The Manteo center point is around 2 miles southeast of Dare County Regional Airport and 3 miles southeast of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
The best time to visit the Outer Banks is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Summers are ideal as far as activities and events, but hotel rates skyrocket from June through August, and many accommodations are booked solid. If you do manage to score a room during the summer, you'll have an opportunity to experience The Lost Colony musical, the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, OBX Watermelon Festival, and the Outer Banks Pirate Festival.
From March through May, hotel rates remain low even as local activities kick into high gear. If you're trying to stick to a budget during your trip to Manteo, spring provides the perfect chance to soak up the sun and attend Taste of the Beach, the Annual Duck & Wine Festival, the Bluegrass Island Festival, and other key events. The only downside, however, is that spring break attracts families and college students looking for a seaside getaway, so you may have to contend with crowded beaches.
With fall ushering in a new academic year, beaches throughout the Outer Banks are less crowded and quieter from September through November. High temperatures tend to remain in the low 80s in September, but hotel rates drop considerably. Key events to look forward to this time of year include the OBX Triathlon, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, and the Duck Jazz Festival.
Don't discount a trip to Manteo and the Outer Banks in the winter. Most of the area's outdoor activities remain open year-round, and hotel rates hit rock bottom, making your getaway easier on your checkbook. Keep in mind, however, that some area restaurants and small shops close for the winter. Even so, you can enjoy a lovely vacation in Manteo no matter the season.
AAA members, seniors, military families, and government employees can often find money-saving deals at hotels throughout the OBX.
Scarborough Inn in Manteo, for instance, offers special military and government rates. This popular accommodation has a friendly staff, free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and designated smoking areas. Guest rooms are individually decorated and moderately sized with comfortable beds, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. Some rooms feature separate sitting areas and antique furnishings.
Special rates are also available at Oceanside Court by Kees Vacations. Located in nearby Nags Head, this accommodation features an outdoor picnic area, ample parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Eleven guest rooms are available, each one individually decorated and boasting plenty of natural sunlight. In-room amenities you can expect include ceiling fans, kitchenettes, dining tables, and comfortable beds.
If you're looking for a midrange accommodation near Manteo that offers a nice balance of amenities and price, there are a few options worth considering.
Fin 'N Feather Waterside Inn by Kees Vacations boasts stunning views as well as ticket assistance, a picnic area, free Wi-Fi, and express check-in and check-out. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable programming, mini fridges, microwaves, kitchen sinks, coffee makers, walk-in showers, and toiletries. Two-bedroom condos are also available.
Situated in Nags Head, Seahorse Inn & Cottages is a smart option for savvy travelers. The accommodation features free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, wedding services, a vending machine, and friendly staff with limited front desk hours. Guest rooms offer private lanais, 40-inch LCD TVs with cable, deep soaking tubs, complimentary toiletries, microwaves, and mini fridges. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes, ocean views, and additional amenities.
With so much to explore in and around Manteo, you may be wondering where to start. Be sure to stop by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau for help planning your itinerary. This visitor center features a nice picnic area, helpful staff members, and plenty of brochures to help you choose your next adventure.
You'll also want to visit Roanoke Island Festival Park, a historic site boasting a 16th-century sailing ship, a museum, living history demonstrators, and visual arts performances.
Other great attractions worth checking out include Jockey's Ridge State Park, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, Jennette's Pier, the Dare County Arts Council, and OBX Ghost Tours.
Exploring the Outer Banks is an unforgettable experience, but no matter what your itinerary includes, Manteo serves as the ideal home base for soaking up the memories. Whether you're looking for an affordable family-owned motel or an indulgent luxury accommodation, you can find the perfect hotel in Manteo that ticks all the boxes. Start planning your OBX trip with HotelPlanner today!
Below are reviews of the city of Manteo, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Proximity to the Lost Colony.
Manteo was a wonderful choice for our anniversary trip. The historical significance was our draw as well as the lovely Main Street area with its shops & restaurants.
Nice
Nice little town!
Manteo was nice and at a future point in time my wife and I will return.