Romantic Weekend Getaways in the United States
Best romantic vacation ideas include luxury resorts, relaxing inns and country weekend hideaways for couples.
Romance isn’t about how far you go. From desert ranches to coastal hideaways and grand city hotels to cozy historic inns, we found places where love felt easy and natural. These were the kind of weekends where time slowed down, laughter got a little louder, and quiet moments meant more than anything fancy. I remember thinking, “This is why we make time for just us.”
Best Romantic Weekend Getaways
The Wentworth Mansion, Charleston
From Savannah, I drove 108 miles north (about 2 hours on US-17) to Charleston, a city of around 160,000 but with centuries of stories. I walked along the cobblestoned streets of the French Quarter, then toured Fort Sumter. The Historic Charleston City Market, operating since the 1790s, buzzed with artisans weaving sweetgrass baskets.
The Wentworth Mansion was elegance wrapped in history. From the moment we stepped through the tall front doors, it felt like time slowed down just for us. High ceilings, antique furnishings, and Charleston’s charm right outside made it feel like a love story from another era. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where love lingers in the walls.”
What I Loved Most: Soaking in the oversized tub with the windows open to a quiet Southern evening breeze, candlelight flickering across marble tile.
My highlights? Filet mignon and truffle mashed potatoes at Circa 1886, just steps from our room, rich, candlelit, and perfectly paired with a South Carolina red.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Vibe: Historic, romantic, refined
- Highlights: Spa, gourmet dining, walkable historic district
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for blooming gardens and mild weather
- Cost: High-end boutique
- Address: 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Indianapolis - The Alexander
From Cincinnati, it was a 110-mile drive northwest (about 2 hours) to Indy’s green escapes. The Central Canal Towpath winds more than 5 miles past museums and riverside parks.
The Alexander surprised us. In the heart of downtown Indianapolis, it was sleek, modern, and full of bold color and contemporary art, the kind of place that made even a short stay feel creatively inspired. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like when a hotel actually fuels your spark.”
What I Loved Most: Lying on the bed, sipping wine, and staring at the giant abstract painting on our wall, completely relaxed and a little mesmerized.
My highlights? Craft cocktails and small plates at Plat 99. I had the roasted beet salad with whipped goat cheese and a lavender martini. Bright, fresh, and just unexpected enough.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Vibe: Contemporary, creative, stylish
- Highlights: Art installations, walkable to downtown dining, lively lounge
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for festival season
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Address: 333 S Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
From Pittsburgh, we drove 60 miles southeast (about 1 hour 15 minutes on US-40) to Farmington, a small unincorporated town of just a few hundred residents in the Laurel Highlands. Nearby, we toured Fort Necessity National Battlefield, where George Washington fought his first battle in 1754.
Nemacolin felt like a fairy tale with a Pennsylvania twist, castles, fire pits, luxury spas, and forest trails. It was opulent and over-the-top in the best way. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to stay somewhere where every detail is designed for awe.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the stars come out from our private balcony, wrapped in plush robes and wrapped up in each other.
My highlights? A multicourse meal at Lautrec, featuring duck breast with blackberry glaze and a dessert cart that could’ve fed royalty.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Farmington, Pennsylvania
- Vibe: Grand, indulgent, immersive
- Highlights: Spa, fine dining, golf, art museum, adventure center
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage; winter for cozy luxe
- Cost: Luxury pricing with experience packages
- Address: 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
The Palms Hotel in Key West
I hopped aboard the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers (about 3.5 hours, $95–$125 one way). Landing in Old Town, I walked everywhere, browsing Duval Street’s conch houses and shops, visiting the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, and lingering over Key lime pie at a café.
Everything about The Palms in Key West felt like a breath of warm air, colorful, vintage charm mixed with tropical ease. We spent mornings by the pool, afternoons biking to the beach, and evenings under swaying palms. I remember thinking, “This is where you come when you need sunshine in your soul.”
What I Loved Most: Reading in a hammock, sun filtering through the palms, the sound of island life humming gently in the background.
My highlights? A Cuban sandwich and café con leche from Sandy’s Cafe nearby, eaten on a patio in swimsuits and smiles.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Key West, Florida
- Vibe: Vintage, tropical, casual
- Highlights: Bikes, pool, relaxed comfort
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and early spring for perfect weather
- Cost: Affordable to moderate
- Address: 820 White St, Key West, FL 33040
Florida - The National Hotel in South Beach
I hopped on the Metrobus S line from downtown Miami to South Beach (about 25 minutes, $2.25 one way).
The National dripped with Art Deco glamour, polished wood, curved corners, and that perfect Miami light spilling through sheer curtains. Just steps from the beach, it was the kind of romantic that felt timeless and cool. I remember thinking, “We’re not just escaping, we’re stepping into a scene.”
What I Loved Most: Sipping champagne on the rooftop as the sun set over South Beach, waves crashing just out of view.
My highlights? Grilled snapper with mango salsa at Tamara’s Bistro, tropical, fresh, and perfect with a glass of chilled rosé.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Miami Beach, Florida
- Vibe: Glamorous, historic, beachfront
- Highlights: Pool, rooftop bar, easy beach access
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall or early spring to beat the crowds
- Cost: Mid to high
- Address: 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Loft living at the Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn
From Queens, it was just a 12-mile drive (about 30 minutes) to Brooklyn’s green escapes. I spent the morning in Prospect Park, 585 acres designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (the same duo behind Central Park).
Tucked away in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the Henry Norman Hotel felt like discovering a secret artist's loft,high ceilings, exposed brick, and oversized windows that let in the soft Brooklyn light. The blend of industrial charm and cozy furnishings made it feel both stylish and welcoming. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of place where creativity breathes."
What I Loved Most: The spaciousness of the suite, complete with a kitchenette and a comfortable sitting area. It was the perfect retreat after a day exploring the city.
My highlights? A leisurely brunch at Five Leaves, just a short walk away. I indulged in their renowned ricotta pancakes topped with honeycomb butter and fresh berries. The ambiance was as delightful as the food, making it a memorable morning.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Artistic, spacious, boutique charm
- Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
- Best For: Creative travelers, couples, extended stays
- Amenities: Kitchenettes, fitness center, shuttle service within a mile
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and local events
- Cost: From $196 per night
- Address: 251 North Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Oregon - The Nines Hotel in Portland
From Seattle, we drove 175 miles south (about 3 hours on I-5) to Portland, a city of around 635,000.
The Nines made us feel like we’d checked into a dream version of city life. Perched above Pioneer Square with sleek decor and warm service, it blended old-school charm with modern sparkle. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to fall in love with a city, and each other, at the same time.”
What I Loved Most: Rooftop cocktails at sunset with the Portland skyline spread out around us and Mt. Hood glowing in the distance.
My highlights? Dinner at Departure, spicy tuna sushi, miso black cod, and sake under city lights.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Vibe: Chic, urban, artistic
- Highlights: Rooftop dining, city views, walkable downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall
- Cost: Mid-to-high
- Address: 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204
Arizona - Tanque Verde Ranch
From Phoenix, we drove 115 miles southeast (about 1 hour 45 minutes on I-10) to Tucson, a city of around 550,000. The historic core is anchored by the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, an 18th-century Spanish fort, and Mission San Xavier del Bac, a dazzling white church built in the 1790s that still serves the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Tanque Verde was wild romance. Set against Tucson’s saguaro-dotted hills, it gave us golden desert mornings, horseback rides through cactus forests, and evenings full of campfires and stars. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that brings love back to its roots.”
What I Loved Most: Riding side by side through the desert with nothing but blue sky and red dust ahead of us.
My highlights? The sunset barbecue, mesquite-grilled steak, cowboy beans, and peach cobbler eaten outside as the sky turned coral and lavender.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Vibe: Rustic, adventurous, romantic
- Highlights: Horseback riding, desert hikes, stargazing
- Best Time to Visit: October through April
- Cost: Mid to high (all-inclusive options)
- Address: 14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748
Why I’d go back
Each place brought out something different in us, joy, rest, curiosity, connection. And somehow, each stay helped us remember not just who we are as individuals, but who we are together. These getaways weren’t just escapes, they were love stories, and I’d revisit every single one in a heartbeat.
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.
