Romantic Getaways in the South that Couples Love

Asheville, North Carolina 

My top pick for a romantic getaway in the South has to be Asheville, North Carolina. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is home to great dining and the world-famous Biltmore Estate.  

Asheville makes a wonderful romantic getaway destination in any season, but it’s especially beautiful in the fall. Word on the street is that the variety of deciduous trees in the Blue Ridge around Asheville is what makes an especially vibrant and long fall color season. 

Try a romantic weekend in Williamsburg, Virginia 

Speaking of quaint and cozy towns for a romantic getaway in the South, Hubby and I also love a Williamsburg weekend. Home to Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the world, this part of Virginia is rich with history and beautiful architecture…plus some great places to eat. 

Even if you don’t buy a Colonial Williamsburg ticket, you can still enjoy the shopping and restaurants at Merchants Square, walk around the Historic Center, and dine in a historic tavern (definitely a “must do”).  

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

When you want a beachy good time with your spouse and some good food, try a Hilton Head Island getaway. We think Hilton Head Island is one of the best places in the South to have a relaxing weekend.

Spend the day at the beach, visit Coligny Beach Park with its nearby shopping center, or check out Harbour Town (there’s a gate fee) and the lighthouse. Grab dinner at A Lowcountry Backyard.

In the morning, you can enjoy breakfast at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Café like a local. 

Savannah, Georgia

For a quintessentially Southern escape, you simply must book a weekend in Savannah, Georgia. And it helps if you say it all drawn out like Suuuuvannuuuh. Savannah simply drips with romance and history, like the trees drip with Spanish moss.

If you want to creep yourself out, try a nighttime ghost tour. The locals will tell you that Savannah is the most haunted city in America. I’ve decided not to test that theory. 

And the food. Oh, the food. You could go to Savannah only for the food and come away happy. Grab breakfast at The Collins Quarter before going on a history walking tour. Eat dinner at Vic’s on the River (ask for a window seat if they’re available) and then go for a stroll down the famous River Street or grab some amazing Leopold’s ice cream for dessert. 

Try a beach weekend getaway at 30A

For a relaxing and romantic beach getaway, try 30A in Florida’s Walton County. The white sand beaches on this stretch of scenic highway are beautiful. And there are plenty of things to do in 30A even if you don’t consider yourself a “beach person.”

From great shopping and food to biking and kayaking, you definitely won’t lack for fun activities in 30A.

Hotel stays in 30A can be quite pricey, so consider renting a condo on the beach to save some money. And with a full kitchen, you can save money on food as well.

Where to stay at 30A

St. Augustine, Florida

Why not try a romantic getaway in the oldest city in America? St. Augustine, Florida’s historic district and downtown area are where most of the action is located. It hosts many museums, shops, art galleries, and restaurants that attract thousands of visitors every year.

From the Spanish fortress Castillo de San Marcos to the multitude of historic houses, museums, available guided tours, and other attractions there is plenty for you to see and do during your getaway whether it’s a St. Augustine day trip or a weekend visit.

You’ll also find a lot of great places to eat like the popular Floridian Restaurant that features local food in a relaxed setting. And don’t miss out on The Hyppo for a sophisticated, gourmet popsicle.

Orlando, Florida

There’s more to Orlando, Florida, than just Disney World…There’s also Universal Studios. Heh. 

All kidding aside. Orlando, Florida, is a great city for a weekend getaway. There are a TON of things to do outside of the theme parks such as hot air balloon rides, premier shopping, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. 

And there are many opportunities to take some amazing day trips from Orlando.

If activity is not what you’re after there are also a lot of amazing hotels and restaurants. For the ultimate in luxury and romance, book a weekend at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and enjoy AAA Five Diamond dining at Victoria and Albert’s. 

Greenville, South Carolina 

An up-and-coming foodie destination in the South, Greenville, South Carolina, is home to a vibrant arts scene and great outdoor activities in town and nearby. 

Take a stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy River downtown, bike or jog the Swamp Rabbit Trail, enjoy Paris Mountain State Park, or take in a concert or show at the Peace Center. 

The Top Things to Do in Greenville, South Carolina 

Charleston, South Carolina 

Charleston, South Carolina, is steeped in history and Southern charm. If you’re looking for a more “historical old town” city break weekend, stay in the heart of the city. 

Top sites to visit on your trip to Charleston include Fort Sumter, Aiken-Rhett House, Historic Charleston City Market, and The Battery. Charleston Tea Garden, the only tea plantation in North America, is just a short 20-mile drive outside the center of Charleston. 

Great shopping and good food are also easy to find in Charleston. King Street has been dubbed one of the top 10 shopping streets in the U.S.  

If you enjoy seafood, you’ll love eating in Charleston. And hushpuppies. Bathe in the hushpuppies. Jump headfirst into a basket of hushpuppies and eat your way out. 

Hotel rates are high in the Charleston historic district. To save money on accommodations, your best option is to stay outside the city in Mount Pleasant or North Charleston. 

Can’t decide between Charleston and Savannah? Check out my post on Charleston vs Savannah to help you figure out which to visit.

Washington, DC

Other than maybe snow-covered mountains and waterfalls, I don’t think there is a natural site more romantic than cherry blossoms in full bloom. If you’ve spent any time in Washinton, DC, during cherry blossom season, you know what I’m talking about. A little breeze blows through and it’s like it’s raining cherry blossom petals. Perfection. 

Take a romantic stroll along the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial to see the blossoms at their peak in early spring. It’s like being in the middle of a fairy tale. 

If you want to explore some of Northern Virginia, George Washington’s magnificent home on the Potomac, Mount Vernon, is a short drive outside the city. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day. 

Where to stay in Washington, DC 

Luxury: Enjoy views of Washington, DC’s historic sites and luxurious 5-star accommodations at The Hay–Adams

Moderate: Capital Hilton is convenient to the metro and major Washington, DC sites

Affordable: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is just down the street from the Capitol Building and convenient to important Washington, DC sites

Annapolis, Maryland  

I’d say that Annapolis, Maryland, is an underrated weekend destination. Perhaps it’s overlooked because it’s overshadowed by nearby Washington, DC, and Baltimore, but I’d book a romantic getaway there in a heartbeat. 

And if you can travel there in the fall for the peak colors in the Chesapeake Bay area then do it. It’s stunning. You can stroll through old, colonial streets in the historic district. You’ll see lovely old colonial-era row houses.

Tour the Maryland State House, once the home of the Continental Congress. Visit the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy or go sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. 

Where to stay in Annapolis, Maryland 

Luxury: Enjoy accommodations in the heart of historic Annapolis when you state at the Capital Hotel Annapolis

Affordable: Crowne Plaza Annapolis

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 

Tucked away in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a top honeymoon destination in the Eastern United States. And I can see why. The Smoky Mountains are beautiful. 

I recommend you bypass the touristy attractions in Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge. Instead, explore one of the many scenic drives and hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

More adventurous people (i.e., not me) might enjoy white water rafting, camping, or fishing. And if it’s cold or rainy outside, you can just cuddle up in your hotel room or cabin with your boo.