Looking to freshen up your Valentine’s Day celebration this year? Step away from your traditional plans and put a coastal twist on your romantic vacation with a weekend at Wrightsville Beach. From morning excursions on the water to fresh, local cuisine, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind this Valentine’s Day.
Stay Awhile
Start your romantic getaway the right way by checking in for Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s Birds of a Feather package, where you’ll find a sweet treat awaiting you in your room. The package includes a scenic harbor cruise, romantic prix fixe dinner for two at EAST Oceanfront Dining, as well as a delicious breakfast in bed the first morning following a late Sunday check-out and Jazz brunch.
Spoil your sweetheart with the Romanic Getaway package at the Shell Island Resort. Enjoy oceanfront suites with beautiful views, a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries during your stay, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed.
First Things First
Start your morning off right with a hot cup of coffee from SUNday’s Café. If you’re really eager to get a jump on the day, bring a blanket and get there in time to cuddle up and catch the sunrise over the ocean.
Stop into Zeke's Beans and Bowls to savor hearty breakfast favorites like Fajita Breakfast, which features two eggs, chorizo, avocado, rice and more, or the Costa Rican Pita with Lizano Costa Rican Salsa, black beans, chorizo, eggs and more. For a healthier option, swing by Surfberry for a delicious acai bowl that will keep you full and satisfied throughout the day.
While food is on the brain, pick up the famous chicken salad from Robert’s Grocery for a romantic afternoon picnic lunch at Wrightsville Beach Park.
Afternoon Adventures
Take your Valentine for a stroll around The Loop – the island's scenic 2.5-mile trail – to enjoy views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Banks Channel and beautiful salt marshes. Or walk hand-in-hand down Johnnie Mercers Pier, one of the only concrete piers on the East coast, to take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. You and yours will enjoy the scenic surroundings and capture the perfect Valentine’s Day selfie to share with your friends, family and Insta followers.
Adventure-loving couples can hop aboard a boat cruise to spend the day on the water exploring the longest barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina, Masonboro Island Reserve. Rent a tandem kayak from Wrightsville SUP and head out for a few hours to explore the island. Or, set sail for a romantic evening on the water with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Cruise around the coastline with your Valentine and enjoy a front-row seat to take in the sunset.
End the afternoon with craft brews and fresh bites at Wrightsville Beach Brewery. Pair the fried oysters, served over kimchi-spiced N.C. collards, with the Oysterman Stout, a dark ale crafted using select roasted barley malts with overtones of coffee, biscuit and cocoa.
Evening Entertainment
Bluewater Waterfront Grill is ideal for a romantic dining experience on the water. Watch the sunset and indulge in one of Bluewater’s menu offerings from land or sea: Grilled Island Mahi-Mahi, NC-Style Calabash Platter, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Baby Back Ribs and more. The restaurant’s view and romantic atmosphere will make for an impressive date night.
Nestle in at South Beach Grill for gorgeous views on the patio overlooking the scenic Banks Channel or relax inside their remodeled interior that pays homage to the building's art deco origin. Their Southern-inspired favorites are the perfect ingredients for an ideal, romantic dining experience by the water. Check for fresh-caught, daily specials on their ever-changing chalkboard menu.
Head to Oceanic Restaurant, Wrightsville Beach’s only restaurant on the beach, for spectacular ocean views, exquisite craft cocktails and coastal cuisine. Treat you and your loved one to Steamed PEI Oysters, New York Strip Steak, Crabbed-Stuffed Salmon and a delicious dessert!
