Whisk your special someone away to Wilmington to enjoy waterfront strolls, outdoor adventures and plenty of chances to eat, drink and relax together. Wander the peaceful paths of Airlie Gardens, watch the sunset on a Cape Fear River cruise and share an intimate dinner on a Juliette balcony at Floriana’s. Then unwind with cocktails and s’mores at Concorde Espresso Bar or a relaxing couples massage at Ki Spa & Salon. With so many ways to explore and savor the city together, romance is always in the air.
Recharge in Nature
Start your trip with a morning coffee drink from Drift Coffee and Kitchen, then visit Airlie Gardens to wander through 67 acres of shaded paths, flowers and a beautiful lakeside pergola. You may recognize the gardens as the backdrop for memorable film and TV moments, including Dawson and Jen’s first kiss on "Dawson’s Creek" and Karen’s dream of exploring a meadow with Keith and Lily in "One Tree Hill." (Pro tip: “One Tree Hill” fans can relive even more iconic dates and moments from the show during a special e-bike experience with Wilmington Bike and Brew Tours.)
After your garden stroll, rent bikes from Bike Cycles Shop and head to Greenfield Park. With a paved trail and scenic lake views, it’s perfect for a low-key date. For a longer ride, the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail stretches 15 miles across Wilmington, connecting parks, cultural stops and scenic viewpoints – including a must-see lookout on the Heide-Trask Drawbridge. Along the way, stop by Cameron Art Museum for a gallery visit or break at the CAM Café, which often hosts live music and film events.
End the day with a romantic cruise on the Cape Fear River. Take a sunset sail aboard Ravens Nest Sailing’s “Freyja,” with optional add-ons like light bites and drinks, or hop on Wilmington Water Tours’ catamaran for a sunset cruise with live music and a full bar. Both tours are seasonal and require advance tickets, so be sure to plan ahead.
Explore Historic Downtown Wilmington
Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Wilmington with Springbrook Farms and its rescued horses. Tours don’t follow a fixed schedule, allowing the horses to rest and move at their own pace as you explore historic streets, hear tales of the city’s past and take in views of the Cape Fear River.
For a foodie-focused experience, grab tickets for Taste Carolina’s three-hour Wilmington Downtown Tasting Tour. Sample sweet and savory dishes, enjoy small drink pairings and meet some of the city’s best chefs.
Stop by the Wilmington Riverwalk for a little retail therapy. Pop into Edge of Urge or Candles Etc., then check out the Cotton Exchange for a collection of local boutiques – perfect for picking up a new date night outfit or a keepsake from your weekend. After a morning of shopping, grab a riverfront lunch at River 128 Restaurant, or try brunch at Savorez, known for its Latin-inspired take on Southern favorites.
Plan ahead for a romantic night out at Thalian Hall, one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in the country. Check out this link to see the current lineup of film screenings, plays and live concerts, or book a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the theater’s rich history.
Sweet Treats and Sips
Share an afternoon sweet treat with your sweetheart! Grab handmade chocolates, fudge or ice cream in a fresh waffle cone from Kilwin’s, or split a couple scoops of Italian gelato from GelaRto while strolling along the Riverwalk.
Share a bottle of wine at The Vine or Fortunate Glass Wine Bar. Both bars offer small bites, such as cheese boards and desserts, plus occasional special events. For an eclectic vibe, visit Bottega Art & Wine in the Brooklyn Arts District, and sip your wine in the artsy courtyard. If you’re visiting Bottega between noon and 5 p.m. on select Social District Saturdays, you can even order your beverage to-go for a neighborhood stroll.
If wine isn’t your thing, Wilmington’s craft beer scene has plenty to offer. Head to the Soda Pop District and sample craft brews at Hi-Wire Brewing, with 20 unique taps, an outdoor beer garden and games for some friendly competition. Or, share a whiskey flight at Front Street Brewery, a downtown Wilmington favorite since 1995.
Cap off the night at Concorde Espresso Bar – coffee shop by day, espresso cocktail bar by night. Grab a fireside seat in the courtyard, sip an espresso martini flight and roast s’mores under the twinkling lights (Note: Reservations are recommended for any time after 4 p.m.).
Romantic Dining
Reserve a private Juliette balcony at Floriana’s and share handmade pasta, like the classic seafood risotto, while taking in views of the Cape Fear River. At Circa 1922, start with a custom charcuterie board, then enjoy a $40, three-course meal from the Prix Fixe menu, offered daily from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For a cozy evening with French flair, Caprice Bistro pairs elevated cuisine with a warm, softly lit dining room.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, reserve a table at manna. This multi-year AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant offers a rotating menu and an exclusive selection of rare and limited wine bottles. After dinner, keep the evening going at Bourgie Nights, manna’s intimate live music venue and lounge.
Looking for a more casual spot? Share the charred Brussels sprouts and wood-fired Margherita pizza at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria. Or, visit the new Cargo West Food Court in the Cargo District to sample dishes from seven (and counting!) micro-kitchens, including Seoul Sushi, Mike’s Vegan Grill and Astro Dogs.
A Relaxing Stay
Book a room for two at The Verandas for a classically romantic experience. Originally built in 1853, this historic mansion has rooms with garden soaking tubs and private sitting areas, plus four spacious verandas, a garden terrace and an enclosed rooftop cupola.
If you lean more modern, ARRIVE Wilmington’s Loft offers a boutique stay with a private entrance, luxury linens and other thoughtful amenities. Keep the evenings simple with dinner at Dram Yard, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, or cocktails by the courtyard firepit.
For a little extra self-care, book the Ki Side by Side package at Ki Spa & Salon. Hot stones, aromatherapy and warm towels make this full-body couples massage a blissful way to ease into (or wrap up) the weekend.
Whether you’re in the mood for relaxation, exploration or a bit of both, Wilmington has everything you and your partner need for a memorable getaway. For more shared escapes, explore our nearby island beaches together:
