Waterfront Boardwalk

The Waterfront Boardwalk runs along Shallowbag Bay in downtown Manteo, the walkable stretch that gives Roanoke Island its own character apart from the beach towns on the far side of the Washington Baum Bridge. It's less a single destination than the connective thread of downtown — the path that ties the harbor, the shops, and the restaurants together along the water's edge.

What to Expect

The boardwalk puts you right at the edge of a working harbor: sailboats, charter boats, and day cruisers share the water, and there's usually enough activity to make a slow walk worth it any time of day. Mornings tend to be quiet, good for coffee and a look at the boats getting ready to head out; evenings bring the light spreading low over Shallowbag Bay as traffic eases back in for the night. Roanoke Island Festival Park sits just across the water, so the boardwalk doubles as a natural vantage point before or after a visit there.

• Public access, open around the clock
• No admission fee
• Runs along Shallowbag Bay in downtown Manteo
• Connects to downtown shops, restaurants, and the harbor