Sight Roanoke Island, Nags Head
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
A sight in Roanoke Island, Nags Head, free to visit and worth about 1.5 hours. Best time to go: Summer evening.
Why go
Site of the 1587 Lost Colony; outdoor drama 'The Lost Colony' plays summer nights.
It is one of 10 curated places we feature in Nags Head, alongside 2 activities, 2 places to eat and 2 outdoor spots. The closest of our other picks is Jockey's Ridge State Park, 4.7 mi away as the crow flies.
- Type
- Sight · Culture
- Neighborhood
- Roanoke Island
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1.5 hr
- Best time
- Summer evening
Nearby
The 6 closest curated picks in Nags Head, measured as straight-line distance.
- 1Jockey's Ridge State Park
Tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast; prime for sunset and kite flying.
Outdoors · 4.7 mi straight-line - 2Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding
Beginner hang gliding lessons on the dunes of Jockey's Ridge.
Activity · 4.7 mi straight-line - 3Outer Banks Brewing Station
Wind-powered brewpub with house beers and live music.
Drinks · 5.8 mi straight-line - 4Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe
Seafood house on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway with sound views from every seat and NC-caught fish.
Food · 6.0 mi straight-line - 5Wright Brothers National Memorial
Site of the first powered flights, with markers and a granite monument on Kill Devil Hill.
Sight · 6.1 mi straight-line - 6Sam & Omie's
Fishing-shack restaurant since 1937 serving seafood and breakfast.
Food · 6.5 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is a stop on our Outer Banks Beach Road route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More sights to see in Nags Head
Another curated sight in Nags Head. See the full Nags Head guide.
When to go
Average daily highs in Nags Head run from 51°F in January to 82°F in July; August is usually the wettest month. For Fort Raleigh National Historic Site itself, we suggest: Summer evening.
Modelled monthly averages for Nags Head from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Nags Head weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: quick answers
How much time do you need at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site?
Plan on about 1.5 hours at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site?
Our pick: Summer evening.
Is Fort Raleigh National Historic Site free?
Yes, we list Fort Raleigh National Historic Site as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Where is Fort Raleigh National Historic Site?
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is at 1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, USA, in Roanoke Island. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.
Which TripsCircle routes include Fort Raleigh National Historic Site?
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site appears on Outer Banks Beach Road, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add it to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Nags Head.
Plan Nags Head
- Nags Head travel guide 10 places
- Best time to visit Nags Head weather by month
- Corolla to Nags Head 31 mi straight-line
- Nags Head to Ocracoke 62 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Nags Head
- Jennette's Pier Activity
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Outdoors
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.