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. What makes these getaways so appealing is the variety. There’s truly something for every couple.
Choosing where to stay is part of the fun. From elegant boutique hotels and waterfront inns to rustic cabins and charming bed-and-breakfasts, there are endless ways to make the weekend feel special. Here are some of the most unique U.S. getaways I came across that I think you’ll love for your next romantic adventure.
1. The Wentworth Mansion, Charleston
From Savannah, we drove 108 miles north to Charleston. I walked along the cobblestoned streets of the French Quarter, then toured Fort Sumter. The Historic Charleston City Market, operating since the 1790s, buzzed with artisans weaving sweetgrass baskets.
The Wentworth Mansion was elegance wrapped in history. From the moment we stepped through the tall front doors, it felt like time slowed down just for us.
The Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of my favorite historic luxury hotels, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a romantic getaway in the South.
I love that this 19th-century mansion has been transformed into a boutique hotel, offering Southern elegance with modern luxury.
The atmosphere is refined yet intimate, and my favorite part was relaxing on the rooftop cupola with panoramic views of Charleston’s historic district.
I found the suites spacious and elegant, with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and period décor that made the stay feel both indulgent and timeless.
For couples, The Wentworth Mansion is the ultimate romantic retreat, offering fine dining, a luxury spa, and Southern charm at every turn.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: High-end boutique
- Address: The Wentworth Mansion, 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
2. Indianapolis - The Alexander
From Cincinnati, it was 2 hours to Indy’s green escapes. The Central Canal Towpath winds more than 5 miles past museums and riverside parks.
The Alexander in Indianapolis, Indiana, is one of my favorite modern boutique hotels, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a stylish city getaway.
I love that it blends sleek architecture with an incredible curated art collection, giving it a contemporary and creative vibe throughout.
The hotel feels vibrant and cosmopolitan, and my favorite part was discovering unique artwork around every corner—it made the entire stay feel like living inside a gallery.
I found the rooms chic and comfortable, with clean lines, smart layouts, and plenty of natural light that made it feel refreshing and modern.
For couples, The Alexander offers a romantic yet trendy escape, while families and business travelers will love its central location and inviting atmosphere.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Address: The Alexander, 333 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
3. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
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.
Nemacolin felt like a fairy tale with a Pennsylvania twist, castles, fire pits, luxury spas, and forest trails.
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 the Northeast.
I love that it spans 2,000 acres in the Laurel Highlands, offering everything from golf and skiing to a world-class spa and fine dining.
The resort feels expansive and indulgent, and my favorite part was exploring the art collection and enjoying a wine-paired dinner after a day of outdoor adventure.
I found the accommodations diverse and luxurious, from elegant chateau-style rooms to private estates that made the stay customizable and special.
For couples, Nemacolin is one of the best romantic retreats, while families will love the pools, adventure center, and endless activities year-round.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: Luxury pricing with experience packages
- Address: Nemacolin, 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
4. The Palms Hotel in Key West
I hopped aboard the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers (about 3.5 hours, $95–$125 one way). Landing in Old Town, I walked everywhere, browsing Duval Street’s conch houses and shops, visiting the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, and lingering over Key lime pie at a café.
Everything about The Palms in Key West felt like a breath of warm air, colorful, vintage charm mixed with tropical ease. We spent mornings by the pool, afternoons biking to the beach, and evenings under swaying palms.
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 charming and laid-back vibe that feels both welcoming and relaxed.
The atmosphere is casual and tropical, and my favorite part was lounging by the pool surrounded by palm trees, soaking up the island sun.
I found the rooms cozy and colorful, with coastal-inspired décor that matched the easygoing Key West spirit.
For couples, The Palms Hotel is a romantic hideaway, while families will appreciate the warm hospitality and convenient location near Old Town.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: Affordable to moderate
- Address: The Palms, 820 White St, Key West, FL 33040
5. Florida - The National Hotel in South Beach
I hopped on the Metrobus S line from downtown Miami to South Beach (about 25 minutes, $2.25 one way).
The National dripped with Art Deco glamour, polished wood, curved corners, and that perfect Miami light spilling through sheer curtains. Just steps from the beach, it was the kind of romantic that felt timeless and cool.
The National Hotel in South Beach, Miami, is one of my favorite beachfront stays, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a glamorous weekend in Florida.
I love that it sits right on Collins Avenue with direct beach access, giving it an unbeatable location in the heart of South Beach.
The vibe is sleek and stylish, and my favorite part was swimming in their iconic 205-foot infinity pool—it felt like pure Miami luxury.
I found the rooms modern and chic, with Art Deco influences that tied beautifully into the hotel’s historic character.
For couples, The National Hotel is a romantic escape with nightlife and dining right outside the door, while friends will love its trendy, high-energy atmosphere.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: Mid to high
- Address: The National, 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
6. Loft living at the Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn
From Queens, it was just 30 minutes to Brooklyn’s green escapes. I spent the morning in Prospect Park, 585 acres designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (the same duo behind Central Park).
Tucked away in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the Henry Norman Hotel felt like discovering a secret artist's loft,high ceilings, exposed brick, and oversized windows that let in the soft Brooklyn light. The blend of industrial charm 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 love that it’s set in a converted warehouse in Greenpoint, giving it a cool, industrial-chic vibe that feels both stylish and understated.
The hotel feels artistic and creative, and my favorite part was the loft-style rooms with high ceilings, exposed brick, and unique design details.
I found the suites spacious and modern, with kitchenettes and living areas that made it feel more like a trendy city apartment than a hotel.
For couples, Henry Norman Hotel is a romantic city escape, while families and groups will love the extra space and neighborhood charm just outside Manhattan.
Plan your stay:
- Cost: From $196 per night
- Address: Henry Norman Hotel, 251 North Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
7. Oregon - The Nines Hotel in Portland
From Seattle, we drove about 3 hours to Portland, OR.
The Nines made us feel like we’d checked into a dream version of city life. Perched above Pioneer Square with sleek decor and warm service, it blended old-school charm with modern sparkle.
The Nines Hotel in Portland, Oregon, is one of my favorite luxury city stays, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a stylish weekend getaway in the Pacific Northwest.
I love that it’s set in a historic building right in Pioneer Square, giving it an unbeatable location in the heart of downtown Portland.
The hotel feels chic and modern, and my favorite part was the rooftop restaurant and lounge, where I enjoyed incredible views of the city skyline.
I found the rooms elegant and spacious, with plush bedding, artistic décor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that made the stay feel fresh and vibrant.
For couples, The Nines is a romantic escape with fine dining and city views, while families will love the central location that makes exploring Portland effortless.
Travel Tips:
- Cost: Mid-to-high
- Address: The Nines, 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204
8. Arizona - Tanque Verde Ranch
From Phoenix, we drove about 1 hour 45 minutes to Tucson. The historic core is anchored by the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, an 18th-century Spanish fort, and Mission San Xavier del Bac, a dazzling white church built in the 1790s that still serves the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, is one of my favorite desert retreats, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a Western-style getaway.
I love that it’s an authentic dude ranch set on 60,000 acres near Saguaro National Park, offering horseback riding, guided hikes, and wide-open desert views.
The atmosphere is rustic yet comfortable, and my favorite part was the sunrise trail ride followed by a hearty cowboy breakfast out in the desert—it felt unforgettable.
I found the accommodations cozy and charming, with Southwestern décor and private patios that made the desert sunsets even more magical.
For couples, Tanque Verde Ranch is a romantic escape under starry desert skies, while families will love the kids’ riding programs, fishing, and outdoor adventures that make every stay exciting.
Tanque Verde was wild romance. Set against Tucson’s saguaro-dotted hills, it gave us golden desert mornings, horseback rides through cactus forests, and evenings full of campfires and stars. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that brings love back to its roots.”
Travel Tips:
- Cost: Mid to high (all-inclusive options)
- Address:Tanque Verde, 14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748
Why I’d go back
Each place brought out something different in us, joy, rest, curiosity, connection. And somehow, each stay helped us remember not just who we are as individuals, but who we are together. These getaways weren’t just escapes, they were love stories, and I’d revisit every single one in a heartbeat.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how each place offers its own best version of romance—Napa’s vineyards, Charleston’s cobblestone streets, New England’s cozy inns, or the underrated charm of lakeside retreats in the Midwest. Each feels unique and quickly becomes 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.
