Roanoke Island & Manteo day trip from Kitty Hawk
The Lost Colony, a 16th-century ship, sharks and sea turtles, formal gardens and a charming waterfront town — 30 minutes away.
Roanoke Island and Manteo are about 30 minutes from Kitty Hawk. Top stops: the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Roanoke Island Festival Park, The Elizabethan Gardens, Island Farm and summer performances of The Lost Colony.
Roanoke Island sits between the Outer Banks and the mainland, reached by the causeway from Nags Head. It is where English colonists settled in 1587 before vanishing — the “Lost Colony” — and its history is everywhere, from Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Elizabeth II to the long-running outdoor drama The Lost Colony.
The waterfront town of Manteo is made for strolling, and the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island and Elizabethan Gardens make it an easy full day for families. Finish with dinner and a Weeping Radish beer at Firetender.
Where to eat & what to do in Roanoke Island & Manteo
Pirate’s Cove Marina
A full-service sportfishing marina on the causeway with a fleet of about 21 charter boats running inlet, nearshore and Gulf Stream trips.
Good to know
Book charters online or at 252-473-3906 well ahead for summer. Watch the afternoon dock to see the fleet unload its catch. Marina office 8am-5pm.
Island Farm
A living-history farm that recreates 1850s Roanoke Island life, with costumed interpreters, heritage animals, a working garden and period buildings.
Good to know
Season April-November. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-3pm. Adults $11, ages 3 and under free.
Weeping Radish Taproom at Firetender
North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery has returned to Manteo with a taproom inside Firetender, pouring its Bavarian-style lagers next to a stone-oven kitchen.
Good to know
The original Grandy farm location no longer serves food — head to the taproom inside Firetender at Hotel Manteo. Check current hours before you go.
16.5 mi · 28 minRoanoke Island Festival Park
A state historic site across from the Manteo waterfront, centered on the Elizabeth II, a recreated 16th-century sailing ship, plus costumed interpreters, an American Indian town and a settlement site.
Good to know
2026 season runs Mar 17-Dec 31. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm; last tickets 4:30pm. Adults $15, ages 3-12 $13. The boardwalk closes from Oct 26, 2026 for replacement.
17 mi · 29 minThe Elizabethan Gardens
Ten acres of formal English-style gardens, statuary and shaded walks on the shore of Roanoke Sound beside the Lost Colony site.
Good to know
Closed in January. Feb-mid-Nov: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm (4pm close from Nov 2, 2026). WinterLights holiday light show runs select evenings Nov 20-Dec 29, 2026, 6-9pm. Buy tickets online.
17 mi · 29 minThe Lost Colony (outdoor drama)
America’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, performed on summer nights at a soundside amphitheater, about the vanished 1587 English colony.
Good to know
Summer evening performances (2026 was the 89th season). Bring bug spray. Check the site or box office (252-473-6000) for 2027 dates.
17.5 mi · 30 minNorth Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
A state aquarium with a large shark tank, river otters and a sea turtle rehab center, an easy rainy-day outing for all ages.
Good to know
Open daily 9am-5pm except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Buy timed tickets online in summer. There is usually a short maintenance closure in January.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Manteo from Kitty Hawk?
About 16–18 miles, typically a 26–30 minute drive via US-158 and the Nags Head–Manteo causeway.
What is the Lost Colony?
In 1587 a group of English colonists settled on Roanoke Island; when supply ships returned in 1590 the colony had vanished. The story is told in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony, performed on summer nights.
Is the NC Aquarium good on a rainy day?
Yes — it’s one of the most popular rainy-day outings on the Outer Banks. Buy timed tickets online in summer.
Our oceanfront homes in Kitty Hawk
Two neighboring dog-friendly oceanfront homes at Milepost 3¾, with a third home nearby. Book one, or book all three for the same dates for up to 29 guests.
Crab House
Single-level living and an extra-large oceanfront deck, steps from the sand.
Mermaid
A 500 sq ft oceanfront deck, gourmet three-oven kitchen, wet bar and a king suite with a jetted tub.
A Carolina Conch
Classic two-story Outer Banks cottage with wraparound ocean views, carport parking and baby gear on hand.