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 Valentine’s Escape package, where you’ll find chocolate truffles awaiting you in your room. The package includes a romantic prix fixe dinner and wine pairing for two, as well as a delicious breakfast buffet the following morning.
Spoil your sweetheart with the Romance at the Beach package at the Holiday Inn Resort. Featuring breakfast for two, a bottle of champagne and chocolates during your stay, you’ll leave 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 Gulfstream WB to savor hearty breakfast favorites like French toast or Belgian waffles. For a healthier option, swing by Surfberry for a delicious acai bowl that will keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. Or eat like the locals with a breakfast burrito or avocado toast from Café Del Mar.
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.
Let your stress melt away as you indulge in a 60-minute Swedish massage at Alice Lawson Salon + Spa, where big city beauty techniques meet Southern charm. Relax and rejuvenate with a custom facial, including a personalized skin analysis to tailor the treatment to your skincare needs. Or treat the lady in your life to a blow out or manicure before a romantic evening out.
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: Crab Stuffed Flounder, Grilled Island Mahi-Mahi, Chicken Paillard, Beer-Braised Short Rib 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. The restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s weekend menu with suggested wine pairings prepared by Executive Chef Tim Lyons. Treat you and your loved one to oysters on the half shell, filet of beef or New York strip, North Carolina black bass and chocolate mousse.
