Things to do nearRoanoke Island
Roanoke Island, North Carolina, is a storied barrier island where colonial history, coastal waterways, and natural beauty converge in the heart of the Outer Banks.
Roanoke Island holds a singular place in American history as the site of the first English settlement in the New World, established in 1587. The colony's mysterious disappearance, leaving behind only the word 'CROATOAN' carved into a post, has captivated historians and visitors for centuries. That story comes to life at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, where trails wind through reconstructed earthworks and a museum traces the colony's brief, puzzling existence.
Beyond its colonial past, Roanoke Island offers a richly layered visitor experience. The Roanoke Island Festival Park brings Elizabethan history to life with a full-scale replica of a 16th-century ship, living history demonstrations, and an interactive museum. Nearby, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island showcases the diverse marine life of the surrounding sounds and coastal waters.
The island's natural setting is equally compelling. Anglers and boaters head to the calm waters around the island for fishing charters and kayaking along the marsh edges. The surrounding sounds offer some of the most productive inshore fishing on the East Coast.
Manteo, the island's charming county seat, anchors the experience with galleries, independent shops, and waterfront dining. Roanoke Island rewards visitors who come for the history and stay for the coast.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Roanoke Island
Visit during late spring or early fall to enjoy milder temperatures and thinner crowds while still catching full access to outdoor sites and waterways.
Try the fresh local seafood at one of the small waterfront restaurants in Manteo, the island's main town, where the catch is often pulled from nearby sounds the same day.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and plan a morning stroll through downtown Manteo, where historic storefronts and the waterfront boardwalk are best enjoyed before midday heat sets in.
Pack binoculars for birdwatching along the island's marshy edges, where herons, egrets, and osprey are commonly spotted in the quieter hours of morning.
Book tickets in advance for the outdoor drama 'The Lost Colony' if visiting in summer, as performances at the Waterside Theatre fill quickly on weekends.
Top tours & experiences near Roanoke Island
Clear Kayak Tour at Bodie Island Lighthouse
Paddle a clear kayak with lighthouse views on Roanoke Sound
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge 2-Hour Kayak Tour
Kayak blackwater creeks in Alligator River and listen for red wolves
Guided Roanoke Island Lost Colony Kayak & SUP Tour
Paddle Roanoke Island canals and learn the Lost Colony story
2-Hour Guided Kayak Tour of Roanoke Island
Paddle salt marsh canals and Roanoke Sound with a guide
4-Hour Kayak Fishing Charter in Nags Head
Pedal hands-free while fishing Outer Banks soundside waters
Scenic Airplane Tour of Outer Banks in a Cessna 172
See the Outer Banks from above on a flexible Cessna sightseeing flight
Outer Banks Scenic Airplane Tour
See Outer Banks coastlines and landmarks from above on a scenic airplane flight