Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S.
Planning a romantic weekend getaway? For me, 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 over the ocean? Here are some of the most unique weekend getaways I found in the U.S. and I hope you’ll love them too for your next 48 hour escape.
1. The Wentworth Mansion, Charleston
I thought that this historic 19th-century hotel in Charleston was one of the absolute best romantic weekend getaways when I moved to the South. Why? First off, it's incredibly elegant and luxurious. In addition, it's received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award so you can trust that it will be a high end experience.
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. I especially loved having 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. Vermont - Mountain Top Inn & Resort
This is is one of my favorite places for a romantic weekend getaway in New England. Why? I love that this resort sits high above the Green Mountains, offering some of the best panoramic views I’ve ever seen.
Chris and I caught the Amtrak Vermonter to Rutland, then hopped a 25-minute shuttle (15 miles) east into Killington. Though the town itself is small (population just over 1,400), Killington resort dominates the landscape.
My favorite part is how the property blends rustic charm with modern comfort, making it an underrated escape that feels both cozy and luxurious.
We stayed in a Classic Lodge Room with two queen beds for two care-free days, and I especially loved the lake view.
The resort’s private lake is a gem for year-round fun. We enjoyed swimming and kayaking in summer, and locals told me there's great ice skating in winter.
I thought that the horseback riding trails here are some of the best in New England, giving me a chance to truly connect with the Vermont countryside.
For a romantic touch, I loved the outdoor hot tubs and fireplaces that make cool evenings unforgettable.
The spa is another favorite of mine where a 30 minute pedicure followed by a 30-minute Reflexology session that turned my weekend into a true wellness retreat.
Check availability or prices at the 4-star Mountain Top Inn & Resort.
What I loved best:
I thought the on-site dining was a real highlight, featuring fresh Vermont ingredients and cozy atmospheres that made every meal special.
3. Indianapolis - The Alexander
This is one of my favorite modern boutique hotels and I think it's a perfect weekend getaway. 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.
In addition, 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.
A downside? Parking fees are expensive.
4. The Willard InterContinental DC
This is one of my favorite historic hotels (it dates back to 1816!) in the nation’s capital and I think that it's one of the best luxury romantic getaways. Why?
First off, the hotel's Beaux-Arts structure, designed by famed architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and unveiled in 1901, is such a masterpiece that it instantly became one of my favorite city landmarks.
In addition, I love that the hotel is nicknamed the “Residence of Presidents,” because nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce has either stayed or hosted events here. I thought it was truly one of the best introductions to American history when we stayed here.
I learned that The Willard has been the backdrop for so many unforgettable moments: Abraham Lincoln was secreted in for safety before his inauguration, Julia Ward Howe penned “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” here, and Martin Luther King Jr. refined his "I Have a Dream" speech within its walls—making it one of my favorite places for meaningful history.
I found our newly renovated guest room for two days to be particularly impressive because the design beautifully honors the hotel’s legacy.
Check prices or availability at The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
What I loved best:
The hotel's location just steps from the White House and the National Mall was my personal highlight. It made it easy to immerse ourselves in Washington’s culture, history, and elegance.
5. Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn
On our last trip out to Brooklnyn to see family, we decided to spend two romantic days at this 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!).
6. Oregon - The Nines Hotel in Portland
This hotel 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. We loved its sleek decor and warm, old-school style service on our romantic West Coast weekend getaway.
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.
7. Springhill Winery Bed and Breakfast - 1 hour from Louisville, KY
I thought that this place was one of the best romantic weekend getaways from Louisville, KY. Why? Set on a historic 1857 plantation, this charming inn combines Southern hospitality, vintage character, and the rustic beauty of Kentucky’s wine country.
We drove just under an hour southeast from Louisville through winding Kentucky backroads lined with horse farms and rolling hills.
From the moment I arrived, I was enchanted by the rolling vineyards, the sweeping porches, and the sense of history that lingered in every detail.
Our room for two days was elegant and cozy, with antique furnishings, plush bedding, and a touch of old-world charm that made me feel instantly at home.
I loved how each space had its own personality, whether it was a canopy bed, a fireplace, or a clawfoot tub, there was always something special waiting to be discovered.
One of my favorite parts of staying here was the wine. The on-site winery offers tastings of Springhill’s handcrafted wines, and sipping a glass while overlooking the vineyard at sunset for a hour was pure magic.
The location is another highlight. Just 15 minutes (11.6 miles) from Bardstown (the “Bourbon Capital of the World”) it’s easy to combine a stay here with bourbon tastings, historic tours, and small-town vibes. In Bardstown, Kentucky, you can explore several bourbon distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visit historical sites like the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and enjoy attractions such as the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train or the unique Squire Boone Caverns.
For me, Springhill Winery B&B is more than just a place to stay. It’s a romantic, historic, and wonderfully unique Kentucky escape that feels like a true hidden treasure.
Check availability at Springhill Winery Plantation Bed and Breakfast.
This is one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways for history buffs!
My personal highlight was through the grounds or relaxing in a rocking chair on the porch for 30 minutes at a time because it made me feel like I had stepped back in time.
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.
