6 Romantic Beaches That Offer a Quieter NC Coast

The best destination for a couple’s getaway is conducive to connection and adventure—somewhere like North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. The laid-back, beach-town setting is ideal for bonding, thanks to the way it invites the kind of shared experiences that science suggests bring humans closer together (and increase happiness).

A region made up of beaches, coastal towns, and barrier islands, this North Carolina enclave has an impressive lineup of couple-friendly spots, all set against a backdrop of crashing waves and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you love to golf together, try new restaurants, or simply sit in silence flipping through your beach reads, you’ll find your ideal seaside escape in the Brunswick Islands. Here are the beaches to visit.

Ocean Isle Beach

Courtesy of Josh Hammond/Unsplash

For many travelers, the biggest draw of Ocean Isle Beach is the chance for a complete reset. With its picturesque homes, locally owned restaurants, and serene beaches, the coastal town seems designed for an intimate, deeply rejuvenating weekend away.

Start your weekend by checking into either the Islander Inn, an oceanfront hotel with a hot tub, pools (plus a poolside tiki bar), and unparalleled access to the beach, or the Ocean Isle Inn, a three-star hotel with similar amenities. If you’d prefer something more private, go for a rental; Williamson Realty Vacations offers oceanfront and canal-front condos and homes.

For couples whose ideal vacation involves full immersion into local activities, Ocean Isle Beach delivers. Join a free Turtle Talk with the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization, or go fishing off the Ocean Isle Beach Pier, the area’s 968-foot landmark.

You can also challenge yourself by catching waves together with the Carolina School of Surf or OIB Surf Camp. In between activities, fuel up with caffeine from Drift Coffee & Kitchen, small plates at Jinks Creek, and Italian at Le Volte Oceanfront Dining & Venue.

Sunset Beach

Courtesy of LuAnn Hunt/Pexels

There’s no more romantic scene than a sunset, and you’ll find some of the best at the aptly named Sunset Beach. It’s also one of the Brunswick County towns that runs east-west—depending on the time of year, you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the ocean. In between those special moments, you and your partner can bond while kayaking with Summertide Adventure Tours or playing endless rounds at one of Sunset Beach’s six courses.

Like most destinations in the Brunswick Islands, Sunset Beach offers hotels, inns, and rentals. For a well-located option near the pristine beach, choose the Sunset Inn. The bed-and-breakfast backs right up to the marsh and has stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Return to the Inn for a nightcap on your private screened porch after dinner at Fibber McGees or House’s Patio Bar & Grill. Or, make a short trip to Calabash for the eponymous seafood—lightly breaded and fried—before attending a nighttime show at Ingram Planetarium.

Holden Beach

Courtesy of the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority

Old-school coastal charm is alive and well in Holden Beach, a family-friendly (but still laid-back) town between Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach. It’s a place centered around quality time. Think leisurely mornings enjoying coffee at your oceanfront rental house (booked through Coastal Vacation Resorts), taking in the sights while on a BYOB tour with Cruisin’ Tikis Holden Beach, and playfully competing to see who can reel in the biggest catch while chartering a fishing boat.

Back on dry land, seafood is always on the menu at places like Castaways Raw Bar & Grill, Dock House Seafood & More, and Provision Company. You likely won’t leave Holden Beach without sharing some peel-and-eat shrimp or a dozen (or more) oysters on the half shell.

Oak Island

Courtesy of the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority

Part nature hub, part food-and-fishing town, Oak Island is the buzziest beach town in Brunswick County. Its wide, uncrowded beaches are a definite highlight—and a room at the Beach House Motel & Suites puts you steps from your lounge chair, your umbrella, and the Oak Island Pier.

If you’d prefer something more spacious, go with a rental property from Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island. Before settling in for the ultimate beach day, grab iced coffees at Ruby’s Coffeehouse & Eatery and sandwiches for later from Oak Island Sub Shop.

Perfect for couples who like a balance of beach time and pre-planned activities, Oak Island is home to the Oak Island Nature Center, a peaceful spot for fishing, walking nature trails, and bird watching. A scenic helicopter tour with High Tide Aviation will give you a new perspective on the beauty of the Brunswick Islands; upon landing, head to Swain’s Restaurant or Shagger Jacks and tuck into the fresh seafood for which Oak Island is known.

Caswell Beach

Caswell Beach, located on the eastern end of Oak Island, is as quiet and unspoiled as it gets. It feels private and undiscovered—here, dunes, waving sea oats, beach homes, and the occasional fisherman, kayaker, or amateur photographer will surround you.

The Oak Island Lighthouse, a 153-foot-tall historic structure, is a stately photo op. If the weather doesn’t cooperate with a beach day, or you and your partner are looking for another way to explore Caswell Beach, book a tee time at Oak Island Golf Club. Toast over lunch at the club’s Duffer’s Pub & Grille before calling it a day at The Beach House Motel & Suites on Oak Island.

Bald Head Island

Whether you’re seeking a honeymoon-style getaway or a one-of-a-kind beach experience, few places compare to Bald Head Island. The car-free destination, just off the coast of Southport and Caswell Beach, is a storybook seaside retreat, complete with a postcard-worthy lighthouse—you can even climb to the top of Old Baldy—relatively flat bike paths, and endless seafood dishes.

To stay overnight on Bald Head Island, you’ll need to book a rental (Bald Head Island Vacations is a solid choice). Or choose a room at either Marsh Harbour Inn or the Inn at Bald Head Island, a 10-room property that serves guests a daily continental breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.

You can also get your fill of local flavors at Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub, Jailhouse Provisions, or Cozumel Mexican Kitchen & Beach Bar. And yes, you will be hungry after kayaking with Riverside Adventure Co. or hiking through the island’s maritime forest—activities you’ll both remember for years to come.