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 aren’t just places to stay—they’re invitations to pause, reconnect, and write a new chapter together.
Unique 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
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
Southern grace at The French Quarter Inn
From the moment we walked into The French Quarter Inn , Charleston wrapped us in a kind of magic. The champagne greeting, the scent of fresh flowers, the way the staff remembered our names—it all felt tailored, thoughtful, and wrapped in warmth. Our room overlooked the cobbled streets below, with arched windows and soft jazz playing in the background. I remember thinking, “Romance doesn’t need to be loud—it just needs to feel this good.”
What I Loved Most: Returning to freshly baked cookies and turn-down service each night—such a small thing, but it made the day feel complete.
My highlights? Dinner at S.N.O.B. (Slightly North of Broad): I had the pan-seared duck breast with sweet potato purée, and we split a lemon chess pie for dessert. Each course was soulful and Southern with a touch of elegance.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Elegant, refined, timeless
- Location: Historic French Quarter, Charleston, SC
- Best For: Classic romantics, anniversary celebrations, downtown explorers
- Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, wine & cheese receptions, turndown with treats
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or December holidays for charm and light
- Cost: From $450 per night
- Address: 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
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:
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
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.
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Jump to a Spot...
- • Coastal calm at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes - 2 hours 10 min from Charleston
- • Secluded bliss at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor - 5 min from Charleston
- • Southern grace at The French Quarter Inn
- • Harbor lights at Charleston Harbor Resort
- • Lowcountry elegance at The Beaufort Inn
- • Porch-side romance at The Cuthbert House Inn