Ballast Point 85 in Pirate's Cove

Four Bedroom Soundview House, Located in Manteo

Take Your Kids To a Local Educational Camp

Because of the various educational opportunities for children on the Outer Banks, several local organizations offer partial-day and full-day camps, most of which last five days. Organizations that have kids' camps are as follows: The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island at (252) 473-3493, The KDH Cooperative Gallery at (252) 441-9888, The Kitty Hawk Sports Kids Kayak Clinic at (252) 441-6800, The Outer Banks Family YMCA at (252) 449-8897, Dare County Parks and Recreation at (252) 473-1101, ext. 313, Dare County Cooperative Extension at (252) 473-1101, ext. 442, Ocean Atlantic Rentals Surf School at (800) 635-9559 and Club Hatteras Kids at (252) 995-4600. These programs will be fun for the kids while they learn about various aspects of the Outer Banks.

Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local Sounds

There are several docks and marinas located throughout the Outer Banks to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Space is limited during the summer months, especially on the weekends, so be sure to call ahead for slip reservations. Thousands of visitors bring their boats to the Outer Banks each year, but if you don't have your own boat, some area businesses do offer powerboat rentals. For information on marinas and dock space, a few options are the Dock of the Bay in Kitty Hawk at (252) 255-5578, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center at (252) 441-6301, Frisco Cove Marina at (252) 995-4242 or Teach's Lair Marina in Hatteras at (252) 986-2460. For boat rentals, contact The Promenade Watersports in Kitty Hawk at (252) 261-4400 or The Waterworks in Nags Head at (252) 441-8875.

Visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse and Keepers' Quarters

Located more than a half-mile from the Atlantic Ocean on Bodie Island, the Bodie Island Lighthouse was built in 1872. It was the third lighthouse to be built near Oregon Inlet, as the first one was built south of Oregon Inlet in 1847 and developed structural damage within the first 10 years and had to be rebuilt. The second was also built south of Oregon Inlet in 1859 but was destroyed by Confederate forces during the Civil War. The current Bodie Island Lighthouse is 170 feet tall and was built north of the Oregon Inlet because of the inlet's constant moving to the south. Operated by the U.S. Coast Guard for many years, the lighthouse was turned over to the National Park Service in 2000. There is a Visitor Center with exhibits and a bookstore on the grounds, but the lighthouse is not available for climbing. For more information, call (252) 441-5711.

Visit Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II

Visible from Historic Downtown Manteo's waterfront, the Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II ship is one of the largest attractions on the Outer Banks. The Park opened in 1998 as an educational, historical and cultural arts complex and teaches visitors about the evolution of Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks between the 16th and 19th centuries. The Elizabeth II ship was built in 1983 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first English settlement in America. The park is open year-round and admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under five. For more information, contact the Park at (252) 475-1500.

Watch a Performance at the Outer Banks Music Showcase

The Outer Banks Music Showcase opened in the summer of 2004 and has been a popular entertainment destination for visitors and locals. The audience is entertained by various local performers who blend music with comedy to create family-friendly shows. Several music genres are presented including country, show tunes, pop, 1950s and 1960s, gospel and patriotic music. During the peak season, two performances are held each night. The theater is located in Kitty Hawk at Milepost 4.5 on US Highway 158. Tickets start at $19.95 for adults and $11.95 for children twelve and under. For more information, contact the Outer Banks Music Showcase at (252) 261-7505.

Take a Flightseeing Tour with Coastal Helicopters

Coastal Helicopters offers flightseeing tours, photography and videography flights over the beautiful Outer Banks. You will enjoy panoramic views from the sky with an FAA Certified Commercial Helicopter Pilot when you take your air tour with Coastal Helicopters. The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 Raven II and offers a safe, smooth ride to accompany the unparalleled views. A few attractions that can be seen from the air include Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Wild Banker Ponies, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Sewashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more! Call Coastal Helicopters today at 252-928-8074 for more information.

Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of the Outer Banks is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is the home to a live sea creature, set him back in the sand and keep searching. After you are done with your beachcombing, don't forget to soak the shells in bleach water or another cleaning agent. Even if the shells you choose are empty now, they had something living in them at one time and need to be cleaned before you pack them in your suitcase.

Take Your Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle on the Beach

Though there is some controversy over whether it should be allowed or not, you can drive on the beach in many parts of the Outer Banks in designated off-road beach access areas. You will need to have a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to prevent getting stuck, and you may not go over 25 mph while driving on the beach. Some places don't allow beach driving and some require permits to drive on the beach, so check with the local area officials to make sure you are following the rules. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (252) 473-2111.

Visit the Nags Head Hammocks Store Near You

Nags Head Hammocks is an original Outer Banks store that crafts original rope hammocks, swings and chairs, as well as their own curved cypress hammock stands and hammock swing stands. All of their products are handcrafted in their seven stores, all located on the Outer Banks. Their products have become well-known for their comfort, durability and attention to detail. All of their locations put several pieces on display for you to test. If you are unable to purchase one of these great items during your stay on the Outer Banks, you also have the option to purchase on-line at their web site. For more information, you may contact Nags Head Hammocks at (800) 344-6433.

Spend an Afternoon at Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach, known for its secluded, wide beach, is one of the favorite beaches on the Outer Banks. Located only 6 miles south of the Whalebone Junction on the south side of Nags Head, this beach has smaller crowds than other parts of the Outer Banks while offering the basic amenities - a lifeguard (in the summer), restrooms, outdoor showers and a parking area. This beach is home to the coquina clams, which are edible and make excellent chowder. Because it is miles away from any commercial or residential building, Coquina Beach is a great place to sunbathe, swim, fish, surf and search for shells.

 

Manteo Restaurants

Big Al's Soda Fountain & Grill
100 Patty Lane
Manteo, NC 27954

China King
309 US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Darrell's Seafood Restaurant
521 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Island Central Grill
928 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

McDonald's
515 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

T.L.'s Family Restaurant
812 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Virginia Dare Restaurant
814 US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

1587 Restaurant & Catering
405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954

Front Porch Cafe & Roastry
300 South Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

The Hungry Pelican
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Waterfront Shoppes
Manteo, NC 27954

Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop
323 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954

The Waterfront Trellis Restaurant
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Waterfront Shoppes
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks Shopping

Blue Water Yacht Sales
2000 Sailfish Drive
Manteo Causeway at Pirate's Cove Marina
Manteo, NC 27954

Mike Keller Ltd.
416 Russell Twiford Road
Manteo, NC 27954

Shipwreck Museum, Inc.
7746 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Island Produce
1 Patty Lane
Manteo, NC 27954

The Christmas Shop and Island Gallery
621 S US Highway 64
Manteo, NC 27954

Silver Bonsai Gallery
905 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Ace Hardware
300 US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Burnside Books
610 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Star Value Supermarket
118 US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Allaboard Hobby
529 US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Earthworks Pottery Company & Family Art Center
525 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Sportsman's World
310 US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks Attractions

Pirate's Cove Marina & Charters
2000 Sailfish Drive
Manteo/Nags Head Causeway
Manteo, NC 27954

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
708 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

The Elizabethan Gardens
1411 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

The Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks History Center
1 Festival Park
Manteo, NC 27954

North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island
104 Fernando Street
Manteo, NC 27954

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954

Shallowbag Bay Club Marina
90 North Bay Club Drive
Manteo, NC 27954

Jennette's Pier
7223 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Outer Banks Activities

Earthworks Pottery Company & Family Art Center
525 S US Highway 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954

Outer Banks Cruises
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slips #52-53
Manteo, NC 27954

Carolina Outdoors
307 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954

Downeast Rover Sailing Cruises
207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo Waterfront Marina, Slip #50
Manteo, NC 27954

Bodie Island Adventures
7649 S Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959

Pioneer Theatre
113 Budleigh Street
Manteo, NC 27954

Art, Glass n' Fire
PO Box 1337
Manteo, NC 27954

Wilderness Canoeing
204 Budleigh Street
Manteo, NC 27954

Jurassic Putt
6926 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Nags Head Raceway
7000 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Blackbeard's Miniature Golf
6714 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959

Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf
6606 S Croatan Highway
Nags Head, NC 27959