No matter what Roanoke Island things to do you choose during your time here, one thing is certain: You’ll never be bored. Whether you crave relaxation or high-energy adventure, it’s all here.
The things to do in Manteo, NC, include sailing along the sound or taking a dolphin-sighting cruise. Go crabbing from a dock or fight a marlin on an off-shore charter fishing trip. Parasail high above the water or take a bike ride along the island. Watch the sun set from the decks of a beautiful boat or zip through the sound on a Jet boat. Stroll along the Manteo boardwalk and enjoy the quaint beauty that characterizes Roanoke Island, or settle down to a modern movie in an old-fashioned theater. Join the local kids at the town-built skate park, or take the little ones to the waterfront playground. As you can see, the opportunities for things to do in Manteo, NC, knows no limits.
And when you look beyond the things to do in Manteo, NC, to other Roanoke Island things to do, you’ll find air tours, fishing, backwater kayak tours, head boat excursions, Pirate Boat trips, yoga and Pilates classes, scuba trips and more. Manteo's recreation is more varied than Wanchese's recreation, which centers around fishing.
Various Things to Do in Manteo, NC
A notable feature of Roanoke Island things to do is the abundant history steeped within this island. Many historic sites and influential locations are popular spots to check out. See our Roanoke Island Attractions section for more about things to do in Manteo, NC, and all the places to visit on the island, including Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Elizabethan Gardens, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, an operating 19th-century farm and even the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island. It also always seems like some sort of special event, festival, program, performing art, summer camp, children’s program and much more is happening on Roanoke Island. You can keep a beat on everything currently occurring by checking out our Roanoke Island Daytime Events page and Roanoke Island Nightlife page. To stay ahead on what’s to come throughout the year, see what Outer Banks Annual Events are going on in Manteo, NC.
Roanoke Island Activities by Location or Category
E-bikes are not only a fun way to explore the Outer Banks, but also a convenient and inexpensive way to get around without getting caught up in summer...read more
Cartwright Park has a picnic shelter, restrooms, grills and a playground. The park is named for Andrew Cartwright, founder of AME Zion churches in the...read more
Whether you enjoy the thrill of parasailing or the excitement of a Waverunner, it's waiting for you at Causeway Watersports. This adventure mecca is on the...read more
The Sea'scape is a beautiful 41' ketch that takes guests on private sailing charters in the Roanoke and Albemarle sounds. Tours leave from the...read more
Coastal Sols offers private day sails and sunset sails on Pelican, a beautifully restored and well-kept 35-foot Hinckley Custom Pilot built in 1964...read more
Dare County Arts Council is located in the heart of downtown Manteo in the historic 1904 Dare County Courthouse. The eclectic gallery showcases fine...read more
Dare County Center is a multi-generational facility on Roanoke Island. Next to the Dare County Administration Building and Justice Center, it offers...read more
The Wright brothers weren’t the only famous pilots to fly on the Outer Banks. Inside Roanoke Island’s small airport terminal is an informative two-room...read more
Dare Days celebrates its 48th year in 2023. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo on the first Saturday of June, is a mix of live music, craft and...read more
Downeast Rover is a 55-foot topsail schooner offering sailing tours into the Roanoke Sound daily. The ship’s home berth is right on the Manteo...read more
On Saturday mornings from mid-May through the early fall, Manteo's Downtown Market features home-grown, home-baked and homemade goods for sale. Pick up...read more