Manteo, NC
Manteo, NC is a charming waterfront town located on Roanoke Island, just across the Roanoke Sound from Nags Head. Rich in history and full of small-town coastal charm, Manteo offers a unique Outer Banks experience where the beach crowds give way to walkable side streets, historic landmarks and the historic Pioneer Movie Theater founded in 1918 and a favorite of local icon, Andy Griffith.
Manteo is known for its beautiful downtown waterfront area filled with local boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and plenty of history to explore and learn. Take a walk out to the replica Roanoke Marshes Light to see how the fishermen of past times navigated the waters by this screwpile lighthouse.
Stroll over the bridge to Roanoke Island Festival Park and explore the museum and reenactment areas of the Native Americans and English Settlers that resided on the island. Board the replica 16th-century ship, the Elizabeth II. Manteo is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy an ice cream cone by the water, or take a sunset cruise along Shallowbag Bay.
Manteo is steeped in history. It’s home to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the site of the first American colony and home to the Elizabethan Gardens and the Waterside Theatre, which hosts the beloved outdoor drama The Lost Colony each summer, telling the story in the very place it happened.
Just a short drive from downtown is the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, one of the top family attractions on the Outer Banks, featuring sea turtles, sharks, touch tanks, and educational exhibits.
Vacation rentals in Manteo range from cozy cottages to beautifully restored historic homes, many within walking distance to the waterfront. These rentals are ideal for couples or families who want to be close to cultural attractions, quiet waterways and scenic walking paths. While you won’t find oceanfront homes here, the soundside views and peaceful atmosphere offer their own kind of magic.
Manteo is ideal for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace, scenic beauty, and cultural depth. With its historic charm, walkable waterfront, and easy access to the rest of the Outer Banks, Manteo offers a refreshing blend of small-town hospitality and coastal adventure. Whether you're catching a sunset over the sound, visiting a local brewery, or exploring centuries-old mysteries, you’ll feel right at home in Manteo from the moment you arrive.
While visiting Manteo, be sure to explore the neighboring towns and experience all that the Outer Banks has to offer!
