enjoy the brave souls who signed up for a Hang Gliding lesson.
It’s surreal to walk on and around the sand, at times not being able to see anything but more sand. This is a must if you’re visiting the area.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial
About 20 minutes from Manteo is Kill Devil Hills (Kitty Hawk), home to the first flight by the Wright Brothers, a National Park.
The memorial is a park with an entrance fee. There’s a museum and a hill with a large monument at the top you can walk around.
What I loved was the runway next to the museum marking the feet they flew.
Plan on at least 1-2 hours to hike to the monument and visit the museum. There are beautiful views of the town and water from the monument.
Whether you’re a history buff or just want to visit a pretty park with great views, make sure to stop by.
Wrap Up: Visiting Manteo, NC
Manteo, NC and Roanoke Island are a must see if you’re visiting the Outer Banks. Get away from the crowded beaches and find a unique lighthouse, great shopping, good food, and explore historic areas from the 1600s to the 1800s.
You can also paddle around a wildlife preserve, go hiking, see sunset from a dune, and even spend a day at the beach.
There’s plenty to do in and around Manteo. Make it your home base for your next trip to the Outer Banks.
