Find a quieter slice of life just across the bridge from Nags Head on historic Roanoke Island, only eight miles long and two miles wide. Quaint and peaceful, life on Roanoke Island definitely runs on a slower pace. But there’s still plenty to do, from exploring the picture-perfect waterfront town of Manteo to setting out for an adventure with only kayak and camera.

Exploring historic Manteo, you’ll find a village of fishermen and artists, storeowners and relaxation-seekers. The waterfront town is full of quaint gift shops, art galleries, cafes, delis, bookstores and restaurants. Relax on the docks, visit with colorful storekeepers, or sip on a cold drink at an outdoor café, watching people go by.

Roanoke Island is most famously the site of the first English colony in the New World. In the 16th century, Sir Walter Raleigh organized two efforts to settle here, with both attempts ending in failure—the fate of the second string of colonists is still unknown. Learn about the mystery at Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 25-acre island park, featuring a recreation of the ship Elizabeth II, settlement sites, performances, films and museum.

Watch the mystery come to life on stage at the neighboring Waterside Theater. The Lost Colony outdoor drama has told the 400-year-old history for more than 70 years. The theater and its adjacent gardens are both a part of the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, a 513-acre site that commemorates those early colonists. The park also features a visitor’s center, museum, historic trail, gift shop and picnic area.

Another popular attraction on Roanoke Island is the North Carolina Aquarium. Featuring interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, daily programs and activities, the aquarium is a favorite for kids. Don’t miss the Graveyard of the Atlantic tank—a USS Monitor replica sits at the bottom of 285,000 gallons of water as tropical fish and sharks swim around.

With history and culture around every corner, Roanoke Island is a charming place. Explore the scenic streets, parks and attractions, and let yourself indulge in the slower pace of life. Do as the locals do—just relax.


Mission: Inspiring appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.
On a beautiful site overlooking the Croatan Sound, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is one of three state-operated aquariums on the North Carolina coast. Exhibit highlights include the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic saltwater aquarium, a stingray touch tank, alligators, river otters, turtles, interactive exhibits, and more. Operation: Sea Turtle Rescue is our latest interactive exhibit and allows kids to diagnose and treat their sea turtle “patient” while real sea turtles provide an up-close look in an adjacent aquarium.

View hundreds of fishes and invertebrates found in local waters. The Aquarium has the largest collection of sharks in North Carolina in its 285,000 gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit, which also features a 1/3 scale replica of the USS Monitor shipwreck as it looked when found off Cape Hatteras in the 1970’s. Daily programs are offered, including fish feedings, crafts, and other family-fun entertainment (some programs have an additional charge).

The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $8 for ages 13 to 61; $6 for ages 3 to 12; and $7 for 62 and over. Admission is free for children 2 and younger, registered NC school groups and Aquarium Society members.

Visit ncaquariums.com or call 252-473-3494 for more information. The Aquarium is located at 374 Airport Road, just north of Manteo on Roanoke Island.