24 Hours in Manteo

Manteo, North Carolina is the prime example of a small, historical, charming town. Blending the beach vibes of the OBX along with a rich historical background is exactly what you’ll get in this charming town! Resort Realty is back for another 24 Hour guide, so read along and see how to spend a day in Manteo, North Carolina!

Eat + Drink

For Breakfast, if you’re looking for a quick bite in Manteo you should check out Island Perk! Island Perk is in Downtown Manteo. They feature a wide range of coffee drinks, delicious Smoothies, bagels, muffins, and more! Front Porch Cafe and Charis coffee are also great local coffee spots in Manteo. At Front Porch, you have to try their Iced West 3rds, and at Charis Coffee, their Cinnamon Rolls are to die for!

If you’re looking for a more of a traditional, sit down, and catch up breakfast, you should check out Darrell’s. Since 1960, Darrell’s is famous for their small town feel and good southern food. Try the pancake platter, it’s our favorite!

For Lunch, if you’re exploring Downtown Manteo, you should check out The Hungry Pelican or Poor Richard’s. Both are delicious sandwich shops that provide you with the best bang for your buck!

When dinner time rolls around, we recommend Ortega’z or Blue Water Grill. Both of these restaurants offer a happy medium between a family dinner while also offering a friendly dinner with drinks.

Play

While you’re in this quaint OBX town, you should definitely explore Downtown Manteo! Downtown, as the locals call it, has a lot to offer. Stroll along the scenic oceanfront, get an ice cream cone at Big Buck’s, or even immerse yourself in the history of the Outer Banks at Roanoke Island Festival Park!

The North Carolina Aquarium is also worth a trip. With brand new renovations, exhibits, and more, you may make a fishy friend during your day trip! Full of the history of the Lost Colony, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is another great place in Manteo to check out!

Shop

If you’re exploring Downtown Manteo, you’ll run into a lot of local and unique boutiques to shop around at! Sisters in Manteo and Charolotte’s on Shallowbag Bay have the cutest clothes, accessories, and more that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s also Downtown Books, My Secret Garden, and more. Plus, the Christmas Shop is a must visit as soon as you get into the town of Manteo.

If you have time…

You should definitely check out the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony! You’ve probably learned all about the Lost Colony in school but did you know all the drama took place right here on Roanoke Island? The Lost Colony play is a summer tradition for visitors and locals alike. This show has been going on every summer since 1937, and is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas.