Things to Do for Couples in Atlantic Beach

With its breathtaking sunsets and sandy beaches, Atlantic Beach is the perfect romantic getaway. The Crystal Coast has something for every couple, from long walks on the beach to fine restaurants, beautiful parks and fun date night spots in Atlantic Beach.

If you’re staying in one of many Atlantic Beach vacation rentals with your sweetheart, here’s what to do, what to eat and where to stay.

What to Do

Whether your goal is to relax or enjoy an adventure-filled weekend, Atlantic Beach won’t disappoint.

If you’re up for an adventure, why not take a tour of the coastal towns that inspired Nicolas Sparks’ romance novels. Swansboro, which is just a 35-minute drive from Atlantic Beach, was featured in The Guardian. Sparks lives in Bern, which is the setting of many of his most famous novels. Located about an hour from Atlantic Beach, you can take a Heritage Walking Tour to explore the places mentioned in The Notebook and A Bend in the Road.

For nature and history lovers, there’s the Beaufort Historic Site Old Burying Ground. Located on Ann Street in Beaufort’s historic district, the site is home to the oldest cemetery in town. But don’t let that spook you – the site also features beautiful oak trees. Tour through the cemetery and learn the stories of the many souls who lay at rest. The oldest section of the cemetery dates back to the early 18th century.

If you want to fill your day with fun activities, visit Fort Macon State Park. The restored Civil War-era fort is more than just a museum; it also hosts fun activities. Explore some of the park’s many trails, or tour the fort for an educational experience. Pack a romantic picnic and take in the sights. 

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is another great date night spot. Check out the Living Shipwreck exhibit, which sits in 306,000 gallons of saltwater. It’s the largest manmade ocean habitat in the state! The exhibit features a replica of the U-352 German submarine sunk off the coast of the state in 1942. The habitat is also home to many sharks, fish and even a green sea turtle.

What to Eat

You’re sure to work up an appetite after a long day of exploring. Fortunately, there are several intimate restaurants in the Atlantic Beach area. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a romantic day together.

La Perla Restaurant & Bar

Located on Front Street in Beaufort, La Perla’s artful dishes will delight and surprise you. The menus may change every few days, but you’ll find seasonal and unique items, like Speckled Trout with piquillo-shallot jam and sweet potato puree, or Sheepshead with butternut squash-fig risotto and a ham hock red wine sauce.

La Perla adheres to the James Beard Smart Catch Program and the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch, so all of their seafood is sustainably caught. All sauces and condiments are made fresh in-house.

The restaurant and bar offer a fun, laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for a couple vacationing that wants to enjoy a casual atmosphere with upscale food.

Ruddy Duck Tavern

Serving local and organic products, Ruddy Duck Tavern offers a romantic atmosphere and a friendly staff. 

All chicken is roasted in-house, and beef is freshly ground on-site. Seafood and produce are locally sourced, and the restaurant takes pride in making its breads, dressings and sauces in-house. 

Try their platters, which include shrimp, scallops, fish and more. Their menu also includes burgers, salads, sandwiches and appetizers.

Where to Stay

Spectrum Rentals has the perfect Atlantic Beach lodgings for your romantic getaway. Watch the breathtaking sunsets from your window, or sip your morning coffee from your Adirondack chair on a private balcony. 

Our Atlantic Beach rentals are conveniently located in the heart of it all, but our lodgings offer the peace and quiet you crave. If you’re really looking to get away from it all, check out our Harkers Island vacation rentals.

Best Time to Visit

Atlantic Beach’s weather and temperatures are gorgeous year round, but summer is the most popular time of year to visit.

For couples who want a quiet getaway and don’t want to fight with the crowds, spring and fall are great times to visit. If you’re looking for adventure and don’t mind the hustle and bustle of peak season, summer offers the best weather.