Things to Do in Manteo, NC: Nature & Outdoor Oriented

Designed by two of America’s foremost landscape architects to pay tribute to America’s first English colonists, The Elizabethan Gardens is a rare treasure and a beloved Outer Banks attraction. It’s a haven of verdant, flourishing growth and natural prosperity. The gardens are in bloom year-round with azaleas, hydrangeas, roses, camellias, flowering trees, a variety of annuals and herbs and much more. Adding exquisite touches are imported Italian Renaissance fountains, garden ornaments, a waterfront gazebo, benches, statues, an expansive lawn and some of the most amazing live oaks you’ll ever see. The large shade canopy overhead provides a cool oasis even on the sunniest summer day. The Garden Gift Shoppe sells books, gifts, herbs and plants. This is a trusted plant source for many locals, as the garden staff nurtures their plants with great care.

New at The Elizabethan Gardens is the John White Butterfly Center. Guests are welcome to walk through the indoor greenhouse, which houses butterflies from May through September. The Elizabethan Gardens also has many new family-friendly aspects, including The Discovery Cottage, an indoor/outdoor educational play area and a location for summer programs. The play area offers a large play ship reminiscent of the ship that carried the colonists to the New World, swings, slides, Elizabethan-style playhouses, educational signage, a koi pond, sandpits, a fossil pit, outdoor picnic tables and room to run.

The Elizabethan Gardens holds outstanding events such as horticulture education workshops and summer programs for kids. Seasonal events throughout the year include Easter Eggstravaganza (day before Easter); Butterfly Festival (month of April), Virginia Dare’s Birthday Celebration (August), Peace, Love and Dogs (September), Harvest Hayday (October) and WinterLights (December and January).

The gardens open at 9 a.m. seven days a week throughout most of the year and at 10 a.m. in December and January. They are closed to the public in February for maintenance. Closing time varies according to the season. Admission (pre-tax) is $10 for adults, $7 for youth ages 6 to 17, $3 for children ages 2 to 5 and free for children younger than 2. Dogs are admitted for $3, but service dogs get in free. Organized tour groups can apply for reduced admission rates in advance. Tickets are for timed entry admission and are purchased online at elizabethangardens.org.

The gardens make a beautiful setting for photographs, bridal luncheons, weddings, receptions, retreats or meetings. Choose from a variety of backdrops for an unforgettable day. An on-site Reception Hall, tent and Rose Garden accommodate parties large and small. Rental information is posted online.
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From late June through mid-August, on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Elizabethan Gardens offers these fun, kid-friendly events with paid admission. Events are weather-dependent and limited to 10 participants outdoors at the Discovery Cottage. Tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance of the date.

Backyard Birds: Discover more about the birds in your own backyard with educational and hands-on activities for inquisitive minds. Participants will explore about birds with a guided art craft and create a bird snack to take to home.  
 
Fun with Frogs: Discover the exciting life cycle of frogs with educational and hands-on activities for inquisitive minds
 
Butterflies: Discover the exciting life-cycle of butterflies with educational and hands-on activities for inquisitive minds.
 
Helpful Bugs: Learn about the beneficial insects in the gardens. 

Self-Guided Audio Tours: Take a tour at your leisure using your mobile device, anytime during regular hours of operation year-round.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is one of the most popular attractions on the Outer Banks. With more than 200 species of animals, including otters, sand tiger sharks and jellyfish to see, the aquarium is a wondrous place to explore. Yes, it's perfect for a rainy day, but you will also appreciate the cool, quiet environment when you've had enough of the sun. Just stepping into the aquarium’s lobby is like diving into the ocean’s depths. Explore the Waters of the Outer Banks through seven galleries, touch pools and immersive experiences. Watch fish, sharks and daily dive shows in the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit while learning about the marine life that inhabits the actual shipwrecks off the Outer Banks coast. Explore a sunken Spanish galleon in the Sea Treasures gallery. Explore aquatic habitats from the Alligator River to Gulf Stream waters, and let the kids play in an interactive Gulf Stream splash pad. Gently stroke a stingray or touch a hermit crab in the Sea Senses gallery and learn more about these underwater critters. In the Wild Wetlands gallery, watch alligators, otters, turtles and more from the surrounding natural habitat. See sea turtle rescue in action at the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. Then enjoy some of the best views on the island as you stroll down their Soundside Pier and find adventure on the Nature Play Trail. Register for special programs that take you behind the scenes to see animal feedings, enjoy kids' programs or even dive with sharks (open to certified divers only). Activities aren’t limited to water. Neptune’s Theater offers films, animal encounters and programs on the Science on a Sphere experience.

The aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Tickets are sold online only at ncaquariums.com/roanokeisland. Tickets times are every half-hour, with the last tickets being sold at 4 p.m. Admission is $12.95 for ages 13 to 61; $11.95 for ages 62 and older; $11.95 for members of the military; $10.95 for children ages 3 to 12; and free for children 2 and younger, pre-registered North Carolina school groups and North Carolina Aquarium Society members. For information on renting the aquarium for special Outer Banks activities such as weddings or receptions, purchasing tickets and registering for programs online, give them a call. 

Docked at Shallowbag Bay Marina in Manteo, Risky Business offers inshore shrimping and crabbing charters in the Roanoke and Croatan sounds. This is a fun, hands-on, family-oriented activity, and all ages are welcome. You'll learn to pull crab pots and shrimp nets, and you get to keep your catch. They run four three-hour trips a day – early morning, mid-morning, early afternoon and late afternoon – from May through September. The 45' boat offers a large fishing platform — a 27-foot-long, 15.5.-foot-wide fishing area that accommodates six chairs and has a shaded area. The boat has a restroom and tables and benches in the cabin. They supply all the necessary equipment and fishing licenses, so all you need to bring are snacks and drinks, a few layers of clothing and sunscreen. Captain Wesley Peele makes sure everyone has fun and safe time on the water while keeping an eye on conservation and respect for the fish species.