9 Unique, Inexpensive Romantic Getaways in Georgia
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” ~Maya Angelou
Romantic getaways don’t have to be expensive just like romantic gestures don’t have to be over-the-top. While a romantic experience can be lavish, it doesn’t have to be. Oftentimes, the best romantic gestures are simple, thoughtful, and unique.
This can be accomplished without ever leaving the house. You can light some candles, make dinner, turn on a playlist, and make a romantic evening at home. But if what you’re wanting is a romantic getaway, there are 10 unique, inexpensive romantic places you can visit in the state of Georgia.
10 Unique, Inexpensive Romantic Getaways in Georgia
Let’s be honest: What’s inexpensive for one person might be budget-breaking for another. Let’s review some of the more romantic places in Georgia and talk about the full range of options available for any budget. These locations are some of my favorites from around the state, and as a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, I think you’ll find plenty to see and do on your getaway.
1. Find Romance in Savannah
Savannah is a long-time favorite for romantic getaways in Georgia. Located just off the Georgia coast, this is a city positively brimming with romance, Spanish moss, and history. There’s something for everyone in Savannah.
First of all, the town itself is gorgeous. There are plenty of walking and trolley tours available to see the city and hear its history, but it doesn’t cost a dime to go for a walk through this well-planned out city. It’s laid out in squares, so you probably won’t get lost, but you might fall in love with the beautiful gardens displayed prominently or hidden behind gates around town. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to wander around the historic squares looking for points of interest that appeal to you and your plus-one.
A simple walk in downtown Savannah can be romantic — with the right person and the right attitude. Meander over to Forsyth Park to look at the fountain. Take a picnic if the weather’s cooperating. Check out the calendar of events for the park before your visit. Throughout the year, you can enjoy the Sidewalk Arts Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, Picnic in the Park with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra, the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, and more.
For couples with an interest in the paranormal, this can be a unique romantic getaway. You can take walking tours through this historically haunted city, visit a haunted house for a ghost hunting experience, go on a haunted pub crawl, or simply take a walk hand-in-hand through Bonaventure Cemetery. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but what’s romantic to you is what’s important.
Take a sunset stroll down River Street to enjoy the romance of these cobblestoned streets. There are also riverboat tours for added romance along River Street. Plan to have dinner at one of the downtown restaurants. You’ll have many to choose from — perfect for any tastes or budget. Can’t decide where you want to eat? Take a culinary tour of the city to sample its best offerings. Don’t forget to stop to sample praline pecans and get a scoop of ice cream at the Savannah Candy Kitchen. Sample honey at Savannah Bee Company. You’ll have the beautiful view of the river, and you can even take an adult beverage to-go, provided you stay on River Street to drink it.
For your stay in Savannah, there are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available, but my romantic pick is to stay in one of Savannah’s beautiful bed and breakfast locations. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from based on your budget, and you’ll notice that many of these inns and bed and breakfast locations offer romance packages to sweeten your stay. Add a couples’ massage to your getaway for added luxury — if it’s in the budget.
While you’re in Savannah, take a 20-minute drive over to Tybee Island to enjoy romance on the beach. See the sun rise or set over the ocean, walk along the shoreline, or simply have a picnic under the stars with your partner. No romantic trip to Savannah is truly complete until you’ve got your toes in the sand and the surf on your feet in nearby Tybee Island.
2. Visit Scenic Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is another personal favorite of mine. You’ll find plenty of cabins to rent for a romantic stay perfect for any budget. If your budget allows, opt for the weekend spa package at Serenity in the Mountains. It includes wine, cheese, and chocolate-covered strawberries to celebrate your arrival along with a two-night stay, couples massage, and daily continental breakfast. Another unique option for your romantic stay is to check into Blue Ridge TreeHouse at Bear Claw Vineyards. This isn’t the rustic treehouse of childhood either. It’s a fully state-of-the-art treehouse with spectacular scenic views.
There’s plenty to see and do in the Blue Ridge area. You don’t want to miss the local wineries in the area. Stop in for a tasting or take a winery tour. Add in a culinary tour with Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours for a full taste of Blue Ridge.
For nature lovers, you’ll want to add in at least one hike to a waterfall in the area. There are plenty of them to choose from, depending on the time you have available and the accessibility of the hike. You can spend the entire weekend chasing waterfalls — if you’re so inclined. If you visit in the Fall, you can add apple picking at a local orchard to your romantic itinerary.
Another option for your romantic weekend stay is to take a train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This can be a great way to relax and enjoy the mountain and river views after strolling downtown. After your train ride, have a romantic dinner in downtown Blue Ridge. While you have many options, one of my favorites is Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill, a rustic and cozy restaurant serving seasonal regional fare.
My absolute favorite romantic stop in Blue Ridge might just be Swan Drive-In. It was established in 1955, and it’s one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in the state. You’ll even find concessions to enjoy at this old-fashioned movie experience. This unique and affordable retro movie-going experience is sure to be a novel part of your romantic weekend away in Blue Ridge.
3. Relax with Your Favorite Person on St. Simons Island
Another Georgia romantic favorite is St. Simons Island, one of Georgia’s barrier islands in the Golden Isles. St. Simons has ancient roots, but these days, it’s a beautiful, resort town with plenty to see and do for the romantic traveler. While this is one of the more expensive places to stay, you’ll find that vacation rentals offer the budget-traveler more wallet-friendly options.
If you want to keep your romantic weekend trip simple in St. Simons Island, pack a picnic for the beach and spend the day with your toes in the sand — weather permitting. Don’t forget to take a sunset walk on the Pier for visit the St. Simons Lighthouse for the best views around. Keep your romantic getaway simple by stopping in for chocolate or ice cream at one of the many sweet shops, making a game of finding all the St. Simons Tree Spirits hidden around town and enjoying the scenic views of this beautiful resort location.
4. Escape to Historic Downtown Dahlonega
Dahlonega, Georgia, is another unique romantic destination. Did you know that Dahlonega is known as the Heart of Georgia Wine Country and the Wine Tasting Room Capital of Georgia? Visit a winery for a tour and tasting. You’ll have 8 wineries and 12 tasting rooms to choose from.
Another way to enjoy the romance of the area is to have a picnic for two. You can pick up everything you need from the Picnic Cafe & Dessertery. Popular picnic spots include Lake Zwerner, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Yahoola Creek Park, and Lumpkin County Park. Adventurous couples will love the many waterfall hikes available in the area. There are also seasonal u-pick farms for apples, lavender, and so much more!
Dahlonega has many cabin rentals available in the area, and the downtown historic district also offers hotels and inns. You don’t want to miss out on a stroll through the historic district. Some of my favorite downtown destinations include savoring the tastes and fragrances of The Spice and Tea Exchange of Dahlonega. I also enjoyed wandering through The Crown & Bear for literary and Anglophile items. A couple of other recommended romantic stops include seeing a play at The Historic Holly Theatre and having a cup of tea at My Vintage Gypsy Teas. You can also visit Dahlonega during the annual Dahlonega Chocolate Crawl for sweet tastings around town. Until the next crawl, you can stop in and visit the many sweet shops located in downtown Dahlongea.
5. Visit Romantic Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is another romantic Georgia destination. Jekyll is one of the barrier islands that form the Golden Isles of Georgia. You can take your coupled-up selfies at the romantic Driftwood Beach, which you may recognize from shows like The Walking Dead. It’s a popular place for pictures due to the natural driftwood along the beachfront. Stroll the beach hand-in-hand or consider taking a cycling or horseback tour. You can als enjoy a sunset dolphin cruise with your partner with Jekyll Island Boat Tours, and don’t forget to shop and eat local at Beach Village.
Remember that romance on Jekyll Island doesn’t have to be complicated. The beach sets the scene. Pack a picnic and head out to watch the sun rise or set with your plus-one. You can even pre-order a packed picnic lunch at least two hours in advance from Jekyll Island Club Resort. Last-minute planners can pick up a more casual Pantry Picnic Cooler without making an advanced call or reservation.
If you don’t prefer a picnic, you can enjoy an intimate dinner at one of Jekyll’s many local dining establishments. Then, stroll hand-in-hand through the historic downtown area with an ice cream cone from any of the local ice cream parlors on the island. Watch the stars over the sea and savor the time spent together.
6. Enjoy Lakeside Life and Luxury at Lake Oconee
Don’t overlook Georgia’s Lake Country when planning a romantic weekend getaway. Lake Oconee is a notable romantic destination with good reason. You can enjoy a couples spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee location in Greensboro. Stop in for drinks at Oconee Brewing Company. See a show at The Plaza Arts Center. For adventurous couples, rent electric motorbikes, boards, and scooters with your sweetie at Ride Oconee or rent jet skis at Oconee Wild Watersports. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Lake Oconee Bistro Taphouse & Wine Bar before catching a movie at Parkside Main Theatre.
You can spend as much or as little as you want on your Lake Oconee romantic weekend getaway. Don’t underestimate the romantic power of stargazing lakeside, enjoying an intimate dinner for two, or simply going to a movie together. Whether you’re up for a romantic adventure or just want to relax with your favorite person, Lake Oconee makes a great choice for a romantic weekend getaway.
7. Stroll Hand-in-Hand Through Callaway Gardens
You’ll find Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. This 2,500-acre garden cozied up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is a perfect getaway location for your romantic weekend. You’ll find there’s much to see and do at this lush resort. Every Labor Day weekend, Callaway hosts a hot air balloon festival. That could certainly make for a romantic weekend away. At other times of the year, you can enjoy strolling through blooming gardens and even book a couples massage as a part of your visit or stay.
Callaway Gardens has a lake with a beach, hiking trails, golf courses, bicycle rentals, and even a treetop adventure experience. Whether you’re a couple who likes shared adventure or one who just wants to relax in a charming location, Callaway Gardens has something for you to enjoy. Do as much or as little as you like, and soak in the ambience of this peaceful bucolic setting.
8. Enjoy Relaxation and Romance at Southern Cross Guest Ranch
A personal favorite of mine on this list is Southern Cross Guest Ranch in Madison, Georgia. There’s much to see and do for the romantic weekend traveler in Madison, but my recommendation for a getaway is the all-inclusive stay at Southern Cross. You can opt for the all-inclusive horseback riding stay or one that excludes horseback riding from the amenities. You can also select the simple Bed & Breakfast plan. Amenities for your romantic stay include an outdoor swimming pool, hikes, trail rides, fishing, s’mores, and a decadent culinary experience.
While you’re staying at the beautiful Southern Cross Guest Ranch, you can drive into downtown Madison and enjoy local shopping and dining. Grab a cocktail at The Sinclair, pick up pastries for breakfast at The Patisserie on Main, take a tour of a historic home, enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the historic district, stop to relax on a porch swing at Town Park, and pick up a one-of-a-kind artwork or a novel by a local author at Madison Artists Guild and MAGallery. The town is small and charming, and when you’re ready to relax, you can soak in the scenic accommodations at Southern Cross.
9. Savor Quality Time Together at Cumberland Island National Seashore
If you want a rustic stay for your weekend getaway, consider Cumberland Island National Seashore. If you and your love want a camping adventure, you’ll find that it’s the most affordable stay on the island. While you can stay at a hotel, inn, or vacation rental in nearby St. Marys, your other option is to stay on the island at Greyfield Inn, the only accommodations available on Cumberland Island. The Greyfield Inn was built by the Carnegie family in 1890 and offers 15 rooms and additional cottages available for guests.
Whether you choose to stay at the Inn on the island, enjoy cozy camping, or stay a ferry’s trip away on St. Mary’s, Cumberland Island National Seashore is a romantic destination. With protected, pristine beaches and a majestic live oak forest, you can hike, swim, or simply walk the shores of the beach. Bring a picnic lunch with you because you won’t find restaurants on the island. Guests of the Greyfield Inn will enjoy three chef-prepared meals a day as part of the experience.
Don’t underestimate the simple, inexpensive romantic opportunities on the island. Relax on the beach, walk through the woods, or swim in the waves together. Look for constellations in a starry sky or wake up early enough to watch the sun rise over the ocean. Because this protected national seashore isn’t filled with shops and restaurants, it just might be the ultimate romantic destination for quality time.
This isn’t one of the more luxurious stays if you opt for a campground experience, but it’s easily one of the most affordable. You’ll have the cost of a round-trip on the ferry and your campsite rental, but if you bring your own food, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the island without worrying about a long itinerary of things to see and do. Wander the island to look at the ruins. Spot wild horses roaming free. Enjoy the novelty of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and marvel as the view of trees gives way to a pristine ocean view. Find the romance in connecting with one another outside of the usual tourist traps and endless activities of many vacation destinations.
Romantic Georgia
If a romantic weekend vacation isn’t in your budget, consider a romantic weekend staycation. Play tourist in your own town by finding romantic spots to stage a picnic for two. Consider the benefits of shopping fresh, local, and seasonal produce and planning and preparing a candlelit dinner for you and your love. Lay out a blanket and enjoy a little stargazing. Rent a projector and enjoy a movie under the stars.
If you don’t feel like a romantic person, you can also research accommodations that offer a full romantic weekend getaway package. This takes the guesswork out of the romantic planning and allows you to focus on your partner. Search the area around you for close drives to keep your romantic plans as simple as possible. Going a little further afield? Be sure to add a little extra romance to your drive with a meaningful romantic playlist and even special destination stops along the way.
The state of Georgia has many opportunities for romance. There are mountain, lakeside, and seaside destinations available for lovers. With lush gardens, warm weather throughout most of the year, and plenty of natural wonders, you’ll have your pick of romantic destinations that are unique and affordable. Whether you’re the kind of person who chases waterfalls or one who prefers a sunny seaside with your plus-one, you’ll find romance if only you’re looking for it.
Crystal Jackson is a former therapist turned author of the Heart of Madison small-town contemporary romance series. This series includes Left on Main, Right on Walton, Deep in the Heart of Madison, and Waiting for the Girl Next Door.
