Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to rekindle the romance and recharge your batteries. Whether it’s for an anniversary, a birthday, or just because, a mini vacation can be the perfect way to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy some quality time with your partner. Here are some short getaways to consider for your next couple’s retreat.
Key Points
- Relax and reconnect as a couple with a weekend trip
- Explore ideas for a quick vacation with your loved one
- Check out all the fun things you can do in a weekend
Mini Vacation Destination Ideas for Couples
Start with a list of places you love and things that interest your partner and see where they intersect. Perhaps a romantic weekend getaway to a fun new city sounds fun. Or maybe a private beachside cabana sounds like a great place to reconnect and relax. Whatever you decide, a short getaway could be just what you need to get a break from your busy life and rejuvenate yourself and your relationship.
Let’s go through some ideas for trips for couples that won’t break the bank or eat into your dedicated vacation time at work.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a bustling city that’s perfect for a fun-filled weekend getaway. Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, visit the famous Navy Pier, or catch a show at the legendary Second City comedy club. Be sure to indulge in some of the city’s famous deep-dish pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog, which should be in walking distance of whatever Chicago rentals are available, since this is a foodie town with loads of choices.
Sports lovers will also love this city. Depending on the season, you can go to Wrigley Field to catch a ball game or head to the United Center to see the Bulls or Blackhawks. Unlike some other major cities in the U.S., Chicago has four seasons — with hot temperatures in the summer and snow in the winter — so pack accordingly.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a foodie paradise! With a mix of French and Creole cuisine and local seafood, New Orleans is a city with a ton of food options for everyone — from fine dining to delicious street food, there’s a lot to explore after selecting one of the many New Orleans vacation rentals.
The Big Easy is known for a big drinking culture, too, so it may not be right for everyone. But if having a cocktail and a muffuletta sandwich at a local bistro and enjoying live music is your idea of a good time, you should definitely check out the French Quarter for a fun weekend getaway. If crowds aren’t your thing, consider visiting the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Louis Armstrong Park, or grab one of the famous beignets found in shops along Canal Street.
Las Vegas, Nevada
What can’t you do in Sin City? While you may think of a requisite trip to a casino, there are plenty of other things to do as a couple if gambling isn’t your thing. You can stay in a romantic suite at one of the many high-end Las Vegas hotels, and have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Be sure to check out the water and light show in front of the Bellagio Hotel at night for a romantic backdrop.
Temperatures can get very hot in the Nevada desert, so be careful to drink a lot of water if you’re out and walking in the hot summer weather. Therefore, stick to this skin care tip: Since the lack of humidity may dry your skin, try to stay hydrated, use gentle sunscreen, and remember to pack your favorite moisturizer.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a great destination for those who love to explore nature and history. This mountain town has plenty of outdoor activities and historic charm — not to mention lots of camping gear and vegetarian options, too! Check out the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the United States, listed on the National Historic Registry. It’s considered by many to be one of the best examples of a Victorian mansion in America.
Asheville is famous for its cabin rentals, which are perfect for anyone who wants to experience a relaxing retreat surrounded by mountain views and nature. The city is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and the views are breathtaking. If you’d rather enjoy a relaxing high-altitude retreat, try booking a hotel with a spa. It’s a great alternative for those who’d rather stick closer to town. In addition, Asheville is a very dog-friendly destination — so bring your pooch along for some added fun!
New York City, New York
The Big Apple is a great place to visit for some of the best of American culture. There are plenty of art galleries and museums in New York. These celebrated institutions showcase some of the world’s classics, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Or head to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for more contemporary pieces.
For fun, try ice skating at Rockefeller Center during the holiday season, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, or biking through Central Park — one of the largest urban parks in the country. Speaking of Central Park, try grabbing one of the many New York vacation rentals right on the park for some amazing views. For dinner, you can go to one of the city’s many happy hours or have a great Italian dinner with some wine in the Little Italy neighborhood.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston might deserve to be called the crown jewel of Southern cuisine, so bring your appetite to this city on South Carolina’s coast and enjoy a boozy brunch downtown. Interestingly, Charleston is reported to be haunted, so those who scare easily may want to avoid one of the many nightly ghost tours — or not. Yet, with its moss-draped streets and charming cityscape, Charleston is a very romantic place for an evening walk along its historic streets.
You can always spend the day at one of the city’s many beaches, which are a little over 10 miles from downtown Charleston rentals. This East Coast city boasts waves big enough to surf and a slow beach town vibe. Enjoy the sights around the harbor, relax with the dolphins, or have a passionate night trip to experience a moonlight sail. Can it get more romantic than that?
San Francisco, California
San Francisco has so much to offer visitors year-round. Here, you can see the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge or brave the outrageous hills. And don’t forget to stop by the neighborhood where Full House was filmed — one of the “Painted Ladies” across from Alamo Square! On that note, there’s so many neighborhoods, each with their own personality, to peruse when looking for San Francisco rentals for your trip.
For a more romantic evening, couples may opt to take a sunset catamaran cruise through San Francisco Bay or have dinner in the city. During the day, take a tour of the infamous prison, Alcatraz, in the middle of the bay on its own island. And don’t forget to eat — San Francisco has plenty to offer in the way of global fare. Umbrellas and thick jackets are also a good bet, especially in the winter.
Miami, Florida
Miami is an upbeat city with its vibrantly painted storefronts and eclectic Spanish music. If you’d prefer some downtime to unwind, stay in one the rentals on the beach — such as a high-rise condo with access to a private cabana — then splurge on a couple’s massage. Drink a lot of water, as temperatures are some of the hottest in the country during the summer months.
Check out Ocean Drive’s Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture or unwind by dancing the night away with South Beach’s nightlife. Because of the proximity to Cuba, Miami is also a foodie paradise, boasting some of the country’s best Cuban restaurants.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is the perfect destination for couples who love wine and beautiful scenery. Take a tour of some of the region’s top wineries, indulge in a gourmet meal, and take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. For a more intimate experience, you can even take a wine bike tour!
Since the autumn season in wine country is especially beautiful, and the weather is milder, you can plan dinner out during sunset for the best views. For a relaxing trip no matter the season, book a spa treatment for couples. And for a romantic experience, book a stay at one of Napa Valley’s cozy bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, or rentals with a pool.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a bustling city with a lot to offer for a mini vacation. First, find one of the many Atlanta rentals that speaks to you both. Then, begin your adventure by visiting the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, and take a romantic walk through the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Don’t forget to indulge in some delicious southern cuisine while you’re there, like fried chicken and peach cobbler.
Check out the High Museum of Art for your art fix, or try the World of Coca-Cola to try the different soft drink flavors of the world. Moreover, see the 1996 Olympic Games site and the historic Sweet Auburn district for a tour of Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home. Bear in mind that Atlanta has the world’s busiest airport, so you might be in luck finding a cheap direct flight.
Austin, Texas
Known for its lively music scene and delicious food, Austin is an exciting destination for couples who love to explore. Take a stroll through the city’s many parks, try some of state’s famous barbecue, and catch a show at one of the city’s legendary music venues. Austin rentals are quite eclectic, featuring everything from private pools so you can beat the heat, to downtown apartments that will put you right near the bustling music scene.
This city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” rings true when you tour downtown. Graffiti and record shops dot the landscape. Austin is home the famous summer concert series South by Southwest, where you can catch large and small acts alike. Don’t miss the burgeoning food scene, either. You’ll find great Tex-Mex restaurants and funky cafes all over.
Florida’s Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast’s white-sand beaches have the look and feel of the beautiful Caribbean. But this tropical paradise can be enjoyed without the Caribbean’s high accommodation rates or need for a passport. Check out beachfront rentals in Fort Walton Beach for blue water and waves big enough for surfing.
If a night spent enjoying bars and restaurants together is more your speed, you’ll want to look at Panama City Beach rentals so you can be close to all the action. Enjoy local seafood at dive bars or seaside dining rooms that dot the ocean for beautiful views. Cap off the evening with a walk on the beach together or through one of the many state parks.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs has been dubbed “Old Hollywood” since it was the playground for movie stars like Frank Sinatra and famous golfers like Arnold Palmer. Speaking of golf — it’s worth mentioning that Palm Springs holds its own as one of the golfing meccas in the US, with over hundreds of courses. Wherever your interests lie, this desert oasis is best experienced during the fall or winter, as it gets extremely hot during the summer, with 100-plus-degree temperatures a common occurrence. Bring your sunscreen if you want to sun glamorously poolside or hit the links near the abundance of Palm Springs vacation rentals.
The spas are also not to be missed. You’ll find numerous luxury wellness spas in the area that make for an excellent way to relax and unwind with your loved one. This city has specialized in leisure since the Old Hollywood era!
Are Mini Vacations Long Enough to Be Romantic?
Of course a mini vacation is long enough to be romantic! A little time away from your normal hectic life is a great opportunity for romance. Try planning a few surprises and watch the romance bloom. A nice bottle of champagne upon arrival or a special excursion — like horseback riding or hiking to a new spot — are what a romantic trip is all about!
When thinking of a special vacation for you and your significant other, come up with a few ideas you think your partner would like and places you both enjoy. Maybe you share a love of state parks or exploring a new city, or maybe the best day is one spent getting spa treatments. Perhaps you could plan something outdoorsy you’ve never done before, like snowshoeing, biking, or kayaking. Building a firepit at a lakeside cabin could easily become your new favorite pastime.
Thinking of things your partner loves will make a short trip even more romantic when they realize their likes and dislikes have been carefully considered.
Plan Your Couple’s Getaway Today!
No matter where you decide to go, a mini vacation can be just what you and your significant other need to feel refreshed and revived. So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on an adventure together. VacationRenter can help you pick the perfect vacation spot without having to comb multiple sites. Find your perfect getaway spot, and get ready to make some much-deserved memories.