Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

I took this photo of boats and orange sunset on the coast
I took this photo of boats and orange sunset on the coast

Planning a romantic weekend getaway? You're in the right place! For me, choosing where to stay is part of the fun. Are you in the mood for a boutique hotels, cozy cabin, a room that looks out over the ocean? Here are some of the most unique romantic weekend getaways I found in the U.S. (so far!) and I hope you’ll love them too for your next 48 hour couples' escape.

Admire historic charm and enjoy a refined couples retreat in the South.
The Wentworth Mansion

1. The Wentworth Mansion, Charleston

I thought that this historic 19th-century hotel in Charleston, South Carolina 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'll 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 we found it so romantic to walk around the city!

Chris and I had such a romantic time walking around downtown Charleston until we reached the French Quarter where we admired historic buildings and stopped for coffee and treats at Harken Cafe & Bakery. Our absolute favorite stop was The Historic Charleston City Market, a place of history that's a must-see (I learned that it's been operating since the 1790s!). We also caught a day of Charleston Jazz Festival, a week-long local tradition that takes place every April!

After exploring the city, we were so comfortable when we returned to our room at The Wentworth Mansion. I had a 60-minute relaxing 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 which was perfect!

What I loved best:

My personal highlight was dinner right at the hotel at Circa 1886 Restaurant. Why? First off, the setting in the original carriage house is incredibly romantic. Secondly, Executive Chef Marc Collin has been creating mouthwatering dishes for 20 years so there is so much tradition here! We love the choice of two distinctive tasting menus as well as lots of à la carte options that allowed us to create a perfect meal. I highligly recommend Circa 1886 Restaurant for celebrating a special moment in your life, like an anniversary, or a job promotion, something you want to remember forever for a long time.

Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Mountain Top Inn & Resort

2. Vermont - Mountain Top Inn & Resort

This is is one of my favorite places for a romantic weekend getaway in New England. What I love most is that Mountain Top Inn & 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 (about 10 miles from the resort), enjoying the romantic scenery along the way without having to worry about driving! Once we arrived, we stayed in a Classic Lodge Room for two care-free days, and I especially loved the lake view.

In fact, the resort’s private lake is a gem 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 I've seen in New England, giving me a chance to truly connect with the Vermont countryside.

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 a cozy-romantic atmosphere.

Explore modern art and relax in style during a quick urban trip.
The Alexander

3. Indianapolis - The Alexander

This is one of my favorite modern boutique hotels and, for us, it was the most perfect romantic weekend getaway in the Midwest. 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 Chris and 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.

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.

The Willard InterContinental DC
The Willard InterContinental DC

4. The Willard InterContinental DC

This is one of my favorite historic hotels (it dates back to 1816!) in the nation’s capital and, honestly, I think that it's one of the best luxury romantic getaways in the country. 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 because it made it so easy to immerse ourselves in Washington’s culture, history, and elegance.

The Twelve Oaks

5. The Twelve Oaks, Covington - 40 minutes from Atlanta

This unique hotel, with its grand antebellum architecture made me feel like I had stepped back in time the moment we arrived, and it quickly became one of my favorite weekend getaways from Atlanta, just about an hour east!

Covington's town square looked like it had been lifted from a postcard - I saw brick storefronts, old trees, and a clock tower rising above it all. Just a few blocks away, The Twelve Oaks stood tall and white, its grand columns and wide veranda echoing the antebellum South. I also learned that ante = before, bellum = war in Latin, so antebellum describes the period before the Civil War.

I loved how the mansion blended historic charm with modern luxury—antique chandeliers, ornate fireplaces, and elegant staircases paired beautifully with updated suites. My favorite detail was the clawfoot tub in our room for three days that made me feel completely pampered.

I spent the afternoon relaxing on the wide front porch, sipping sweet tea while looking out at the gardens. I thought that it was the coolest way to slow down and savor Southern hospitality.

I enjoyed a gourmet breakfast served in the formal dining room, and I appreciated how close the inn was to Covington’s historic square, where I explored shops, restaurants, and even filming locations from popular movies and shows!

To book, check availability or prices for The Twelve Oaks

What I loved best:

Discovering the little touches throughout the mansion was my favorite highlight, like fresh flowers, cozy reading nooks, and strolling through peaceful grounds.

Henry Norman Hotel: Industrial Charm & Light-Filled Loft Life
Henry Norman Hotel

6. Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn

This boutique hotel is one of my favorite romantic hideaways in New York because it puts me right in the center of Brooklyn’s creative energy.

On our last trip out to Brooklyn to see family, we decided to spend two romantic days at this unique hotel in Greenpoint. I thought that Henry Norman Hotel was 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 felt very uniquely Brooklyn and I think it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a romantic weekend in New York City!

What I loved best:

My favorite highlight 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!).

Experience chic design and explore city sights on a stylish weekend.
The Nines

7. Oregon - The Nines Hotel in Portland

This is one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways in Oregon because it blends luxury with that unmistakable Pacific Northwest atmosphere. The Nines Hotel'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 highlight was the rooftop restaurant and lounge, where I enjoyed incredible views of the city skyline.

Springhill Winery Bed and Breakfast
Springhill Winery Bed and Breakfast

8. 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.

My photo of azaleas in Charleston
My photo of azaleas in Charleston

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.

Ema Bio
Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.