easy
1.5–2 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels with minimal walking on paved and sometimes uneven paths.
Step beyond sun and sand with OBX Ghost Tours in Manteo, North Carolina, where history’s shadows come alive through engaging night walks filled with local legends and haunted tales. Ready for a different kind of Outer Banks adventure?
Manteo, North Carolina, sits on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks—a coastal gem known for its maritime history, colonial roots, and now, its spirited after-dark adventures. OBX Ghost Tours offers a distinctive way to engage with Manteo beyond its daylight attractions, guiding visitors through a series of ghost stories, local legends, and haunting encounters that have woven themselves into the very fabric of this port town.
The tours take place on foot as dusk falls, transforming the quiet streets into an atmospheric stage where history and mystery intersect. Each guide brings a unique energy—locals praised include Julie, BJ, and Stacy, whose storytelling skills mix humor and historical insights to keep all ages intrigued. Their deep knowledge reveals how Manteo’s colonial past, maritime tragedies, and centuries-old buildings set the scene for tales of restless spirits and eerie happenings.
The route carefully threads through portions of historic downtown Manteo, pausing at landmarks that carry stories—from old inns and shipwreck memorials to quaint cemeteries. The Outer Banks’ mild climate allows for year-round tours, although the crisp fall evenings heighten the chills. Besides storytelling, these tours stand out for their interactive atmosphere; even teens find themselves off their phones, caught up in the unfolding stories.
This blend of history, local culture, and spooky entertainment makes OBX Ghost Tours a unique feature in the Outer Banks' activity lineup, offering an alternative to the beaches and water sports. For visitors wanting a different kind of adventure—one that combines regional history with a hint of the supernatural—these guided night walks provide both thrills and education.
When darkness falls over Manteo, OBX Ghost Tours invites you to step into a world where past and present blur, lighting up the shadows with a flashlight and a story that lingers long after the tour ends.
Even though parts of the tour are on lit streets, additional light helps you fully enjoy photo spots and navigate safely after dark.
The tours involve walking on uneven historic sidewalks and streets, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.
Tours can fill up quickly during peak seasons—booking in advance ensures you get your preferred date and time.
Even in warmer months, coastal breezes after sunset can be cool; layering helps keep you comfortable throughout the walk.
Manteo is named after a Native American leader who forged early alliances with English settlers during the 1580s Roanoke colonization attempts.
OBX community emphasizes protecting coastal habitats; tours encourage responsible outdoor behavior and respect for historic sites.
Supports your feet on historic sidewalks and cobblestone streets.
Improves visibility and photography during nighttime walks.
Keeps you warm against coastal breezes after sunset.
fall|winter|spring specific
Helps avoid mosquitoes during warmer months and near marshy areas.
summer specific