Travel and romance, they go hand in hand. Nothing is better than grabbing that special person in your life and hitting the road. A couple's trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina will be a road trip that you'll happily look back upon for the rest of your relationship. The Outer Banks is a 200-mile long string of barrier islands off of the coast of North Carolina and couples trips to the underdeveloped, unspoiled Outer Banks are sure to be remembered for years to come. We’ve broken down the best activities by location to help you plan your romantic Outer Banks getaway.
Where to Go on Your OBX Romantic Getaway
Now that you're here and settled into your cozy vacation rental, what are you going to do next? Keep reading for a quick summary of some of the main areas of the Outer Banks including the highlights of things that you can't miss while you're here. And for a little more detail, check out our Ultimate Outer Banks Bucket List for all the things that are a must-see during your stay.
Northern Outer Banks
Our northern beaches are more secluded than the middle part of the Outer Banks and offer all of the watersports you could think of. Couples have been surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing and kiteboarding on the Outer Banks for years.
The northern beach town of Corolla and Carova beach features wild Spanish Mustangs that were originally brought over by boat many years ago. These amazing horses just roam the beach. You can book a wild horse tour and ride in a jeep out on onto the beach to witness these majestic creatures up close (photo opp. city)!
Another great couple's experience is taking selfies together at the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Visitors can climb the 220-step red brick lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Atlantic and the Currituck Sound.
The town of Duck, on the northern Outer Banks, offers a quaint atmosphere where you can enjoy beach shops, restaurants, and sunsets along the boardwalk after enjoying an afternoon couple's massage at Aqua Spa or Sanderling Resort. Catch some local music at Sweet T's or enjoy fine dining at Blue Point along the sound. Park the car and rent a couple of bikes for the full salt-air experience.
Main/Middle Outer Banks
Moving further south down the Outer Banks' miles of beaches you will find the towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo. You can view the site where the Wright Brothers literally invented flight. There are markers that show how far they flew on their first attempts.
This part of the island also has the most restaurants and could very well be considered seafood heaven. You can eat oceanfront on the pier at Capt. Andy's or Fishheads and then go for a romantic walk out onto to the edge the pier and stand right over the Atlantic Ocean. You can also visit the Outer Banks' newest pier, Jennette's Pier, featuring wind turbines and aquatic exhibits. Also included in the middle of the Outer Banks is Jockey's Ridge State Park—the largest natural sand dune system in the Eastern US and an absolutely beautiful place to watch the sunset over the sound.
South Nags Head
Back to our southern jaunt down the island, south Nags Head features Bodie Island Lighthouse. The black and white horizontal striped lighthouse stands at 156' and allows visitors to climb to the top from mid-April to mid-October. There is also a pretty sweet walkway and observation deck on the lighthouse grounds.
Across the street from the Bodie Island lighthouse is Coquina beach named after the colorful coquina clams that would wash ashore. There are no homes to backdrop this secluded beach, just miles of beautiful shoreline on which to soak up the sun. Beachcombing, shelling, surfing, and body boarding are popular here and you can drive on part of the beach with a permit. Coquina beach also serves as the location for sunset horseback rides in the evening.
Manteo
A short veer east (if traveling south) takes you to the mysterious Roanoke Island where 177 English settlers vanished after just three years on the island. There is even an annual production, The Lost Colony, about this mysterious piece of history that you can attend each summer in Manteo's Waterside Theater (a bike path can bring you all the way there from downtown). Manteo is also home to the ever so romantic, fanciful, and elaborate Elizabethan Gardens. You can also spend some quality time at the Farmers Market, shopping the unique downtown shops, exploring old cemeteries, taking a laid-back dolphin tour, drinking beer at the local pub, watching the boats come in from the dock, or petting rays at the aquarium. Manteo is also home to Pirate's Cove Marina where you can take a sunset cruise or book a fishing charter.
Hatteras Island
A trip down to the southern beaches of the Outer Banks will take you to Hatteras Island where you will feel like you're visiting the edge of the earth. This is one of the most unspoiled parts of OBX. Featuring miles of coastline, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—the tallest brick lighthouse structure in the United States (and 2nd on earth), Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and some of the best kiteboarding in the world. If you truly want to get away from it all, Hatteras Island is the place to go...
Ocracoke Island
...unless you want to load your car onto a ferry and travel even further into isolation for the ultimate out of the way experience, then you can take a trip to Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke Island is one of the most remote islands on the Outer Banks and home to a British cemetery, the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and the place where the infamous pirate Blackbeard met his demise (some say Ocracoke is also home to Blackbeard's ghost). A true haven for couples, Ocracoke Island features shell hunting, impressive local seafood (must try an oyster shooter at Howard's), coffee shops, Eduardo's Taco Stand, sunrise beach yoga, and the most beautiful sky of stars you've ever seen. Rent a golf cart or bike around Ocracoke Island and spend some true quality time together.
Where to Eat on Your OBX Romantic Getaway
If the romantic scenery and plethora of adventures wasn't enough, the Outer Banks is also home to a variety of spectacular restaurants that are perfect for a romantic evening watching the sunset over the sound or enjoying a premiere glass of wine with some fresh, local seafood under the light of the moon. There are a variety of places from Corolla to Hatteras Island offering everything from beachy casual to upscale dining. Be sure to call ahead, as some restuarants do require reservations, especially during the summer months.
If you're looking for a place with unforgettable waterfront romantic dining, a peaceful atmosphere, and a delicious menu, look no further than AQUA Restaurant in Duck. Enjoy delicious hand-crafted drinks, a menu inspired by the unqiue beauty of the Outer Banks, and a brilliant waterfront view that makes this one of the best spots on the beach to enjoy a romantic evening together with the love of your life. Enjoy their Signature Sweet Corn & Crab Soup, Pastachio Crusted Scottish Salmon, or a yummy pie for dessert.
1174 Duck Road / Duck, North Carolina / 252.261.9700
Established in 1989 by John Power and Sam McGann, the restaurant is located at the Waterfront Shops in Duck and overlooks the Currituck Sound. This beautiful, upscale restaurant is promises an elegant evening with locally-sourced Southern fare. They offer a variety of small and big plates as well as scrumptious salads, a comprehensive wine list, and sophisticated desserts that are sure to add a sweet treat to your romantic evening.
1240 Duck Road / Duck, North Carolina / 252.261.8090
Trio is the perfect place to combine a local Outer Banks vibe and upscale dining. More than just a restaurant and bar, Trio is a fun spot to enjoy tastings, time together with friends, or a great date night. Their dining options include delicious charcuterie, sandwiches, and elegeant large plates like Carolina Shrimp & Grits or Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. Dessert offerings change daily but are guaranteed to be amazing, so come hungry!
3708 N. Croatan Hwy / Kitty Hawk, North Carolina / 252.261.0277
Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar
Boasting a seasonal menu that features lush local ingredients, Ocean Boulevard is an American Bistro that's a terrific place to unwind after a long day at the beach and take advantage of a sophistcated upscale dining experience. Enjoy a fine wine out on the patio and savor one of their scrumptious menu items. You can't miss their Fried Green Tomatoes or Pan Seared Sea Scallops for a delicious local experience.
4700 N Virginia Dare Trail / Kitty Hawk, North Carolina / 252.261.2546
One of the few restaurants on the Outer Banks with panoramic ocean views from the dining room, The Black Pelican is the perfect spot for an romantic evening together. Specials curated by the skills chefs change daily to highlight fresh local seafood and decades of industry experience. Their fresh fish selections are great, but their meat and vegetarian selections have something for everyone. Be sure to stop by this Outer Banks classic at least once during your stay.
3848 North Virginia Dare Trail / Kitty Hawk, North Carolina / 252.261.3171
Cafe Pamlico is a beautiful, out-of-the-way spot to enjoy the best of the Outer Banks on Hatteras Island. Their selection of local fare is sophisticated and delicious with their selection of Moroccan Brussels, a Charcuterie Board, and a wide variety of seafood options that are filling and delicious.
49684 NC Highway 12 / Buxton, North Carolina / 866.726.5426
And if you're looking for something a little more food-focused to enjoy with your favorite dining partner? Check out our Romantic Foodie Getaway with a 4-day itinerary of some of the best spots to enjoy a romantic OBX excursion paired with an equally romantic dining experience nearby.
More Couples Trip Planning Ideas
Sometimes you just want to get away to the beach to spend time together and enjoy the peace and serenity of spending your Outer Banks vacation together. Other times, you're looking for something a little more structured - certain things to do or see. Check out our Outer Banks Wine Tour itinerary for a list of romantic wine tasting adventures to do undergo during your stay. You can also check out our Trip Planning Ideas that offer itineraries for everyone from the Adventure Lover or the Art Aficianado. The Outer Banks is such a unique place filled eclectic shops and activites, so you're sure to find something for everyone in your life.
Looking to propose? The Outer Banks is an amazing place to start your journey of a life together. With beautiful scenery and memorable landmarks, any marriage proposal will be like a fairytale, bringing you back to these glistening shores to celebrate year after year. Check out our guide to Outer Banks Beach Proposal Ideas and our listing of 10 Heart-Melting Outer Banks Vacation Marriage Proposal Ideas to get those wheels turning.
And when you're ready to book your ultimate Outer Banks getaway to celebrate the love of your life, Seaside Vacations has plenty of romantic vacation rentals for couples to accommodate your stay. You can choose from oceanfront condos to homes with hot tubs, and private pools. We have homes with state-of-the-art kitchens and theater rooms to cozy beach boxes that are perfect for you to cuddle up in for the week between your adventures.
Keep an eye on our specials and deals and book now before your dream Outer Banks beach house fills up for the summer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today!
We'll see you at the beach.
