Romantic Weekend Getaways in the United States
I found that romantic weekend getaways in the United States are the perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural charm, and intimate experiences, making them a wonderful choice for a quick escape with someone special. Choosing where to stay is part of the fun. Do you want the elegance of a boutique hotels, cozy cabin, a room that looks out to the ocean? Here are some of the most unique U.S. getaways I came across on my recent four week road trip that I think you’ll love for your next romantic adventure.
1. The Wentworth Mansion, Charleston
If you are looking for a truly historic (and very elegant!) stay, head to the 19th-century Wentworth Mansion in Charleston. It's received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award so you can trust that it will be a high end experience.
From Savannah, we drove 108 miles north to Charleston. I thought that The Wentworth Mansion was one of the best romantic weekend getaways when I moved to the South.
My favorite part was relaxing on the rooftop cupola with panoramic views of Charleston’s historic district. Our suite for two days was spacious and elegant. There was a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and lovely period décor, all of which made us settle in and relax.
I loved that it was so much to see and do near this luxury hotel which is located in the residential Harleston Village neighborhood right next to downtown. We were there in April when azaleas were in full bloom and it was so romantic to walk around the city!
We walked around downtown Charleston until we reached the cobblestoned streets of the French Quarter where we admired historic buildings and stopped for coffee and cake at Harken Cafe & Bakery. The Historic Charleston City Market is also a place of history that's a must-see and has been operating since the 1790s. In April, you can plan your visit around the Charleston Jazz Festival, a local tradition that many people love and come from far away to see!
After exploring the city, we were so comfortable when we returned to our room at The Wentworth Mansion. I had a 60-minute massage when we got back to the hotel and then we had dinner at the hotel's elegant restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday.
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 5-star Wentworth Mansion
- Cost: High-end boutique
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was dinner right at the hotel at Circa 1886 Restaurant. First off, the setting in the original carriage house is incredible. Secondly, Executive Chef Marc Collin has been creating mouthwatering dishes for 20 years! There are two distinctive tasting menus as well as lots of à la carte options to create your perfect meal. I recommend Circa 1886 Restaurant for celebrating a special moment in your life, like an anniversary, birthday or a promotion, something you want to remember forever.
2. Indianapolis - The Alexander
The Alexander in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of my favorite modern boutique hotels. Why? First off, unique artwork carefully placed all around at The Alexander makes it feel like you are staying inside a gallery instead of a hotel.
From Cincinnati, it was 2 hours by car to Indy’s green escapes. The Alexander is right downtown which I found super convenient for dining and sightseeing. Our room for two days was stylish, with clean lines, a comfortable layout, and plenty of natural light.
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star The Alexander
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was having such a diverse list of activities to choose from nearby and only wished we had planned to stay in Indianapolis longer than our larger road trip schedule allowed. You can see awesome museums like Newfields and the Indiana State Museum, the outdoor Indianapolis Zoo and White River State Park, and the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, is one of my favorite luxury mountain resorts, and it’s easily one of the best all-season getaways in all of Northeast.
From Pittsburgh, we drove about 1 hour 15 minutes to Farmington, a small unincorporated town of just a few hundred residents in the Laurel Highlands. Nearby, we toured Fort Necessity National Battlefield, where George Washington fought his first battle in 1754.
I love that Nemacolin Woodlands Resort spans 2,000 acres in the Laurel Highlands, offering everything from golf and skiing to a large spa and fine dining.
With so much to do at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (it's located on 2,000 acres!), you'll have to plan ahead a little and make sure you book your massage, dinner, adventure center, golf and other activities, but be sure to leave plenty of time for relaxing too.
There's quite a diverse choice of accommodations so I'd recommend the elegant chateau-style room we had for two days for your romantic weekend getaway.
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Nemacolin
- Cost: Luxury pricing with experience packages
What I loved best:
Before dinner, we headed back early and explored the art collection around Nemacolin Woodlands Resort which was my personal highlight.
4. The Palms Hotel in Key West
We found everything about The Palms in Key West instantly relaxing. I loved the warm air, colorful, vintage charm mixed with tropical beaches. We spent mornings by the pool or exploring the town during our three day stay, afternoons biking to the beach, and evenings under swaying palms well after the amazing sunsets.
Instead of driving down the Overseas Highway like last time, this month we hopped aboard the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers (about 3.5 hours, $95–$125 one way). Landing in Old Town after a relaxing ferry ride, I walked everywhere, browsing Duval Street’s conch houses and shops, visiting the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, and lingering over a casual lunch at Keys Coffee Co.
The Palms Hotel in Key West, Florida, is one of my favorite island getaways.
I love that it’s set inside a historic Victorian house, giving it a lot of personality but the vibe is still very relaxed, tropical.Our room was cozy and colorful, with coastal-inspired décor that matched the easygoing Key West spirit. I thought it was a perfect stay and that's why is one of my top romantic weekend getaways in the United States!
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 3-star The Palms
- Cost: Affordable to moderate
What I loved best:
Being able to lounge by The Palms pool between sightseeing in Key West stops was my personal highlight. It made it so easy to relax and at the same time see a lot in just a short time. I recommend a long weekend three day stay so that you can relax like we did.
5. Florida - The National Hotel in South Beach
Want a glamorous weekend in the heart of in South Beach? Head to the National Hotel, an adults-only Miami Beach resort right on Collins Avenue with direct beach access.
The vibe is sleek and stylish, and my favorite part was swimming in their iconic 205-foot infinity pool - it was pure Miami luxury. For couples, The National Hotel is a romantic escape with nightlife and dining right outside the door!
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star National
- Cost: Mid to high
What I loved best:
I loved that there's so much to see and do that you can walk to from the hotel. We walked around the Art Deco Historic District, relaxed on the beach, and walked through Lummus Park. Then there is shopping and dining on Lincoln Road, visiting museums like The Bass, and taking a walk at South Pointe Park.
6. Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn
On our last trip out to Brooklnyn to see family, we decided to spend two romantic days at the Henry Norman Hotel in Greenpoint. The hotel was so unique, like discovering a secret artist's loft! I was won over by high ceilings, exposed brick, and oversized windows that let plenty of light. The blend of industrial past and cozy furnishings made it feel both stylish and welcoming.
The Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn, New York, is one of my favorite boutique stays in the city, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a weekend in New York.
I spent the morning in Prospect Park, 585 acres designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (the same duo behind Central Park).
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Henry Norman Hotel
What I loved best:
My favorite part was getting fresh muffins from Syrena Bakery just around the corner from the hotel. I'm an early riser and the fact that it opened at 5am was super convenient (6am on Saturdays and closed on Sundays!).
7. Oregon - The Nines Hotel in Portland
The Nines in Portland made us feel like we’d checked into a dream version of city life. It's located above Pioneer Square in the heart of downtown Portland and we loved its sleek decor and warm, old-school style service.
The Nines won the AAA Four Diamond (so you can trust that it's a high end place) and I think it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a stylish weekend getaway in the Pacific Northwest...
We flew into Portland from our home in Austin and I found our room for two days elegant and spacious, with plush bedding, artistic décor, and floor-to-ceiling windows which are always so cool in a city like Portland.
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 5-star Nines
- Cost: Mid-to-high
What I loved best:
My favorite part was the rooftop restaurant and lounge, where I enjoyed incredible views of the city skyline.
8. Arizona - Tanque Verde Ranch
Tanque Verde Ranch n Tucson, Arizona was a brilliant destination this March. The weather was warm but not too hot, perfect for getting active outdoors. I think that Tanque Verde Ranch is one of the best hidden gems for a romantic Western-style getaway.
From Tucson, we drove about 45 minutes. I loved that Tanque Verde Ranch’s an authentic dude ranch set on 60,000 acres near Saguaro National Park (east side), offering horseback riding, guided hikes, and unbeatable desert scenery.
The atmosphere is rustic yet comfortable. I found our accommodations for three days cozy, with Southwestern décor and private patios that made the desert sunsets even more magical.
- Location Map
- To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Tanque Verde
- Cost: Mid to high (all-inclusive options)
What I loved best:
My favorite part was the sunrise trail ride followed by a hearty cowboy breakfast out in the desert.
Conclusion
Each place brought out something different in us, joy, rest, curiosity, connection, celebration... So which one do you pick? The most important aspects to consider when making your final pick are: 1) location (how much time do you want to spend traveling to and from?), 2) cost (add accommodations, dining and transportation), and 3) ambiance (do you want historic, adults-only, cozy, elegant?).
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how each place offers its own best version of romance. Each feels unique and is one of my favorite romantic escapes in the U.S.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
