Manteo & Wanchese

The towns of Manteo and Wanchese share Roanoke Island.

Manteo is a small coastal town, with restaurants, shopping, and a marina at its downtown waterfront. It is also home to the Roanoke Island Festival Park, where several festivals and gatherings happen each year. Residentially, you can find Victorian and Craftsman-style homes downtown, nestled among the largest collection of B&Bs and Inns on the Outer Banks. As you move west of the downtown areas, you will find more shops, as well as many year-round residential neighborhoods.

The Village of Wanchese is best known as a small fishing village, with many residential neighborhoods peppered throughout. It is located at the southernmost end of Roanoke Island, opposite the town of Manteo. Wanchese retains its old-world charm and sense of identity, and is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the beach.

There’s no beach access on Roanoke Island, with the beaches being a few minutes away; however, Manteo and Wanchese are known for boating, and have ample access to the Roanoke and Croatan Sounds.