In North Carolina's Brunswick Islands, you don't need a passport to have a destination honeymoon. Newlyweds can celebrate their life's journey together on one or all five of our unique barrier islands without the stress of planning an international trip. Read on for information on places to stay and things to do during your destination honeymoon in the Brunswick Islands.

Find your Honeymoon Home in NC's Brunswick Islands

Before you plan your epic honeymoon itinerary, you'll need to find a place to stay that compliments your style. Searching for an intimate and unique atmosphere? Our area's bed and breakfasts are intimate, nostalgic, and truly like no other. Prefer to have your very own swimming pool with an ocean-front view? Consider a private vacation rental home that is suited to your style and budget. From charming locally owned inns to marshside homes with private docks, the Brunswick Islands offer a wide range of accommodations with many styles to choose from.

Create your Brunswick Islands Honeymoon Itinerary

With 45 miles of wide sandy beaches and scenic views uninterrupted by highrises and city lights, the quality time you and your loved one spend here will feel just as special as when you first said: "I do." Best of all, your honeymoon itinerary can be as adventurous or relaxed as you'd like. From active adventures to relaxing and romantic activities, there are so many ways to celebrate your first vacation together as a married couple. 

Romantic Honeymoon Activities 

Walk along the beach and watch the sunrise. 

Walk hand in hand with your loved one along an unspoiled shoreline surrounded by the vibrant colors of a beautiful sunrise. Capturing the start of a new day together will perfectly symbolize the start of your new life together as a married couple. If your honeymoon takes place between late fall to early spring, you will also be able to experience the rare phenomena of watching both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean right from your beach chair.  

Lay out a blanket beneath the stars.

Due to the area's lack of light pollution and its south-facing beaches, NC's Brunswick Islands provide some of the best stargazing spots along the East Coast. Newlyweds can lay out a blanket on the beach beneath a night sky and enjoy views of constellations amongst natural beauty, or stargaze from the deck of their honeymoon vacation rental home.

Enjoy a romantic dinner. 

Nothing says “I love you” like a romantic dinner for two with stunning views and delicious cuisine. Honeymooners can choose from numerous waterfront restaurants set along the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, Intracoastal Waterway, and more, along with many other eateries that serve delicious and local flavors of the area. To make things even more romantic, head over to Ports of Call Bistro in Southport, where the movie Safe Haven was filmed. You can make a reservation and reserve table 9 where the film's lead characters Katie Feldman and Alex Wheatley had their romantic dinner. 

Get comfy on a sunset boat cruise. 

No honeymoon is complete without enjoying at least one romantic sunset, and there is no better place to enjoy one than from the water. Cruise into the sunset together on a sunset cruise out of Sunset Beach on Tideline Charters or ride along the Southport waterfront and Bald Head Island with Southport By Seaside Boat Tours. Both provide tours with scenic views of the sunset and the chance to see dolphins at play! For even more romantic things to do, visit our recent blog post. 

Active Honeymoon Adventures 

Climb to the top of a lighthouse.

For an exhilarating honeymoon adventure, climb to the top of a lighthouse to experience elevated, 360-degree scenic coast views. The Oak Island lighthouse on Caswell Beach features 131 unique steps leading to the top of the observation platform. Old Baldy Lighthouse, a historic landmark on Bald Head Island, has 108 steps and five landings for you and your spouse to tackle together. Visit here for more information on booking your climb. 

Take on the Swamp Park together.

Take your honeymoon adventure to new heights and soar above a swamp on a 2.5-hour zipline tour at The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach. For even more excitement, couples can explore the natural habitat of the swamp on a Swamp Boat Eco-Tour, take on the 49-element 7-course adventure park, and venture through a pristine forest on a guided ATV tour.

Explore wildlife by kayak or paddle board. 

Set out on a wildlife exploration adventure and paddle your way through local creeks and rivers, salt marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Honeymooners will have the chance to come face to face with dolphins, herons, egrets, crabs, and more. Couples who need guidance or gear can visit one of the several expert adventure outfitters in the area who are available to provide equipment, training, and guide services. To find additional active and thrill-seeking adventures, visit here.

Whether you get married at one of our charming wedding venues and begin your honeymoon the moment your ceremony ends, or you arrive at one of our six spacious beaches for your newlywed vacation alone, you can count on having the perfect destination honeymoon in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. 

To begin planning your Brunswick Islands honeymoon, visit ncbrunswick.com. To see the Brunswick Islands Wedding Guide, Vacation Guide, or Golf Guide visit here.