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Going on vacation with your significant other doesn't always have to break the bank or require weeks of planning. There are plenty of last-minute getaways you can go on near your city that are budget-friendly, beautiful, and exciting. Whether you're looking to unwind in the countryside and take in scenic views or experience nightlife in the city, these hidden gems offer tons of options to fit every budget and agenda.
Travel time: 4-hour drive from Atlanta
Best for: Sightseeing, museum-hopping, ghost-hunting tours
Nestled among giant Spanish moss-covered trees, Savannah is known for being one of the most vibrant and charming cities in the U.S. Whether you're looking to admire ornate ancient architecture, enjoy Southern cuisine, or visit historical sites and museums, Savannah has much to offer.
Travel time: Less than 2 hours' drive from Portland
Best for: Scenic hikes, whale-watching tours, white-sand beaches
Featuring quirky cafes, quaint art galleries, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts, Cannon Beach offers some of the most spectacular views of the Oregon coast. Located about 80 miles northwest of Portland, this charming beach town is perfect for couples looking to unplug from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days.
Travel time: 4-hour drive from New York City
Best for: Water sports, wine-tastings, shopping
Offering gorgeous views of the Adirondacks, Lake George is the perfect spot for an exciting and romantic getaway. Packed with intimate restaurants, ice cream shops, wine-tasting venues, and art galleries, there is no shortage of things to do. Couples looking for something more adventurous can opt for mountain biking, boating or shooting across the water on a Jet-Ski.
Travel time: 2.5-hour drive from Santa Fe
Best for: Desert hikes, sightseeing, authentic New Mexican cuisine
This town is known for its more than 60 eateries featuring delectable northern New Mexican fusion cuisine, as well as for historical sites and old adobe buildings. Visit Taos Plaza, which dates back to 1796, and the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church — one of the last remaining churches built in the Spanish Colonial style.
Travel time: 2-hour drive from Charlotte
Best for: Wine tastings, the Biltmore Estate, pub crawls
Often overlooked for larger cities nearby, Asheville is packed with activities: wine tastings, beautiful gardens, and a visits to a vibrant art district of galleries in converted old warehouses. The main attraction is the Biltmore Estate — a 250-room French Renaissance-styled chateau, and one of the only castles in America.
Travel time: 2.5-hour drive from Denver
Best for: Hot springs, winter sports, line fishing
Head to Glenwood Springs for a weekend of pampering and relaxation, exciting winter sports, or both. Nestled within the Rockies, this low-key spot offers the best for thrill-seekers and pool-loungers who can ski, white-water raft, or mountain bike, then unwind with a massage by the world's largest outdoor mineral hot spring at The Glenwood Hot Springs pool.
Travel time: 2.5-hour drive from Sacramento
Best for: Nightlife, entertainment venues, museum-hopping
If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to Las Vegas, Reno offers the same glitz and glamour at a smaller scale. Known as the "biggest little city in the world," you can find low-cost cabarets, casinos, a buzzing craft beer scene, dozens of country bars, and fun museums such as the National Automobile Museum, which hosts James Dean's "Rebel Without a Cause."
Travel time: 2.5-hour flight from Miami
Best for: Dining, beach life, rum-tasting tours
If sipping piña coladas on a white-sand beach is what you're after, consider this dreamy Caribbean retreat. Known for affordable beachfront resorts, stunning natural wonders such as El Yunque National Forest, vibrant cobblestone streets, and delicious restaurants in the heart of Old San Juan, there is no shortage of things to do in Puerto Rico. You don't even need a passport to visit.
Travel time: 3.5-hour drive from Boston
Best for: Maple-syrup tastings, leaf-peeping, scenic hikes
Best known for its spectacular fall foliage and pristine winter wonderlands, Stowe is a beautiful and quaint destination ideal for couples looking for a low-key weekend by a fireplace or going on scenic drives or hikes. There is also plenty to do in Stowe, from skiing and other winter sports to visits to breweries, art galleries, and shops. Be sure to try an authentic New England lobster roll while you're there.
Travel time: 2-hour drive from Sarasota
Best for: White-sand beaches, water activities, dining
A cheaper alternative to other Floridian beach towns, Sanibel Island is ideal for couples looking for a sunny and romantic getaway. The island is home to many rental properties and stunning white-sand beaches. Sip some champagne while overlooking the sunset over Captiva Island, or go on a snorkeling excursion aboard a Catamaran.
Travel time: Less than 4 hours' drive from Houston
Best for: Dining, sightseeing, shopping
Historic sights, colorful streets, and tons of options for shopping and dining make San Antonio a great spot for a quick weekend getaway. Go on a romantic stroll along the cafe-lined River Walk, enjoy some authentic Texan barbecue, or visit 18th-century frontier missions such as the Alamo and the San Fernando Cathedral.
