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March 19, 2021 by Roaster Rick 5 Comments

10 Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples Ideas to Escape Reality, Fall Back in Love

10 Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples Ideas to Escape Reality, Fall Back in Love

You both can still do affordable travel, even last minute, to escape the daily ground and yet still create lasting memories with the help of my list of cheap romantic getaways for couples from handpicked spots around the United States.

Hopefully, these (mostly) unique spots are located within a short flight away or within a day’s drive.

From turquoise-colored beaches in my home state of Florida to the romantic hills of wine country in northern California, the painted desert of Arizona to even the shores of an exotic Michigan island in Lake Huron, I hope you find a romantic weekend getaway option to suite your needs.

[Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn a commission for purchases made via affiliate links on this post that help support running this blog. Thank you for the support.

Which of These Romantic Weekend Getaways for Couples Ideas Grabs Your Attention?

1. Sanibel and Captiva Island-

(Gulf Coast, Southwest Florida)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to the Beach

Cheap Romantic Getaway for Couples- Bowman Beach on Sanibel Island, Florida

Bowman's Beach Park on Sanibel Island, FL.

Sanibel and Captiva another element to the Florida paradise beach town experience: the tropical island ambiance at a short distance away without having to travel far.

*[UPDATE]* Bless their hearts, Sanibel and Captiva are working to rebuild since Hurricane Ian. YES, things are open, but run some research before heading there.

Fly into Fort Myers Southwest Florida International Airport and then simply drive across the Sanibel Causeway (tolls charged for use).

And voila, you magically cross into a whole other world without having to fly or take a cruise to the middle of the ocean.

And if you live in Florida like me, then you can simply drive a few hours to arrive at this Florida island treasure.

Freshly caught seafood, dolphin and manatee tours, water sports, world-class golf, and tennis with cool gulf breezes pelting you,  white sandy beaches with turquoise-colored water offer you and your partner the ideal cheap romantic weekend getaways for couples.

Sanibel and Captiva Island Highlights

  • Plenty of white sandy beaches with blue-green water (not all of them though). Check out Bowman’s Beach (my favorite).
  • Biking
  • Segway tours
  • Fishing
  • Sunset dolphin Captiva Cruise (South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island)
  • Golf and tennis
  • Nature, wildlife cruises and eco-Tours
  • Paddleboarding and kayak rentals
  • Shelling
  • Museums, art galleries, and antiques
  • Shopping
  • Local restaurants and bars Doc Ford’s Rum and Bar and Grille on Captiva is one of my favorites
  • Dog-friendly, open-aired restaurants
  • Like Florida? Check out other Florida getaway destinations for couples.

Book Your Romantic Couples Getaway Now...

Fly to Ft Myers, Stay in Ft Myers ...

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2. New Orleans

(Southeast US)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples with Live Jazz and Night Life

French Quarter Balconies with Hanging Plants
Photo by GregJK from Getty Images (Canva Pro)

I Love Live New Orleans Jazz

Last-minute flights, affordable hotel deals from many eastern US cities make New Orleans one of the most ideal cheap romantic weekend getaways for couples. 

Bursting with all kinds of entertainment and world-renown cuisine and not to mention rows and rows of top-notch cocktail bars and live jazz, you’ll soon find out why my girlfriend and I fell in love with New Orleans and can’t wait to get back.

Check out my post on New Orleans bucket list ideas for couples.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

New Orleans- Louis Armstrong International Airport (Aiport Code- MSY)

New Orleans Highlights

Book Your New Orleans Weekend Couples Getaway Now...

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3. Yosemite National Park

(Northern California)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Explore Mother Nature

Romantic Getaways for Couples in Yosemite National Park
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
  • World-renown craft cocktail bars, some fancy, others artsy and trendy, all with character and charm (many classic cocktails were first served in New Orleans bars- my FAVORITE part)
    • The Carousel Bar 
    • Barrel Proof
    • Old Absinthe House
    • Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
    • Napolean House
  • Live jazz (*local ordinances permitting due to Covid-19- check before you go)
    • Preservation Hall
    • The Spotted Cat
    • Maison Bourbon
    • Fritzel’s European Jazz Club
    • D.B.A.
  • Ghost tours
  • Swamp tours
  • Plantation tours
  • Actually tours of all kinds (cocktail bar, local restaurants, etc)
  • Rich in southern history and one-of-a-kind French Colonial style architecture (no other big US city boasts this)
  • housemade authentic local Creole food made with love
  • Festivals (Obviously- Marti Gras- local ordinances permitting)
    • New Orleans Jazz Fest
    • New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
    • French Quarter Festival

Waterfalls, Rock Formations, and Breathtaking Yosemite Views

Located fairly close to San Francisco and offering plenty of free majestic scenic views makes Yosemite National park one of those take-your-breath-away cheap romantic weekend getaways.

Towering Sequoia trees, cozy cabins, and thundering Instagramable waterfalls easily places Yosemite on my travel bucket list for romantic getaways to escape reality for a few days.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

  • Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK)
  • San Jose International Airport (SJC) 

Yosemite National Park Highlights

  • Hiking (lots of it)
  • Camping
  • Biking
  • Climbing
  •  *Waterfalls (Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Sentinel Fall)
  • Rock Formations (El Capitan, Half Dome)
  • Giant Sequoias (Redwood Trees)
  • Ansel Adams Gallery (famous photography of Yosemite)

Book Your Yosemite Couples Escape Now...

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4. Boston, Massachusetts

(Northeast US)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Travel Back in Time

Cobblestone Road in Boston

Capture Colonial History, Local Seafood, Lush Nature in Public Parks

I need to get back to Boston. And if you and your partner have never gone, then now’s the time to make this city that truly has it all into your next romantic couples weekend getaway spot.

In Boston, you’ll find the best sporting events, some of the best US history walking tours, popular New England seafood dishes, stunning outdoor nature views, top cocktail bars and much more.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

Boston- Logan International Airport (BOS)

Boston Highlights

  • Professional Sporting Events (Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins)
  • Boston Seafood and Oysters
  • Boston Common and the Public Garden
  • Charles River Esplanade
  • Boston Aquarium
  • Museums of Boston
  • Freedom Trail (one of the best ways to experience Boston history)
  • Paul Revere House
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace
  • Boston Public Library
  • Boston Harbor Islands
  • Harbor Walk
  • Top Boston Neighborhoods to Visit

Book Your New England Romantic Weekend Getaway Now...

Are Good Deals Still Available on Your Travel Dates?...

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5. Gatlinburg- the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Escape Reality in the Mountains

Smoky Mountains Tennessee
SeanPavonePhoto by Getty Images (Canva Pro)

Inhale Fresh Air in the Awe-inspiring Smoky Mountains Tennessee

The ultimate mountain escape with plenty of action-oriented activities. Relax or indulge in plenty of sports activities.

Major resorts, cozy cabins, or simple hotels. Choose your lodging style. All will be close enough to the activities and surrounded by the stunning Smoky Mountains.

My girlfriend beat me first on a trip here with her family, but I look forward to returning there on a quick cheap romantic weekend getaway.

You can find cheap last-minute flights to Nashville but you’d have to rent a car and drive 3+ hours. Knoxville is the closest major airport but you’ll find the best deals in Nashville. You might consider making a long weekend road trip with your own vehicle for this couple’s vacation spot. (Of course, that’d only work if you live somewhere in the east.)

Gatlinburg Highlights

  • Hiking Trails
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Ober Gatlinburg
  • Space Needle
  • Stay in a Cabin (via Vrbo)
  • Nearby Dollywood Park
  • Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
  • Wildbear Falls Waterpark
  • Sugarlands Distilling Company (tours and workshops)
  • Smoky Mountain Winery

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

  • Gatlinburg- Pigeon Forge (GKT) (14 Miles Away)
  • Knoxville, Tennessee- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) (41 Miles Away)
  • Ashville, North Carolina- Ashville Regional Airport (AVL)- 89 Miles Away
  • Charlotte, North Carolina- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)- 194 Miles Away (Second Cheapest Flights)
  • Atlanta, Georgie- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) 205 Miles Away (1st Cheapest Flights)
  • Nashville, Tennessee- Nashville International Airport (BNA) 216 Miles Away (Third Cheapest Flights)

Book Your Mountain Escape Couples Getaway Now...

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6. Mackinac Island

(Northern Michigan on Lake Huron)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples Remarkable Lake Huron Views

Mackinac Island, Michigan Coastline
Photo by randytate by Getty Images (Canva Pro)

Breathtaking Coastline of Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island, Michigan easily makes the most unique cheap romantic getaway idea here on my list.  I’m dying to get up there.

Surrounded by rugged scenic rocks, relaxing lake waters, and fragrant evergreen forests, Mackinac Island is a beautiful vacation destination for couples.

However, you aren’t likely to find cheap flight deals to the nearest major airports- Pellston and Chippewa. So, depending on how much you want to spend, you may have to make this a road trip as well- provided you live somewhere in the midwest to make this a one-day drive. Plus, cars are not permitted on the island itself so you must park at ferry boat parking lots on Mackinaw City.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

  • Mackinaw City- Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
  • Kincheloe, Michigan- Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) (35 Miles North of Ferry Dock in St Ignace)

Mackinac Island Highlights

  • Biking and Scooter Rentals
  • Mackinac Island State Park
  • Fudge Shops 
  • Mackinac Suspension Bridge (one of the world’s longest suspension bridges)
  • Downtown Mackinac Shopping 
  • Marquette Park
  • Arch Rock
  • Mackinac Restaurants (of course)
  • Seasonal Island Events
  • Mackinac Island Walking Tours
  • Spa and Massage
  • Rock Island Lighthouse
  • Wine and Sunset Cruises
  • Kayaking
  • Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

Book Your Romantic Couples Weekend Trip Now...

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7. Scottsdale, Arizona

(Just Outside of Phoenix)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples for a Total Change of Scenery

Visit Scottsdale Arizona for cheap weekend couples getaway
Photo by Sini from Pexels

Scottsdale, Arizona- a Totally Unique Couples Getaway Paradise

For the sake of a total change of scenery, I’ve added Scottsdale, Arizona to my list.

Over 900 restaurants, hiking in nearby national parks with unforgettable views, spas, top-class resorts and hotels, and the close proximity to a major airport (Phoenix) make Scottsdale an ideal cheap romantic getaway destination for couples.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

Phoenix- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Scottsdale Highlights

  • Tour of Taliesin West– foundation headquarters and architect school of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s
  • Scenic Scottsdale hiking trails
  • Top-class Scottsdale golf courses
  • McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Camelback Mountain
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Wineries and Vineyards
  • Spa and Massage
  • Diverse Scottsdale dining scene
  • Close to Phoenix- Visit Phoenix romantic spots for couples.

Reserve Your Romantic Couples Trip Now...

Deals to Scottsdale/Phoenix Available Still?...

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8. Sonoma County

(Northern California- Sonoma Valley Wine Region)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples ... a Top Romantic Destination Where Time Stands Still

Wine Country- the ultimate couples romantic getaway
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Wine Country- the Ultimate Couples Romantic Getaway

Sonoma is a top destination for romantic getaways and one of my absolute favorite places to revisit and the most romantic destination for couples on this list (IMO).

Rolling hills covered in grapevines for as far as the eye can see, winding roads, dozens of wineries with taprooms to indulge in some of the best wines in the world.

If you seek romance, if you seek plenty of candlelit dinners and breathtaking natural beauty then visit Sonoma County where time stands still.

Even just three nights would suffice for a cheap romantic couples getaway.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (55 Miles Away)
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) (50 Miles Away)

Sonoma County Highlights

  • Top winery tasting rooms (mine and everyone’s favorite Sonoma experience)
  • Sonoma Winery Vineyard tours
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Top Farm-to-Table Sonoma County restaurants
  • Horseback Riding
  • Day spas
  • Explore towering Sequoia tree forests (Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve)
  • Sonoma Brewery Tours
  • Bike tours
  • Whale watching on Sonoma coastline
  • Sonoma County festivals
  • Concert halls

Reserve Your Romantic Wine Country Couples Getaway Now...

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9. Savannah, Georgia

(Southeast Atlantic Coast)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples for Peace, Relaxation and the Beach

Spanish Moss Lined Road in Savannah, Georgia

Spanish Moss Lined Road in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has been trending as a top romantic getaway destination for couples.

Just a couple hours north of Jacksonville, Florida, and right on the Atlantic Coast in Southeast Georgia, relaxation, strolls on the beach with cool ocean breezes rolling in, cozy accommodations, and diverse dining await you.

It’s no wonder couples flock to this beach town oasis.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

Savannah, Georgia Highlights

  • Savannah’s waterfront on historic River Street
  • City trolley ride
  • Forsyth Park
  • Visit historic squares
  • Experience Southern-style architecture
  • Ghost tours
  • Savannah Craft beer breweries
  • Best local Savannah dining 
  • Savannah Foodie tours
  • Fort McAllister State Park
  • Bonaventure Cemetery
  • Tybee Island
  • Walking tours
  • Biking tours
  • Kayak tours
  • Visit nearby Hilton Head Island

Find Your Romantic Couples Getaway Now...

Can You Still Find Good Deals to Savannah?...

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10. Sarasota, Florida

(Southwest Gulf Coast- Just 1 Hour South of Tampa/St Pete)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples for a Beach Paradise a Short Plane Ride Away

Lido Beach, Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL
Photo by fallbrook by Getty Images (Canva Pro)

Lido Beach, Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL

For me Florida coastline paradises await just a few-hours-drive away. For you, most likely, they’re just a few-hours-flight away. Find last-minute cheap flights to Sarasota here on CheapOAir.

Experience that upscale, Florida coast town city with white sandy, turquoise beaches for a long weekend romantic couples getaway.

View dolphins swimming in the wild, try out some snorkeling, dine on freshly-caught seafood, watch the sunset in beautiful gulf coast sunny Sarasota, Florida.

*My current favorite place in Florida to drive to from Orlando is this place right here, the Bradenton and Sarasota area.

And here is my current favorite Florida beach: Bean Point Beach. If you like green-blue water (most of the year) then take in this powerdery sand beach on Anna Maria Island with views of the Skyway Bridge that connects St Pete to Bradenton.

Closest Major Airport(s) to Fly To

  • Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA) (45 Miles Away)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) (106 Miles Away)

Sarasota, Florida GPS Coordinates: (27.3364° N, 82.5307° W)

Sarasota, Florida Highlights

  • Siesta Key Beach
  • Snorkeling at Point of Rocks
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayaking 
  • The Ringling
  • Siesta Village shops
  • Longboat Key
  • Lido Beach
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  • Visit nearby Venice, Florida

Reserve Your Romantic Couples Weekend Now...

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Why Wait? Start Planning Your Next Cheap Romantic Getaway for Couples NOW!

Cheap Romantic Getaway Ideas for Couples

Filed Under: Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples, Dating and Relationships, Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples Tagged With: Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples, Florida Couples Getaways, Florida Weekend Getaways Ideas, Last minute trip ideas for couples, New Orleans Getaway, Smoky Mountains Getaways for Couples, Sonoma County Couples Getaways, Weekend Trip Ideas for Couples, Yosemite National Park Getaways for Couples

March 5, 2021 by Roaster Rick 6 Comments

5 Florida Paradises that Make Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples

5 Florida Paradises that Make Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples

Looking for ideas for fun weekend getaways for couples?

Then why not come visit Florida?

Florida is great for road trips. Our state is narrow enough and lined with enough coastal towns and just-off-the-coast islands that you could hit many spots on a short or extended weekend getaway.

If you don’t live close enough to drive your own car, then you can find plenty of last-minute cheap flights and then rent one.

Or you could bypass a road trip around the state altogether and just stick to one coastal town or, of course, just to my town, the epicenter of theme parks, Orlando. (But in this post I will only look at a few handpicked coastal beach towns).

[Click Here] to view free downloads 100+ Vacation Activities and Date Ideas for Couples

Florida Beach Paradises You May Not Have Thought About

The purpose of my post is to give you some ideas for romantic and fun weekend getaways for couples if you are not familiar with Florida. Or if you are, to perhaps give you some new ideas.

Many of the places in this post are on my wishlist, while a few I have visited more than once. There are just too many to get to. The average Floridian has hit a handful, but still has plenty more to explore.

This is not meant to serve as a comprehensive travel guide, RelationshipBrew.com is a relationship blog after all; therefore, I will start with a short list of beach town gems, hand-picked from different regions of the state. Then later continue to add new places to the list (for example, Key West, Tampa, Jacksonville, etc). 

Why Others Choose Florida for Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples?

Beautiful Florida Coastline
Beautiful Florida Coastline | Photo by Zachary Vessels from Pexels

There’s a reason Florida usually lands at the #1 spot of surveys for the most visited states in the US (here is a survey of 8,000 respondents on simplemost.com- see where your state finished).

Many people get tired of the bone-crushing cold and seek some liquid sunshine and breath-taking ocean and gulf views along our 8,436 miles of ocean and gulf coastline.

Ironically though, Florida is not for everyone. We will explore for whom it makes the most sense to choose our beach towns for fun weekend getaways for couples.

Yes, Florida is home to many beach town paradises.

But let’s find out what you can do here, so you can decide to come to visit Florida on a quick romantic weekend getaway.

PROs of Florida Weekend Getaways for Couples

  • World-renown beach towns located within a couple hours (or less), wherever you are
  • Cheap flights available from anywhere to major Florida cities
  • Scenic Road Coastal Road Trips
  • Short drives to major cities and beach towns
  • Big variety of lodging (by category: rental homes, condos, hotels), price range, and offerings (luxury or simple)
  • Top notch theme parks of all sizes and even prices
  • Plenty of water sports and activities: surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking, boating, sailing, jet skiing, and more!
  • Top golf courses in the world and golf instructors
  • White sandy beaches and blue-pool-like water or even emerald green water (not all beaches in Florida have turquoise water)
  • Freshly-caught seafood served at local restaurants
  • Waterfront restaurants and bars
  • Outdoor-covered-seating at restaurants
  • Fresh water springs and canals
  • Ecosystems and nature parks stocked with local wildlife roaming free (dolphins, manatees, alligators, eagles, sharks, storks, cranes, and many more)
  • Guided eco tours to view wildlife from a safe distance

Here is just part of the list, but I’m just trying to focus on what makes Florida stand out.

Please feel free to leave a comment to suggest some additions to the list.

The CONs of Florida Getaways for Couples

It’s hot most of the year– like you didn’t know that. But when it’s not hot, no place is better to be. November to March are the coolest months in Florida, but also the more south you travel the warmer it gets. Compare the two cities below:

Average Temperatures in Destin, Florida (Northwest Panhandle Coast)

Destin Florida average temperatures per usclimate.com
Destin Florida Average Temperatures per usclimate.com

Average Temperatures in Sarasota, Florida (Southwest Coast)

Average Temperatures in Sarasota, Florida per usclimate.com
Average Temperatures in Sarasota, Florida per usclimate.com

Did you notice the big difference?

In the winter months from November – March, it typically gets around 10° cooler in the northwestern coastal city of Destin than in the southwestern coastal city of Sarasota.

In other words, if you want to experience warmth and sunshine, then choose your month wisely. And the same thing goes for if you want to avoid sun blistering heat.

Different Cities to Visit, But Not That Different

Unlike some other popular tourist states, there is not quite as much entertainment diversity, *at least when looking at our beach towns.

Take, for example, California. If you’ve been there, then you’d know that Northern California (the entire San Francisco bay area and all the wine regions close by) is extremely different than Southern California (Los Angeles and San Diego). And even Los Angeles and San Diego are extremely different.

While each Florida coastal town displays its own vibe and identity, for the most part, the entertainment offerings are fairly similar, unlike the vast difference in California.

  • Long hot months April-November
  • No mountains (some hills in spots, but nothing noteworthy)
  • Fairly similar offerings between coastal towns
  • Rains a whole hell of a lot in summer, we're talking torrential downpours
  • Lack of public transportation, you will need a car or take a Lyft or Uber (statewide trains are coming soon though)

Let’s go look at a list of coastal towns that you might want to visit in Florida…

[Affiliate Disclaimer] I stand to earn a commission if you click on some of the links in this post.  I only choose affiliate partners and offerings that I believe will deliver a magical experience for you, my visitor.]

Florida Beach Town Ideas to Consider for Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples

Sanibel and Captiva Island- Gulf Coast, Southwest Florida (Closest Major Airport- Ft Myers RSW)

Florida Fun Getaways for Couples at Bowman's Beach Park- Sanibel Island, Florida- Weekend Getaway Trips for Couples- Visit Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

Panaramic View of Bowman's Beach Park on Sanibel Island, FL.

*UPDATE*- Due to Hurricane Ian in Sept 2022, you will want to check the condition of both Sanibel and Captiva Islands. You can [Click Here] for more information.

Living in Central Florida gives us pretty quick access to any part of the state.

Cities all around us and beaches up and down both coasts on either side of us.

During the pandemic year of 2020, I finally got back to Sanibel and Captiva Island, located on the southwestern Gulf coast side (located next to Ft Myers). I highly suggest you drive along the gulf coast because you will find some of the most scenic Florida road trips here, from Naples up to Clearwater.

They’re located next to each other and are accessible by car via the Sanibel Causeway (charges tolls to cross).

The two main attractions for us were the numerous serene blue-green shallow beaches and the sunset dolphin Captiva Cruise (South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island). Our favorite beach was Bowman’s Beach, pictured above.

But, of course, we also came for the fresh seafood and key lime pies.

If you bring your dog, you will find many pet-friendly restaurants to bring them along, as well as the beaches.

Sanibel Island GPS Coordinates (26.4490° N, 82.0223° W)

Captiva Island GPS Coordinates (26.5276° N, 82.1948° W)

Sanibel and Captiva Island Highlights

You’ll find plenty of fun outdoor activities and breathtaking Gulf views plus plenty of seafood restaurants, local bars, and boutique shops.

Here are some of the activities you’ll find on Sanibel and Captiva Island.

  • Plenty of white sandy beaches with blue-green water (not all of them though)
  • Biking
  • Segway rentals
  • Fishing
  • Golf and tennis
  • Nature, wildlife cruises and eco-Tours
  • Watersports and rentals
  • Shelling
  • Museums, art galleries and antiques
  • Shopping
  • Local restaurants and bars (including outdoor and pet-friendly)

Ready to Visit Sanibel Island?

(Closest Major Airport is Ft Myers- Book Lodging on Sanibel or in nearby Ft Myers)

Book Last-Minute Flights and Hotel Deals to Ft Myers

Clearwater, FL- Gulf Coast, Central Florida

Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples (Closest Major Airport- Tampa TPA)

Florida Fun Getaways for Couples- Visit Clearwater Beach

View Towards Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach, FL

Most Floridians would say the best coast is the west coast.

Luckily for me, Clearwater sits only a 1 1/2 drive away from Orlando. And along with some great popular restaurants like Crabby’s Dockside and Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, the beach close to Pier 60 are spacious, with clean, light greenish blue water. All up and down the beach you will find plenty of top-rate hotels if you’re staying on the beach for a quick getaway or just coming over from Orlando for the day.

When my girlfriend and I went this past summer we swung by Dunedin, just north, and imbibed a refreshing cocktail at the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, located at the cozy boutique Fenway Hotel.

Much like other Florida beach towns, you can enjoy many watersports activities, dolphin-spotting or fishing excursions, as well as visit some native Floridian sea friend up close and personal at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Clearwater, Florida GPS Coordinates: (27.9659° N, 82.8001° W)

Sarasota, Florida GPS Coordinates: (27.3364° N, 82.5307° W)

Clearwater Beach, Florida Highlights

  • Plenty of seafood restaurants with local offerings on the menu
  • Watersports
  • Easy-to-rent beach umbrellas, beach chairs, and cabanas
  • Easy to find parking in nearby parking garages
  • Both upscale and laid-back bars
  • Top-rate beachfront hotels from top-rate hotel brands
  • Wildlife excursions
  • Clean, beautiful water (not brown and cloudy) with easy-going waves (not choppy)
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium
  • Close to Tampa and St Pete for shopping, dining out, and attractions
  • Close to the stunning beaches of Honeymoon Island State Park and Caledisi Island State Park

Ready to Visit Clearwater?

Book Last-Minute Flights to Tampa and Hotels in Clearwater

Sarasota, FL- Gulf Coast Florida

Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples (Closest Major Airport is Sarasota- SRQ)

Florida Fun Getaways for Couples- Visit Sarasota

Stunning Florida Oasis- Sarasota

Bean Point Beach on Ana Maria Island Florida- Florida Paradises
Best Florida beach I've visited- Bean Point Beach on Ana Maria Island.
Street parking signs for Bean Point Beach on Ana Maria Island Florida
Street parking signs for Bean Point Beach, Ana Maria Island, Florida
Sand dunes at Bean Point Beach, Florida
Sand dunes at Bean Point Beach, Florida

I finally recently got to visit the beaches of Sarasota/Bradenton.

And I’d say that this was my best overall Florida beach experience to date.

Here’s what stood out to me and why you should visit the beaches on Longboat Key and Ana Maria Island.

  • Free parking
  • Easy beach access from parking. (Most beaches)
  • Clean, sanitary, and comfortable bathroom and shower facilities. (Most beaches)
  • Plentiful dining options. (Especially, at Lido Key Beach).
  • Transparent, greenish, blue water.
  • Powdery, white sand (especially Bean Point Beach on Ana Maria Island).

The best beach by far I visited was Bean Point Beach on Ana Maria Island. I’ve thought about this Florida paradise every day since I left. If you want a “time-stands-still” experience, go to Bean Point Beach.

(*Note: you will have to park on a nearby neighborhood street. Look for the street signs that permit legal street parking. Also, there are no restroom or shower facilities here).

Next time I go I will also make sure to visit Siesta Key, which I have heard from locals has many of the valued features in my above list.

And just like Clearwater Beach, Sarasota is close to a lot of action, not just to Orlando and our theme parks, but also to Tampa and St. Pete. And while we’re on the topic of theme parks, mega roller coaster park Busch Gardens Tampa is only about 60 miles.

A Florida Beach Must-See

Siesta Key Beach won the #1 spot in 2020 for Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for best beaches in the US and #11 in the world. Snorkeling at Point of Rocks, stunning sunsets, snorkeling, and Siesta Village’s shops, live music, local artists displays and seafood restaurants make Siesta Key Beach a hidden Florida gem.

If you’re considering hitting up theme parks, doing a city escape to Tampa and hitting up one of the most pristine beach areas of Florida you might consider planning a long romantic couples getaway trip to stunning Sarasota.

Not to mention, Venice, Florida will only take you about a 1/2 hour to drive south from Siesta Key, which is known as one of the US coastal towns with, you guessed it, more breathtaking sunsets and blueish-green water beaches.

Sarasota, Florida GPS Coordinates: (27.3364° N, 82.5307° W)

Sarasota, Florida Highlights

  • Siesta Key
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayaking 
  • The Ringling
  • Snorkeling at Point of Rocks
  • Longboat Key
  • Lido Key Beach
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  • Bean Point Beach, Ana Maria Island with a stunning view of the Sunshine Sky Bridge (connects St Pete to Bradenton)

Visit Sarasota on Your Next Couples Getaway

(If You Book Flight to Tampa *Reserve a Car to Drive to Sarasota)

Book Flights to Sarasota or Tampa + Hotel Deals

St Augustine, FL- Florida Atlantic Coast

Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples (Closest Major Airport Jacksonville- JAX)

st augustine florida couples getaway

Take in the colonial Spanish architecture and history of St Augustine

Here’s another popular spot I have to drive up to. St. Augustine lays less than an hour south of Jacksonville and about 1 1/2 northeast of Orlando on the Atlantic Coast.

This Florida gem lays claim to the oldest city in the US and is known for its historic colonial Spanish architectural sites such as the Castillo de San Marcos (pictured above) and Fort Matanzas National Monument. 

Take in other historical attractions like The Fountain of Youth Spring House to learn about Ponce de Leon’s quest to discover an actual fountain of youth and how he claimed Florida for Spain.

Besides history, you, of course, will encounter your share of pristine white sandy beaches. Check out Anastasia State Park and North Beach Park.

For golf fans, St Augustine is home to the World of Golf Hall of Fame (check out hours and ticket info)

If you’re a fan of cocktails then stop by the St Augustine Distillery for free tours and tastings of vodka and bourbon.

And just like our other Florida coastal towns, you will find plenty of local shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, and even some good breweries and taprooms.

In fact, take their popular beer, wine, cocktail, chocolate, food walking tours. (Get walking tour info here).

St Augustine, Florida GPS Coordinates: (29.9012° N, 81.3124° W)

St. Augustine, Florida Highlights

  • Colonial Spanish architecture and history (Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Fountain of Youth)
  • World of Golf Hall of Fame
  • Culinary walking tours
  • More white sandy beaches (Anastasia State Park and North Beach Park)
  • St Augustine Distillery tours and tastings
  • Camping at North Beach Park (RV, tent, cabin rentals)

Ready to Check Out St. Augustine?

(Closest Major Airport is Jacksonville- JAX, Book Hotels in St Augustine- *Reserve car to drive from JAX)

Fly to Jacksonville and Find St Augustine Hotels

Destin, FL- Emerald Coast, Florida Panhandle

Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples (Closest Major Airports VPS- Fort Walton Beach or PNS- Pensacola)

Florida beach getaways for couples Destin Florida Henderson Beach State Park

Florida's "Emerald Coast" in the Panhandle

Few places on the Florida coast will take your breath away more than the “Emerald Coast” located in the northwest part of the state along the panhandle. And this is where you will find calm and pristine Destin.

Destin is quite the hike from me in Orlando (6 hours). New Orleans is closer at about 4.5 hours.

As far as beach towns go, few will offer a cozier couples getaway than the sugar-white sandy beaches with warm emerald green bathing water of Destin, Florida.

You’ll find plenty of public beaches, such as the popular Henderson Beach State Park  

Destin offers a variety of outdoor activities with scenic views. Take advantage of the fishing excursions, snorkeling, and scuba diving adventures, surfing, shelling, paddling, and biking along streets lined with shops and local restaurants.

For that local dining feel, make sure to check out Destin’s gulf-to-table seafood restaurants for the freshest caught fish, which helps support the small business owners of this gulf coast small-town gem.

Destin, Florida GPS Coordinates: (30.3935° N, 86.4958° W)

Destin, Florida Highlights

  • “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”
  • Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail
  • Shelling along the beaches
  • Snorkeling shelling tour
  • Scuba Diving and More Snorkeling
  • Gulf-to-Table Restaurants

Ready for a Couples Getaway to Desin?

(Check Major Nearby Airports Destin VPS and Pensacola PNS- *Reserve a car to drive from the airport)

Fly to VPS or PNS, Book Hotels in Destin

Florida Fun Weekend Getaway for Couples: Cheap Round Trip Flights and Short Road Trips

Book Your Reservation Now, Lock-in Available Deals ... You Can Modify or Cancel Later

If white sandy beaches, water sports and water activities, as well as beachfront dining and plenty of natural-setting wildlife tours then make Florida your next romantic couples weekend getaway.

Check for deals while they last. Lock-in the great rates you find especially the deals that offer free cancellation and modifications. Then you’d have nothing to lose.

Click here for current deals with Cheapoair for flights and hotels in the cities mentioned in this post.

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best beaches florida gulf side for couples getaways

Filed Under: Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples, Dating and Relationships, Florida Beach Getaways Couples, Fun Weekend Getaways for Couples, Getaways for Couples Tagged With: best beaches florida gulf, last minute flights florida, places visit destin florida, things do near clearwater fl, things do sanibel island fl, things to see st augustine, what to visit in sarasota

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