Wrightsville Beach sets the scene for a romantic getaway that transcends the conventional. Replace candy hearts with seashells and pink carnations with crystal blue waters as you celebrate Valentine’s Day the coastal way. From nature excursions to sea-to-table dining, this vibrant beach town offers you and your sweetheart endless ways to celebrate love during a romantic seaside holiday.
Alluring Accommodations
Begin your getaway on a luxurious note by checking in for Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s Rendezvous Package. In addition to a bottle of red wine waiting in your room, the package includes in-room culinary amenities, an elevated prix-fixe dinner for two at EAST Oceanfront Dining and breakfast in bed.
Indulge in deluxe accommodations at the newly renovated Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort. Relish unobstructed views from your waterfront suite’s private balcony, and treat your sweetheart to a special prix-fixe menu at the onsite Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + Cocktails. Prepared by award-winning chef William Roberts, the four-course meal features fried lobster tail, filet mignon, chocolate torte and other delicacies to share. Advance reservations are highly encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.com.
A Wonderful Wakeup
Kickstart your morning with a to-go coffee or tea from the locally owned SUNday’s Café before a breathtaking ocean sunrise. Set your eyes on the sea-sky horizon from the Crystal Pier, or bring a blanket and cuddle up on the sandy shore as the sun emerges from the surf.
After soaking up the sunrise together, fuel up for the day with a fortifying first meal. At a Drift Cafe table for two, dig into delightful breakfast dishes like Nutella-stuffed French toast and pulled-pork eggs benedict while sipping mimosas or specialty lattes. Or, stop into Zeke's Beans and Bowls for travel-inspired specialties like Zeke's Bibimbap, featuring blackened tofu, veggies, eggs and homemade teriyaki sauce, and the Costa Rican Pita stuffed with black beans, chorizo and more. Vegan couples will love Surfberry’s acai bowls, superfood smoothies and other plant-based breakfast options.
While food is on the brain, prepare to surprise your valentine with an intimate picnic lunch at Wrightsville Beach Park. Pick up the famous chicken salad from Robert’s Grocery, or place an online pre-order for two Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar poke bowls (Ahi Poke En Fuego is a local favorite!)
Picturesque Island Adventures
Stroll hand-in-hand 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, meander down Johnnie Mercers Pier, one of the only concrete piers on the East coast, to take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Starting from the pier, cycling couples can embark on the 11-mile River to Sea Bikeway and pedal all the way to the historic downtown in Wilmington. Bike rentals are available through Aussie Island Surf Shop, Wrightsville SUP and other local outfitters.
If you both love being out on the water, rent a tandem kayak from Wrightsville Kayak Company or Wrightsville SUP to spend the day exploring the longest barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina, Masonboro Island Reserve. Kick back aboard a Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours nature cruise through waterways brimming with ecological wonders. For a truly intimate and unique excursion, consider reserving a private charter on the Clover, a luxury pontoon boat offered by Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Set sail with your special someone and island-hop to your heart’s content.
While adventuring through Wrightsville Beach on land or water, remember to snap a Valentine’s Day selfie together. Another picturesque spot, Harbor Way Gardens provides a beautiful backdrop with benches surrounded by native plants and flowers. At the island’s north end, walk along the white sands to find a hidden gem: the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox. You and your loved one can join the long-running tradition of placing love letters inside the mailbox.
The ocean air instills a sense of calm and tranquility – and sharing a spa treatment adds to the rejuvenation after an active day. Treat your valentine to a restorative halotherapy session at Prana Salt Cave or a stone therapy massage at Head to Toe Spa, both located in nearby Wilmington. Couples staying at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort can also book in-room massages and unwind in the sauna and hot tub.
A Table for Two
Savor quality time, coastal cuisine and waterfront views during a romantic dinner at Bluewater Waterfront Grill. The restaurant’s chef-curated Valentine’s Day specials include Lobster Mac & Cheese and other exceptional plates from land or sea. At Wrightsville’s only standalone restaurant on the beach, Oceanic Restaurant will serve a Valentine’s Day menu of chef features such as lobster tail served with wild mushroom truffle risotto, charred tomato and lemon herb crème. Chocolate Tuxedo Strawberries further sweeten the evening and complement the seaside spot’s craft cocktails.
Another dinner option, South Beach Grill offers gorgeous Banks Channel views and a menu of Southern-inspired favorites; the perfect ingredients for a memorable dining experience. Check their chalkboard menu for fresh-caught, daily specials. King Neptune, a reimagined Wrightsville Beach classic, offers a curated menu that features fresh, local seafood, an extensive wine list and a selection of craft cocktails. Kick back at the cozy, laidback Pirate Lounge next door after dinner.
A refreshing Valentine’s Day getaway to Wrightsville beach offers all the right romantic elements – luxurious accommodations, memorable activities and delicious dining – all in one coastal destination. Make this holiday one to remember by escaping to the unparallel charms and natural beauty of Wrightsville Beach.
