Whether you're a young couple in love or a married couple celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary, there's something deeply rewarding about taking a romantic trip just for two. During your time away, you can focus on your relationship, experience some new sights and enjoy a relaxing time with the one you love. While there are plenty of romantic getaway locations in the U.S., the Southeast is home to some especially unique offerings.
The U.S. Southeast is a region steeped in history, natural beauty and cultural activities to keep you and your partner entertained throughout the entire trip. Planning a romantic journey can be a time-consuming task, starting with choosing a destination.
This guide will help you determine which romantic locations are best suited for your upcoming trip to the Southeast. Below, we detail seven romantic Southeast destinations and some quality getaway locations in the region.
1. Key West, Florida
- Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort, 2146 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL, 33050
- What to do in Key West: Shop on Duval Street, listen to street performers in Mallory Square, go snorkeling, visit historic landmarks like Truman Little White House and Ernest Hemingway House, visit the Southernmost Point
- What's romantic about Key West? This beautiful tropical destination is rich in history and has a distinctive celebratory vibe. After your day of water activities, you can eat dinner on the southernmost island in the United States or enjoy a sunset cruise.
Key West is an island with a long, rich history. Over the years, the island has been a draw for pirates, presidents, famous writers and more. The island's laid-back vibe is similar to New Orleans but with more tropical flowers and palm trees.
In Key West, you can pack your days with activities, or nothing at all. Spend your time wandering from one restaurant to another, enjoying water activities like sailing and snorkeling, going shopping, or lazily lying around by the pool, soaking in the sun.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Where to stay: The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA, 70130
- What to do in New Orleans: Take a steamboat jazz cruise or an above-ground cemetery walking tour, visit a plantation, get the chills during a ghost and vampire tour, ride on an airboat, walk through the Garden District, have a drink on Bourbon Street, eat the delicious food in the French Quarter
- What's romantic about New Orleans? New Orleans is steeped in mystery. If you enjoy romance and walk a little on the darker side of life, New Orleans is the place to be. Nightlife in the French Quarter is famously fun and you and your partner can party all day and night.
New Orleans is a city of romance, the supernatural and mysteries that may never be solved. Known as the "Crescent City," love stories in New Orleans are told again and again. For lovers of jazz music, strange traditions and ghosts, this is an ideal city to cross off your travel list.
3. Blowing Rock, NC
- Where to stay: Graystone Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection, 2419 Hwy 105 S, Boone, NC, 28607
- What to do in Blowing Rock: Hike the Blowing Rock, visit Flat Top Manor, hike near Bass Lake, enjoy a drink at Blowing Rock Brewery, visit the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, hike Glen Burney Trail, enjoy a romantic carriage ride.
- What's romantic about Blowing Rock, NC? Blowing Rock, NC, is rich with natural beauty. Visiting with a spouse or partner brings you back to nature and gives you time to talk and enjoy each other.
If you're looking for a perfect weekend getaway, especially in autumn, Blowing Rock should be first on your list. From canoeing, biking, shopping and more, Blowing Rock has a little something for everyone.
If you're one of those people who can't see themselves relaxing in a big city, Blowing Rock is the place for you. If you're looking for a place where you can get away from it all, look no further than Blowing Rock, NC.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
- Where to stay: HarbourView Inn, 2 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC, 29401
- What to do in Charleston: Enjoy a Historic Charleston, SC Walking Tour, visit Boone Hall Plantation, take a cruise, explore Historic Charleston, watch the sunset over the harbor, get thrilled in a walking ghost tour, visit Fort Sumter, ride on a horse-drawn carriage, visit charming neighborhoods like the Historic District, Hampton Park and Cannonborough Elliotborough.
- What's romantic about Charleston? Charleston is a vibrant but old city with beautiful architecture, majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and timeless charm.
Charleston, SC offers a rich blend of history, romance and charm. Visitors can explore ghost tours, visit historic Civil War sites and enjoy a candle-lit dinner in a centuries-old restaurant. Strolling hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets or taking a peaceful carriage ride through the city are just a few of the many experiences that make Charleston such a memorable destination. Come visit Charleston, SC for a weekend, or a week. Enjoy the Southern charm and let it sweep you away.
5. Savannah, GA
- Where to stay: The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, 412 Williamson St, Savannah, GA, 31401
- What to do in Savannah: Visit the Bonaventure Cemetery, dine at The Olde Pink House, visit The Old Sorrel Weed House Museum, stop by the American Prohibition Museum, stroll around Forsyth Park and the Historic District, tour Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, bird watch at Skidaway Island State Park, visit SCAD Museum of Art, take a food tour.
- What's romantic about Savannah? From romantic meals to mysterious tours through historic districts, Savannah, GA, is a place where every couple can find a little something for everyone.
Savannah, GA is a center of culture and history in the U.S. Southeast. When you visit, you'll have your choice of restaurants, walking tours, museums and parks. While you can fit your visit into two days, the best way to see Savannah is over several days, so you can kick back and get a true flavor of the city.
6. Daufuskie Island, SC
- Where to stay: The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, 412 Williamson St, Savannah, GA, 31401
- What to do in Daufuski Island: Take the Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head, visit the Daufuskie Island Distillery, ride horses on the beach, go birding, kayaking, visit the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, go hiking.
- What's romantic about Daufuskie Island? Daufuskie Island is a picturesque location with a small-town feel. It's accessible only by boat and is rich with natural beauty.
If you're in Savannah, GA for a romantic getaway (described in the section above), take some time out for a trip to Daufuskie Island. The island is only accessible by boat, but you can reach it via ferry from Savannah.
Once there, you can stroll secluded beaches, cycle on the island's winding roads, search for shells among the surf, dine at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant and enjoy a magnificent sunset. You're guaranteed to have time for pictures, romantic walks and time spent together with your partner.
7. Naples, FL
- Where to stay: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL, 34108
- What to do in Naples: Visit the Botanical Gardens and swamp sanctuary, watch the sunset over Naples Pier, lay by the water at Clam Pass Park, visit the Big Bird Gardens of Naples, walk or bike over the Gordon River Greenway
- What's romantic about Naples? Have fun in the sun with your sweetheart when you visit Naples. Enjoy the romance of a luxurious stay in a nice hotel, lazily enjoy a day at the beach, or go hiking and biking on any of the many trails in the Naples area.
Naples, FL is positioned on the Gulf Coast, so it's a perfect place to enjoy water adventure, sunset cruises, sailing and more. Rekindle your relationship and enjoy the romance of a beautiful dinner near the beach, drinks at a favorite pub, or golfing at one of the city's many resorts.
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