Affordable Romantic Getaways

Weekend escapes fan the fires of romance. If you and your partner are ready for a romantic adventure but need to keep the cost within reason, some big cities might not work for you. Luckily, there are plenty of exciting options for affordable romantic getaways. Here’s a short list of destinations to get you started.

You’ll have to look far to find a more romantic city than Savannah, Georgia, with its emerald canopy of trees, cobblestone sidewalks and unique charm. Savannah is pedestrian friendly, and strolling through its gorgeous historic district—the largest National Historic District in the nation—is an absolutely free treat. Think manicured gardens, oaks dressed in Spanish moss, and stunning 18th and 19th century architecture. Savannah has 21 garden-filled public squares, each bordered by antebellum buildings. City Market is the hub, with its live music, restaurants, cafes and art galleries. When the sun’s out, venture from your hotel in Savannah and head to Tybee Island for sandy beaches and unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean. For a romantic evening, board one of the Savannah riverboats for dinner, entertainment, and an unforgettable tour of this Southern gem.

Travel & Leisure named Kansas City, Missouri, as the top affordable getaway city in the nation, citing its stable hotel prices and low-cost food and entertainment. Art fans hear this: Admission to many of KC’s art museums is free of charge, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with its world-class collection, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. On the third Friday of every month, the Englewood Station Arts District sponsors a free art walk, with live music and artist demonstrations. From your Kansas City hotel you can hop on a streetcar and ride along beautiful Main Street for free. Shop the open-air City Market for fresh fruit and veggies, flowers and gifts. At night, experience Kansas City’s legendary barbecue followed by an unforgettable evening at a jazz club.

Stay in San Antonio, Texas, with its rich colonial heritage and eclectic pleasures for an affordable romantic getaway. Take a trip to the five historic missions in the city—the group is honored as a World Heritage Site—all for free. These include the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission and museum known for the infamous battle for Texan independence from Mexico. The city’s River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is a cypress-lined, scenic 15-mile pedestrian walk/bike path tucked below street level—perfect for strolling hand in hand. The little shops, cafes and lovely eateries that edge the River Walk will show you why San Antonio is one of the best romantic cities in the nation. San Antonio also has more than 25 museums with collections of Asian, Latin American, European and Native American folk art.