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.

Around Downtown Manteo

Outer Banks Attractions Include Art Galleries

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.

Antiques and Collectibles Shopping in Manteo, NC

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.

Couple on a boat with champagne

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.

Manteo, NC Boardwalk at Sunset

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.

Elizabethan Botanical Gardens

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

Wright Brothers National Memorial

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.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse During East Coast Scenic Drive

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.)

Alligator on an Outer Banks Day Trip

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.