12 Budget-Friendly Weekend Trips for Couples

A romantic trip does not have to entail flying to Paris or Fiji. There are numerous short and sweet excursions available, including budget-friendly options. Whatever you’re looking for, from white sandy beaches and swaying palms to lakeside retreats and mountain treasures, you’ll find it among these cheap weekend getaways.

Palm Springs, California

When you need a lot of sunshine and warmth, Palm Springs is a great place to go for a romantic getaway in California. Beautiful pools and golf courses abound, as do spas offering couples massages and other rejuvenating treatments, as well as shops and art galleries to peruse. Take the famous tram up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where you can hike with a breathtaking view. Tahquitz Canyon, just a few miles from downtown, is a great place to learn about Native American culture and hike a waterfall trail.

Taos, New Mexico

A town that truly embodies New Mexico’s nickname, “The Land of Enchantment,” there’s plenty to do for free, from hiking high desert mesas and mountains to viewing paintings by Taos masters. Explore the historic Taos Plaza, which dates back to 1796. It has a park with benches and shady trees, shops in old adobe buildings, and an interesting haunted courthouse. San Francisco de Asis Mission Church is one of the best examples of a Spanish Colonial New Mexico mission church still standing, and it’s a great spot for a couple’s selfie. There are approximately 60 independently-owned eateries serving delectable northern New Mexican cuisine as well as other delectable fare.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores has over 30 miles of pristine white, sandy beaches that sparkle in the sun, and you’ll find affordable lodging if you avoid spring break. It’s a great alternative to more expensive Florida destinations, with all the ingredients for fun in the sun. There are gorgeous turquoise waters for swimming, a wide variety of eateries in all price ranges, and a fun nightlife with many beach bars, some with live music options and stages right on the sand.

Helen, Georgia

Helen, a recreation of a Bavarian Alpine Village, is located in Georgia’s northern mountains. With its cobbled alleyways and colorfully painted wooden homes, you might think you’ve stepped into Bavaria. The architecture is postcard-worthy, and you’ll be close to some spectacular natural wonders. You could even stay in a romantic cabin just outside of town. Summer activities include tubing down the river and hiking scenic trails. A visit to Anna Ruby Falls is practically required.

Key Largo, Florida

The Florida Keys provide a Caribbean-like experience without the need for a passport or an expensive flight. It is only an hour’s drive from Miami International Airport, and there are cheap flights available from cities across the country. While Key West can be expensive, there is plenty of affordable lodging in Key Largo, as well as free and low-cost activities. In Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, and snorkeling on your own or with a guided tour. The Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is open to the public for free and provides close encounters with pelicans, hawks, herons, ospreys, and other birds that cannot be released back into the wild.

Eagle River, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

If you want to avoid crowds, get off the beaten path, and enjoy breathtaking scenery without paying a fortune, the Keweenaw Peninsula is hard to beat. It juts out into Lake Superior from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and was the site of the country’s first copper boom. Hiking and kayaking are two of the many outdoor activities available here for relaxation and adventure. The Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa is a must-see, with an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, traditional Finnish sauna, cold plunge pool, and icy-cold waterfall. Base yourself in Eagle River and enjoy a beautiful beach perfect for sunset watching, as well as miles and miles of shoreline for agate hunting.

Seaside, Oregon

While Seaside is a popular family vacation destination, couples also enjoy it, and one of the most romantic settings is only minutes away. Take advantage of the less expensive lodging and eats available here, and then visit nearby Cannon Beach. A trail runs between the two towns, providing spectacular vantage points for viewing the waves crashing against the Tillamook Lighthouse offshore. You could get lunch to go from Bell Buoy of Seaside and have a picnic. It serves some of the best fresh seafood in the area at reasonable prices, including local Dungeness crab. The promenade in Seaside runs alongside the sandy beach and is ideal for a stroll or a bike ride.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, one of the most romantic cities on the east coast, provides plenty of opportunities for romance, with parks like Forsyth ideal for strolling hand-in-hand beneath shady oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Spend time at beautiful beaches and take advantage of free walking tours to see the sights of downtown. You can easily take an independent tour of historic landmarks such as antebellum homes, forts, and the world’s most beautiful neo-gothic synagogue. There are plenty of inexpensive delicious eats that can be followed by a famously delicious ice cream at Leopold’s, another Savannah institution.

Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate, one of America’s few true castles, is located in Asheville. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau, as well as the beautiful gardens, can be explored, and free wine tastings are available at the property’s winery. Hike the trails in Chimney Rock State Park, such as the one leading to Hickory Nut Falls. Wander through the River Art district, where old warehouses have been converted into art spaces, and immerse yourself in the brewery scene with a brewery walking tour.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls was once known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” and it remains an iconic natural wonder that can provide a fun and inexpensive couples getaway. You’ll find inexpensive lodging just minutes from the breathtaking falls. After admiring the views, take the elevator down from the Observation Tower to embark on a classic boat ride. The Maid of the Mist tour is reasonably priced and takes you to the base of Horseshoe and American Falls. After that, you could go for a walk on one of Goat Island’s many trails or rent a bike and ride around together.

Lake George, New York

Lake George is surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains and offers breathtaking scenery. During the summer, you can enjoy three beautiful beaches as well as inexpensive or free watersports such as swimming, tubing, or affordable boat rentals. There are numerous hiking trails that provide views of the lake, mountains, and wildlife, and the town itself is enjoyable to walk through, with many shops, wine tasting venues, and ice cream shops. Every night, the amphitheater in the town park hosts free entertainment. Fireworks also light up the sky on Thursdays in July and August. Don’t forget Lake George for a romantic winter getaway.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Maine is famous for its magnificent rugged coastline, and Kennebunkport is a great place to stay and enjoy it on a budget. Take a drive down Ocean Avenue to see breathtaking views of the ocean and Spouting Rock, or spend time at the beaches during the warmer months or snowshoeing in the woods during the winter. The Waterhouse Center has ice skating, as well as many delicious foods such as lobster stew and lobster rolls. The historic district is steeped in local lore, with homes of sea captains and shipbuilders, one-of-a-kind shops filled with treasures of all kinds, and the famous Mabel’s Lobster Claw Restaurant.

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