Manteo, North Carolina, is a charming coastal town on Roanoke Island with a rich history and plenty of attractions. Even though the size of Manteo is small, there is no shortage of fun to be had while visiting the island. From holiday events to rainy day activities and shopping, there is something to be seen and enjoyed every day of the year.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
A living history site where you can experience a re-creation of the 16th-century English settlement. The park includes the Elizabeth II ship, interactive exhibits, and cultural performances.
Step back in time at Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 25-acre interactive historic site celebrating the first English settlement attempts in the New World. Visitors can explore a life-size replica of the 16th-century ship Elizabeth II, tour an English settlement site, American Indian town, and watch historical interpreters bring colonial history to life.
One of the most popular family-friendly attractions on the Outer Banks, this aquarium features exhibits of local marine life including alligators, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. A major highlight is the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, where guests can learn about sea turtle conservation efforts up close. Hands-on exhibits and outdoor nature trails add to the immersive experience.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, catch a performance of this outdoor drama that brings to life the mystery of the Lost Colony with a mix of history and entertainment.
These stunning botanical gardens, inspired by the English Renaissance, are nestled beside the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Visitors can walk through beautifully landscaped paths that reflect the elegance of the Elizabethan era, admire seasonal blooms, and view sculptures and fountains. The gardens are peaceful, romantic, and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Experience life as it was on Roanoke Island in the 1850s at Island Farm. This living history site features costumed interpreters, heritage livestock, and original buildings including a farmhouse, smokehouse, and blacksmith shop. Guests can participate in hands-on activities like candle making, weaving, and ox-cart rides - ideal for kids and those interested in history.
A picturesque replica of a 19th-century screw-pile lighthouse, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is located at the end of a wooden boardwalk along Shallowbag Bay. While small, it offers stunning waterfront views, interpretive exhibits inside, and a peaceful place for a sunset stroll. It's one of Manteo’s most photographed landmarks.
