From sunrise beach walks to romantic waterfront meals at sunset, NC’s Brunswick Islands is a fantastic beach destination for couples looking to get away. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just looking to spend quality time together, these curated date itineraries for couples make it easy.
Check out some of the unforgettable ways to experience the Brunswick Islands and prepare to slow down, reconnect, and fall in love all over again.
A Day on the Beach
A couple’s getaway to the North Carolina coast isn’t complete without a full day at the beach.
Morning:
Start your day with a stroll along the beach at sunrise. Walk together, hunt for seashells, and enjoy the sounds of the beach as the world wakes up.
Afternoon:
Set up an afternoon picnic after a day spent in and out of the water. Prepare your own food or pick up takeout from a locally owned restaurant.
Add a little healthy competition to your day with a round of bocce ball or sandcastle building contest.
Evening:
Watch the sunset from your beach chair. After dark, cozy up on the balcony of your hotel room or vacation rental and relax in the sound of ocean waves and each other’s company.
Where to Stay:
For all the comforts of home and easy access to the beach, book a stay in an oceanfront vacation rental. Many oceanfront inns and hotels also have beach accesses and cozy rooms with the perfect amount of space for the two of you.
When to Go:
It’s always beach season, but fall is an especially romantic time to spend all day on the beach. Thanks to our islands’ south-facing orientation you can catch the sunrise and set over the ocean in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, all without moving your beach chair. Warm temperatures typically persist through October too.
A Foodie Tour of the Brunswick Islands
Delight in sharing a meal with your favorite person while on a trip in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
In the Southern Brunswick Islands
(Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach & Calabash)
Morning:
Wake up with a coffee from 59 Causeway Grill or Drift Coffee Co. on Ocean Isle Beach. Expect a menu of comfort classics at 59 Causeway Grill and options for those with dietary restrictions at Drift Coffee Co.
Afternoon:
For lunch head to Calabash, the birthplace of Calabash-style seafood. Savor a plate piled high with fresh and perfectly crispy seafood at Captain Nance’s or the Waterfront Seafood Shack right on the river.
For a laid-back and local favorite, visit Provision Company in Holden Beach. Split “Thee Special” and leave room to try one of their famous shrimp-burgers.
Evening:
Elevate your date night with a visit to Oak & Palm, a waterfront fine-dining restaurant in Sunset Beach. Their globally inspired menu is sure to have something each of you will love.
In the Northern Brunswick Islands
(Oak Island and Southport)
Morning:
Grab a specialty latte or traditional espresso at Ruby’s Coffeehouse at the Oak Island Pier. Then enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast at Fixin’s. Head chef Rick Dobrowski uses locally sourced ingredients for his menu of homemade buttermilk biscuits, breakfast platters, and his signature fried chicken.
Afternoon:
Cross the bridge and pay a visit to Fish Factory Restaurant & Bar where head chef Ryan Duffy’s creative dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Ever changing daily specials highlight local seafood and seasonal ingredients. Finally, don’t skip the shareable fried crispy Brussel sprouts.
Evening:
Spend the evening exploring historic Southport. Browse shops and walk the riverfront. Romantic dinner options along the water include Frying Pan, Edgewater 122, and Oliver’s on the Cape Fear.
When to Go:
May through September boast great sunny weather that is prime outdoor dining season. Those warm breezes and long evenings are perfect for lingering over a meal.
Where to Stay:
With incredible restaurants located across the Brunswick Islands, choosing your perfect place to stay is up to you! Explore hotels, inns, and vacation rentals in the Brunswick Islands.
Visit Sunset Beach and the Kindred Spirit Mailbox
Few places are as intimate and romantic as the Kindred Spirit Mailbox and the tiny barrier island of Sunset Beach.
Morning & Afternoon:
Join Summertide Adventure Tours for a guided kayaking trip to Bird Island. The coastal reserve is home to diverse wildlife and stunning marsh views.
Later, enjoy lunch at House’s Patio and Grill and relax on the swinging benches overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in the neighboring Sunset Beach Town Park.
After your lunch break it’s back to Bird Island! Walk or bike to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, leaving from the 40th Street beach access on Sunset Beach.
For over 40 years thousands of visitors have traveled the same path to leave handwritten notes of hope, love, and reflection. As you add your love story and read the words of others, it’s easy to imagine why the mailbox served as the inspiration for Nicholas Sparks’ novel Every Breath.
Evening:
Take it easy for the evening and debrief over dinner at a nearby restaurant or cook in the kitchen of your vacation rental home. Then wrap your evening up with the gorgeous view that gave Sunset Beach its name.
Where to Stay:
Staying in a vacation rental home on Sunset Beach allows for easier parking and beach access. Or, for a cozier space, opt for a condo or room at the Sunset Inn on the island’s marsh side.
When to Go:
Spring (mid-March through May) offers fewer people and warm temperatures. It’s also the best time of year to witness the seasonal transformation of the salt marsh.
Southport: Explore the Real “Safe Haven”
Movie lovers and fans of the Nicholas Sparks film adaptation Safe Haven shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the actual Southport, North Carolina.
Morning & Afternoon:
Grab coffee and breakfast at Southport Coffee Co. and head next door to the Fort Johnston Visitors Center and Museum to learn more about the history of Southport and its film legacy.
Grab a pamphlet and stroll through Southport to see filming locations for projects such as:
- A Walk to Remember
- I Know What You Did Last Summer
- Dawson’s Creek
- Safe Haven
- The Summer I Turned Pretty
Wrap up your movie location walking tour at the Southport Yacht Basin and grab lunch at Fishy Fishy Café, along the water.
Evening:
End the evening with your own romantic dinner at Ports of Call, where Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel’s characters dine in the film Safe Haven.
In the summer months, catch a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center.
Where to Stay:
You’ll feel like the main character in a romance film while staying at one of the charming bed and breakfasts in downtown Southport. Space fills up fast ahead of the summer months, so book as soon as possible! Explore nearby hotels too.
When to Go:
Southport is welcoming year-round, although the spring and winter seasons shouldn’t be overlooked. The return of seasonal events and festivals combined with Southport’s timeless charm make it a wonderful time to visit.
Go on a High-Flying Adventure
This itinerary is perfect for the couples who bond over their shared love of thrills.
Morning:
Fuel up with breakfast on Oak Island before your guided tour to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse —NC’s youngest.
Note: Tours to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse are free but should be made at least 2 to 6 weeks ahead of your visit to ensure volunteers are available.
Afternoon:
Head to the Cape Fear Regional Jetport for a tandem skydiving session with Skydive Coastal Carolinas.
Prefer to stay in the plane? Opt for a scenic tour of our coastline with High Tide Aviation.
Evening:
Decompress after a day of excitement by cooking dinner at the vacation rental. Then cozy up and enjoy the view of the stars from the outdoor deck.
Where to Stay:
Book a vacation rental on Oak Island or Caswell Beach to stay close to your planned activities.
When to Go:
Plan to schedule your activities well ahead of the summer season or visit in the spring and fall off seasons when the fun is just as thrilling.
Brewery Hopping the Brunswick Islands
Cheers to good company and the vacation you’ve both been dreaming of.
Afternoon:
Sample brews from across NC’s Brunswick Islands at your leisure. Remember to please drink responsibly or opt to bring a growler back home with you.
- Makai Brewing (Ocean Isle Beach) - Mango Reef Blonde Ale
- Leland Brewing Company - Foggy Nights VIII IPA
- Brunswick Beer and Cider (Leland) - Lavender Lemonade Hard Cider
- Brunswick Beer and Cider’s creative pizza menu is perfectly paired with their award-winning brews.
- Solar Brewing Company (Oak Island) - Amber Lager
- Pair your pint with a freshly made pretzel and other bar fare.
Evening:
Enjoy a free wine tasting at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach or the winery’s tasting room in Southport. Stay for the live music or one of the many events the winery hosts throughout the year.
Where to Stay:
Leland is the independent brewery hub of NC’s Brunswick Islands and offers number of convenient hotel options.
When to Go:
Our breweries are open year-round, but summer days mean live music and food truck at many.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Boat Tours: A Water-ful Day Together
Relax in the peaceful rhythms of the salt marsh while making long lasting memories with the one you love.
Morning & Afternoon:
Book as guided kayaking tours with the experienced guides of Long Beach Paddle Company (Oak Island) and The Adventure Kayak Company (Southport). Ask about tandem kayaks when scheduling your guided tour.
Or opt to rent stand up paddleboards and head out on the water for an independent day of fun.
Evening:
Book a scenic and private sunset cruise with a fishing charter or join the folks with Southport Water Tours on a larger group outing.
Where to Stay:
Experienced boaters and kayakers should consider staying in a vacation rental located on an island canal or along the Intracoastal Waterway to allow for easy water access.
When to Go:
Spring and summer offer warmer water and air temperatures that make for ideal kayaking conditions.
Travel a World Away on Bald Head Island
With it’s unique resort-like vibe but an island-wide focus on conservation, a trip to Bald Head Island feels like a fairytale.
Morning:
Board the ferry from Southport to Bald Head Island and pick up your golf cart or bike rental when you arrive.
Note: Trips leave Southport at the top of every hour and last about 20 minutes. The island is car-free.
Afternoon:
Climb Old Baldy Lighthouse —NC’s oldest lighthouse.
Head out for a guided kayaking adventure with Riverside Adventure Co. or explore tucked away nature trails.
Evening:
Watch the sunset and enjoy dinner at a restaurant along the marina. In the summer months, attend a free outdoor concert or inquire about seasonal events at the island’s two social clubs.
Where to Stay:
The Inn at Bald Head Island is an intimate and romantic option for vacationing couples. The inn’s “over 21” policy means you and your partner can find true escape amid life’s hustle and bustle.
Next door, the Marsh Harbour Inn is another lovely option for visiting couples.
When to Go:
Spring through late fall is the best time to visit Bald Head Island if you’d like to include the lighthouse in your itinerary. Old Baldy is closed to visitors in January and February.
FAQs:
- How can we save money on a couples’ vacation in NC’s Brunswick Islands?
Visiting NC’s Brunswick Islands in the spring or fall means lower rates on accommodation. When it comes to planning date ideas, centering your itinerary on free activities and events is another way to save money on your trip. For more activity suggestions visit our “8 Free Things to Do in NC’s Brunswick Islands” blog.
- How long should our getaway be?
Trips lasting between 3 to 7 days are ideal, allowing you to fill out itinerary while still leaving time to slow down and reconnect.
- What’s the best time of year to go on a romantic trip to NC’s Brunswick Islands?
Fewer visitors in the spring and fall make it the best time of year to enjoy a romantic trip to NC’s Brunswick Islands.
- Are there any adult-only hotels or inns in the area?
Some bed & breakfasts enforce adults-only policies. Meanwhile vacation rentals are great for couples looking for space and privacy.
- Are there any fun local events happening when we visit?
Please visit our Events page for more information on upcoming events in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
- Do we need reservations for activities in NC’s Brunswick Islands?
It depends! A vacation should leave room for spontaneity, but activities such as guided tours, kayaking trips, and other activities in the summer are best scheduled ahead of your visit.
- Are there any romantic and picturesque photo spots we should visit?
Certainly! Some of our favorites include the beach just before sunrise or sunset, one of our six ocean piers, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, and atop a lighthouse. Please visit our “Most Instagrammable Places in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands” blog for a list of even more photo spots.
Ready to Plan Your Romantic Escape?
Whether you’re looking to take it easy or fill up your days, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers countless ways to reconnect with one another. Start planning your getaway by visiting www.ncbrunswick.com and discover why so many couples return year after year.