Explore the many Outer Banks attractions and unique day trip destinations during a stay at our Manteo, NC inn. From historic lighthouses and sunset cruises, to art galleries and outdoor adventure, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Outer Banks Attractions & Day Trips
Explore Manteo & the Surrounding Area
Around Downtown Manteo
Manteo Arts & Theater
Dare County Arts Gallery
Explore this fine arts and craft gallery with a constantly rotating exhibit of local art.
Pioneer Theatre
This is a large, single screen movie house of days gone by that still offers family-friendly pricing.
Silver Bonsi
Shop for modern heirloom jewelry, artwork, unique gifts and bonsei trees and supplies.
Manteo Shopping
Sam & Winstons
Home decor and more – find lovely accessories, gifts, furnishings.
Charlottes on Shallowbag Bay
Discover truly beautiful and unique apparel and gifts at a shop that has stood the test of time.
Ducks Cottage Coffee & Books
Enjoy the coffee shop and a meticulously curated inventory of books and newspapers, and souvenirs.
Maritime Adventures
Downtown Manteo Waterfront
Sit on the dock and watch boats in the marina sail by.
Manteo Marina Boardwalk
Stroll along the waterfront where boaters come for a visit.
OBX Sunset Cruise
Hop aboard a 55-foot topsail schooner for a memorable sunset cruise, and bring one of our Wine & Cheese Baskets along..
Coastal Sols
Authentic coastal experiences including day, sunset & catered dinner sails aboard the Pelican, a Pilot 35.
Parks & Preserves
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Take their nature trail to experience island nature.
Nags Head Nature Preserve
See natural wonders at the Atlantic’s largest Maritime Forest.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
For a bit more adventure, saunter along a path that meanders up the tallest sand dunes on the east coast to catch a sunset.
Botanical Gardens
Elizabethan Gardens
Tour through a wide variety of garden displays, from the Great Lawn to the Sunken Gardens. Each season brings new and unique blooms and plants. During the month of December, an illuminated winter wonderland awaits in the enchanted Elizabethan Gardens. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall. A crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn, marshmallows provided. Seasonal gift shop and plant sales coincide.
Day Trips from Manteo
Heading North on US 158
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kitty Hawk, NC
Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful powered airplane flights on December 17, 1903 in Kitty Hawk, NC.
Historic Currituck Lighthouse, Corolla, NC
Climb the 220 steps to the top of the majestic, red brick lighthouse, first lit on December 1, 1875.
Historic Whalehead Club, Corolla, NC
Whalehead is a beautifully restored 1920s Art Nouveau style residence that is open to the public for museum tours.
Heading South on NC 12
Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, Rodanthe, NC
This is the most complete site of all remaining life-saving stations in North Carolina and one of the most complete sites in the nation.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, NC
The present lighthouse was lit on December 16, 1870. (Temporarily closed due to Coronavirus.)
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Hatteras Village, NC
Explore rich maritime history from the earliest days of exploration to modern day. (Temporarily closed due to Coronavirus.)
Heading West on I-64
Alligator River Wildlife Refuge
Cross over the Virginia Dare Bridge, NC’s longest bridge, to enter this unique refuge. The Refuge offers a chance to see and observe black bears, red wolves, alligators, bird life and much more. As you move westward from the barrier islands to Roanoke Island to the mainland, observe the changes in each environment.
National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Kayak and canoe tours can be reserved on Roanoke Island or you can travel and explore on your own.