Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina
Planning a romantic weekend getaway in South Carolina? What a dream... Whether you are looking to walk down Charleston’s cobblestone streets or craving the windswept beaches of the Lowcountry, here are my favorite weekend spots for 48 hours of rest, relaxation and building new memories as a couple.
1. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes - 2 hours 10 min from Charleston
I think one of the best things about this resort is how much there is to do without even leaving, that it's a place where I can play a round of golf first thing, spend the rest of my morning relaxing in the outdoor pool, have a casual lunch at Reflections Kitchen & Bar, and then take the private beach shuttle to the beach after lunch.
Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway, I thought that Marina Inn at Grande Dunes was one of the best romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina when I moved down South. Why? I loved the way Marina Inn at Grande Dunes feels private and peaceful, yet it’s only minutes from the ocean.
We stayed at in a Standard King Bed guest room (around $137/night) for two days, which featured elegant decor, a balcony with comfortable chairs and a view, and a luxurious bathroom with comfy robes, and since Marina Inn at Grande Dunes won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award you can consistently expect great service.
To book, check availability or prices for Marina Inn at Grande Dunes.
What I loved best:
In the evening, we had dinner at Waterscapes, their on-site restaurant, which felt like a hidden foodie spot with creative coastal dishes where I savored the Wagyu short rib with roasted garlic potato puree.
2. The Elliott House Inn in Charleston
I loved the way this romantic inn blended classic Southern character with cozy, modern comfort where our Traditional King Guest Room for two days had hardwood floors, chic furnishings, a modern bathroom, a spacious armoire, and bright natural lighting, all of which gave it such an authentic Charleston vibe.
Charleston was definitely full of history, but it was The Elliott House Inn that gave our weekend shape - a charming 19th-century carriage house nestled in the heart of the historic district, it felt like stepping into a quiet chapter of the city’s past with shuttered windows, iron balconies, and a tucked-away courtyard where time seemed to slow.
One of the best perks at The Elliott House Inn is the complimentary continental breakfast delivered straight to your room or enjoyed in the charming outdoor courtyard - I loved starting my morning there, surrounded by greenery and the sound of the city waking up around me since it felt like my own hidden gem in the heart of downtown.
In addition, the location of The Elliott House Inn is unbeatable since you can walk to King Street if you are in the mood to do some shopping, explore the historic district, or head to the waterfront in just minutes. I found it fantastic that there's so much to see and do nearby, including visiting Rainbow Row, exploring Fort Sumter, strolling through the Charleston City Market, and taking a romantic carriage tour.
Lastly, Charleston is an incredible destination for foodies and not far from the hotel we got a chance to sample many different cuisines, including Southern fare at Lowland, seafood at The Ordinary, and locally sourced vegan food at Sorghum + Salt.
To book, check availability or prices for The Elliott House Inn .
What I loved best:
We signed up for a Charleston Culinary Tour which gave us a change to sample the best of local flavors, meet local chefs, and hear the city’s fascinating food history.
3. Harbor lights at Charleston Harbor Resort
I love that there’s a private beach at this resort, multiple pools, and even a full-service marina, in fact, the largest in South Carolina, so you can easily set sail or go on a fishing charter right from the resort!
Tucked on Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, Charleston Harbor Resort feels like a hidden gem with sweeping views of Charleston Harbor and the city skyline, and it's absolutely one of the best romantic weekend getaways in South Carolina.
What I think makes this place stand out is the variety of experiences it offers and are two distinct hotel options: The Beach Club, which has wrap-around porches, coastal-inspired interiors, and a breezy Lowcountry vibe. And Harborside, which blends Southern charm with classic nautical décor and many rooms that come with balconies overlooking the harbor. We chose Harborside for our two day romantic weekend stay and I didn't regret it, but I think I'd go for The Beach Club if we had our son with us.
One of the best things about Charleston Harbor Resort is that you don’t even need to leave the property to have a full vacation. In the evenings, live music and harbor sunsets at The Reel Bar quickly became my favorite ritual and when I wanted to explore downtown Charleston, the water taxi made it effortless (and extra romantic!).
To book, check availability or prices for Charleston Harbor Resort.
What I loved best:
My 60-minute massage at The Estuary Spa at The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina was my favorite and greatly contributed to my weekend relaxation.
4. Hotel Trundle
This was one of my favorite boutique stays in South Carolina, a hidden gem that captures the heart and soul of Columbia in the most charming way possible. We drove a little over an hour from Charlotte, the road flattening into the South Carolina midlands before Columbia came into view.
Firstly, the hotel sits within three beautifully restored downtown buildings, and you can feel the love and creativity poured into every detail.
In addition, it’s the kind of place where I can sip locally roasted coffee in the lobby, browse works by South Carolina artists, then wander through the nearby Main Street shops, all without ever needing to get in my car.
I stayed in Hotel Trundle's Deluxe King room for two nights, which featured plush bedding, high ceilings, and thoughtful extras like custom furniture, a locally made bath set, and a mini-fridge stocked with regional treats.
Finally, Hotel Trundle is ideally located just steps from the Columbia Museum of Art, the State House, and some of the best restaurants and cafés in the city.
To book, check availability or prices for Hotel Trundle.
What I loved best:
What I love most is that Hotel Trundle’s independently owned and proudly showcases its South Carolina roots, from locally made furnishings to artwork by regional artists. Staying here feels like supporting the community while also enjoying one of the best boutique experiences in the South.
5. The Cottages on Charleston Harbor - 5 min from Charleston
We usually fly in and out of Charleston, so I wanted to mention another one of our favorites for a romantic stay near this airport: The Cottages on Charleston Harbor.
Tucked beside the water, our cottage for two days had a front-row view of the harbor, which we enjoyed from the porch swing. I also loved how our cottage felt like my own personal retreat with a spacious living area, and a fully equipped kitchen.
To book, check availability or prices for The Cottages on Charleston Harbor .
What I loved best:
Located in Mount Pleasant, only about 5 minutes from the city, this spot gives you the best of both worlds: the charm and history of Charleston paired with the peace and quiet of a private waterfront escape with a community pool and a private beach.
6. Lowcountry elegance at The Beaufort Inn
This unique place captured everything I love about the Lowcountry with its moss-draped oaks, colorful verandas, and Southern gentility all in one charming place.
We drove about an hour and a half south on our romantic weekend getaway from Charleston, the road narrowing as it passed through marshes and tidal creeks before opening into the historic streets of Beaufort.
We stayed in a garden cottage at The Beaufort Inn with rocking chairs on the porch and hydrangeas blooming in the spring. Inside the cottage we found high ceilings, antique-style furnishings, and a plush bed that made it hard to leave in the mornings, while the bathroom felt spa-like, with a clawfoot tub that gave it a truly pampering touch.
To book, check availability or prices for The Beaufort Inn .
What I loved best:
One of the best parts of The Beaufort Inn is its location just steps away are the waterfront park, art galleries, boutiques, and some of Beaufort’s best restaurants like Saltus River Grill where I had great sushi, and Breakwater Restaurant & Bar where I ordered stuffed mushrooms and lamb meatloaf.
7. Andrew Pinckney Inn: Historic Elegance in Charleston
When we returned to Charleston, we checked into a Traditional King Guest Room at this historic inn for two days, right in the historic district, one of my favorite boutique hotels in the city, that I think is an underrated gem. The décor featured crisp white linens, plantation shutters, and thoughtful touches like a Keurig coffee maker, plush bathrobes, and locally crafted bath products.
I love how Andrew Pinckney Inn captures that quintessential Charleston feel: centuries-old architecture paired with refined comfort, and it’s the kind of place where I can wake up to the sound of church bells, enjoy a breezy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, then step right into the cobblestoned streets and just a short stroll to the Charleston City Market.
To book, check availability or prices for Andrew Pinckney Inn .
What I loved best:
The view of the historic district rooftops and church steeples from Andrew Pinckney Inn was pure Lowcountry magic.
8. Porch-side romance at The Cuthbert House Inn
I love how this inn in Beaufort feels like stepping into living history without ever sacrificing comfort. The inn overlooks the Beaufort River, and from the moment I arrived, I was greeted by a gentle breeze, the scent of magnolias, and that unmistakable Lowcountry serenity. It’s the kind of place where I can sip coffee on a veranda wrapped in white columns, watch the tide roll in, and forget what day it is.
Chris and I both admired how beautifully The Cuthbert House Inn design blends historic preservation with modern ease. Built in 1790, the home still showcases its original heart-pine floors, soaring ceilings, and grand staircases, complemented by antiques and period décor that tell stories of centuries past. Yet our River View Room for two days felt fresh and inviting, with plush bedding, an updated bathroom, and thoughtful touches like soft robes and locally made bath products.
To book, check availability or prices for The Cuthbert House Inn .
What I loved best:
I loved the way French doors opened onto a private veranda with sweeping views of the bay, and I found myself lingering there at sunrise, watching sailboats drift by.
Conclusion
What I love most about South Carolina weekends is the balance of history, hospitality, relaxation and romantic views.
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.
