Love by the Shore: Carolina Beach’s Finest Rentals for Couples

If waking up to the sounds of the ocean, outdoor leisure activities, and unique date night plans sounds dreamy, you’ll love a romantic getaway in Carolina Beach. Our Coastal Carolina beach town oozes nostalgic charm that lets you enjoy romance at your own pace.

This guide will help you find the best ideas for a romantic getaway in Carolina Beach.

Why Plan Your Romantic Getaway at Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a popular romantic destination whether you’re a couple of snowbirds looking for a warm destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day, newlyweds celebrating their honeymoon, or a romantic summer escape. Our Carolina Beach vacation rentals and partnering guest services make planning your romantic getaway a breeze.

Things to Do in Carolina Beach for Couples

1. Seafood Dinner with Your Soul Mate

Your partner deserves only the best food this getaway, and Carolina Beach is a hub for seafood. Straight from the ocean, you’ll find tons of daily catch recipes and atmospheres inspiring you to have a great time.

Live music sets the atmosphere in venues like Stoked Restaurant, known for its surf n’ turf entrees. Enchant yourself with delicious seafood and live entertainment at the SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar. Sip tropical cocktails and casual seafood plates while local and national music acts create a seaside vibe. The award-winning food at Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is unbeatable. Try the famous seafood chowder and the Fish Market Special prepared with the catch of the day.

Did you know oysters are an aphrodisiac? Romanticize your dinner even more with the oyster bar at Shuckin’ Shack. Order the daily featured oyster or share a seafood sampler with oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, crab legs, and more.

2. Boat Cruise with Your First Mate

Sail in your love boat along the stunning Carolina Coast. Our guests have booked private charters and boat tours with Yacht Source for their seafaring adventures. Imagine celebrating your honeymoon on a luxury yacht tour to explore untouched islands. Enjoy ocean views of the sunset. Take things slow with an 8-hour voyage into Wilmington, barrier islands, and other destinations.

The best part is they’ll help you plan your romantic escape so that all you have to do is show up and indulge in the pleasures of the sea.

3. Date night on the Boardwalk

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk’s charm has been around since it was first built in 1887—it’s considered one of the last original boardwalks on the East Coast! This historic bridge was recently updated, making it ideal for today’s dating culture.

Bring fun to your date night at the boardwalk amusement park. Take in the views hand-in-hand on the Ferris Wheel, snap couple’s selfies on the carousel, and don’t forget to share a funnel cake! You’ll see plenty of kids running around to inspire conversations about your future family vacations to Carolina Beach.

When the weather warms up, you can hang around for live music at the boardwalk gazebo.

4. Enjoy the Outdoors

It’s easy to stay in and relax in our cozy Carolina Beach vacation rentals. Step outside your comfort zone and experience tons of activities for water enthusiasts and land lovers.

We all love the beach, and you’ll find plenty of romance buried in the white sand. Rent surf gear to catch consistent waves to explore with Stand-Up paddle boards from CB Surf Shop. Jump on a jet ski with your spouse and skid along the scenic Atlantic coast.

Intrepid couples get ready to explore the famous Fly Trap Trail in Carolina Beach State Park. Go 4×4 off-roading on the scenic beach at Freeman Park—one of the rare places on the Carolina coast where you can do it.

5. Sweets for your Sweetie

Post-dinner hours in Carolina Beach are always an exciting time for couples. If the night is going too well to turn in for the night, take a stroll around the boardwalk and main drag to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

Cool off on a warm night with more than 4,000 flavors from Squigley’s Ice Cream or in-house made gelato scooped from Latella Gelato on the boardwalk. Couples visiting Carolina Beach during the summer can stop by Britt’s Donut Shop to see why these irresistible treats have been a local favorite since 1939.

6. Date Night at Local Events and Festivals

One of the unique things about spending a romantic getaway at Carolina Beach is always having something to do. Our annual calendar is loaded with exciting events and festivals that make for a one-of-a-kind date.

Jam outing the summer with the Carolina Beach Music Festival. Watch the Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast events every Friday. Marvel at the aerial creations soaring in the Cape Fear Kite Festival at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Snuggle up an outdoor movie at Carolina Beach Lake Park or light up the holidays with the Islands of Lights: Lighting at the Lake Festival.

Also, check out local Valentine’s Day specials at local restaurants and venues.

Best Time for a Romantic Getaway on Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a year-round destination thanks to the beautiful weather. Summertime is popular for the beach season, and local festivals line the calendar every year. Our shoulder seasons give visitors a more relaxing getaway with fewer crowds. Our mild winters welcome snowbird couples to enjoy walks on the boardwalk and other outdoor activities.

Vacation Rentals in Carolina Beach for Couples

Stay in Carolina Beach at vacation homes perfect for couples. Carolina Beach is a 7-mile stretch on Pleasure Island. Most of the best attractions and activities are within walking distance or a short drive, so getting around is easy. Check out some of our popular properties to start planning your Carolina Beach romantic getaway.