Ah, romance. We could all use a little more of that in our lives. Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day trip, a special celebratory occasion like an anniversary, or just a vacation for two—the beach is a wonderful place to escape to and enjoy with your partner. The beach is a romantic place in and of itself with the beauty of its coastal artistry, the lull of the ebb and flow of its tides, and the feel of the soft sand caressing your bare feet. The only thing that makes a beach vacation better is when you share it with someone you love and make those special memories together that last a lifetime. Sounds lovely, right? Here are 10 of the best things to do during a romantic trip for two to Ocean Isle Beach. Read this, and then book your Ocean Isle Beach couples vacation today.

1. Watch a sunrise on the beach

You only regret the sunrise you didn’t watch! It’s worth waking up early to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean from your Ocean Isle Beach rental or right on the beach. Coffee on the beach pairs perfectly with the sunrise.

2. Take a beach walk hand-in-hand

When’s the last time you held hands and walked the sand together? It’s an idyllic way to start any day. After you watch the beach sunrise together, continue on with a romantic stroll along the coastline each day of your vacation.

3. Stroll the Ocean Isle Beach Pier

The Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier is an iconic spot to amble along and take in the views as you reach the end of the pier where the panoramic scenery of water, waves and wildlife awaits. Take a few moments to soak it all up. It’s a fabulously photogenic place.

4. Sip wine at the Silver Coast Winery

Spend a few hours at the Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach embarking on a winery tour and wine tasting. It’s a wonderful way to spend your day. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles to take back home with you—or at least back to your vacation rental.

5. Relax and get a couples massage

The couple that relaxes together, stays together! Splurge on a couples massage at a local Ocean Isle Beach salon or day spa. Coral Tree Salon and Day Spa is now running some fabulous Valentine’s specials. Oceans Massage Therapy is another blissful option for signature spa therapies with a variety of massage options to enjoy together.

6. Take a surf lesson together

Learn to ride the waves together and feel the thrill of the waves by taking surf lessons from a local surf shop or surf school in Ocean Isle Beach. The Carolina School of Surf, OIB Surf Camp, and Ocean Isle Surf Academy are all excellent options.

7. Get your adrenaline pumping at Swamp Park

Head on over to the Shallotte River Swamp Park if you’re seeking an adrenaline-inducing adventure together. From ziplining and aerial adventures to guided eco tours and ATV excursions, you’ll get your heart rates pumping here.

8. Paddle the local waters together

Spend a romantic day out on the water with a paddling adventure of your favorite kind. Whether it’s paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, or taking a guided eco tour—you can find it all here in Ocean Isle Beach. The surf shops, surf schools, and other outfitters in the area offer plenty of options for you.

9. Leave a love note in the Kindred Spirit

Make the trip to nearby Bird Island and leave a love note in the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. You can share your deepest innermost thoughts or write it together and leave it as a testament of your love story. You can find how to get to the Kindred Spirit by reading this.

10. Go out for a cozy evening of dinner, drinks & waterfront views

Is it even a romantic beach vacation without at least one evening dining at a restaurant with water views? No! Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant & Marina, Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille, andSeabreeze Waterfront Bar & Restaurantare popular favorites.