Romantic Getaways in South Carolina: The Palmetto State's 7 Most Romantic Vacations

With its hand-carved marble fireplaces, period furniture and Italian crystal chandeliers, the refined Wentworth Mansion in Charleston is the ideal location for a luxurious weekend getaway.

Constructed in 1865, the 21 elegant, individually decorated rooms and suites feature walk-in showers and deep whirlpool tubs, with some also featuring original gas fireplaces, private porches or sunrooms.

Each morning, a full breakfast is provided in the hotel’s celebrated Circa 1886 restaurant, set in the estate’s former carriage house. There’s also an upscale on-site spa in the restored stables, plus complimentary access to a nearby athletic club. Along with daily afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, enjoy an evening port, sherry or brandy before retiring for the evening.

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, the Wentworth Mansion is a short stroll from the artisanal local crafts sold at the Historic Charleston City Market, as well as easy walking distance from the shops, galleries and eateries on vibrant King Street.

Located off Route 278 in the heart of Hilton Head, laid-back Coral Sands Resort is easy walking distance from a number of local attractions.

Warmly decorated with a tropical vibe, the roomy one-, two- and three-bedroom condos are equipped with full kitchens, separate dining areas and washer/dryer units. Settle in, kick off your shoes and take some time to relax in the cozy living room or enjoy some fresh air on your private balcony.

The resort also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, including a game room with ping pong, foosball and shuffleboard, plus tennis courts and a gym. Catch some rays at the outdoor pool, which also features a hot tub, snack bar and a lazy river.

There are nearby supermarkets and eateries at Coligny Shopping Plaza, and popular Coligny Beach is just three blocks away. Rent some bicycles from the resort and pedal on over to Hilton Head Island Bike Trails or Sea Pines Forest Preserve for a romantic, tree-canopied ride you’ll never forget.

The sleek, 24-story Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations is one of Myrtle Beach’s newest resorts. The contemporary lodging features one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with sweeping ocean views and/or access.

Snuggle up with your beloved on the breezy balcony, or enjoy a movie in the modern living room. Along with fully equipped kitchens, each suite includes a dining area, as well as a full-size washer and dryer.

The beachfront property has both an indoor and outdoor pool, both with ocean views, plus a fitness area, coffee shop and two bars.

Got your fill of sun and sand? Ocean 22 is just a short walk from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade. There, find an assortment of lively bars, restaurants and shops, plus the 187-foot Skywheel – a massive Ferris wheel with heated private gondolas offering expansive coastline views.

Set in two buildings, The Bleckley Inn is located in the heart of charming Anderson, affectionately nicknamed “the friendliest city in South Carolina.” Upon entry, this refined boutique hotel makes a notable first impression with its grand staircase and ornate coffered ceilings.

The uniquely decorated rooms feature 10′ ceilings, original heart of pine floors and traditional furnishings; some also have fireplaces. Spacious suites add full kitchens, along with separate living and dining space.

Once the recapping room for Chapman Tire, the hotels’ rustic chic dining area provides a daily buffet breakfast. These days, the reimagined stylish space boasts a large skylight, plus rugged wood beams and century-old exposed brick walls. If weather permits, take a stroll on the hotel’s expansive rooftop deck, with views of the city below.

Be sure to grab a farm-to-table sandwich or wood-fired pizza from Summa Joe’s on your way to the quaint Anderson County Museum. Free to visit, the museum offers regularly updated artifact-driven displays highlighting the area’s rich history.

Stepping into this redbrick Georgian Federalist home, built in the 1920s, is like taking a trip across the pond. Surrounded by a lush English garden, Pettigru Place Bed and Breakfast combines British sensibility with Southern hospitality.

Each of the six rooms is decorated and furnished in an individual style, from floral sweet to jungle chic. All rooms are en-suite, and some come with old-fashioned clawfoot tubs or quaint private porches overlooking the gardens.

Don’t sleep in too late, as decadent breakfasts like oatmeal cookie pancakes or banana split waffles — served with a side of crispy bacon — are cooked to order each morning. Throughout the day, the B&B also provides plenty of self-serve sodas, coffee, tea, and homemade cookies.

Plan to make the quick trip to Greenville’s charming Main Street. En route, take time to stop at Maple Street Biscuit Company for some of their legendary flaky biscuit sandwiches. From there, head south to Falls Park on the Reedy to stroll through the riverfront garden and enjoy your biscuit with some waterfall views.

Set on a 1/2 acre private property, beguiling Bonny Cottage in Beaufort is both sweet and significant. Constructed in 1880 as a freedman’s residence, the one-bedroom retreat is elegant and airy. From stained glass kitchen cabinets to the vaulted living room ceiling, there are stunning touches at every turn.

The streamlined bedroom features a four-poster bed, plus a large adjacent bathroom with a tiled shower and laundry room. Outside, a small patio provides the perfect al fresco spot for morning coffee or an after-dinner drink.

Located in the Beaufort Historic Distance, the cottage is just a block from beautiful Bay Street. Savor the sight of the striking antebellum homes as you head southeast to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. On the way, plan a stop at Blackstone’s Café. A neighborhood staple since 1991, their Cajun shrimp and grits are revered for good reason.

Upon approach, the wrought iron gate and two-story porches of the French colonial-style 1425 Inn ooze southern charm. Step inside, and you’re transported into a veritable art museum, as every conceivable wall is covered in work by local artists. What’s more, all the pieces can be purchased through the Trenholm Artists Guild, an area non-profit.

Along with the welcoming living and dining areas, each of the eight spacious rooms are individually decorated to celebrate local landmarks. Old and new touches mingle, with everything from four-poster beds and jetted soaking tubs to an antique gravity-fed commode and second-floor balcony dotted with rocking chairs.

Well-suited for exploration, the inn is a short walk from many of Columbia’s most significant sights. Saunter to the baseball stadium and catch a Fireflies game, or stroll downtown to the state capital building or varying museums. Equally accessible is the Riverbanks Zoo, a 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden that is home to over 2000 rare and endangered animals, including one of only 10 permanent koala exhibits in the country.