Wilmington, North Carolina, is a city full of charm, history, and breathtaking coastal views. Also, with a lot of date ideas for couples in Wilmington, NC. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous outing, a romantic dinner, or a peaceful escape into nature, Wilmington offers a variety of unique date ideas. Here are 33 cute date ideas that will be unforgettable ways to spend quality time with your significant other.
Fun Ideas for Couples in Wilmington NC
1. Walk Along the Wilmington Riverwalk-Date ideas Wilmington NC
Stretching nearly two miles along the Cape Fear River, the Wilmington Riverwalk is a scenic spot for a romantic stroll. With waterfront restaurants, historic landmarks, and sunset views over the water, it’s a perfect setting for an intimate conversation or a spontaneous photoshoot.
Website: www.wilmingtonnc.gov
Address: 929 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 341-3237
2. Visit Airlie Gardens
This 67-acre garden paradise is filled with blooming flowers, peaceful lakes, and the famous 400-year-old Airlie Oak Tree. Enjoy a slow walk, the butterfly house, or a quiet moment surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Website: airliegardens.org
Address: 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 798-7700
Email: airlieinfo@nhcgov.com
3. Sunset Cruise on the Cape Fear River
Watch the sky turn pink and orange on a romantic Cape Fear River cruise, often with drinks and live music for an unforgettable evening.
Website: capefearriverboats.com
Address: 106 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 343-1611
4. Explore the Bellamy Mansion Museum
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved antebellum home with guided tours showcasing grand architecture and Wilmington’s rich history.
Website: www.bellamymansion.org
Address: 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 251-3700
Email: info@bellamymansion.org
5. Watch a Show at Thalian Hall-Date Ideas Wilmington NC
Enjoy Broadway-style performances, comedy shows, or concerts at one of the oldest theaters in the country — an elegant night out full of entertainment.
Website: www.thalianhall.org
Address: 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 632-2285
6. Have a Picnic at Greenfield Lake Park
Spread out a blanket by Greenfield Lake, enjoy ducks and turtles nearby, or rent a kayak for a little extra adventure. Great for couples who want to relax and have a picnic and enjoy a leisurely day.
Website: www.visitnc.com
Address: 1739 Burnett Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 341-7852
7. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Downtown
Experience old-world romance with Springbrook Farms horse-drawn carriage rides through Wilmington’s charming historic district. Brings back memories of the past when romance was a carriage ride. This is just one date idea Wilmington NC for couples that love the romantic carriage rides in downtown.
Website: horsedrawntours.com
Address: 16 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 251-8889
Email: info@horsedrawntours.com
8. Visit the Cameron Art Museum
Explore rotating exhibitions from local and international artists at Wilmington’s premier art museum a creative and inspiring date idea. Who doesn’t like to have a creative date and explore the art world.
Website: www.cameronartmuseum.org
Address: 3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412
Phone: (910) 395-5999
Email: info@cameronartmuseum.org
9. Wine Tasting at Noni Bacca Winery-Date Ideas Wilmington NC
Savor award-winning wines at this cozy, locally owned winery perfect for comparing flavors and picking a bottle to take home. Nice to have a wonderful glass of wine and toast to romance.
Website: nbwinery.com
Address: 420 Eastwood Rd #108, Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 397-7617
Email: info@nbwinery.com
10. Go on a Ghost Tour
Get spooked together on one of Wilmington’s famous ghost walks, exploring historic haunted streets under the moonlight.
Website: hauntedwilmington.com
Address: 8 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 794-1866
11. Spend a Day at Wrightsville Beach
Just a short drive from downtown, Wrightsville Beach is ideal for a relaxing beach day, surfing lesson, or a sunset walk along the shore.
12. Visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Explore Civil War ruins and scenic beaches at Fort Fisher, where history and nature create a peaceful, romantic backdrop.
Website: historicsites.nc.gov
Address: 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Phone: (910) 251-7340
Email: fisher@ncdcr.gov
13. Enjoy Live Jazz at a Local Club
Relax with cocktails and smooth jazz at The Blind Elephant, a cozy speakeasy-style bar with regular live music events.
Website: www.blindelephantspeakeasy.com
Address: 21 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 833-7175
14. Play Mini Golf
Add a playful twist to your date night at Jungle Rapids indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course.
Website: junglerapids.com
Address: 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 791-0666
15. Take a Dolphin-Watching Tour
- Website: wilmingtonwatertours.net
- Address: 212 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 338-3134
See dolphins splashing through the waves with a dolphin cruise from Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours.
16. Visit the New Hanover County Arboretum
Walk through beautifully landscaped gardens, a koi pond, and seasonal blooms — perfect for a peaceful, nature-filled date.
- Website: www.newhanovercountyarboretum
- Address: 6206 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
- Phone: (910) 798-7660
17. See a Movie at The Pointe 14
Upgrade your movie night with luxury reclining seats and gourmet concessions at The Pointe 14 Cinema.
- Website: www.thepointe14
- Address: 2223 Blockbuster Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
- Phone: (910) 313-2733
18. Rent a Tandem Bike and Ride Along the Beach
Rent a tandem bike from Bike Cycles and cruise through beachside paths, laughing and enjoying the breezy coastal scenery.
- Website: pleasureislandrentals.com
- Address: 2 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
- Phone: (910) 458-4747
19. Try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Rent paddleboards from Wrightsville SUP and test your balance while gliding across the beautiful, calm waters.
- Website: www.wrightsvillesup.com
- Address: 96 W. Salisbury St. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
- Phone: (910) 378-9283
20. Have Brunch at a Cozy Café
Share a slow morning over Southern-inspired brunch favorites at Blue Surf Café, a local favorite known for fresh ingredients and cozy vibes.
- Website: www.bluesurfcafe.com
- Address: 250 Racine Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
- Phone: (910) 523-5362
21. Explore the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Stroll the vibrant Carolina Beach Boardwalk with ocean views, arcade games, live music in the summer, and classic boardwalk eats like Britt’s Donut Shop. It’s a lively and casual date spot, especially fun in the warmer months.
22. Take a Private Sailboat Tour
Charter a private sailboat and cruise Wilmington’s beautiful coastal waters. Companies like Wrightsville Performance Sailing offer sunset sails that are unforgettable and super romantic.
- Website: epicexcursionsnc.com
- Address: 109 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
- Phone: (910) 239-9248
23. Visit the Battleship North Carolina
Tour the historic USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship docked on the Cape Fear River. It’s a fascinating and educational date if you both love history.
- Website: battleshipnc.com
- Address: 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 399-9100
24. 20 Orange Spa-Indulge in a Couples Spa Day
Relax and rejuvenate together with massages, facials, and aromatherapy at Coastal Massage & Spa, Wilmington’s premier day spa for couples.
- Website: 20orangespa.com
- Address: 20 Orange St, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 448-4332
25. Try Ice Skating at The Ice House
Hold hands and laugh as you glide across the ice at The Ice House, Wilmington’s indoor skating rink that’s fun year-round.
- Website: www.polaricewilmington.com
- Address: 7201 Ogden Business Ln. Wilmington, NC 28411
- Phone: (910) 686-1987
26. Take a Cooking Class Together-Demarco Family Kitchen
Sign up for a cooking class at The Seasoned Gourmet or Cape Fear Food & Wine Club and create a delicious meal side by side, a perfect mix of teamwork and fun.
- Website: www.demarcofamilykitchen.com
- Address: 23 Sunset Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 508-4224
27. Go Brewery Hopping-Wilmington Brewing Company
Discover Wilmington’s booming craft beer scene by visiting breweries like Wilmington Brewing Company and Flytrap Brewing, each with their own unique brews and chill atmospheres.
- Website: wilmingtonbrewingcompany.com
- Address: 800 S Kerr Ave Wilmington, NC 28403
- Phone: (910) 632-4111
- Email: Sales@WilmingtonBrewingCompany.com
28. Kayak Through Masonboro Island Reserve
For nature lovers, rent kayaks and paddle to Masonboro Island Reserve. Explore untouched beaches, marshes, and spot coastal wildlife for a serene, adventurous date.
- Website: www.masonboroislandreserve.com
- Address: Masonboro Island State Natural Area, Wilmington, NC 28409
29. Share a Dessert at Kilwins
Treat yourselves to decadent ice cream, fudge, or caramel apples at Kilwins downtown. It’s a sweet and simple way to cap off a date.
- Website: www.kilwins.com
- Address: 16 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Phone: (910) 772-1298
30. Horseback Riding on the Beach-Desperado Horse Farm
Saddle up for a dreamy beach ride at nearby Carolina Beach with KBR Horseback Riding, offering rides along the shore at sunset.
- Website: www.desperadohorsefarm.com
- Address: 7214 NC Highway 210 Rocky Point, NC 28457
- Phone: (910) 617-3563
31. Discover Wilmington’s Murals and Art
Explore downtown Wilmington on foot, discovering colorful street art and murals perfect for snapping fun couple photos together.
- Website: www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com
32. Join a Sunset Beach Yoga Class-Salty Dog Yoga & Surf
Relax, breathe, and connect during a sunset beach yoga session at Wrightsville Beach with Salty Dog Yoga & Surf.
- Website: www.saltydogyogasurf.com
- Address: 915 a N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
- Phone: (910) 707-3012
- Email: info@saltydogyogasurf.com
33. Have a Romantic Candlelit Dinner at Home
Sometimes the most intimate dates are at home. Order from a top Wilmington restaurant like RX Restaurant and Bar, light some candles, and enjoy a cozy night in.
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