Our Communities › Manteo (Dare County)

Things to Do in Manteo & Roanoke Island

Manteo is the Dare County seat and the heart of Roanoke Island, with a walkable downtown on Shallowbag Bay. Wanchese, the island's fishing village, is just down the road. 🎭

Stroll the waterfront ⚓

Walk the boardwalk out to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, then browse the shops, galleries and restaurants downtown. Dare Arts hosts exhibits and classes right in town.

Step back to 1585 ⛵

Roanoke Island Festival Park has the Elizabeth II replica ship, waterside trails and an amphitheater for summer concerts. The Lost Colony, the outdoor drama, plays on the island in summer.

Gardens and an aquarium 🐢

The Elizabethan Gardens have a butterfly garden and a kids' nature play area, and the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has otters, sharks and sea turtles. Buy aquarium tickets online before you go.

Mark your calendar 🎉

Library programs, art openings, wine tastings and the markets in Wanchese fill the calendar below all year.

What's happening on Roanoke Island this week

Explore nearby: Outer Banks & Dare County · Columbia & Tyrrell County · All communities