From winter beachcombing walks to summer nights on the porch swing, South Carolina is a romantic place to visit year-round. Find your perfect getaway today.
Couples Getaways by Season
South Carolina is home to the gorgeous southernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which you can see from the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway—and each fall, the hills are alive with vibrant red, orange and yellow foliage. A romantic fall getaway wouldn’t be complete without some agritourism, whether it’s picking apples at Bryson’s Apple Orchard in Mountain Rest (which apple variety is your favorite?), or visiting Clinton Sease Farm in Lexington, where you can pick out the perfect pumpkin and take a trip through the famous corn maze.
Winter
At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston, camellias bloom each winter on the Spanish moss-draped grounds, a great place for an afternoon ramble. In Newberry, nestle into a comfy seat at the historic Newberry Opera House to catch some live music. Or, strap on some skates and hit the ice at downtown Greenville’s Ice on Main. If you’re not a good enough skater to wow your partner, consider this an opportunity to hold hands as you get comfortable on the ice.
Spring
Experience springtime in the Lowcountry with a leisurely bicycle ride along the Edisto Island Bike Path, which winds through the center of this low-key beach community. (Bike rentals are available from several local businesses.) If you’re more the walking type, visit the expansive outdoor art collection and green spaces of Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, enjoying the American figurative sculptures, manicured grounds and even a small zoo. As for the animal lovers among you, is there anything so Instagram-worthy as a horseback ride along the beach with your sweetie? Based in Aynor, Grand Strand Horseback Riding offers guided rides even for beginners.
Summer
The ultimate romantic movie, The Notebook, was filmed at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. Rent a boat and paddle through the atmospheric swamp—think cypress trees and drapey Spanish moss. When the summer heats up, pack a picnic lunch (or pick one up from Swamp Rabbit Grocery and Café) and head to downtown Greenville’s Falls Park to watch the Reedy River spill over rocks. When you’re done eating, amble across the spectacular 345-foot pedestrian bridge. Another great Upstate-area park is the 12-acre Greer City Park, which hosts free live music each summer during Tunes in the Park. Book a plush suite at Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens in Spartanburg for the ultimate romantic retreat.
