Your Outer Banks vacation guide

Explore the Outer Banks with your family

Beach days, giant dunes, historic landmarks and memorable family adventures — all within reach of your Manteo home base.

Discover the OBX ↓

Beyond the beach

Make room for adventure

From the historic streets of Manteo to the sandy coastline of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, there's much more to explore than ocean beaches alone. The Coastal Gem gives your family a welcoming four-bedroom place to return to after every outing.

Choose a relaxed morning on the waterfront, an afternoon exploring local history, or a whole day on the sand. Keep plans flexible around weather, traffic and seasonal opening hours.

Local favorites

Six experiences worth planning around

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Explore enormous dunes, fly a kite and take in Nags Head views.

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Wright Brothers National Memorial

Walk the grounds where the first powered flight changed history.

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Nags Head Beaches

Choose a public access based on parking, facilities and seasonal lifeguard coverage.

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NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island

See sea turtles, sharks and marine-life exhibits. Check timed-entry tickets.

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Historic Manteo

Explore waterfront walks, restaurants, shops and Roanoke Island history.

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Bodie Island Lighthouse

Enjoy an iconic coastal landmark. Verify current access and climbing status.

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Simple itineraries

Three great ways to spend a day

A classic beach day

Head to a designated Nags Head public access, enjoy the ocean, then return to Manteo for a relaxed dinner.

A history and discovery day

Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial, explore Roanoke Island attractions, or attend a seasonal Lost Colony performance.

A flexible family day

When the weather changes, visit the NC Aquarium, explore Manteo shops, and enjoy the game room back at The Coastal Gem.

Continue exploring

Helpful guides for your stay

Explore Manteo

Waterfront walks, local landmarks, history and things to do near your vacation home.

Manteo guide →

Beaches Near Manteo

Nags Head beach access, official local resources and clickable driving directions.

Beach guide →

The Coastal Gem

Four bedrooms, a game room, a backyard fire pit and an easygoing family retreat.

Explore the home →

Your home base for it all

Stay in Manteo. Explore the Outer Banks.

Make room for family memories at The Coastal Gem.

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