From romantic sunrise strolls on the Carolina Beach Pier to dog-friendly beach walks and Galentine’s brunches, Carolina Beach has a Valentine’s vibe for every kind of traveler. Couples can enjoy a massage or a tandem kayak adventure, while pup parents can explore the outdoors at Carolina Beach State Park and Mike Chappell Park. For a Galentine’s Day getaway, start the morning with a relaxing yoga class and cruise, then end the day with mini golf and cocktails.

Keep reading this guide for three ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Carolina Beach, whether you’re planning a low-key romantic escape, a pet-friendly weekend or a fun outing with your gal pals.

 

For the Laid-Back Couple

Start your morning with a hand-in-hand sunrise stroll along the Carolina Beach Pier, then head to Island Massage & Spa for a soothing couples massage.

For a romantic water adventure, book a tandem kayak with Paddle NC. Explore the waterways of Carolina Beach State Park on your own, or join a guided eco- or sunset tour. You can also call Tasting History Tours to book a special, off-season appointment for the Signature Food Tour or History in a Glass Tour, pairing small bites and drinks with stories of the island’s past.

Romantic Dining and Drinks

Pack a picnic with snacks and drinks from The Veggie Wagon for a relaxed lunch on the beach or at Carolina Beach State Park. For light bites, local craft beers and ocean views, head to Hurricane Alley's rooftop deck.

Plan a special date night at Michael's Seafood Restaurant, with a Valentine’s Dinner for Two menu featuring dishes such as lobster tail, tenderloin with shrimp and mini cheesecakes, or Havana’s, a polished casual spot serving coastal Carolina food in a historic beach cottage. 

Keep the evening going with an espresso martini or spiked hot chocolate at SeaWitch Café and Tiki Bar, or share a sweet treat at Celtic Creamery or Boombalatti's Ice Cream CB.

Where to Stay

Carolina Beach Motel offers a cozy, recently renovated Queen suite just two blocks from the beach, complete with mini-fridge, microwave, Keurig and smart TV. Dry Dock Inn features modern mid-century rooms, with King and recently renovated Queen options available. Check out this link for a booking discount through the end of February.

For more romantic Valentine’s Day weekend ideas in Carolina Beach, check out this blog.

For You and Your Fur-Ever Valentine

Carolina Beach is a great spot to bond with your four-legged soulmate, especially if you love spending time outdoors. Carolina Beach State Park welcomes leashed dogs on its 8.5 miles of trails, from the Sugarloaf Trail to the Swamp and Oak Toe Trails, where you’ll see everything from forested paths to marsh overlooks. Let your pup roam off-leash at Mike Chappell Park's fenced dog park, then take a stroll along the connected Island Greenway, winding thorugh scenic wooded areas.

If your pup loves the water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Kayak Carolina and explore the 11-acre lake at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Or, paddle the waterways at Carolina Beach State Park to see salt and freshwater marine wildlife.

For a slower-paced stroll, grab a coffee drink from North End Cafe To-Go and take a self-guided mural tour around town. Don’t miss the iconic “Welcome to Carolina Beach” mural at Town Hall! Pro tip: Dog water fountains are scattered throughout Carolina Beach so your pup can stay hydrated during your adventures!

Alfresco Dining and Drinks

On the marina, Stoked Restaurant welcomes pups on its waterview patio while you enjoy jumbo shrimp cocktail or seafood lasagna. For a more casual vibe, Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill has a tiki hut, yard games and comfort food such as the Pirate’s Famous Lobster Mac, while Nollie’s Taco Joint serves fresh Mexican fare – including doggie tacos!

After dinner, hang out in the dog-friendly beer garden at Good Hops Brewing, or order the signature rum, Porch Dog, at Four Hounds Distillery – named after the founders’ own canine companions.

Pet-Friendly Stays

At Oceaneer Hotel, oceanfront rooms are available for dogs up to 25 lbs. Carolina Beach Inn welcomes pets of any size and adds a sweet touch with a complimentary bottle of champagne for Valentine’s stays. If your pup needs room to run off-leash, Pirates Cove Hotel features a fenced dog park and first-floor rooms welcoming dogs up to 25 lbs.

Check out this blog to discover even more pet-friendly adventures in Carolina Beach.

For You and Your Gal Pals

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a morning yoga session together at Salty Dog Yoga & Surf, choosing between the Saturday Morning FlowPlay Community Class at 8 a.m. or a Pilates Classical Reformer session at 9:30 a.m. After class, head out on an Island Time Water Tours cruise through the Yacht Basin and Snow’s Cut, keeping an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles.

For some indoor fun, visit iEscape Rooms, where seasonal escape games let your group work together to find clues and solve puzzles. Or, play a round of mini golf at Putter Pub or Surf’s Up Mini Golf, then grab a drink from the on-site bar.

End the day with group photos along the beach or at Carolina Beach State Park (check out this blog for more Insta-worthy spots!).

Galentine’s Day Dining

Catch up with your friends over brunch at Drift Coffee Carolina Beach, a newer spot in the Proximity Shopping Center. Try favorites like Nutella French toast or the strawberries and cream stack while sipping coffee drinks or cocktails. For a meal with a view, head to Brunches near the marina. The menu has all the classics everyone agrees on – chicken and waffles, avocado toast, breakfast tacos and eggs Benedicts – plus coffee cocktails and specialty mimosas.

Grab an afternoon sweet treat at Wake N Bake Donuts or Tap Tea Bar, where you can build your own boba tea drink with flavors like Rose Black, Matcha and Lavender, or order something fun from the “Special-tea” menu.

For dinner, share pimento cheese or crab dip at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, then order the fresh catch special, calabash shrimp or a mahi-mahi sandwich. Island Burgers & Bites is another solid option, with hand-pattied burgers, wings, grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteaks and milkshakes.

Cap off the evening at The Fat Pelican, a local dive bar you might recognize from “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Grab a drink, dance a little if the mood strikes and enjoy being together near the water.

Accommodations

Book a stay at Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront Tapestry by Hilton and enjoy refreshed rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the ocean. Bright pops of color give the hotel a boutique feel, and the private pier, home to Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, is a great spot to take pics and hang out.