Major city · United States
Manteo
Spend a full day for the Lost Colony and waterfront, add a half‑day if you want Elizabethan Gardens – no need to stay overnight.
Manteo is a small Outer Banks town where most attractions cluster near the waterfront. A single day covers the Lost Colony show, the waterfront shops and the Elizabethan Gardens; an extra half‑day lets you explore Roanoke Island trails or the nearby Alligator River refuge.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- avoid Dec–Feb
- Airport
- Dare County Regional (MEO)
- Nights
- 0
About Manteo
Manteo is a town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with most of its attractions gathered around a waterfront of shops and restaurants that look out over the water. It sits on Roanoke Island and is reached from other Outer Banks communities such as Nags Head and Kitty Hawk by the Virginia Dare Trail, known locally as the Beach Road, then Route 264. The town is known for the Lost Colony outdoor drama, performed on the soundfront, and for the Elizabethan Gardens. Summer is the liveliest season, though some draws, including the Christmas Shop, stay open all year. Manteo also serves visitors staying elsewhere on the Outer Banks with shopping and dining.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Manteo.
- The Lost Colony — Paul Green's symphonic drama is staged on the soundfront at 1409 National Park Dr and has run since 1937.
- Manteo Waterfront — Shops and restaurants line the water, and the downtown area is known for walking.
- Elizabethan Gardens — A garden at 411 National Park Drive with summer hours of 9AM to 7PM daily and a calendar of events.
- Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse — Exhibits cover the island's maritime heritage and the history of the lighthouse and its keepers.
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge — More than 150,000 acres of wetland habitat west of Manteo on Hwy 64/264, with wildlife from wood ducks to red wolves.
Do
- See a performance at the outdoor pavilion at Festival Park.
- Walk around historic downtown Manteo.
- Walk or bike the paths at Fort Raleigh National Historical Site, which carry plaques on Roanoke's history.
- Explore the Elizabethan ship replica and the museum and theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Darrell's Restaurant — A local favorite on U.S. 64 known for seafood and hush puppies.
- Lost Colony Brewery and Cafe — On the waterfront at 208 Queen Elizabeth Street, with an eclectic menu and live music some nights.
- Ortega'z — Southwestern fusion dishes made fresh daily on Sir Walter Raleigh Street.
- Olde Towne Creamery — A locally owned ice cream parlor on N. Main Highway.
Customs
- The town's shops carry both local flavor and tourist goods, from bookstores to artisan shops.
- The Pioneer Theatre shows one film each evening and rotates to a new one the following week.
- Manteo marks the holidays with events such as an annual Christmas tree lighting.
Events
- Lost Colony performances — Staged at the north end of Roanoke Island.June-August
- Christmas tree lighting — An annual holiday event in Manteo.
Emergency numbers for Manteo911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Manteo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyManteo is generally safe; watch for summer beach crowds and keep valuables locked in vehicles.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMEO Dare County Regional Airport.
- Getting aroundCar is the main mode; the Beach Road (Virginia Dare Trail) links Manteo to Nags Head and Kitty Hawk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–$4
- Budget bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$55
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$80
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$110
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MEO Dare County Regional Airport
Map of Manteo
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Manteo
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Nags Head · 5.8 km straight line
- Colington · 12 km straight line
- Kill Devil Hills · 13 km straight line
- Kitty Hawk · 19 km straight line
- Southern Shores · 25 km straight line
- Duck · 30 km straight line
- Corolla · 55 km straight line
- Elizabeth City · 66 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Manteo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is the main mode; the Beach Road (Virginia Dare Trail) links Manteo to Nags Head and Kitty Hawk. Downtown is walkable.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round trip
Drive west on US‑64/264 from Manteo, about 15 min
Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, kayaking tours (fee).
Roanoke Island Festival Park
goDoor to door: ≈10 min
Walk or short drive across the bridge, 5 min
Elizabethan ship replica, museum, and movie theater.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Dare Haven Motel
Basic rooms, $50–60 off‑season, $80–90 summer for two; pet‑friendly.
Scarborough Inn
Small‑hotel feel, $75–125 summer, includes continental breakfast.
White Doe Inn
All‑inclusive, complimentary breakfast, bikes for guests.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. lodging
- Mid
- $100–$150 excl. lodging
- High
- $150+ excl. lodging
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × US$80 | US$80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Lost Colony ticket (adult)2 × US$35 · check | US$70 |
| Car rental (day)2 × US$60 · check | US$120 |
| eSIM data (5 days)2 × US$30 · check | US$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$57 |
| Trip total≈ US$314 per person per day, bed included | US$627 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–$4 |
| Seafood platter (e.g., shrimp, fish) | $12–$25 |
| Lost Colony ticket | $25–$40 |
| Bike rental (hour) | $8–$12 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer crowds make the Lost Colony tickets sell out early – book on the official site.
- Traffic can back up on the Beach Road during peak season; allow extra travel time.
- Some attractions (e.g., Elizabethan Gardens) have limited summer hours; check dates.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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ManteoManteo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Raleigh (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Car rental day: ≈ $55 (budget) – $80 (mid) – $110 (high) for a compact car, include insurance.
- Lost Colony show: $25–$40 per adult (check schedule).
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me / Sorry)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Manteo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug · avoid Dec–Feb · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a bike rental for easy waterfront loops.
- Include a sunset kayak tour at the marina for active travelers.
Sources
Ask about Manteo
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