Coastal Escapes
Coastal Escapes. The South is naturally romantic because of its stunning scenery, amazing architecture, delicious food that has won awards, and high-end hotels and spas. There are so many options for a romantic trip with your partner, even if you just want to dream about it. This is especially true if you have to spend time at the beach. Many people think that a trip for two should include lots of sun and sand.
If that sounds like you, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite romantic beach spots. You can choose from tropical hotspots, cute fishing villages, vacation towns, and outlying islands. There are places to stay that have everything you could want. Some are more in touch with nature and will appeal to people who like to be busy and outside. And some are just cute little places where people can get back together.
No matter where you go, you and your partner will want to come back again and again.
Alabama
Fairhope
Beautiful Gulf Coast town with lots of luxury and easygoing fun. The best of both worlds for a romantic vacation. The sunsets along the water, the old oak trees covered in live moss, and the cute town square will make you two feel like you’re on vacation as soon as you get there. Shop around downtown for a while and grab some lemony beignets on the patio at Panini Pete’s. Then, stay at the nearby Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa for some pampering, time by the pool, and all the other amenities you could want.
Florida
Alys Beach
Alys Beach is in Florida, but it looks like it’s in a different place. It has well-kept gardens, turquoise water, and stark white buildings that were inspired by architecture in Bermuda. Alys Beach is away from Highway 30A and has a calmer atmosphere than nearby places like Rosemary Beach and Seaside. One reason for this is that there aren’t many hotels and high-rises. You’ll stay in a lovely house or condo if you choose to stay here. Not only will you have more privacy, but you’ll also feel like you belong when you walk through the cute shops and eat at the charming George’s At Alys Beach.
Key Largo
Key Largo is a popular place for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is also home to Bungalows, an all-inclusive resort for adults only that is as romantic as a beach holiday can get. You can choose a private cabin with a view of the garden or the ocean. The resort has a full-service spa, two pools with jacuzzis, beachside dining, yoga classes, bikes, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more that you can use. You can enjoy the sun and have fun there, or you can do nothing at all.
Anna Maria Island
If you don’t want to stay at a huge beach property and would rather spend the weekend in flip-flops in a laid-back beach town, this beautiful little island off the west coast of Florida might be the place for you. With its mom-and-pop shops, clean public beaches, and bars and restaurants on the water, Anna Maria Island has a lot of old-fashioned Florida charm. You can spend the night in a cute cottage, eat oysters at the pier, and take a boat tour to see dolphins. You can get around the island for free on a trolley, which will make your trip even less stressful.
Georgia
Cumberland Island
This island off the coast of Georgia is perfect for getting away from it all and spending time with your partner. Getting there requires taking a boat from Fernandina Beach. Make sure you book your room ahead of time at the Greyfield Inn, which is the only hotel and business on the island. The all-inclusive property was built by the Carnegie family in 1890. It has 15 rooms and two cottages, and it feels like you’re living in a big old house, with a cocktail hour and meals served to everyone. There are beaches, wild horses, historical sites, forests, and wetlands, just to name a few of the beautiful places that are close to the inn. You will always want to stay here.
North Carolina
Beaufort
People who live in and read Holidaydons love this cute fishing town for its friendly people, easy-to-walk-through historic area, and tasty food. Your trip to Beaufort will be low-key, and you’ll have lots of time to be outside and on the water. You can rent a boat, watch birds, watch the sunrise from the boardwalk, eat outside at Beaufort Grocery Co., and stay at the cozy, family-run Inn On Turner.
Explore beauty
South Carolina
Couples visit Charleston all year, and for good reason: the fancy hotels, restaurants run by chefs, and stunning buildings can make anyone feel like being romantic. But the city with lots of tourists can be busy and crowded. Instead, go to Isle of Palms, which is close by, to relax and spend time on the beach. This barrier island is only a short drive from downtown Charleston. It has seven miles of beautiful shoreline where you might even see some dolphins. The Palms Oceanfront Hotel and the Wild Dunes Resort both have places to stay on or near the water. We don’t blame you if you still want to go to Charleston for the day.