The seaside village of Manteo is a great spot to explore North Carolina's seashore. Seaside trails and a pier are just some of the areas that can be explored. Or if the water is not your cup of tea, Manteo has a historic downtown that has been wonderfully restored over the years. Manteo has an active festival and event calendar, be sure to check in to see what's happening when you plan to be in town.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has paddling trails, a wildlife drive, two wildlife trails, and a variety of wildlife. Refuge tram tours, canoe tours, and wildlife watching opportunities are also available.
Address: Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954, United States
Phone: 1 (252) 473-1131, Fax: 1 (252) 473-1668
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island near Manteo, features the largest ocean tank in the state at close to 1,200,000 litres / 300,000 gallons. Here visitors of all ages can see all manner of aquatic life up close and personal. Of particular note is the aquatic petting zoo where visitors can touch and feel various small aquatic animals and plants. Over 1 million people per year visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.
Roanoke Island Festival Park is where to go to learn about and experience the history of Roanoke Island. The island is known for being the site of the first temporary English settlement in the Americas.
Here visitors will find Elizabeth II, a re-created 16th century ship with costumed interpreters playing the role of sailors.
Also in the park is the Roanoke Adventure Museum, featuring 400 years of Outer Banks history, an Art Gallery, and much more.
Roanoke Island Festival Park is located directly across from the Manteo waterfront.
Hours:
March 1 to December 30: 9am-5pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)