Manteo

Manteo is a town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Much of the fun in visiting Manteo, as with most of the Outer Banks, is visiting during the summer. Some of Manteo's staples run all year round, such as the Christmas Shop, but some of the attractions are seasonal, such as the Lost Colony performances. Manteo also provides some nice shopping and dining opportunities for those who are in other areas of the Outer Banks, such as neighboring Nags Head.

The sunken garden in the Elizabethan Gardens

Get in

By car

You can use the Virginia Dare Trail, which is known to locals as the "Beach Road," to get to Manteo from other parts of the Outer Banks, such as Nags Head or Kitty Hawk. Head SW on this road until you have to take a right at 264-W. This will lead you into Manteo.

By plane

• 🌍 Dare County Regional Airport (MEO  ^IATA). Public general aviation, no scheduled flights, only cargo.  

Get around

See

• Roanoke Island
• Historic Downtown Manteo
• Manteo Waterfront - numerous shops and restaurants overlooking the water. Very pleasant atmosphere, nice views of the water.
• Elizabethan Gardens

Do

• Watch a performance at the outdoor pavilion at Festival Park.
• Walk around historic and charming downtown Manteo.
• See a performance of the Lost Colony, America's oldest outdoor drama. Family entertainment. Runs June-August on the north end of Roanoke Island. A few notable performers have passed through, including TV personality Andy Griffith and comedian/actor Chris Elliot. It portrays the story of 117 men, women and children as they attempt to make a new home in an unfamiliar land, then disappear without a trace. The Lost Colony has remained one of history's greatest mysteries for more than 400 years. Director Drew Scott Harris has woven Paul Green's dream into a tapestry of Elizabethan England and the world the colonists found on Roanoke Island.
• Even if you can't get tickets for the Lost Colony show, have seen it time and again, or come off season, there is still plenty to see at the Fort Raleigh National Historical Site. There are lots of waling paths to walk on or ride bikes on that are very scenic and have various plaques containing historic information and informing you all about Roanoke's interesting history. Fans of history, nature, and bike riding will find a lot of things to enjoy. The Elizabethan gardens are very beautiful and are open year round (there is admission, but its a small price and quite worth it). Unless you are being active and doing things like bike riding or you are going to see the Lost Colony Show, it is not the best place to go with kids.
• Downtown Manteo, also known as the waterfront, is another very beautiful and interesting sight to see. There is tons to do for everyone and a lot to see. There are lots of shops to see and you can find a lot of the local flavor as well as the tourist flavor in the stores that line the waterfront, with everything from bookstores to artisan shops. It's a great place to walk and explore. There are also many restaurants with a range of prices and style. The Pioneer Theatre is a great place to go in the evening, and despite only playing one film every evening before rotating to a new film the next week, it has awesomely cheap prices for food and tickets.
• Roanoke Island Festival park is a great place to spend the day for families and adults alike. Directly adjacent across a small bridge from the waterfront, you can drive onto the small island or easily walk there from the waterfront. The Elizabethan ship replica is an interesting site to explore, and although finding out that you can explore the ship and then finding the ship which so notably decorates the waterfront's scenic view, asking information in the visitors center or even just a passing visitor can help you find it. It is not worth going out of the way for, and it does not take long to see, but it is much more part of the package of the Festival Park. There is a movie in a cool air conditioned theater that chronicles the lives of the Native Americans involved with the Roanoke settlement, and is quite enjoyable and interesting. It is like watching a professional movie, rather than an outdated documentary full of boring nothingness that one might expect. Next to the movie theater is a little museum that is worth seeing. It has a lot of interesting history and a lot for kids and adults to enjoy, and is very modern and attention keeping. Both are a great excuse to escape the heat of summer as well, as they are air conditioned.
• There are also usually various art galleries and concerts over the summer months, Manteo also likes to celebrate the holidays by doing some event, such as an annual Christmas Tree lighting.
• Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has over 150,000 acres of wetland habitats and a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from wood ducks and alligators to black bears and red wolves. Plant species including the Atlantic white cedar, bald cypress, wildflowers and shrubs are abundant. Hiking and wildlife trails plus fishing areas. Trails for kayaking and canoeing; guided canoe tours are available for a fee. On Hwy 64/264 west from Manteo.
• The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse contains exhibits highlighting Roanoke Island's maritime heritage, including a history of the Marshes Lighthouse and its keepers. The original screw-pile lighthouse was in Croatan Sound on the west side of Roanoke Island. Built in 1877, it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard in 1955.
• The Aquarium is a great place to visit. Located down a residential side street, it exceeds any expectations one would have for a local, tucked away museum. There is lots to do. There are shows, a huge gift shop, tons of fish, sting ray feeling exhibit, otters, crocodiles, sharks, and lots of interactive fun for kids. There is lots to do outside as well, including a shark tooth dig and a little trail with information about local wildlife. It is also directly across from the airport, so you can see planes land and take off as you leave or enter.

Buy

New Roanoke Marshes Light

• Beach'n Life, 102A Sir Walter Raleigh Street, [phone]. Perfect destination for purchasing your OBX memories. Beach'n Life is a colorful fun store that offers something for everyone in the family!
• The Christmas Shop and Island Gallery, 621 U.S. 264 Manteo, NC 27954, ☎ [phone]. For those who want to get ahead on their holiday purchases, this store offers decorations and art with a beachy touch. It has been around since the 1970s, and has expanded to include not just Christmas items, but a Halloween section, an art section full of paintings and the like from local artists, a candy shop, and custom t-shirts. As for the Christmas items, they are organized into themed sections, such as television shows, religion-oriented, and gay pride. 
• Endless Possibilities 105 Budleigh Street. [phone]. This unique gift shop offers hand crafted quilts, and bags. Endless Possibilities is also a fundraising program of the Outer Banks Hotline Crisis Intervention and Prevention Center. It’s part weaving program, part community center and part recycling program.
• Elizabethan Gardens Located at 411 National Park Drive, Manteo. [phone]. (Summer hours : 9AM to 7PM daily) Hot spot for nature lovers and family vacationers. Elizabethan Garden offers a calendar of events throughout the year that display their events, and this is no place to miss.
• Nancyware Pottery 402 Queen Elizabeth Ave. [phone]. This destination is a hands on pottery studio that allows is costumers to create and sculpt just about anything they desire. It's a very fun activity for families, but also those of any ages.

Eat

• Darrell's264 U.S. 64, [phone] darrellsseafood.com The best seafood and hush puppies in Manteo. A local favorite with great food, even for those who do not like seafood.
• Full Moon Café, 208 Queen Elizabeth Street. Manteo Waterfront, 252-473-MOON - Downtown Manteo on the Waterfront. Offers a self-proclaimed "unusual" selection on its menu, including a variety of different cuisines. Also offers live music some nights.  
• Ortega'z Sir Walter Raleigh Street. [phone]. Lunch, Dinner. Delicious southwestern fusion cuisine, made fresh daily. 11AM - 9PM. $6-22.
• Mimi's Tiki Hut (Open May - September) 2000 Sailfish Drive, Pirates Cove Marina. [phone], [phone]. Great place to eat and get the beachy-feel of Manteo. MiMi's offers a wide selection of beer and wine along with light snacks. Open noon - 8PM Live entertainment.
• Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop & Pub (Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) 303 Queen Elizabeth Avenue. [phone]. This delicious spot has something for everyone in the family! Amazing soups and sandwiches and a broad selection of wines and beer for those 21 of age! Great place for a quick meal! Live entertainment Th-Sa at 8PM
• Magnolia Grille 408 Queen Elizabeth Avenue. [phone]. Kid friendly and offers outdoor seating when the weathers nice. Menu includes such things as seafood, quesadillas, homemade soups, specialty salads, sandwiches and more.
• Olde Towne Creamery (M-F 9AM to 5PM, Sa Su noon-5PM) 500 N. Main Highway. [phone]. Olde Towne is a locally owned ice cream parlor that offers 24 flavors of ice cream, 8 flavors of Italian ice, fudge, milkshakes, smoothies, floats, banana splits, ice cream cakes, sherbert, yogurt and bottled drinks. For those without a sweet tooth, or arriving with an empty tummy, Olde Towne has delicious New York-style hot dogs and North Carolina BBQ.
• The Hungry Pelican (Open 11AM-6PM) 207 Queen Elizabeth Street. [phone]. This waterfront deli is a simply delicious option you can't pass up. The owners of the Hungry Pelican have made over 500,000 sandwiches and have satisfied people from all over the country.

Drink

• Stripers Bar and Grill. 

Sleep

• Pirate's Cove Vacation Rentals, 1 Sailfish Drive, toll-free: [phone]. 
• Southern Shores Realty 5 Ocean Boulevard Southern Shores, [phone]. Southern Shores Realty provides its guests with plenty of rentals to choose from. Winter, and long term rentals are available, in addition to discounts and specials.
• White Doe Inn - Located at 319 Sir Walter Raleigh St. [phone]. The Inn offers an all-inclusive stay with complimentary breakfast, afternoon & evening refreshments, bicycles for the guests, and excellent concierge services. Exclusive room packages to accommodate each costumer and they also offer spa services for those indulging.
• Dare Haven Motel - 81964 264 Hwy. [phone]. Has been owned and operated by the Williams family for 3 generations. They offer clean and comfortable rooms for the cost-conscious vacationer. Boat friendly, so don't be afraid to pull up at the dock! Summer rates: $80-90 for two and spring - fall rates: $50-60 for two. Pet friendly!
• Scarborough Inn - 524 Highway 64. [phone]. Scarborough offers a small hotel feel and personality, along with superb costumer service. 14 units available, offers continental breakfast, and all rooms include microwave, television, coffee maker and telephone. Bed sizes differ from double, queen and king sized beds. Summer rates $85-125, fall $75-105, winter $45-75 and spring $75-105. No pets allowed!
• Elizabethan Inn - 814 US Highway 64. [phone]. Found in the heart of historical Roanoke Island, Elizabethan Inn provides for the needs of visitors since 1954. The Inn offers great food, a friendly atmosphere and year round spa facilities. Guests an indulge in the indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, massage, outdoor pool, and exercise room. The Inn includes loveseats, King beds, efficiencies, room refrigerators, and small conference facilities. Some rooms can sleep up to 6 people, and every room includes microwaves, refrigerators, television, and free local calls.
• Cameron House Inn 300 Budleigh Street. [phone]. This Bed and Breakfast is an experience worth living. With only 6 rooms in the house, every room is decorated and well furnished. It's a great getaway for a couple in search for a romantic stay for their honeymoon or anniversary.
• Burrus House Inn 509 US Highway 64/264. [phone]. Burrus House is one of the only ocean-front inns in Manteo. The interior design showcases the spectacular view of Outer Banks sand dune vistas, marsh grass, blue-green waters and sandy shoreline. Each room has its own fireplace, and the upscale waterfront suites feature double showers for two, a corner Jacuzzi for luxurious soaking, private decks and bay views.
• The Outdoors Inn Bed & Breakfast 406 Uppowoc Ave. [phone]. The Outdoor Inn is found in the historic section of downtown Manteo This luxurious 2-bedroom inn offers private baths, queen size beds, central heat & air conditioning, refrigerator and television in room, hair dryers & am-fm radio alarm clock. Each room has a television and a variety of movies to enjoy. The inn offers fresh coffee & a full hot, home-made breakfast. Rates: (winter - November 9 to Feb. 28 - $50 night) (March 1 to May 14 & Sept. 9 to November 8- $75 night 2 night minimum) (May 15 to September 8 - $109 night, 2 night minimum and 3 night minimum on holidays)

Go next

Routes through Manteo

Raleigh ← Tarboro ←

W  E

→ Nags Head → END