Explore Wanchese, North Carolina

Wanchese sits on the southern tip of Roanoke Island, across from Manteo to the north. This welcoming fishing village keeps its distinct identity and old-world character. Set away from the busy beach scene, Wanchese offers a peaceful break from the flashier side of summer travel while still staying close to nearby conveniences.

The village’s name comes from one of the two Native American Indian chiefs who encountered British governor John White's expedition in 1585. The other was Chief Manteo. In the present day, Wanchese continues to play an important role in the Outer Banks economy.

At the southeastern edge of the village is the North Carolina Seafood Industrial Park, located a short drive from the Highway 158 intersection along state road 345 into the village. A sign on the left points visitors into the park, and it is a worthwhile stop. Positioned near the mid-point of the East Coast of the United States, this is a major fishing center. Shrimp trawlers, flounder boats, and large vessels head out for weeks at a time to bring in fresh seafood from the Eastern Seaboard and from the coastal and inland waterways of North Carolina. Much of that catch appears as specials at local Outer Banks restaurants, while some is packed in ice and shipped across America.

From Wanchese, many of Roanoke Island and Manteo’s major attractions are only a short drive away. Roanoke Island Festival Park, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Elizabethan Gardens, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Bodie Island Lighthouse are all about ten to fifteen minutes from the village. Whether your stay is in a cozy bed and breakfast or a rental cottage, Wanchese gives visitors plenty to enjoy.

The North Carolina Aquarium features a 285,000-gallon tank anchoring exhibits with fish and other creatures from the Outer Banks and the inland waters that connect here. Nearby, Island Farm serves as a living-history museum with carefully restored buildings and costumed interpreters sharing what life was like on the Outer Banks in the mid-1800s. The Mothervine, the oldest cultivated grapevine in the U.S., grows close to the water; even without a tasting room, it draws wine lovers, history fans, and gardeners interested in seeing the thick, twisted trunk of this centuries-old vine.

Head toward the island’s southern end to see the commercial fishing fleet and a small number of charter boats return with their catch. While in the area, stop by O’Neal’s Sea Harvest, a beloved local fish market and restaurant run by one of the long-time Outer Banks families, for a meal and seafood to take home for later. Wanchese also has tight-knit local communities, a few places for fuel and supplies, a standout grill tucked into a gas station, and one final opportunity to pick up local seafood before leaving. Nearby, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge spans 152,000-acre and shelters deer, black bears, migratory birds, alligators, and even red wolves; visitors can watch for wildlife along the drive, paddle by kayak, or hike in the area.

More to Find in Wanchese

Places To Stay

For a day trip or a weeklong getaway, Wanchese offers memorable views and distinctive lodging choices to…

Restaurants

At the southernmost point of Roanoke Island, the Village of Wanchese remains a character-rich fishing community with its…