The 13 Most Romantic Destinations in the South

The South has some charming towns and romantic destinations that are the perfect place to spend time with your sweetie. Beaches and mountains tend to be the biggest hits for romantic weekends away. Thankfully this region has plenty of both.

Romantic Destinations in Florida

St. Augustine

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America’s oldest city is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, especially instead of a flight to Europe. Wander the ancient streets and dine at the incredible restaurants.

The Collector Inn is ideal for couples as it’s an adults-only inn made up of nine historic buildings. Guests enjoy free WiFi, daily breakfast, a heated pool, and daily happy hour. Another favorite is Casa Monica Resort & Spa, designed in the Moroccan style with chandeliers and artwork with multiple restaurants and a private beach.

Pamper yourself with a treatment at the Salt Spa St. Augustine or at the Poseidon Spa at the Casa Monica.

Gastronomes can go on one of three food and drink tours around town, all of which are free or cheap and come with samples. San Sebastian Winery has locally made wines at this tasting room in one of Henry Flagler’s former railroad buildings.

St. Augustine Distillery is known for award-winning spirits, including rum, vodka, gin, and whiskey, and free self-guided tours and tastings. Whetstone Chocolates is an active chocolate factory that has crafted sweet treats for countless brands and offers samples.

When it comes to sightseeing, admire the views from the circa 1874 St Augustine Lighthouse, which you can climb the over 200 stairs to see. The former hotel turned Lightner Museum has an incredible collection of glassware, artwork, and more. Get a skip-the-line ticket before you go. 

Make a reservation at one of the city’s best restaurants Michael’s has been open since 2006 andt is known for steaks, seafood, and the extensive wine list. The Ice Plant is a trendy bar and restaurant that takes inspiration from a drink’s most important ingredient. Menu highlights include their house burger, rabbit pie, and Minorcan-style seafood stew. 

Or cross onto Anastasia Island for a cozy table at Llama Restaurant, an authentic Peruvian restaurant with items like ceviche, lomo saltado, and seafood stew. There’s also a full bar with wine and mimosas as well as chichu, a corn-based drink. 

Romantic Destinations in Georgia

Blue Ridge

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The town of Blue Ridge is one of the state’s most charming with a thriving downtown. While there are a handful of small inns, it’s also a nice place to rent a cabin.

Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals has stunning options like Main & Main. Blue Heaven Bed & Breakfast is also in town.

Serenity in the Mountains has unique spa offerings including a salt cave and couples massages in a treehouse. Following your treatment, you and your partner can cuddle up next to the fire with a glass of wine. The treehouse also has a patio to breathe in the mountain air.

If the weather allows, catch a movie at the Swan Drive-In, one of the state’s remaining drive-in theaters that dates back to 1955. They have first-run films every weekend. Bring a picnic and blanket for the full experience.

Blue Ridge also has wineries like Serenberry and Bear Claw, the latter of which has treehouses you can stay in. If you like apple picking, Mercier Orchards is in town and has a hard cider tasting room. If you don’t want to drive, many bottles are available at Out of the Blue, a wine shop downtown.

For its small size, the town also has great restaurants. Cozy up by the fire at The Black Sheep, an award-winning restaurant inside a historic home. Harvest on Main and Chester Brunnemeyer’s are other favorites.

Dahlonega

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The town of Dahlonega is known as the site of Georgia’s first gold rush. But these days it’s an easy getaway from Atlanta with charming shops and inns downtown.

The Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas is the most convenient place to stay, steps away from restaurants and shops. There are hotel-style rooms and nearby rentals.

The Smith House is a historic home with modern amenities. Cedar House Inn & Yurts allows you to disconnect.

Dahlonega is within an American Viticultural Area, so it’s home to some of the nation’s best wines. There are tasting rooms downtown that allow you to try many of the local styles, but trips to Wolf Mountain, Cavender Creek, Three Sisters, and Montaluce are worthwhile. Many also have onsite accommodations and restaurants.

The restaurant scene is ever-changing, but start your day with breakfast at Picnic Cafe & Dessertery. Wolf Mountain also has an incredible menu. Don’t miss a stop at Paul Thomas Chocolates, a local chocolatier.

The Golden Isles

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Coastal Georgia is a popular place for proposals, weddings, and vow renewals and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. Enjoy the laid-back island vibes or indulge your sense of adventure.

The area also has some incredible places to stay. The Lodge on Little St. Simon’s is a stunning retreat only accessible by boat. All meals are included and guests can go on naturalist-led hikes.

Little Raccoon Key has fun glamping tents. If you’re not on a budget, splurge on The Cloister at Sea Island. Or you can head to the remote Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island.

Explore some of the area’s most incredible sights. Admire the view from the top of the St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse, one of five in the state. Snap photos at Jekyll Island‘s Driftwood Beach. Head to the top of Cumberland Island to see the First African Baptist Church where JFK Jr. was married.

Many of these accommodations include all meals. But Tramici Restaurant on St. Simon’s Island and The Wharf at the Jekyll Island Club are two favorites for their ambiance.

Helen

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The alpine village of Helen was the former elopement capital of Georgia and still hosts romantic trips for couples and weddings. Don’t be fooled by the kitsch as there’s plenty to enjoy.

Book a cozy space like the barrel cabins at Unicoi State Park. Lucille’s Mountaintop Inn & Spa in nearby Sautee Nacoochee has rooms and suites with quilts, whirlpool tubs, and mountain views.

Helen is the best place to base yourself for visiting wineries. Within a short drive you can visit Habersham Winery, The Cottage Vineyard & Winery, Serenity Cellars, and Yonah Mountain Vineyards. You can also go on hikes to waterfalls like Anna Ruby Falls.

Helen is known for its German food and Bodensee is by far the best place to dine on classics like goulash and spaetzle. Hofer’s is open for breakfast, serving pastries and omelettes. Bernie’s Restaurant in Sautee Nacoochee has a changing menu of internationally inspired dishes.

Romantic Destinations in North Carolina

Asheville

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The mountain town of Asheville is fun for trips with friends, especially those interested in craft breweries, but it’s also nice for a romantic weekend.

Book a room at one of the city’s luxurious accommodations like the Omni Grove Park Inn, Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, and The Foundry Hotel. Shoji Spa & Lodge also has accommodations and Asheville Glamping has cozy airstreams.

Pamper yourself with a treatment at one of Asheville‘s spas. Bring a bottle of wine to enjoy in the hot tubs at Shoji, which overlooks the forest near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Ascend Adventure Wellness offers post-hike massages in the great outdoors. Grove Park Inn also has couples massages.

Make a dinner reservation at one of Asheville’s fine dining establishments. OpenTable is a good place to find suggestions, including Curate, Benne on Eagle, and Cucina 24. And don’t forget to make time for a visit to Biltmore Estate‘s winery for a tasting.

Waynesville

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The North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains is stunning and not as over-touristed as some parts on the Tennessee side. You and your honey can go on hikes or stay in.

The Swag is one of the most incredible places to stay in the region with rustic accommodations and all-inclusive chef-prepared meals. Set along the Cataloochee Divide in wooden cabins, there are dozens of places around the property to sit with your love. Smoky Mountain Glamping has safari-style tents with comfy beds and blankets.

Most of the traditional “things to do” are exploring the outdoors. Take advantage of the national park’s plentiful hikes. In addition, hop aboard the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. B&C Winery and Deep Creek Winery are both nearby.

In Waynesville, dine at The Chef’s Table, a small, award-winning restaurant. The Sweet Onion is another favorite. Bryson City, located around 45 minutes away, also has a number of restaurants. Great Smoky Mountains Winery has local wines and wood-fired pizzas.

Romantic Destinations in South Carolina

The Lowcountry

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The Lowcountry of South Carolina elicits images of Spanish moss-draped trees and historic homes. But by exploring the nearby islands, you and your partner can see what makes the region so special.

Charleston has lovely places to stay, including historic bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels. Hotel Bennett Charleston is located in the heart of downtown with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.

Wentworth Mansion is a historic home and one of the top-rated inns in the country. Andell Inn on Kiawah Island is another welcome retreat.

Sweethearts can visit the filming locations from The Notebook, one of the quintessential romantic movies. Spend time outdoors like the paddle boats at Cypress Gardens, walks to Colonial Lake, or visit the area’s beaches. If you’re willing to drive, head to Angel Oak on Johns Island.

Make a reservation at one of Charleston’s incredible restaurants to avoid disappointment. Fulton Five is one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, serving Italian cuisine. Virginia’s on King is a favorite for Southern dishes and Husk is perfect for special occasions.

Romantic Destinations in Tennessee

Franklin

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The Tennessee Smokies certainly have their charms but the historic town of Franklin, located outside of Nashville, is ideal for a weekend getaway. It’s an easy base to explore the surrounding communities.

Visit the locals on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail with your loved one, including Leiper’s Fork and H. Clark, and Jack Daniel’s. If you prefer something lighter, head to Arrington Vineyards, owned by country music legend Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. Carnton is a stunning Civil War-era plantation with beautiful gardens.

Relax in one of Franklin’s stylish accommodations. The Harpeth Hotel Downtown Franklin in downtown Franklin has balcony rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a coffee shop.

Pot N’ Kettle Cottages has funky homes around Leiper’s Fork, all of which come with colorful artwork. All four properties are within walking distance of town. White’s Room and Board rents impeccably furnished homes around Franklin.

For its relatively small size, Franklin has an incredible restaurant scene with live music nearly every night of the week. 55 South has a laid-back atmosphere and dishes like Gulf oysters, gumbo, and meat and three. Gray’s on Main is another favorite for its fried chicken, braised brisket, and seafood gumbo.

Romantic Destinations in Virginia

Shenandoah Valley

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The Shenandoah Valley’s towns are beautiful year-round, but especially with a fine dusting of snow. Base yourself in Charlottesville or further north on the border of the national park.

In Charlottesville, stay at the lovely Quirk Hotel, which is decked out in “millennial pink.” At Massanutten Resort in Massanutten, pamper yourself at the spa or hit the ski slopes. And near Harrisonburg, Silver Lake Bed and Breakfast is set inside a 1750 homestead.

Spend time in Shenandoah National Park, especially the scenic Skyline Drive. You’ll have to pay entry into the park, so purchasing a national parks pass is encouraged. You can also head to the area’s incredible wineries like Veritas and Blenheim.

Charlottesville has an incredible restaurant scene like C&O Restaurant, open in town for over four decades, and The Whiskey Jar. In Harrisonburg, Local Chop & Grill House is the best place to dine on steak.

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