8 Destinations for a Memorable Couples Getaway
From cozy mountain towns to hidden coastal escapes, here are eight destinations to visit on your next romantic getaway! Image: Visit Bath County VA
The South offers plenty of opportunities for couples to unwind, relax, and reconnect — whether you’re looking for a cozy mountain retreat, a small town full of charm, or a hidden coastal getaway. We’ve rounded up a few Southern towns that make the perfect backdrop for your next romantic getaway.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort | Kiawah Island, SC
For couples seeking an unparalleled coastal escape, Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a private island sanctuary defined by pristine natural beauty and world-class luxury. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, the resort sets the stage for unforgettable getaways with year-round mild temperatures and 10 miles of striking shoreline.
Guests can choose between the private comfort of Resort Villas and Homes or the relaxed luxury of The Sanctuary, a premier oceanfront hotel that holds South Carolina’s only Forbes Triple Five-Star rating for accommodations, dining, and spa.
Romance is effortless here, whether you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner or taking a scenic bike ride on the resort’s extensive paths. For the ultimate indulgence, The Spa at The Sanctuary features a beautifully appointed Couple’s Suite for private, luxurious treatments.
Beyond the spa, couples can indulge in exclusive resort amenities like pool complexes, tennis, pickleball, padel, watersports, and five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course.
The Kiawah Dining Collection offers 15 diverse eateries and experiences, ranging from premier steakhouses like The Ocean Room to the authentic Oyster Roast & BBQ at Mingo Point. And for couples planning their future, the resort also specializes in breathtaking Lowcountry wedding settings, ensuring a flawless path to saying “I do.”
Tennessee State Parks
For couples seeking a cozy mountain retreat rich with history, the historic cabins at Tennessee State Parks offer an escape you won’t find anywhere else. These charming cabins — some dating back to the park system’s founding by the Civilian Conservation Corps — blend vintage allure with modern convenience, making them perfect for reconnecting.
Inside, you’ll find roaring fireplaces and cozy wood interiors, inviting you to spend the day cuddled up or looking for wildlife from your private porch. While the cabins offer a piece of Tennessee history, you won’t sacrifice comfort, as they feature brand-new appliances, furniture, and fixtures styled to maintain the historic aesthetic. Every cabin comes equipped with a full kitchen.
A standout choice is the Mill House cabin at Cumberland Mountain State Park. Originally built as a grist mill, this stunning cabin offers breathtaking views of the dam waterfall, creating a tranquil setting.
Adventure awaits outside your door, too. Guests can hike around a scenic lake, or delve deeper into the area’s natural heritage by signing up for a ranger-led program. For date night, some parks with cabins (like Cumberland Mountain) also offer on-site restaurants.
Be sure to check the Tennessee State Parks website for special Valentine’s Day packages and other seasonal offerings designed specifically for couples.
Bath County, VA
Tucked in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, Bath County is a serene mountain escape where couples can slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature and each other. Days here often begin best with a soak at the historic Warm Springs Pools. In addition to regular soaking sessions, couples can reserve a private soak for two to four people, making it an intimate experience.
For those who love the outdoors, the Cascades Gorge Hike offers a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist and booked through The Omni Homestead Resort, this guided experience focuses on local flora and fauna, turning a scenic hike into an immersive adventure.
Food-forward couples will want to make time to visit Troddenvale Cidery, a regenerative farm and cidery known for its seasonal events and Foodlore Fridays — an ideal way to refuel during a romantic weekend.
Outdoor adventures continue at Lake Moomaw, where kayaking, camping, and waterside relaxation await. Nearby, the newly opened Bath County section of the Jackson River Scenic Trail begins just six miles from the village of Hot Springs.
When it’s time to unwind, lodging options range from charming inns — including The Inn at Warm Springs, Vine Cottage Inn, and The Inn at Gristmill Square — to the expansive Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm, a 3,300-acre mountain retreat offering fishing, trails, and a refined, summer-camp-style escape.
Eureka Springs, AR
For couples who find romance in rolling hills and Victorian charm, Eureka Springs invites you to slow down and wander. Known for its winding streets and preserved 19th-century architecture, this town feels like a European village tucked away in the Arkansas mountains.
The town’s “healing springs” heritage lives on in its world-class spas, such as the Palace Bath House Spa, the town’s last remaining original bathhouse. Here, you can step back in time with a historic barrel bath and a mineral soak.
For a true mountaintop retreat, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa offers a duet massage at its New Moon Spa, followed by a dip in the hot pool overlooking the valley. If you prefer a downtown vibe, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel features “Spa Collection” rooms that put you just steps away from a CBD-infused mineral bath at Spa1905.
Adventure here is equally intimate; take a short drive to the glass-walled Thorncrown Chapel for a moment of reflection, or enjoy a scenic sunset from the Beaver Bridge, affectionately known as the “Little Golden Gate.”
When evening arrives, secure a table at Le Stick Nouveau for a refined multi-course French experience, or head to The Grotto Wood-Fired Grill to share a bottle of wine in a cozy, cave-like setting built directly into the natural stone.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a coastal sanctuary for couples. Known for signature sugar-white beaches and turquoise waters, this Alabama gem blends laid-back Southern hospitality with an adventurous spirit.
Start your journey by finding the perfect private home base, whether it’s a secluded rental in historic Fort Morgan or a luxury condo in Orange Beach. Days here are best spent embracing the Gulf, from spotting dolphins on a morning cruise to peaceful afternoons spent paddleboarding.
If you prefer to stay on land, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers miles of paved paths through diverse ecosystems, perfect for a romantic bike ride or a quiet moment spotting wildlife in Gulf State Park.
As the sun begins to set, “golden hour” is best experienced from the water on a sunset sailboat or helicopter tour. For a true local date night, head to The Wharf to catch a concert under the stars or share a signature bushwacker at a waterfront tiki bar.
The culinary scene boasts over 200 restaurants, ranging from intimate fine dining to “toes-in-the-sand” spots where you can enjoy Gulf-to-table seafood.
Chattanooga, TN
Known as the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga is framed by the Tennessee River and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The city invites couples to explore its diverse pockets of charm — from the historic Southside to the artistic heights of the Bluff View Art District.
For an iconic stay, check into The Read House Hotel, a 1920s Jazz Era gem featuring Gatsby-style opulence, or The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo, where you can sleep in restored Victorian train carriages.
Start your mornings with a pastry from Rembrandt’s Coffee House before wandering through the River Gallery Sculpture Garden. For a romantic afternoon, stroll along the Tennessee Riverwalk, a paved path that winds for miles along the riverbank, offering plenty of quiet benches and skyline views.
Adventure awaits on Lookout Mountain, whether you take a lantern-lit after-hours tour of Ruby Falls or navigate the soaring rock formations at Rock City Gardens.
When evening falls, the city’s culinary scene shines. Secure a table at Alleia for rustic Italian fare in a candlelit setting, or visit Easy Bistro & Bar for high-end seafood and French-inspired classics.
To enjoy a memorable nightcap, visit Company, the hidden speakeasy tucked behind a discreet door in the Kinley Hotel, or enjoy rooftop views at Whiskey Thief.
Boone, NC
For couples who live for fresh mountain air, Boone, NC, offers a ruggedly beautiful escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge. The area is defined by its steep mountain terrain, scenic parkway drives, and a collection of small towns with deep-rooted history.
Make your home base The Inn at Crestwood, which offers panoramic mountain views and a refined, lodge-like atmosphere, or find a sense of history at The Mast Farm Inn in nearby Valle Crucis.
For an outdoor-focused afternoon, explore the carriage trails at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park or head to Julian Price Memorial Park for a quiet afternoon of kayaking on the lake. If you’re looking for a view, hike the Rough Ridge trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a stunning vantage point of the surrounding peaks.
The dining scene in Boone is equally memorable. The Gamekeeper is a local favorite for its upscale wild-game menu, served in a historic stone cottage. Secure a table at Vidalia for refined Southern cuisine or head to Wild Craft Eatery for seasonally-inspired comfort food in downtown Boone.
Before heading back to your cabin, stop by Venture Chocolate & Wine Bar for a pairing of small-batch chocolates and wine.
Chicago, IL
While it sits well north of the Mason-Dixon line, Chicago is often called the “northernmost Southern city.” Shaped by the Great Migration, the Windy City’s soul is actually rooted in the Delta blues and the slow-simmered flavors of the South.
Start your getaway with a check-in at The Langham, where the award-winning Chuan Spa offers a “Chuan Ritual” for couples centered on traditional Chinese medicine.
For a dose of Chicago culture, spend an afternoon wandering through the Art Institute of Chicago before heading to the iconic Theater District. Catching a Broadway-caliber show at the Chicago Theatre or an intimate performance at the Goodman Theatre provides the perfect excuse to dress up for a night on the town.
Dining is where Chicago shines. Secure a table at Virtue in Hyde Park, where James Beard Award-winner Chef Erick Williams serves refined Southern heritage dishes in a candlelit setting. For a nightcap, cozy up in a velvet booth at The Green Mill, a historic jazz lounge where the music has been playing since the 1900s.
From taking a sunset Architecture River Cruise to enjoying a world-class play, Chicago proves that romance knows no borders.
Whether you’re seeking rugged adventure or refined luxury, these Southern (and Southern-inspired) escapes ensure your next getaway is one to remember.
This article is sponsored by Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Tennessee State Parks, and Visit Bath County.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.