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
- 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.
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Fly to Ft Myers, Stay in Ft Myers ...
2. New Orleans
(Southeast US)
Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples with Live Jazz and Night Life
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
- 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)
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)
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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
- 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
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5. Gatlinburg- the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples to Escape Reality in the Mountains
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)
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6. Mackinac Island
(Northern Michigan on Lake Huron)
Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples Remarkable Lake Huron Views
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
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Hurry to Find Airfare, Hotel Deals to Mackinaw City, Michigan
7. Scottsdale, Arizona
(Just Outside of Phoenix)
Cheap Romantic Getaways for Couples for a Total Change of Scenery
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.
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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
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
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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
- 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
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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
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
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