Travel and romance make a glorious mixture, and if you and your beloved feel in need of romance in the form of close-in beauty, adventure and togetherness, there’s no place we would rather recommend than North Carolina’s glorious Outer Banks.
With 200 miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, charming coastal villages, incredible foodie finds and endless ways to bond while making lasting memories - OBX promises an unforgettable romantic vacation built just for two.
From peaceful walks hand-in-hand along deserted shorelines to thrill-seeking water sports adventures to cozying up oceanside together - the Outer Banks offers incredible flexibility to craft your personalized perfect romantic getaway. Here's how to get the most magic out of your OBX couples trip.
Day 1: Arrival Day - OBX First Impressions
Kick-start your trip by stocking up on essentials so you can fully unplug once settling into your cozy couples vacation rental with stunning views. Then tee up for a relaxing round of golf - with OBX's beautifully manicured greens and shimmering inland water hazards, it's a heavenly start. End your first evening getting to know OBX's exceptional dining scene. Make reservations at a soundside restaurant glowing with sunset hues - we love The Blue Point's Southern delicacies.
Day 2: Off to Enchanting Ocracoke Island
Accessible only by scenic ferry ride, quaint Ocracoke Island transports couples back in time with its remote atmosphere and pirate tales. Pedal along unpaved roads by bike or golf cart to discover colorful cafes and flower-filled inns for locally-sourced dishes served with small town charm. Trade stories and steals kisses as you beachcomb for shells or toast the sunset across the harbor over cocktails - island style.
Day 3: Ride with OBX's Wild Mustangs
Glimpsing OBX's majestic wild mustang herds grazing untethered across secluded dunes and marshes is a truly special wilderness encounter. Book a 4x4 off-road tour to admire these beautiful Colonial Spanish beasts up close in their natural habitat. With a tasty picnic lunch in hand from Hunter's Heaven, continue creating magical moments framed by OBX's breathtaking natural backdrop - feeling worlds away.
Day 4: Immerse in History & Culture Together
Uncover OBX's rich legacy at the impressive Wright Brothers Memorial, where aviation history took flight. Then peek into the past by touring OBX's Beach Cottage Row, where preserved 1930s/40s vacation homes now comprise a National Historic District. Roanoke Island village brims with cultural gems too - like touring the mysterious late 1500s Lost Colony site while discussing conspiracy theories.
Day 5: Local Brewery Hopping Date
With OBX's booming craft beer scene, you'll find no shortage of hip brewpubs and tasting rooms to sample flights of artisan IPAs, stouts, porters and more. Cozy up on Pamlico Sound-facing patio furniture at any of the Hatteras Island’s Brewery. Share a few pints while taking in magnificent island views for an effortlessly fun couple’s activity.
Day 6: Active Watersports Adventures
Luxuriating beach days are a given, but OBX also serves up seemingly endless aquatic adventures - perfect for active couples. Try stand-up paddle boarding in the gentle waves of the sound before beach yoga together at sunrise. South around Cape Point, kite boarders sail and flip against the backdrop of the nation's tallest lighthouse. And for peaceful paddling through nature, glide kayaks across Pea Island Refuge's abundant bird and marine life habitats.
Day 7: Sweet Farewells at the Spa
Depart OBX looking and feeling amazing after a nice couple massage. Saunas, aromatherapy and soothing skin treatments satisfy too. Trading the last lingering kisses, promises to return to the Outer Banks' paradise again soon come easily. This blissful, memory-filled getaway surely works its magic.