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.

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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

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

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2. New Orleans

(Southeast US)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples with Live Jazz and Night Life

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

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3. Yosemite National Park

(Northern California)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Explore Mother Nature

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

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

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4. Boston, Massachusetts

(Northeast US)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Travel Back in Time

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

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5. Gatlinburg- the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Escape Reality in the Mountains

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

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)

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6. Mackinac Island

(Northern Michigan on Lake Huron)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples Remarkable Lake Huron Views

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

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7. Scottsdale, Arizona

(Just Outside of Phoenix)

Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples for a Total Change of Scenery

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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Roaster Rick

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