Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Wrightsville Beach with the people (or pups) you love most. Couples can start the day with a sunrise stroll along Crystal Pier or a tandem paddle to Masonboro Island, then unwind on an intimate sunset cruise. Pup parents can explore The Loop, rent a kayak or hang out at Lighthouse Beer and Wine’s dog-friendly beer garden. For a Galentine’s getaway, try floating yoga, an afternoon cruise or a shopping and brunch crawl with your crew.

Keep reading for three ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Wrightsville Beach, whether you’re planning a cozy couples retreat, bringing your pup or celebrating with your best friends.

 

For Couples Who Love the Coast

Start Valentine’s Day with a romantic sunrise stroll along the Crystal Pier, stretching 475 feet into the ocean. Then relax together with a couples massage at Alchemy Massage & Wellness Spa, choosing from Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone treatments with aromatherapy and warm towels.

After lunch, wander through Harbor Way Gardens, a romantic spot with a fountain and benches. Or, rent a tandem kayak from Wrightsville Kayak Company or Wrightsville SUP and paddle to Masonboro Island Reserve, a serene barrier island with quiet beaches and lots of wildlife.

Round out the evening with a La Dee Dah Sunset Cruise, an intimate tour around the island just as the sun begins to set. Visit this link to book your cruise in advance.

Dining and Drinks

For lunch, make a reservation at Oceanic Restaurant on the Crystal Pier, where chef-curated Valentine’s Day specials highlight fresh seafood and local flavors. If you prefer something more intimate, pack a picnic from Bevvy Mart or Robert’s Grocery to enjoy at Wrightsville Beach Park.

Sip and savor the afternoon with a beer flight at Wrightsville Beach Brewery in nearby Wilmington, or pop into Shark Bar & Kitchen for happy hour specials from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Treat yourselves to something sweet afterward: Apple Annie’s Bake Shop in Wilmington offers heart-shaped cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries and mini heart cheesecakes, perfect for sharing.[EJ1] 

End the evening with a romantic dinner: Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails serves a four-course Valentine’s menu, while La Duna Paradiso offers chef-crafted Valentine’s features and a housemade limoncello nightcap to enjoy together by the water.

Romantic Stays

Book the “Fall in Love” package at Trailborn Surf & Sound, which includes complimentary wine, a $100 credit to La Duna Paradiso and late check-out. Or, stay at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, which offers a Valentine’s package with chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, flowers and a swan towel waiting in your room.

Find even more ways to treat your Valentine in this Wrightsville Beach blog.

For You and Your Fur-Ever Valentine

Bring your favorite pup along for a Valentine’s Day stroll on the Wrightsville Beach Loop (a.k.a. “The Loop”), a paved path that winds past the Instracoastal Waterway, Wrightsville Beach Park and the beach, where leashed dogs are welcome year-round. If your pup loves the water, rent a kayak from Wrightsville SUP, or book a sunset cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours aboard the Shamrock, a dog-friendly catamaran.

Alfresco Dining and Drinks

Start the day at SUNday’s Café with a strawberry banana smoothie or berry acai bowl (and maybe come back later for a milkshake). The Workshop is another great stop for brunch, serving lavender honey lattes alongside prosciutto and mango toast or Nutella toast.

For lunch or dinner, Poe’s Tavern is a local favorite with pet-friendly seating. Try the beef, chicken or veggie Tell-Tale Heart topped with fried egg, applewood bacon and cheese, plus chips and pico. South Beach Grill offers daily chalkboard specials, including a Valentine’s menu, plus a dog-friendly patio overlooking Banks Channel.

End the day with a drink at Lighthouse Beer and Wine, where you can toast with a specialty wine or craft brew in the dog-friendly beer garden.

Pet-Friendly Getaways

Stay close to both the beach and Intracoastal Waterway at Summer Sands Suites, where select units welcome up to two dogs of any size. Vacation rentals are another great option, giving your pup room to roam while keeping everyone comfortable.

For more pet-friendly fun in Wrightsville Beach, check out this blog.

For You and Your Galentines

Spend Valentine’s weekend with your besties exploring Wrightsville Beach and the surrounding waterways. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours offers a Masonboro Island 1-Hour Cruise, where you might spot pelicans, shorebirds and maybe even a sea turtle. If you want a sunset vibe, hop on the 90-minute Sunset Cruise. Feeling adventurous? SUP Yoga Center lets you find your flow on the water together, anchoring your paddleboards for a peaceful floating yoga session.

Take a shopping break at Hallelu Boutique or Sweetwater Surf Shop, or wander Lumina Station in nearby Wilmington for a mix of boutiques and coastal finds. And if you’re up for a little friendly competition, grab paddles for pickleball at Wrightsville Beach Park.

Don’t forget your cameras – Crystal Pier and the beach make perfect spots for group photos. Check out this blog for even more Insta-worthy spots!

Dining and Drinks

Catch up with your girlfriends over Nutella French toast or pancakes at Drift Café. Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar has acai bowls and avocado toast for a lighter brunch, while Zeke's Beans and Bowls hits the spot with eggs, Greek pita and blackened shrimp tacos.

For dinner, share the NC crab dip at King Neptune, then dig into mains like sautéed scallops, chicken polenta or fresh catch with Carolina gold rice. Bluewater Waterfront Grill pairs Valentine’s specials, like blackened shrimp over sundried tomato pesto pasta, with live piano for the ultimate waterfront girls’ night. For something more casual, Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill has chips, dips and Baja-style tacos to share.

Round out the night with drinks at King Neptune’s Pirate Bar, or treat yourselves to pastries or boba tea drinks at Tap Tea Bar.

Accommodations for the Whole Crew

Book a suite at Shell Island Resort, which sleeps four to six, putting you close to the beach and all the weekend’s activities, as well all together. It’s the perfect home base for your Galentine’s getaway.