Romantic Getaways on Wrightsville Beach: Top Vacation Rentals for Couples

Become the main character of your very own love story during your romantic getaway in Wrightsville Beach. This charming beach atmosphere is the perfect setting for couples to spend quality time together while experiencing the best of North Carolina’s seaside.

Fill your vacation storyline with exciting beachfront activities and enjoy the climax of your getaway in one of our stunning Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals. You’ll enjoy it so much that you’ll look forward to returning for a sequel.

Keep reading to see what’s in store for you at Wrightsville Beach to plot out your dream romantic getaway.

Why Plan Your Romantic Getaway on Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is one of the top tourist destinations in North Carolina. Most fall in love with the beach as soon as they cross the bridge to this barrier island, but there are plenty more attractions to fill up your itinerary. From water sports to shopping to fine dining, it’s the perfect destination for couples.

Things to Do in Wrightsville Beach for Couples

1. Enjoy the beach

It’s no secret that the beach is the main attraction here on the island. Stretching 2.5 miles, Wrightsville Beach is a haven for beachcombers, sunseekers, and water sports enthusiasts. With the beach easily accessible from your Wrightsville Beach vacation rental, you’ll make plenty of loving memories on our sandy shores.

For beach lovers, walk the 2.5-mile stretch of white sand and visit our two iconic piers: Crystal Pier and Johnny Mercer’s Fishing Pier. Make sure to make it to the north end of the beach to leave a love letter in our iconic Wrightsville Beach Mailbox. For water lovers, rent a couple of surfboards at the South End Surf Shop to catch some waves, or rent a tandem kayak from Wrightsville SUP to explore the Intracoastal Waterway.

2. Set Sail on Charters and Boat Tours

Boating is part of the local culture on Wrightsville Beach. Do as the locals and take to the seas on a boat tour. You’re the captain of this romantic cruise as you sail the seas with a trusted crew ready to make this a special day you’ll always remember.

Yacht Source is the go-to choice when planning a special romantic event on a boat or exploring the Carolina coastal region in luxury. Got an idea for your proposal dinner? Or want to toast with a glass of champagne at sunset? This cruise company can help organize the perfect charter. Your significant other will be truly surprised.

Make a day out of your offshore excursions by organizing half or full-day tours. Explore uninhabited islands floating offshore in the Atlantic or navigate the waterways to downtown Wilmington and Bald Head Island.

If this activity floats your boat, check out our Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals with boat docks.

3. Plan a Romantic Dinner

Make reservations to our popular waterfront restaurants for your romantic dinner. Whether planning a special anniversary dinner or a charming setting to “pop the question,” Wrightsville Beach has tons of options.

Start with an aperitif at Tower 7. The margheritas make it quite an exciting happy hour, and trying one (or two) of their fish tacos won’t spoil your appetite too much.

The famous Oceanic restaurant sits right on Crystal Pier for an intimate evening of chef-prepared seafood and views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bluewater Waterfront Grill is right across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge and has views of the Intracoastal Waterway. See why Wilmington Magazine named it the ‘Best Waterview Dining’ and attend their Valentine’s Day dinner special. There’s also live music!

If you’re part of the boat crowd, dock and dine at the South Beach Grill for Southern-inspired Chef specials and craft cocktails overlooking the channel. Show you rule the seven seas with dinner at King Neptune Restaurant. This pirate-themed restaurant was newly renovated to be a modern setting for your seafood dinner.

4. Indulge in a Romantic Breakfast

Morning time in Wrightsville Beach is one of the most peaceful times of the day. If you’re both early risers, grab a light breakfast at one of our popular local cafes and take a sunrise stroll on the beach. Dive into the SCUBA-inspired The Workshop cafe to pair a signature house blend with shark tooth jewelry made with real teeth found right on the beach! When life gives you lemons, sweeten your romance with fresh fruit juices from Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar. Join the local surfers at the crack of dawn in line at Sundays Surf Cafe for coffee, smoothies, and light pastries.

Consider planning a romantic breakfast in bed for your loved one with grocery delivery service by our partner Southern Magnolia Concierge.

5. Go Shopping

Retail therapy is one of the best ways to put a smile on your partner’s face. Wrightsville Beach has excellent shopping options, from charming boutique shops to art galleries, accessories, and even beach-inspired jewelry.

Lumina Avenue is the main strip and shopping hub on Wrightsville Beach. You’ll see tons of foot traffic from visitors window shopping and splashing cash at their favorite retailers. Lumina Station, nicknamed the ’Shopping Village by the Beach,’ is an open-air shopping venue with retailers, dining, and lifestyle shops. The short drive to Wilmington will take you to Mayfair, another popular open-air shopping center with more than 80 retail stores and 20 restaurants.

6. Practice Wellness

If the beach and pristine water views aren’t enough to bring you the tranquility you need during your romantic getaway, sprinkle in a few wellness activities to help you truly relax. Wrightsville Beach makes it easy to find serenity, even during the high season.

You’ll find some unique wellness experiences here, such as pier yoga on Crystal Pier with BeUnlimited Yoga and standup paddleboard yoga with Longwave Yoga. Prana Salt Cave specializes in dry salt therapy. It’s a method used to improve respiration because these moments on your romantic getaway to Wrightsville Beach will truly take your breath away.

Pamper yourself with couples massage treatments at Alchemy Wellness Spa, or stay in to relax with our Wrightsville Beach vacation rentals with hot tubs.

7. Relax at the Park

While your heart is red with passion, surround yourselves with stunning greenery for a quiet, relaxing afternoon. Wrightsville Beach has several public parks where you can enjoy delightful flora-lined pathways, fresh flower scents, and relaxing benches to sit and enjoy the moment with your loved one.

The nearly 500-year-old Airlie Oak Tree and shady trails of Airlie Gardens in Wilmington are popular spots for couples photoshoots and engagement photos. Walk through the decorative paths of the Harbor Way Gardens filled with native flowers and wish for everlasting love at the water fountain. Later, enjoy a picnic beneath the pavilion at Wrightsville Beach Park.

Best Time for a Romantic Getaway on Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach attracts couples year-round for their romantic getaway. Our hot summers and mild winters make it a beach destination for every season.

Visit during the summer to enjoy a beach getaway destination to celebrate your anniversary or a fun couple’s trip. Take advantage of the low season during winter for a Valentine’s Day escape.

Finding Accommodations for Couples in Wrightsville Beach

Heads up—Wrightsville Beach is a tourist hotspot, and many accommodations get booked quickly. If you plan to visit during the high summer season, you may want to book up to a year in advance to guarantee your dates. The good news is that we have many vacation rentals suitable for couples to enjoy an excellent location near the beach, great amenities, and more.

Check out these popular Wrightsville Beach home rentals for couples: