Manteo, NC - A Family Guide - Enjoying RVA and all it has to offer!

My family spent four days in Manteo, North Carolina. It was our first visit to the small town, located on Roanoke Island, which is part of the Outer Banks.

It was our first trip there, and I could not believe how many unique activities Manteo had to offer. We can’t wait to visit again and explore even more. Manteo is about 3.5 hours from Richmond, making it ideal for a long weekend, or even a full week-long stay.

Here is my family guide for Manteo, NC, based on our four day trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN MANTEO, NC

This charming cottage is perfect for a family! (Photo credit: outerbanksvacations)

We stayed at sweetest cottage, called “Presley’s Palace,” within walking distance to downtown Manteo, and the waterfront. The house is about 10 minutes from Jennette’s Pier – our favorite beach spot (clean, restrooms, sprayer for sandy feet, huge parking lot).

WHERE TO EAT IN MANTEO, NC

Each morning my daughter, who is always an early riser, and I woke up and walked to Charis Coffee Co. We love the smoothies, coffee, cruffins and the whole vibe. (Check out the prayer wall. )

We ordered Garden Deli Pizza our first night and the pizzas were HUGE! We had enough for lunch the next day.

Our lunch favorite was Lost Colony Tavern, just a quick walk down to the water and a playground.

WHERE TO PLAY IN MANTEO, NC

Though not in Manteo (about 15 min away), Dowdy Park playground is incredible, with so many accessible features, sensory activities, rubber surface.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is FREE to visit. (Photo credit: Jockey’s Ridge State Park)

Jockey’s Ridge, a NC State Park was unlike anything we’d done ever before! Climbing and running up and down these sand dunes was too fun. Other features at Jockey’s Ridge – Tree Scavenger Hunt, Junior Ranger activities, and trails.

A smaller, beachside playground is behind the Manteo Airport, near the NC Aquarium – called “Old Swimming Hole”. We played here after our aquarium visit, and my son loved it.

MANTEO, NC ITINERARY

Here’s our activity itinerary. See above for restaurant/lodgings suggestions.

THURSDAY

Jennette’s Pier

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

FRIDAY

Manteo Waterfront Park

Wright Brothers Memorial

Check out the Wright Brothers Memorial during your trip to Manteo, NC! (Photo credit: National Park Service)

Dowdy Park Playground

Jennette’s Pier

SATURDAY

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Old Swimming Hole beach +playground

Downtown Manteo + walk to Roanoke Island Festival Park

Lindsay Garrison, your RVA on the Cheap editor

Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!

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