Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina
Plan a relaxing weekend getaway at one of these beautiful hotels, resorts and inns in South Carolina.
South Carolina was made for romance. With its historic towns, moss-draped oaks, and breezy coastal views, it offers something tender and timeless at every turn. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Charleston, the serenity of the Lowcountry, or the golden light along the Myrtle Beach coast, there’s a perfect retreat waiting to cradle you in warmth and stillness. These getaways are invitations to pause, reconnect, and write a new chapter together.
Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina:
Coastal calm at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes - 2 hours 10 min from Charleston
Tucked between a quiet stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway and the buzz of Myrtle Beach, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes gave us the best of both worlds. From our balcony, we watched boats glide past while the sun dipped low over the water, painting the sky in peach and lavender. The room was warm and inviting, plush bedding, soft lighting, and that soft hush that comes with true privacy. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of quiet that brings you back to each other.”
What I Loved Most: Waking up early to sip coffee on the balcony while mist hovered over the water and the world felt still. It was a soft, shared silence I won’t forget.
My highlights? Dinner at Waterscapes, the hotel’s restaurant, where I ordered the grilled grouper with lemon beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables. We shared a bottle of white wine and a warm chocolate lava cake. It felt effortless, elegant, and just indulgent enough to mark the moment.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Upscale, peaceful, waterfront luxury
- Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Best For: Couples who want a quiet coastal escape with access to resort amenities
- Amenities: Private beach access, spa services, indoor and outdoor pools, fine dining
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for fewer crowds and golden light
- Cost: From $220 per night
- Address: 8121 Amalfi Pl, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Courtyard Mornings at The Elliott House Inn
Charleston whispered history through its cobblestones and jasmine-sweet breeze, but it was The Elliott House Inn that gave our weekend shape. Nestled in the heart of the historic district, it felt like stepping into a quiet chapter of the city’s past. Shuttered windows, iron balconies, and a tucked-away courtyard where time seemed to slow. I remember waking to the soft clink of silverware on china from the courtyard below and thinking, “We could stay here and never need to leave the block.”
What I Loved Most: The small, thoughtful moments, complimentary wine in the courtyard, bikes waiting at the gate, and shutters that creaked just enough to feel real.
Our highlights? Starting each day with a slow breakfast beneath the live oaks, the air thick with magnolia and fresh coffee. Wandering the nearby streets hand in hand, past pastel homes and wrought-iron gates, before returning for a mid-afternoon pause in our room, cool, quiet, with soft light spilling across the wood floors. Dinner was just a few steps away at a candlelit Lowcountry restaurant where we shared she-crab soup and seared scallops, and the walk back to the inn felt like a dream held just a little too long.
Plan your romantic stay:
- Location: Charleston Historic District, South Carolina
- Vibe: Intimate, historic, quietly elegant
- Highlights: Courtyard breakfasts, free bike rentals, proximity to King Street and Charleston’s waterfront
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for blooming gardens and mild evenings
- Cost: Rooms from ~$250/night; includes breakfast and evening wine
- Tip: Ask for a second-floor room overlooking the courtyard for morning light and a bit more privacy
Harbor lights at Charleston Harbor Resort
Staying at Charleston Harbor Resort was like stepping into a postcard. The salt air, the sway of sailboats, and the way the harbor glowed in the evening made it all feel cinematic. Our balcony faced the water, and from there, we watched dolphins play in the distance. I remember thinking, “It’s the little moments, like this, that make everything feel bigger.”
What I Loved Most: Lounging in a hammock by the beachside fire pit, toes in the sand, as twilight painted the sky with brushstrokes of coral and navy.
My highlights? Cocktails and seafood at Charleston Harbor Fish House, I had the crab-stuffed flounder and a Southern Sunset cocktail. We lingered as boats came in, the harbor breeze brushing against candlelit tables.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Laid-back luxury, nautical charm
- Location: Mount Pleasant, just across the Cooper River from Charleston
- Best For: Couples wanting a beach feel near downtown Charleston
- Amenities: Waterfront pool, marina, private beach, spa services
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer or early fall for harbor serenity
- Cost: From $260 per night
- Address: 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Relaxing Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Carolina:
Stylish & Sweet at Hotel Trundle
Hotel Trundle wasn’t just a place to stay, it was a love letter to Columbia. From the moment I walked into the art-filled lobby, I felt like I’d stumbled into a boutique dream. The vibe was bold, creative, and romantic in that perfectly unexpected way. I remember thinking, “This is what happens when personality and comfort fall in love.” The staff made us feel like old friends, and every room was like a Pinterest board come to life.
What I Loved Most: Cozying up in robes with vinyl records spinning and a local brew in hand.
My highlight? A leisurely breakfast from smallSUGAR, brought back to the room: rosemary biscuit sandwiches, honey-drizzled yogurt, and strong, fresh-roasted coffee. Simple, gorgeous, and exactly right.
Plan your trip:
- Location: Downtown Columbia, SC
- Vibe: Artsy, modern, boutique cool
- Highlights: Design-forward rooms, local partnerships, cozy comforts
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for rooftop hangs and city walks
- Cost: Moderate to upscale boutique
- Hours: 24/7 front desk
- Address: 1224 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201
Secluded bliss at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor - 5 min from Charleston
The Cottages on Charleston Harbor felt like a secret meant just for us. Tucked beside the water, each cottage had a front-row view of the harbor, porch swings, sea breezes, and slow sunsets that seemed to hold us still. Inside, the fireplace crackled, and soft linens waited to welcome us after a day spent exploring. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just a stay, it’s a moment I’ll carry with me.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the ships drift past from our private screened-in porch while wrapped in a blanket together, glass of wine in hand, Charleston glowing in the distance.
My highlights? We ordered Lowcountry takeout from nearby Page’s Okra Grill: she-crab soup and shrimp & grits, which we ate barefoot on the porch. The night air, the laughter, the flavors, it was all perfect.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Private, coastal, barefoot-luxury
- Location: Mount Pleasant, SC (just across the harbor from Charleston)
- Best For: Couples who want seclusion with Charleston at arm’s reach
- Amenities: Private cottages, porches with swings, fireplaces, harbor views
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for soft breezes and fewer crowds
- Cost: From $650 per night
- Address: 16 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Lowcountry elegance at The Beaufort Inn
The Beaufort Inn captured everything I love about the Lowcountry, moss-draped oaks, colorful verandas, and Southern gentility that never felt forced. We stayed in a garden cottage with rocking chairs on the porch and hydrangeas blooming at our feet. I remember thinking, “This isn’t a hotel, it’s a home with a heartbeat.”
What I Loved Most: Walking hand-in-hand down quiet streets in the evening, the scent of jasmine in the air and the sky bathed in golden light.
My highlights? Dinner at Saltus River Grill, butter-poached lobster over creamy grits, followed by a peach sorbet. The river view, the candlelight, the hush of the evening, it all felt like a private celebration.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Historic, romantic, deeply Southern
- Location: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Best For: Couples craving charm, walkability, and a slow pace
- Amenities: Garden cottages, in-room breakfast, walkable to waterfront
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for temperate weather and blooms
- Cost: From $230 per night
- Address: 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Andrew Pinckney Inn: Historic Elegance in Charleston
“I checked in and felt like I’d walked into a storybook.” The bright yellow façade and exposed brick archway of Andrew Pinckney Inn stood out on Pinckney Street, nestled in Charleston’s historic district. I crossed the threshold into quiet sophistication, the lobby once a blacksmith’s shop, and thought, *this place blends past and present effortlessly*.
What I Loved Most: Relaxing in the rooftop solarium each morning, sipping coffee while sunlight poured in through glass walls. From there I saw rooftops, steeples, and the harbor in soft distance, it felt like the whole city opened up before me.
My highlights? The complimentary breakfast was surprisingly refined, fresh fruit, pastries, and local-style fare served beside afternoon wine and cheese receptions. I remember the aroma of warm cookies and coffee in the air, quiet moments before setting out on foot to cobbled streets.
Plan your stay:
- Walk Time from Charleston City Market: ~2 minutes
- Vibe: Boutique, historic, welcoming
- Highlights: Rooftop solarium and daily wine & cheese reception, walking access to City Market, Waterfront Park, St. Michael’s Church, and local galleries
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and historic district strolls
- Cost: Rates typically $200–350/night; valet parking ~$25–28/night
- Rooms & Amenities: 41 rooms including suites, free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout day, access to nearby fitness, concierge services
Porch-side romance at The Cuthbert House Inn
Staying at The Cuthbert House Inn was like staying in a love letter to the past. Built in 1790, the house overlooks the bay and carries every creak and whisper of its long history. We sat on the veranda, sipping sweet tea, watching herons skim the water. I remember thinking, “Some places don’t just let you rest, they teach you how.”
What I Loved Most: Rocking chairs under the live oaks, long quiet talks, and waking to the smell of cinnamon and coffee drifting up from the kitchen.
My highlights? Breakfast at the inn, cheddar grits with scrambled eggs, fresh berries, and peach preserves on toast. Everything tasted like it had a story.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Historic, peaceful, coastal charm
- Location: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Best For: History lovers, porch sitters, quiet weekenders
- Amenities: Bayfront views, gourmet breakfast, period furnishings
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for perfect porch weather
- Cost: From $225 per night
- Address: 1203 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Conclusion
Romantic moments aren’t always grand, they’re often found in the quiet: a harbor breeze at sunset, a shared dessert on a candlelit porch, the soft hush of a historic room holding you both like a secret. South Carolina makes room for those moments. And whether you’re planning a proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or just getting away to be close again, these destinations offer more than comfort. They offer the kind of space where love grows deeper.
More to explore...
