The 7 Most Romantic Coastal Escapes For Couples
Courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo
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The South is an inherently romantic place for its natural beauty, incredible architecture, award-winning food, and luxurious hotels and resorts. If you’re planning (or just daydreaming about) a special getaway with your significant other, the choices can almost be overwhelming—especially if spending time at the beach is a must. For many people, a trip for two requires unlimited sunshine and sand.
If that’s the case for you, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite coastal destinations for romance. Options include tropical hot spots, quaint fishing villages, resort towns, and remote islands. Some places offer stays with all the amenities you could ask for. Others are more tied to nature, and will appeal to active folks who love to be outdoors. And some are just sweet little towns ideal for reconnecting.
Whatever destination you choose, you and your partner will want to return again and again.
Related: 24 Small Towns In The South For A Romantic Getaway
Alabama
Fairhope
This charming Gulf Coast town offers laid-back leisure and plenty of luxury—the best of both worlds for a romantic getaway. Fairhope’s waterfront sunsets, ancient oak trees draped in live moss, and charming town square will put you two in a vacation state of mind as soon as you arrive. Spend some time browsing downtown shops, enjoy some lemony beignets in the courtyard at Panini Pete’s, then check in at the nearby Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa for pampering, pool time, and all the amenities you could ask for.
Florida
Alys Beach
With its manicured courtyards, turquoise waters, and stark white buildings inspired by Bermudian architecture, Alys Beach offers Florida sunshine and shorelines, but looks like some place else entirely. Located off of Highway 30A, Alys Beach has a more secluded and slower-paced vibe than nearby towns like Rosemary Beach and Seaside. Part of this is due to the lack of hotels and high-rises. If you stay here, it will be in a beautifully appointed house or condo. Not only will you have more privacy, you’ll feel a bit like a local as you stroll the quaint boutiques and dine at the charming George’s At Alys Beach.
Bungalows Key Largo
Key Largo
A popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is also home to Bungalows, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that is as romantic as a beach vacation can possibly be. Choose a private bungalow with an ocean or garden view, and enjoy private outdoor soaking tubs, a full-service spa, two pools with jacuzzis, beachside dining, plus yoga classes and access to bicycles, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more. It’s the ideal place for sun and fun, or to do absolutely nothing at all.
Anna Maria Island
If staying at a sprawling beach resort isn’t your style, and you prefer an easy-going beach town where you can spend the weekend in flip flops, try this lovely little island off Florida’s west coast. Anna Maria Island is big on old Florida charm, with its mom-and-pop shops, spotless public beaches, and waterfront bars and restaurants. Stay the night in a retro cottage, enjoy some oysters at the pier, and book a boat tour to go dolphin watching. A free trolley provides transportation throughout the island, making your vacation even more stress-free.
Georgia
Cumberland Island
If you’re looking for a place to completely disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with your significant other, this island off the coast of Georgia is designed for just that. To get there, you’ll need to take a ferry from Fernandina Beach, and book a stay (well in advance) at the Greyfield Inn, the only hotel and commercial business on the island. The all-inclusive property, originally built by the Carnegie family in 1890, has 15 rooms and two cottages, and feels like staying in a grand old home—complete with a cocktail hour and communal meals. Surrounding the inn are more than 200 acres of incredible scenery including beaches, wild horses, historical ruins, forests, and wetlands, to name a few. You’ll want to stay here forever.
North Carolina
Beaufort
This quaint fishing town is beloved by its residents and Southern Living readers for its walkability, lovely historic district, good food, and friendly atmosphere. For a low-key trip where you can spend plenty of time outside and on the water, Beaufort is a wonderful option. Rent a kayak, go birdwatching, catch the sunrise from the boardwalk, have an alfresco meal at Beaufort Grocery Co., and stay at the comfortable, locally-owned Inn On Turner.
South Carolina
Isle of Palms
Charleston is a year-round destination for couples, and for good reason—the luxurious hotels, chef-driven restaurants, and breathtaking architecture can put anyone in a romantic mood. But the tourist-heavy city can also be busy and crowded. Instead, enjoy some peace and quiet and beach time at nearby Isle of Palms. Located a short drive away from downtown Charleston, this barrier island has seven miles of gorgeous shoreline where you might even spot a dolphin or two. Wild Dunes Resort and the Palms Oceanfront Hotel offer lodging options on or close to the water. And if you still want to take a day trip to Charleston, we don't blame you.
Related: The Best Little Beach Towns To Visit in Summer
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