Area Info
Enjoy the Town of Manteo
Manteo is a small waterfront town like no other. It’s the center for arts on the entire Outer Banks, and there’s always a new exhibit taking place at the Dare County Arts building, a sip and paint class being held or new addition to local art galleries. Restaurants dot the town and are much more laid back than those on the beach (dog friendly too!). Shops are individually owned and create a shopping experience that’s anything but cookie cutter. A wine bar, rum distillery, brewery and fun local bars keep the scene hopping – and the Social District in the downtown area allows you to stroll around with your drink in hand. You can rent a kayak, head out on a dolphin tour, enjoy a sunset cruise or walk the boardwalk that surrounds the waterfront area. Or, take the kids to the waterfront park then get an ice cream treat. Nationally known bands play summer and fall at Festival Park, and popular touring acts and movies are centered at The Pioneer Theater. The Pearl is situated in the middle of all this fun.
Manteo and Outer Banks Events and Attractions
You can’t run out of fun things to do and see in Manteo or on Roanoke Island with the array of attractions and events. Roanoke Island Festival Park in downtown Manteo showcases the island’s history with interactive exhibits and performances and plays host to VusicOBX that brings major music events like The Beach Boys, Michael Franti, Jamey Johnson, Sublime and others to town. The Pioneer Theater, one of the oldest single-screen theaters in the country, offers the classic movie experience along with live music, comedy and screened sporting events. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and NC Maritime Museum help you understand the important role that boat building and navigating the local waters played in Manteo’s history. The Lost Colony drama, an outdoor symphonic play, retells the story of America’s first English colony alongside the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The NC Aquarium features local marine life and educational exhibits. Island Farm provides a glimpse into 19th-century island life. The waterfront area hosts various events, including farmers’ markets, live music, and seasonal festivals, making Manteo a vibrant destination for visitors. Plus, with Manteo’s quiet streets and the picturesque nature of the town’s restored homes and buildings, simply walking or biking through town is an enjoyable activity.
Beyond Manteo you’ll find that The Pearl’s location puts you in the perfect situation for venturing either north or south. A 10-minute drive gets you to the beach and to Nags Head where you can either relax oceanside or soundside or explore Jockey’s Ridge, the largest sand dune on the East Coast. Driving farther north, you can learn about aviation’s beginnings at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, visit the shop-worthy town of Duck and venture on to Corolla where you can climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, tour the restored hunting mansion of Whalehead or take a tour to see the famous, free-roaming Outer Banks wild horses.