Romantic Trips: Weekend Getaways Near Atlanta for Couples

Atlanta is a booming metropolis offering big city life coupled with a classic sense of Southern charm. Top-shelf restaurants, symphonies and ballets, tourist attractions, and shopping are here. Living in this southern city is a great place for professionals, families, and anyone seeking a friendly community within a big city. If you live in Atlanta it may be nice to take a weekend trip out of the city with your better half. Finding a romantic getaway near Atlanta to celebrate an engagement, anniversary, or just some time alone together is easy. You don’t have to go far to the five great destinations we are going to recommend. 

Chateau Elan

Just a short drive outside of Atlanta, Chateau Elan is an exquisite resort with a winery, several restaurants, a luxurious spa, and an award-winning golf course. Grab a couple’s massage, have a romantic dinner by candlelight, sip fine wine, and hit the links all in one weekend. With many updated package offerings, booking a special weekend getaway at this wonderful resort is easy.

Top romantic activity: We recommend the couples massage without a doubt. The spa at Chateau Elan does not mess around. Check out the full spa offerings here.

Drive time from Atlanta: 40 minutes

Tybee Island

Take advantage of being close to the coast and slip over to Tybee Island for a little beach time. The island is brimming with sandy beaches, fine and casual dining, plus a flat landscape ideal for romantic walks or bike rides. A signature lighthouse is visible from most spots on the island, and if you’re lucky you might see a loggerhead turtle on the beach. Watch the sunset over the ocean to end your romantic Tybee day. While Tybee Island is a bit further than our earlier recommendation, it is worth the trek. We suggest taking a long weekend to get a full experience of this charming east coast beach town.

Top romantic activity: If the season is right, make sure to hop aboard Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours for a nice sunset tour. Catch the sight of a beautiful east coast sunset while on the sea checking out dolphins in their natural habitat.

Drive time from Atlanta: 3 hours and 40 minutes

Noccalula Falls

Nothing screams romance like an elegant waterfall. There’s a surrounding park where you can hike, picnic, and take some photos of the beautiful scenery at Noccalula Falls. The park and falls are located in Gadsden, which is totally within the reach of Atlanta with just a short drive. Whether you choose to book a hotel or camp, this alternative weekend getaway location is a great option for a special trip for you and your partner. 

Top romantic activity: Pack some light hiking shoes and head to Black Creek Trails and pick the hiking trail that suits you. Enjoying a romantic nature trail is always a great way to spend time.

Drive time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Lake Lure

Set in the North Carolina mountains, Lake Lure stretches across 720 acres with 21 miles of shoreline nestled in Hickory Nut Gorge. There are several nearby attractions including Chimney Rock, but the romance of Lake Lure might keep you there for more than the weekend. This Atlanta getaway offers fresh mountain air, panoramic mountain views, and the serenity of the lake.

Top romantic activity: Rock Climbing at Rumbling Bald Mountain. Enjoy easy ranges and phenomenal views at this gorgeous North Carolina Mountain. Make sure to research local regulations.

Drive time from Atlanta: 3 hours and 40 minutes

Saluda

Saluda, N.C. is a hidden gem where your pace slows a little, making it easy to focus on each other. Couples can stroll through the downtown area with an old hardware store, art galleries, gift shops, and quaint restaurants. A railroad track runs through the town, adding to the character of this mountain town. Hike, go rafting, explore the town, and ride bikes together in this charming southern mountain town.

Top romantic activity: Head over to Burntshirt Vineyards for a tasting event and tour of the winery. This North Carolina establishment also hosts many exciting events and has a shop to grab a bottle to bring home.

Drive time from Atlanta: 3 hours

Hilton Head Island

Cross the state line into South Carolina for a romantic weekend at Hilton Head Island. Rent a home on the island and you’ll find waterfront restaurants with fresh seafood and vista views. Golfers can play any of the 33 courses, and tennis players can hit the courts on the island. There’s art and culture, but the 12 miles of beach is the biggest draw of the charming island.

Top romantic activity: Spend the day at the beach! What is more relaxing than getting some sun by the ocean? Grab some suntan lotion, sunglasses, a cooler, and kick back on the sand.

Drive time from Atlanta: 4 hours

Savannah

Savannah is a city packed with history, mystery, and romantic appeal. Couples can walk along the river and watch the sunset. Pop into one of the pubs, like Abe’s on Lincoln, for a libation or two. Several rooftop bars, like Rocks on Roofs at Cotton Sail Hotel, offer cocktails overlooking the city. With tons of restaurants, including the well-known Pink House, Savannah is a total  foodie town where couples can indulge in fine food in a romantic setting. Grabbing a charming rental in Savannah is easy. This town will welcome a romantic weekend getaway with open arms.

Top romantic activity: With so many exciting romantic things to do it’s hard to pick, but if we must choose, have a nice afternoon picnic in Forsyth Park. Grab a blanket, some cured meats & cheeses, a bottle of wine, and enjoy each other’s company in the beautiful scenery.

Drive time from Atlanta: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina, which is at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of 67,000, Greenville is a well equipped city that still has that charming small town vibe. Loaded with personality and hospitality, spending time in this South Carolina city definitely has its romantic perks. Home to the Greenville County Museum of Art, the town has an action packed art scene. We love recommending the quaint city to those looking for a romantic getaway within driving distance to Atlanta.

Top romantic activity: Get in touch with your artistic side (and thirsty side) at a Paint and Sip. Pour yourself a drink and follow a guided painting course. 

Drive time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Staycation

Cut out the travel time and stay local! Book a nice rental near home, go out to eat, get a massage, see a movie, you name it. As locals to Atlanta, you know your city more than anyone. We of course love to travel, but we also love to pretend to be tourists in our own city from time to time.
Top romantic activity: Eat at Aria and make sure to order the Crisped Berkshire Pork Belly, you’ll thank us later.

Drive time from Atlanta: 0 hours and 0 minutes

The Love Flows Like Wine

Preparing and looking forward to your romantic weekend getaway is half the fun! Your next romantic weekend will surely be memorable.