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
This little museum and gallery is behind the home of the owner on Ananias Dare Street across the main highway from the downtown area. Herbert Bliven runs a...read more
The Roanoke Island Dog Park offers two fenced areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs. The dogs can enjoy a large grass area and water features,...read more
Experience a new adventure in an old world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all...read more
Roanoke Island Fitness Lab, R.I.F.L. for short, is a place where people of all ages and fitness levels come together in the name of fitness and wellness....read more
Originally a boathouse used to build world-record–holding speedboats, this building has seen a variety of boat-building uses in its day. The building’s...read more
Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Center is a full-service dive shop that offers dive charters, beach dives, training, gear sales and rentals. They...read more
Perched over the water along Manteo’s waterfront boardwalk, the picturesque Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is perfectly suited to the town’s maritime setting....read more
Located in the fishing village of Wanchese, Safe Harbor Outer Banks is at the heart of Outer Banks fishing and boating. Home of the famous National...read more
For those arriving on the Outer Banks from the west on U.S. Highway 64, a great first stop is the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau's beautiful welcome center at...read more
Shallowbag Bay Marina is a full-service 72-slip marina located just off the inter-coastal waterway on Roanoke Island in the town of Manteo. Boats up to 65’...read more
Attention all thrillseekers! Jumping from a plane at 9,000 feet should get your endorphins flowing — and you get the bonus of a bird’s-eye view of Roanoke...read more
Spend a day with family and friends on the beautiful Croatan Sound as Captain John Silver takes you to his backyard fishing grounds. You'll catch shrimp and...read more