Carolina Beach is the perfect mix of adventure and romance for couples! Nestled on the beautiful North Carolina coast, it’s got everything from scenic boardwalk strolls to amazing waterfront dining. Whether you’re up for kayaking, hiking, or just soaking up the beach breeze, there’s something for every couple to enjoy.
Let’s explore some of the top romantic things to do in Carolina Beach for couples, ensuring you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Watch the Sunset on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
There are just a few remaining vintage boardwalks in the country, but there is only one Carolina Beach Boardwalk – and this unforgettable attraction belongs at the top of your vacation bucket list. Spending a romantic evening on the boardwalk is a known Carolina Beach experience. Enjoy cold drinks, live music, and ocean breezes from the deck at Hurricane Alley’s, which overlooks the boardwalk. Grab a beer in the down-to-earth atmosphere of Buzz’s Roost or the Fat Pelican, which features more than 350 beers and is known as one of the “Diviest Dive Bars in America.” As the sun goes down, unwind at SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, offering drink specials and live music nearly every night of the week in the summer. For those who enjoy sips paired with serene views, Crush & Grind is a café-based wine and bottle shop with a covered balcony where visitors can enjoy locally-crafted brews. The boardwalk is a timeless location for those seeking romantic things to do in Carolina Beach, whether it be a leisurely stroll or an evening filled with entertainment.
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant
Dining by the water is one of the most romantic things you can do with your partner, and Carolina Beach has some awesome spots to try! Stoked Restaurant sits right on the harbor with boat docking access, live music, and a killer menu. Start with the Tuna Wonton Nachos, featuring sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna, watermelon fruit salsa, and a wasabi miso ginger glaze. For the main course, the Southern NC Shrimp & Grits is a must-try, loaded with cheesy stone-ground grits, creamy shrimp sauce, Applewood smoked bacon, and scallions.
Another great spot is the Carolina Beach Pier Grill, a laid-back oceanfront gem with indoor and outdoor seating. Kick things off with Chili Cheese Nachos, stacked with chili, cheddar, queso, pico, and jalapeños. If you’re hungry for more, go for the Southern Comfort Quesadilla, packed with pulled pork, white BBQ sauce, pimento, cheddar, Swiss cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual bite with a view, these spots have you covered!
For a more laid-back dining experience, visit Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar. It serves fresh coastal cuisine and a casual setting to enjoy a tropical cocktail or cold beer after a day at the beach. Share an order of Shrimp Toast, made with red curry, lime, and ginger on toasted baguette, then indulge in the Calabash Platter, a large combination platter of fried oysters, shrimp, and flounder with fries. With so many exquisite restaurants in Carolina Beach, your dining experiences are bound to be memorable.
Take a Couples Kayaking Adventure
Sometimes you need a break from the beach crowds. When that happens to you in Carolina Beach, slip away to 761 acres of natural wonder known as Carolina Beach State Park. Located just minutes from downtown Carolina Beach, the park has some of the best fishing in the area as well as six miles of groomed hiking trails. While the park’s inland pursuits are plentiful, what you can find in the waterways is truly remarkable.
Because it’s located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, visitors have a unique vantage point for enjoying both salt and freshwater marine life. The park offers two-hour kayak tours that allow you to see the best of the park and its wildlife. If you’re new to kayaking, the friendly staff will patiently walk you through the basics, ensuring you’re completely comfortable before setting off. Once in the water, they’ll point out the local wildlife, explain some of the area’s landmarks, and recommend favorite kayaking routes for those who might want to venture on their own.
Carolina Beach State Park is known as a birding paradise, with dozens of species frequently flying over the waterways and nesting along the shoreline. As you paddle across the water, you might see pelicans diving for fish or the Anhinga, also known as the snakebird, gliding gracefully in the river. Closer inland, woodpeckers and ospreys add to the park’s avian diversity. The Sugarloaf Trail offers the best platform for bird watchers, making it a perfect destination for nature-loving couples and a top option among the romantic things to do in Carolina Beach.
Explore Carolina Beach State Park Trails Together
Exploring the beautiful trails together can be one of the most fulfilling experiences, and Carolina Beach State Park provides several great options. The Flytrap Trail offers a half-mile loop through pocosin wetlands, longleaf pine forests, and wiregrass savanna communities. Venus flytraps can often be seen along the edges of the pocosins. Remember to stay on the trail to avoid damaging these small and fragile plants, and enjoy the seasonal wildflowers that bloom along the pathway.
For avid bird watchers, the Sugarloaf Trail offers a three-mile route through diverse ecosystems such as coastal evergreen forests and tidal cypress-gum swamps. The trail takes you to Sugarloaf Dune, a prominent pre-colonial geological feature. This trail begins and ends at the marina parking area.
The Snow’s Cut Trail, at 0.75 miles, follows Snow’s Cut, which connects the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River. This trail meanders through a pine-hardwood forest and provides scenic views of the waterway, with towering trees enriching the landscape. Starting at the picnic area, this trail can also be accessed from the campground. These beautiful trails make Carolina Beach State Park a perfect retreat for couples looking to engage themselves in nature while enjoying outdoor activities together.
Go on a Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise provides an exceptional way to cap off your romantic escapade. These narrated cruises allow couples to relax and watch the sunset from the comfort of a boat. During the first half of the cruise, enjoy easy listening music while learning about the history and points of interest along the route. The second half features more upbeat music and even some line dances to create a festive atmosphere. These cruises encapsulate the spirit of romance and adventure, making them one of the must-do boat tours in Carolina Beach.
Plan Your Visit!
Are you ready to explore things to do in Carolina Beach during your next vacation? Browse our entire selection of rentals today and find the perfect match for your stay!
Book Your Carolina Beach Vacation Rental with Network Vacation Rentals
No romantic getaway is complete without the perfect place to stay. Our Carolina Beach vacation rentals offer a wide range of options, from cozy Carolina Beach oceanfront rentals to luxurious Carolina Beach condo rentals with outstanding amenities. Network Vacation Rentals can help you find the ideal Carolina Beach rentals to suit your needs, ensuring you have a comfortable and memorable stay. With amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and easy access to the beach, choosing the right rental can make your romantic vacation even more special. Book your Carolina Beach rentals with Network Vacation Rentals today and set off on a romantic escapade that you’ll cherish forever.