Every time I visit Manteo, NC, I fall more in love with it. And I think it’s the perfect home base for an Outer Banks trip.
Although it might seem odd to choose a town not directly on the beach when visiting the OBX, hear me out, because I really think Manteo is a choice you won’t regret. The quaint town is located on Roanoke Island, surrounded by Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, meaning it still offers a wonderful coastal vibe. It boasts a gorgeous boardwalk with stunning sunrise views. Beautiful sailboats line the marina. There’s the charming Roanoke Marshes lighthouse, and the town even has a maritime museum.
Downtown Manteo is charming, historic, and though there’s plenty to do, it’s quieter than many other Outer Banks locales. It offers several cute places to stay, nice coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and the best part—it’s close to everything!
Here’s our guide to what we recommend you do on your trip to the Outer Banks while using Manteo as your home base.
Where To Stay
Tranquil House Inn
Nestled right on the Waterfront Boardwalk in Manteo, Tranquil House Inn offers a traditional coastal aesthetic and easy access to everything. Dine at the on-site restaurant for wonderful waterfront views.
White Doe Inn
White Doe Inn is a romantic Victorian-style bed & breakfast with private gardens and an outdoor firepit area. It’s a short walk to many restaurants and to the waterfront.
Roanoke Island Activities
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
This charming, small lighthouse exudes a true coastal cottage feel with its white exterior and red roof. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sound, marina, and downtown.
Roanoke Maritime Museum
Dive into the regional boating history of Manteo and the Outer Banks. Check out some of the area’s traditional watercraft at Roanoke Maritime Museum.
Elizabethan Gardens
The elaborate Elizabethan Gardens were designed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I. Today, they serve as a living memorial to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists lived here over 400 years ago.
The Lost Colony
Experience a refreshed production of the original drama under the stars at The Lost Colony. Set on the sound on Roanoke Island, this 86-year-old drama features newly enhanced musical and theatrical direction.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Step back in time at this 27-acre historic site. Roanoke Island Festival Park offers interactive experiences, including costumed interpreters demonstrating the lives of the first English settlers.
NC Aquarium Roanoke Island
Located in Manteo, this 61,000 square-foot aquarium overlooks the Croatan Sound and features over 2,200 animals. And it’s just nine miles from the Atlantic coastline in Nags Head.
Food And Drink In The OBX Near Manteo
Outer Banks Distilling
Visit the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks, nestled in historic downtown Manteo. Enjoy Kill Devil Rum tastings, handcrafted cocktails at the Wheel House Lounge, and guided tours of the award-winning rum-making process.
Lost Colony Tavern
Relax on the Lost Colony Tavern patio with a burger, wings, or bangers and mash paired with an ice-cold beer.
Charis Coffee Company
A cozy spot in downtown Manteo, Charis offers delicious coffee, sweet treats for breakfast, and a prayer wall where guests can leave messages of hope and inspiration.
Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop
A Manteo staple since 1984, this sandwich shop offers great views of the Waterfront Boardwalk, live music, and a really delicious reuben!
Rundown Cafe
This Kitty Hawk restaurant is super cool, featuring delicious food like their Rundown Wings, coconut shrimp, and Hawaiian Poke, which we ordered two orders of. It also has a wonderful top deck with an ocean view and the coolest coy pond around!
Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar
Minutes from downtown Manteo in Pirate’s Cove, Blue Water offers fantastic seafood, delicious cocktails, and stunning marina and water views.
Sugar Creek
Located in Nags Head but just five minutes from downtown Manteo, Sugar Creek is a great spot for seafood with a view, complete with live music.
The Nags Head Pier House Restaurant & Captain Andy’s
This oceanfront hotspot is located right on the beach and directly next to the pier. It serves up great breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails and it’s a great place to catch some live music too!
Outer Banks Brewing Station
If you like great beer, an amazing outdoor area to chill out and enjoy the nice weather, cornhole, live music, and great food including a wonderful pizza, then Outer Banks Brewing Station is the place for you!
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Just a twenty minute drive from Manteo, Fish Heads Bar & Grill is located at the Outer Banks Fishing Pier and is the place to be in the evenings for great food, and most importantly, the vibe. Listen to some of the best live music while sipping a beer with friends at the covered bar under a ceiling lined with funny koozies. Or sit at the tables on the pier and enjoy the music under string lights for such a cool ambiance!
Other Activities Within 30 Minutes
Jockey’s Ridge
Visit the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast for stunning sunset views of the sound.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Learn about the Wright Brothers’ first flight, see a replica of their plane, and walk the historic grounds of their inaugural takeoff on December 17, 1903.
Alligator River Refuge
Join a guided tour to see incredible wildlife such as black bears, alligators, and red wolves. We recommend Wildlife With Aspen.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Less than 20 minutes from Manteo, this lighthouse offers panoramic views after climbing 200 steps. Explore the boardwalk for unique marsh views, and keep an eye out for unique wildlife.
Avalon Fishing Pier
A family favorite for over 60 years, this pier features beautiful beaches, the Stonefish Beach Bar, and a family-friendly arcade.
Kitty Hawk Kites
For outdoor adventure, Kitty Hawk Kites offers activities like hang gliding, kayaking, jet skiing, and even coastal winery tours.
Little Red Mailbox
Drop your thoughts and prayers in the Little Red Mailbox in Kitty Hawk, NC as a sign of hope and healing for the community.
H2OBX Waterpark
Cool off at one of the best waterparks around, featuring cutting-edge slides and an Adventure River for unforgettable family fun.
Beaches & Nature
Pea Island
Pea Island is a 6,000-acre bird sanctuary with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Outer Banks.
Old Swimming Hole
Old Swimming Hole is a popular public beach on the sound in Manteo, frequented by both locals and visitors.
Coquina Beach
Across from Bodie Island Lighthouse, this quieter beach offers pristine sand and occasionally crystal-clear blue waters.
Jennette’s Pier
Owned by the North Carolina Aquariums, Jennette’s Pier has been a family favorite since 1939. Enjoy fishing, beach activities, and educational events.
Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station
Visit this historic building in Rodanthe and enjoy the quiet beaches and beautiful sunsets over the sound.
ORV Ramp 4
With four-wheel drive, you can access more secluded beach areas, offering beautiful coastal nature away from the crowds.
THE PERFECT OBX TRIP
For us, Manteo, NC is a great choice for your home base on your next Outer Banks trip. It’s close to most everything you could ever want to see in the OBX. Yet, this town is a quiet, quaint and beautiful coastal village with its own rich character and history!
From delicious food, to cultural events, endless activities for the kids, lighthouses, pristine beaches, and so much more, Manteo as your base camp, and the greater Outer Banks have it all.
