Planning a trip to the North Carolina coast is exciting, but it comes with a fair share of questions. Among many of things to ask yourself when planning your trip is the biggest and perhaps the most important question mark is “what is the best town in the Outer Banks to visit?”. Well, we have everything you need to know about our beautiful coastline from Manteo to Hatteras!
For more ways to make the most of your OBX getaway, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide.
The Best Town Outer Banks
1. Manteo
If you’re searching for the best town in the Outer Banks, then Manteo needs to be at the top of your list. This charming town on Roanoke Island gives you access to the best beaches in the area as well as inland highlights like the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Our island is rich in history, restaurants, and attractions that are perfect for families and couples. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site commemorates the first English attempt at colonialization in North American that mysteriously disappeared, and The Lost Colony show provides an award-winning and entertaining interpretation of this piece of history.
In addition to this island highlight, the Elizabethan Gardens, North Carolina Aquarium, and the Roanoke Island Festival Park provide plenty of fun for everyone in your group. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and shops, including a brewery and a distillery. Pirate’s Cove Marina and the town of Wanchese on the south side of the island have an extensive list of charter boats, sunset cruises, and dolphin adventures as well. Check out our properties in Manteo and across the island to plan your trip to the best town in the Outer Banks!
2. Ocracoke Village
Ocracoke Village is a quaint sound-side oasis that is one of the best towns in the Outer Banks. This tiny island allows you to get off the grid and relax with as few people as possible around you. There are some shops and restaurants, but for the most part, it’s just you and nature. We recommend this as a day trip from Roanoke Island or Nags Head. If you want to visit this incredible island in the OBX, you’ll need to take the ferry.
3. Hatteras, Rodanthe, Waves, and Avon
Miles of beach sandwiched between Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge make Hatteras Island home to some of the best beach towns in the Outer Banks. Rodanthe, Waves, Avon, and Hatteras, are the primary places where you can rent, but there aren’t quite as many options as the Northern Outer Banks and Manteo. You’ll find a smattering of restaurants and shops, mainly in Hatteras. This is an excellent place to stay if you don’t want to do much outside of enjoying the beach.
Book Your Manteo Retreat
You don’t have to go far from downtown Manteo to find your vacation rental home. Here at Pirate’s Cove, we offer a variety of houses and condos in and around town so you can walk to and from the shops, restaurants, and attractions!
Book your stay and start planning your beach trip today! Didn’t find any rentals around town? We have several other locations like Shallowbag Bay and Pirate’s Cove Resort that are right around the corner! We look forward to welcoming you to Manteo!
