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35 Super Romantic Things to do in Wilmington NC

Looking for awesome date ideas in Wilmington NC? Believe it or not there are tonnes of romantic things to do in Wilmington including fun activities, cool coffee shops and amazing restaurants to explore!   

Get washed away with waves of love and romance with 35 of the most romantic things to do in Wilmington NC this weekend!

35 Romantic Things to do in Wilmington NC

See Romantic Jacuzzi Suites in Wilmington to top off your couples vacation!

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Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt – Wilmington, NC

This is a super romantic activity in Wilmington!

Basically, using an app on your phone you are given 150 objects to find around the downtown of Wilmington!

When you find the item, send a photo to score points for each. To get more points along the way you can perform challenges and answer trivia questions.

Download the Operation City Question Scavenger Hunt here.

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Image Credit: Viator

Or a Zombie Scavenger Hunt

If zombies are more up your alley, you may prefer a Zombie Scavenger Hunt.

This Scavenger Hunt tests your ability to survive after a Zombie Apocalypse. The pair of you have 60 minutes to go through the city and collect items for the survival of your colony.

A great romantic thing to do in Wilmington Nc in the winter to warm up as you run around the city!

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Image credit: Viator

Wilmington’s Downtown and Midtown Brewery Tour

Breweries are kind of a big deal in Wilmington. A brewery tour is one of the best date ideas!

During this 3.5 hour brewery tour of the best breweries in Wilmington you can learn about the whole brewing process as well as enjoy locally produced beers at Flytrap Brewing, Waterline Brewery, and Wilmington Brewing Company.

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Image credit: Viator

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is yet another place to lose track of time with the many things to enjoy during your time at the beach.

Surrounded by local restaurants, scenic trails, a garden, a bikeway, and paddle board rentals, surf rentals, sailboating rentals, diving rentals, or kayak rentals, this is just an idea of the many things to do at Wrightsville Beach.

When the night hits, enjoy some live music, a beverage, some delicious eats, or lounge around with your favorite drink and food while enjoying the stunning view of the ocean.

There is also the option to make your romantic experience simple, and just set up a picnic, sunbathe, swim, and take a stroll along the shore.

For those who want to take the date to the next level, we would recommend a romantic afternoon sail at Wrightsville Beach.  If you really want to splurge on something special you can even take a private charter!

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Image credit: Viator

Do a Blacksmith’s Workshop

Some of the best dates involve doing something unique and interesting together! 

One of the most unique and interesting things to do in Wilmington for couples is to do a Blacksmith’s Workshop.

During the workshop you will work with a coal fired forge and civil war era bellows while learning about the art of blacksmithing! A cool date for history buffs!

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Located off Carolina Beach Ave S, this vintage boardwalk has more to it than just a pretty view.

With eats along the boardwalk, an arcade, close by miniature golf, bike rentals, and a white sand trail, there are many ways for you and your significant other to enjoy the boardwalk together.

Whether you bike, walk, or jog along the boardwalk, you can grab some snacks, play some games, or take a beautiful walk along the while sand trail at Carolina Beach State Park.

The trail leads to a stunning overlook of Cape Fear River, where you and your partner can take in some true natural beauty of Wilmington.

Carolina Beach

There are already so many things to do at a beach, but what makes Carolina Beach unique is the amount of things you can do on top of just suntanning or swimming (although there is nothing wrong with suntanning or swimming).

Take a walk along the Flytrap Trail, a path with carnivorous plants along the way, eat at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the beach, set up a picnic on the beach, browse through some shops along the beach, or have some fun on amusement rides.

This is the perfect place to go to before or after exploring the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. There is also the option to rent surfboards, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, or bikes to make your romantic experience more adventurous.

There are also scuba diving trips for you and your significant other to explore the waters to its full potential. You could also keep your adventure simple by taking a walk or run along a variety of trails surrounding Carolina Beach (or you could just walk or run along the water, which is still a great idea).

There are also bars along the beach with live music, karaoke nights, and obviously, drinks. Grab your swimsuit and a towel (and maybe even a picnic) to enjoy your romantic experience on Carolina Beach.

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Image credit: Flickr

Wilmington Riverwalk

Located in downtown Wilmington, this Riverwalk is the perfect place to take a stroll during any time of day.

You two may even be tempted to make more than one visit throughout the day whether it be to enjoy the morning air, or take in the sunset.

Grab a cup of coffee or refreshing beverage, and take in the beauty of downtown Wilmington.

Along this riverwalk, there is the Riverfront Park, with benches and picnic areas; just the place to set up a picnic, drink your favorite drink, or just enjoy being outside in a beautiful environment with your significant other.

Kure Beach

If you two love wildlife, fitness, water activities, food, live music, or shopping, Kure Beach has it all to fulfill your romantic expectations.

Take a long walk or jog with your significant other to take in the beauty of nature, or birdwatch and observe a variety of different wildlife habitats.

Another simple activity would to just walk or jog along the beach and let the water wash over your feet as you enjoy the presence of each other. You can even go kayaking or diving, or take a yoga class within the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

You two do not even have to take the yoga class, a walk around the aquarium is also a beautiful experience.

There are restaurants around the beach, where you and your partner can stop by for a meal, a drink, or a simple snack. During the summer months, there are live music performances where you and your significant other can set up a picnic and enjoy the music.

If you want a cheap date, the beach is one of the best things to do in Wilmington NC for free!

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Image credit: Flickr

Airlie Gardens

Located right next to Wrightsville Beach, Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre botanical garden with a wide variety of flowers and plants.

Take a stroll with your significant other and take in the beauty of all the flowers and plants in these gardens.

During the summer months, the gardens hold live music concerts, where you two can pack a nice bottle of wine and some food, and enjoy some live music after exploring these beautiful gardens.

New Hanover County Arboretum

This seven-acre arboretum, located off Oleander Dr, is the perfect place to enjoy some greenery while taking a romantic walk with your partner.

Currently containing 33 gardens, including an aquatic garden, a bog garden, a herb garden, a Japanese garden, and a rose garden, it also contains more than 4,000 varieties of native and naturalized plants.

You two are also able to reserve a picnic area to enjoy while in a beautiful environment. So pack some food, bring some water, and go take in the beauty of gardens and greenery with your significant other.

Best Coffee Shops for Dates in Wilmington

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

This spacious and modern coffee shop is located off New Centre Drive, and supports those living with disabilities.

A perfect place to grab a pastry and a coffee and just relax in the beautiful environment with your significant other.

The environment is perfect to chill and have some room for private conversation in a comfy chair. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is only one of the many coffee gems within Wilmington.

Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods

If you’re looking for some mid-century vibes, Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods provides those exact vibes. With brick walls, and a spacious interior, this is the place to enjoy a wide variety of coffees and pastries with your partner.

This beautiful environment is a great way to start your day in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Image credit: Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods Instagram

Grinders Caffé

Grinders Caffé is not your typical coffee shop, on top of having coffee (with coffee ice cubes), food, and drinks, there is a weekly open mic every Thursday from 6pm to 9pm.

Perfect for any time of day, visit this coffee shop for a relaxing coffee or enjoy the music of local artists with your significant other.

Whether you like a good time or just want to relax, this is the perfect place to enjoy a simple cup of Joe.

Old North Coffee

This cozy coffee shop, located off S Kerr Ave, serves food and coffee products grown, raised, baked, or brewed by local businesses.

Stop by Old North Coffee with your significant other for cuddling up on a sofa with some food and a cup of coffee to start of your day right.

Java Dog Coffee House

If you’re looking for a coffee, smoothie, or a baked good in downtown Wilmington, Java Dog Coffee House is the perfect place to make a stop before exploring the downtown area of Wilmington.

This casual, pet friendly coffee shop has a retro interior with a loft if you and your partner want a nice view of the inside of the coffee shop to people watch and enjoy your coffee, baked good, or smoothie.

Drift Coffee & Kitchen

Drift Coffee & Kitchen is the place to go for modern, airy vibes with a coffee and a healthy breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Enjoy your breakfast bowl or avocado toast (this is a must have) with a coffee and, of course, your significant other.

If modern interiors is what you two vibe with, this is the perfect place to visit. Located off Dungannon Blvd, enjoy a healthy start to your day with your favorite espresso drink.

One of the best romantic things to do in Wilmington!

Image credit: Drift Coffee & Kitchen

Luna Caffe

Serving gourmet coffee and espresso, this caffe, located in the heart of the Arts and Antique District on Castle Street, has more to it than just coffee.

This rustic environment with outdoor seating also serves teas, smoothies, and baked goods. The exposed brick walls and absolutely adorable outdoor seating is perfect for those who enjoy a nice cup of Joe in the morning sunshine.

The Workshop

Located on Wrightsville Beach, The Workshop is a wonderful coffee shop to indulge in a cup of coffee with a refreshing breakfast before you and your partner explore Wrightsville Beach.

With a rustic interior, take your significant other here for a snack between your time on the beach, or to start your day off right.

Tap Tea Bar

If you enjoy milk tea, Tap Tea Bar is a bubble tea shop serving refreshing teas, milk teas, slushy teas, and a variety of toppings to add to your drink. Y

ou two can visit this tea shop at any point of the day to satisfy your sweet tooth while trying drinks you may have never tried before.

Located off Racine Dr, explore some unique drinks with your favorite person (who said unique was bad?).

Image credit: Tap Tea Bar IG

Jester’s Café

Jester’s Café, located in the Castle St. Arts and Antique District, is the perfect stop to make before you explore the surroundings of the cafe.

With the same comfort as your own home, enjoy breakfast, brunch, or a sandwich (with coffee of course) with your significant other.

If you two are craving something sweet afterwards, they also serve seasonal and classic desserts. If you’re feeling like a beer or a wine, do not fear, because they have it all.

Our Crepes & More…

If you two are looking for something low-key and delicious, Our Crepes & More… is the place to go for a sweet or savory crepe in a French cafe.

This affordable yet delicious meal is provided by a family run cafe located off Oleander Dr in Wilmington.

If you are a fan of crepes, or have never tried them before, this is the place to indulge in some great food with your significant other.

A great place to go for a first date in Wilmington!

Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop

With a modern yet rustic environment, Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop specializes in comfort food consisting of breakfast and baked goods.

Stop by for a delicious pastry or a nice, wholesome breakfast with your partner and maybe even enjoy it outside.

If you two want to save some for later, feel free to grab a to go pastry and enjoy it while exploring Wilmington. Located off Eastwood Rd, this is the place to go for a fresh start to the day.

Romantic Restaurants in Wilmington NC

Pinpoint Restaurant

This artistic yet quaint restaurant serves a variety of seafood dishes as well as classic American meals.

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Pinpoint Restaurant is the perfect place to stop by for some fresh seafood while exploring the beautiful downtown area.

The Fork ’N’ Cork

If exposed brick, quaint vibes, bars, gourmet burgers, and appetizers are up your alley, The Fork ’N’ Cork is the perfect place to visit with your significant other.

Located in the heart of Wilmington, this pub and eatery provides a wide variety of appetizers and burgers along with alcoholic beverages and outdoor seating.

Enjoy a burger and a cool beverage (alcoholic or not) with your partner while exploring the beautiful downtown area of Wilmington.

Image credit: The Fork ’N’ Cork

The George on the Riverwalk

Located right on the riverwalk in downtown Wilmington, The George on the Riverwalk is a fine restaurant with seafood and Southern eats as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

Enjoy a luxurious meal with your significant other overlooking the water during anytime of the day, although watching the sunset would be a great idea.

Cast Iron Kitchen

Cast Iron Kitchen is the perfect place to stop by for a Southern styled breakfast or lunch in a homey environment with your significant other.

Located off Market Street, this restaurant provides a wide variety of Southern eats and refreshing beverages for a hearty meal with your partner.

If you two are missing home, visit this restaurant to enjoy a taste of home in cozy surroundings.

Indochine Restaurant

Experiment with some authentic Thai and Vietnamese food at the locally popular Indochine Restaurant with your partner.

In this exotic, art-filled environment, you can find food ranging from spicy to mild, drinks of all kinds, and unique desserts from Thailand and Vietnam.

Make your experience better by sitting outside in the garden or gazebos to enjoy your amazing food with your significant other. Located off Wayne Dr, this food is something not to be missed.

Dock Street Oyster Bar

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Dock Street Oyster Bar has a beautiful view of Cape Fear river, where you can enjoy your oysters and beer with your significant other. Definitely one of the most romantic things to do for couples in Wilmington NC!

If oysters are not to your preference, they serve more than just oysters.

With seating overlooking the river, at the bar, or out on the street, this quaint establishment is a great place to spend a relaxed evening with your significant other watching the sun set.

Boca Bay Restaurant

This elegant restaurant, located off Eastwood Rd, serves a variety of fresh seafood, including sushi, and a wide variety of desserts and beverages (they even have a full bar).

Whether you enjoy your food out on the covered patio, or inside in the French-styled interior, Boca Bay Restaurant has you covered for a romantic and elegant evening with your significant other.

Dockside Restaurant

If you two are looking for a more casual seafood experience, Dockside Restaurant is the place to go. Located in Wrightsville Beach, right in the marina, this restaurant serves an eclectic, seafood focused menu with a full bar (that is the most important part).

In this beach side atmosphere, take a chance to indulge in some fresh seafood and a drink with your significant other.

Image credit: Dockside Restaurant

Fish House Grill

This bright and lively restaurant located right on the water near Wrightsville Beach, has more to it than just a great location.

Enjoy some fresh seafood and a drink a cold beer while you and your significant other watch boat traffic, take in the beauty of the Waterway, and enjoy the fresh beach air. Whether you sit indoors or outdoors,

Fish House Grill will provide you and your partner with some amazing seafood as well as a romantic experience.

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Image credit: Fish House Grill

Romantic Bars in Wilmington

Looking for things to do in Wilmington NC at night? Bars are some of the best date night ideas in Wilmington.

Noni Bacca Winery

Offering wine tastings seven days a week, as well as a wide variety of wines to just enjoy, Noni Bacca Winery is just the place to enjoy any kind of wine.

Producing over 60 varieties of wine, this winery is not just a place to indulge in some great wine.

Check out their schedule to attend a variety of events, from painting to psychic readings, while drinking your favorite glass of wine. Located off Eastwood Road, be amused with the award winning wines with your significant other.

Image credit: Noni Bacca Winery

Bottega Art & Wine

Cozy up on a couch, whether it be indoors or on the outdoor patio, and indulge in some wine as well as some art. If artistic yet cozy surroundings is the kind of vibe you and your partner enjoy, Bottega Art & Wine has it all.

In this eclectic environment, it would be difficult not to enjoy your time with your significant other. Located off N 4th St, Bottega Art & Wine is the place to go for a unique environment and some amazing wine.

Edward Teach Brewing

Visit Edward Teach Brewing for a taste of freshly brewed beer and lounge around on a comfy seat inside or outside the brewery.

This bilayer establishment provides snacks, beers (obviously), and a spacious yet comfortable environment.

If you two did not get enough of the freshly brewed beer, there is the option to take some of their bottled beer to save for later. Located in downtown Wilmington, this brewery is the place to go for a fresh variety of beers.

Satellite Bar and Lounge

This rustic, modern, and funky tavern provides you and your partner with some live music (only on the weekends), snacks, and a wide variety of beer.

Enjoy your beer or snack (or both) indoors or outdoors in this wood-accented environment. Also Located in downtown Wilmington, this is a wonderful place to have a great time with your significant other.

A fun place to go for date night in Wilmington NC!

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

If you two love whiskey and cocktails, this bi-level tavern styled bar is the place to go for a great night.

Relax on the upper level and people watch with your significant other while enjoying some deluxe whiskey or a whiskey cocktail, or engage in romantic conversation with your favorite person.

Located in downtown Wilmington, this is the perfect place to spend a great night with your partner after taking a romantic walk on the riverwalk or after eating a delicious dinner. Do not be afraid to explore some new drinks, because you will not be disappointed.

Rooftop Bar @ N Front Theatre

Located in the heart of the Historic District of downtown Wilmington, Rooftop Bar @ N Front Theatre is the perfect place to spend a romantic night with your significant other.

In this low-key yet modern environment, you can indulge in the full bar, a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River, and obviously, your partner.

This is a great place to spend a romantic night overlooking a beautiful view and enjoying your favorite beverage. This bar is located on top of the iconic Masonic Lodge, this bar has a breathtaking view, delicious drinks, and a romantic environment.

Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar

Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, located along Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, is an elegant rooftop bar with an unobstructed view of the river, Wilmington’s historic harbor, ship channel, and historic downtown.

Relax and unwind with your significant other, have a cocktail, eat some food, and enjoy some stunning scenery of Wilmington.

This is the perfect place to spend a romantic night with your partner and enjoy the elegant environment, maybe even watch the sun set or take in the night sky, and sip on your favorite cocktail.

Dates Outside of Wilmington NC?

If you want to venture out of your city for a weekend trip. Here are some of our favs which aren’t too far away!

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Author

  • MC Miller

    MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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