No destination is going to be perfect for every couple—and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Some people want bright lights and cityscapes. Others picture mountain cabins, packed activity calendars, or all-inclusive resorts. And then there are the couples who just want space to breathe and reconnect.
If unspoiled beaches, beautiful nature, and salt air breezes sound like your kind of vacation, there’s a good chance this stretch of coastline is exactly where you belong. Take a look at what couples love most about romantic getaways to the Outer Banks and start dreaming up your next trip together.
In This Article:
- Endless Beach Day
- Sunrise to Starry Skies
- Romantic Dining for Two
- Outdoor Adventures: Tours, Trips, Activities
- Historic Lighthouses and Coastal Sites
- Wildlife and Nature
- Local Shops and Unique Towns
- Where to Stay on Your Outer Banks Romantic Getaway
Endless Beach Day Fun on the Outer Banks
Our chain of barrier islands spans from Virginia to Ocracoke Island and offers more than 100 miles of continuous, protected shoreline. With the ocean as your backyard, you can spend countless hours exploring together or simply relaxing and enjoying the sun and sand.
What couples love most of all is the sense of space. The Outer Banks is known for its undeveloped coastline, so it’s easy to find beaches that feel quiet and uncrowded. Head out to Corolla or down on Hatteras Island, and it’s not unusual to feel like you’ve wandered into your own quiet corner of the shore. Walk the waterline looking for shells, ride bikes along the hard-packed sand, or bring a good book and enjoy the rare chance to do absolutely nothing.
Sunrise to Starry Skies
Speaking of doing absolutely nothing, a couple’s getaway in North Carolina, on the OBX, makes it easy to enjoy moments you typically miss when stuck in your daily grind. For early risers, this means the chance to sip coffee together from your beachfront vacation home as you watch the sun rise over the ocean. This time of day, dolphins make their morning pass in front of homes, the water tends to be calmer, and the only folks around may be a lone angler looking for a fresh catch to start the day.
At night, watch the sun go down as you cozy up by a beach bonfire and wait for the stars to come out. The Outer Banks has some of the lowest light pollution on the East Coast, resulting in unbelievable stargazing conditions, especially on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye. As the fire dies, lie back with your sweetheart and take in the sight. There’s nothing more romantic than watching for shooting stars as the sound of rolling waves echoes in the background.
Romantic Dining for Two
The Outer Banks is known for phenomenal seafood—and for good reason. At roughly 30 miles from the mainland and close to the Gulf Stream, regional fishermen bring in daily hauls of tuna, mahi, flounder, and more, supplying many local restaurants with their sea-to-table inventory. Couples love going out for a romantic meal while visiting the Outer Banks. Here are some of the top recommended spots from locals.
Collington Café – This historic cottage is home to one of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks. Locals wish it were a secret, but when the food is this good, it’s hard to keep quiet about it. While there’s no water view, the quiet rooms make dining an intimate experience that’s both romantic and memorable.
- Seasonally operated from spring through fall
- Reservations accepted up to two weeks in advance (highly recommended)
- Address: 1029 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
- Menu
North Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar – Elegant dishes featuring cooked-to-perfection fish, and perfectly in-season oysters are two reasons couples love spending a romantic evening at this Corolla favorite. From the lump crabmeat or fresh shrimp to the innovative cocktails and scrumptious desserts like the key lime pie, you’ll want to relive this meal again and again. Arrive early to get a seat by the window and enjoy great views with your meal.
- Open year-round
- No reservations or call-ahead seating
- Address: 794-G Sunset Blvd, Corolla, NC 27927
- Menu
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant – Family owned and operated since the early 80s, Miller’s invites you and your special someone to enjoy dinner with an unimpeded view of the Roanoke Sound. The menu celebrates coastal flavors with things like She Crab Soup and Oregon Inlet Tuna, and the surroundings highlight everything we love about the Outer Banks—coastal beauty, welcoming people, and quality that’s simply unmatched.
- Seasonally operated from spring through fall
- No reservations or call-ahead seating
- Address: MP 16, HWY 158, Nags Head, NC 27959
- Menu
The Paper Canoe – The menu at Paper Canoe features daily offerings that range from handmade pasta to freshly caught seafood. With attention paid to quality and simplicity, the talented culinary team shines a light on the bounty of the Outer Banks region in every dish they serve. Located on the Currituck Sound, this is one of the most romantic spots for a sunset meal on the Outer Banks. Make sure you reserve your seat ahead of time and request a seat with a waterfront view. If you’re celebrating something special like an anniversary or birthday, be sure to mention it, and the staff will do everything they can to make your evening even more memorable.
- Seasonally operated from spring through the December holidays
- Reservations highly encouraged
- Address: 1564 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949
- Menu changes frequently. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for announcements or call for details.
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Outdoor Adventures for Couples
Romantic getaways in the Outer Banks of North Carolina don’t have to just center around leisure and dining. For some couples, the perfect date means taking on a new adventure. If that’s you, consider these outdoor date ideas:
- Surfing or wind surfing on Hatteras Island
- Hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Kiteboarding lessons
- Horseback riding on the beach
- Kayaking or paddleboarding through the Pamlico Sound
- Fishing—charter trips or from the shore (check out our OBX fishing guide)
- Biking through OBX towns like Corolla, Duck, or Southern Shores
- There are also tons of fun and free things to do!
Historic Lighthouses and Coastal Sites
The Outer Banks has several landmark lighthouses that make easy, memorable stops during a couple’s trip. From the striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to the red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, each one offers a chance to slow down, take photos, and enjoy the coastal views together.
Many of these sites are surrounded by walking paths, historic grounds, and quiet stretches of shoreline. Pack a small picnic, take a stroll, and let the scenery do the rest. It’s a simple outing, but one couples remember long after the trip is over.
Wildlife and Nature
The Outer Banks is home to several protected areas where nature lovers will find all kinds of unique wildlife to observe. Places like the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offer quiet trails, scenic overlooks, and plenty of space to slow down and take in the surroundings together.
Dolphins are a common sight just offshore, especially in the early morning hours, and birdwatchers will notice pelicans, egrets, herons, and other coastal species throughout the marshes and soundside habitats. Up in Corolla, the famous wild horses still roam the beaches and dunes. Simple moments like spotting wildlife or walking a quiet nature trail often become the parts of the trip couples talk about most.
Local Shops and Unique Towns on the Outer Banks
Each town along the Outer Banks has its own personality, and couples often enjoy spending an afternoon exploring them together. Duck is known for its waterfront boardwalk and small boutiques, while Manteo offers a walkable downtown with galleries, coffee shops, and historic charm.
Instead of big chain stores, you’ll find locally owned shops selling art, coastal décor, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Take some time to get to know the different areas and see where you feel most at home on the OBX.
Where to Stay on Your Outer Banks Romantic Getaway
Featured Property: HIA2, Trespassers W
Outer Banks romantic getaways hinge on finding the right place to stay during your trip. After days in the sun or a night out at a great restaurant, come home to your Brindley Beach vacation rental and unwind in your private pool or hot tub, or relax on your balcony and enjoy the ocean views. Our expertly appointed properties give you and your partner a place to truly relax and recharge so you can enjoy each new day.
Regardless of what kind of property you’re looking for: Oceanfront, pet-friendly, or something in a specific location, Brindley Beach will help you secure your dream rental. Plus, when you book directly, you’ll benefit from the best rates and have peace of mind backed by our 40+ years of experience helping couples just like you make lasting memories.
Other Direct Booking Amenities include:
- Special discounts on tours, waterparks, golf, water sport rentals, and more when you book select properties
- $250 free beach gear credit
- $500 free beach gear credit
Check out our entire inventory, and discover what couples like most about Outer Banks romantic getaways when you visit.