Enchanting Escapes in Wilmington: Prime Vacation Rentals for Couples

A romantic getaway to Wilmington is the couple’s trip you’ve been wishing for. Love is always in the air with couples strolling our famous boardwalk, planning a relaxing beach day, or exploring the shops and restaurants in our timeless historic district.

Our Wilmington vacation rentals are the perfect accommodations for couples, and a romantic trip is the best time to visit. With more than 200 days of sunlight every year, you’ll easily find great weather for enjoying the warmth of the Carolina coast.

Whether planning a trip for your anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or special occasion, here are our recommendations for romantic things to do in Wilmington.

Romantic Things to Do in Wilmington for Couples

1. Explore the Historic Downtown District

Spanning 230 blocks, you can spend the entire day roaming the cobblestoned streets and ageless avenues in the Historic Downtown District. It’s one of the top romantic things to do in Wilmington to get out of your vacation rental and see what this destination has in store. Whether on foot, in a horse-drawn carriage, or on a trolley, you can experience downtown at your own pace.

Take things slow on foot as you meander past beautiful boutiques, adorable antique stores, and gorgeous gift shops lining Front Street. Take a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour with your partner past stunning period mansions, the scenic riverfront, and landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ride in the free Port City Trolly and joyride through the various downtown districts—Brooklyn Arts District, North Waterfront District, the Central Business District, Castle Street District, and the South Front District.

2. Roam the Riverwalk

All year long, you can experience true romance on the Wilmington Riverwalk. It extends nearly two miles and has shops, places to eat, and unparalleled views of the Cape Fear River.

Soak up the springtime sun on the Riverwalk by browsing more than 200 shops and restaurants. It’ll be more than a summer fling with date nights every Thursday night at the Riverfront Park’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion Concert Series. Celebrate fall affection by attending the Wilmington Riverfest, featuring multiple blocks of street fair vendors, live music, and fireworks over the Cape Fear River. During the winter, spend Valentine’s Day on Conlon Pier gazing at the riverboats cruising by.

Set your alarm for golden hour and join the other couples for a colorful sunset below the treetops on Eagle Island.

3. Cruise the Cape Fear River

Make your romantic getaway all about going with the flow—the flow of the river, that is! Riverboat cruises on the Cape Fear River are a fun way for couples to spend time together in Wilmington. Set sail on the famous Henrietta Riverboat with a sightseeing tour with Cape Fear River Boats. Look at the Port side for a riverfront view of the Historic Downtown District, and glance at the Starboard side to see the Battleship North Carolina. Board the Sunset Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours, then dance the night away to live music beneath the stars.

4. Stop and smell the flowers

Roses are red, violets are blue…visiting these local flower gardens is a hopeless romantic’s dream come true. Frolic through flower-lined pathways and indulge in the aromatic outdoor spaces in Wilmington.

Walk the paved walkways in Airlie Gardens to see countless flowers decorating the public park’s 67 acres. March to April is peak bloom season with more than 75,000 azaleas, 60,000 tulips, and those sweet-scented Southern Magnolias. The New Hanover County Arboretum showcases flowers that grow natively along the Carolina Coastal region. Explore our historic flower fields in the Burgin-Wright House and Gardens, featuring a restored parterre garden and a Victorian-era herb garden at the Bellamy Mansion.

If you’re visiting in April, you can also attend the Azalea Festival Street Fair, the largest of its kind, drawing more than 250,000 people every year.

5. Retail Therapy Session

Even if money can’t buy happiness, a bit of retail therapy always makes you smile. Make your partner feel good by treating them to a day of shopping. Forget about your everyday retailers. Wilmington has a few places to find new and unique clothes, accessories, and gifts.

The Cotton Exchange repurposed historic buildings to house more than 30 stores selling jewelry, literature, art, and wellness products. The Old Wilmington City Market, Wilmington’s oldest shopping center, occupies a city block with charming artisan craft goods, charming stationery, and tasty snacks. Farmers markets are also popular and held year-round.

For a modern shopping experience, visit the Mayfaire open-air shopping center. It features 80+ stores.

6. Day Trip to the Beach

Enjoying a relaxing couple’s beach day is one of the most romantic things to do when visiting Wilmington. In just minutes, you’ll go from an urban historic area to a beach town.

The nearest beaches to visit from Wilmington are Wrightsville Beach (six miles away), Carolina Beach (12 miles away), and Kure Beach (15.5 miles away). Wrightsville Beach is a great day trip destination for enjoying water sports like surfing, kayaking, SUP, and yacht cruises. Spend a romantic evening eating ice cream and riding the Ferris Wheel on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Opt for a quieter beach experience to soak up the sun on Kure Beach.

Prefer to stay on the beach? Browse our oceanfront vacation homes in Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.

Where to Eat in Wilmington

Foodie couples will have a blast eating their way through their Wilmington romantic getaway. Every night of your stay, explore dining options in a new area. From the Riverwalk to the historic downtown area, you’ll experience our tasteful culinary scene.

Best restaurants on the Wilmington Riverwalk

The lively atmosphere and waterfront scenery make the Riverfront a popular hangout for couples visiting Wilmington. These are a few of our favorite restaurants to plan a romantic dinner:

• The George on the Riverwalk
• Elijah’s
• Pilot House Restaurant
• Rooster & The Crow
• Floriana

Best restaurants in Downtown Wilmington

If you find yourself downtown for sightseeing and shopping, don’t forget to include dining on your itinerary. Downtown is a foodie haven with restaurants serving southern comfort foods and international cuisine. Here are our favorite date spots:

• Savorez
• The Fork n Cork
• Yosake
• Dram Yard
• True Blue Butcher and Barrell

Have something even more romantic in mind? Plan a luxury popup with Coastal Picnic Wilmington for your anniversary dinner or proposal.

Accommodations for Your Romantic Getaway in Wilmington

Stay in comfy vacation rentals in Wilmington ideal for couples. Our managed properties feature many amenities and access to personalized guest services to make your stay even more special. Don’t wait to reserve the dates that mean the most to you.