Top Outer Banks Vacation Experiences

Manteo and the Outer Banks are home to events for nearly every amenity in the area. Whether you are competing for offshore bragging rights, awed by a spectacular air show, or running in one of the many 5Ks, you can find it here.

Check out the full calendar on the Outer Banks website.

The Outer Banks is a true fisherman’s paradise. All throughout the year, the area offers a variety of fishing options, including brackish fishing, fly fishing, offshore and inshore charter fishing, sound and head boat fishing, surf fishing and pier fishing.

The Outer Banks is home to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, a replica of the 1877 lighthouse that once stood in its place. Stroll down the weathered boardwalk and explore this coastal cottage style lighthouse with beautiful endless views of the surrounding Roanoke Sound.

History buffs can find everything from the mystery of the Roanoke settlers to pirate lairs and lighthouses to fill any scrapbook or timeline. From one end of the banks to the other you will find quaint villages, seaside paradises, fishing havens, ferry rides, and island getaways to satisfy each member of the family.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park has the tallest sand dunes on the east coast. Follow hiking trails through the dunes that open up to beautiful views of the sound. Visit Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve for some of the best hiking around. Trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round and offer views of sand dunes, ponds, marshes and history.

Ride all over the Outer Banks and enjoy the sand, sea, surf and sunshine. There are many paths and wide paved shoulders throughout the entire area, and the landscape is mostly flat so riders of all levels will enjoy themselves.

Explore the Outer Banks from the water with a kayaking adventure. With everything from small marshy canals to open ocean, there’s a place for every kayak enthusiast to enjoy.

The beaches of the outer banks of North Carolina are unmatched in beauty and surprising finds. Whether you stumble across the wild horses of Corolla or the dolphins that frequent the waters surrounding the ribbons of sand that form the outer banks, you are in for a treat every time. Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune on the east coast, seems to tower to the sky as you scale the sides, and the sunset is magnificent to behold if you time your visit just right. Thanks to the National Seashore, the beaches are pristine and provide visitors with a perfect seaside experience whether you are sunbathing, sightseeing, shell hunting, fishing, or surfing.

The Town of Manteo on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina includes a waterfront marina. The location offers easy access to the Roanoke Sound, Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a small but deep and well-protected harbor, accommodating vessels up to 150 feet in length. There are approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters. The marina offers arrangements for repairs, haul out, rental cars, and shuttle services to nearby airports in Manteo and Norfolk, VA. Manteo Marina is on VHF-16 or call the Dockmaster for directions on approach or for information.

Roanoke Island Festival Park is just across the bridge from downtown Manteo. Docked there is the Elizabeth II, the elaborately constructed replica of a fantastic and detail-perfect example of the ship that brought the original colonists to Manteo. The ship can be explored in person during the prime summer months, guided by costumed interpreters, or can be admired by anyone who strolls along the downtown Manteo docks. Stationed right in the front of The Tranquil House, the Elizabeth II is an unmistakable and alluring site to any guest.

Dine at our very own 1587 Restaurant & Lounge for one of the finest dining experiences in town. Enjoy plates crafted with the freshest ingredients and specialty cocktails off of our drink menu. Walk down the boardwalk or into downtown for some of our other favorites. Stop in at The Hungry Pelican for a delicious sandwich or salad, enjoy a fresh brew and dinner at the Lost Colony Brewery & Tavern, or start your day with a coffee from the Island Perk Coffee Shop.

Downtown Manteo is located just a few blocks off the main road but might seem like a world apart. The small streets that lead to the harbor are filled with gorgeous gardens, specialty shops, charming public spaces, locally and nationally renowned restaurants, water sports companies, gift shops, antique stores, bookstores, galleries, and more. The Pioneer Theater, a fixture in the town for decades, is located along these side streets and claims the honor of being the oldest single-screen and family-owned movie theater in America.