5 Romantic Destinations in Virginia

Virginia is for Lovers, and there are many romantic destinations within its borders. These are five of the best romantic getaways in the state. We’ve also include, some ideas for your itinerary and some options for romantic places to stay near each destination. They are listed in no particular order.

Romantic Virginia Destination #1: Alexandria

Just south of DC, you’ll find this charming waterfront town, chock full of dining options, historic treasures, and romantic ambiance. Shop on King Street, peruse art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, or tour a historic home. Float down the Potomac on a riverboat, or take a day trip to Mount Vernon.

Highly-rated hotels for couples include the federalist-stye Morrison House off of King Street, which features elegant parlors and a library. Other highly-rated boutique hotels are the Archer Hotel or the Alexandrian. For views, choose the only waterfront hotel in Alexandria, Hotel Indigo, by IHG. Hotel Heron by Hilton also features gorgeous rooftop views.

Romantic Destination #2: Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a classic beach town with unique features perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy a sunset walk on the beach or enjoy the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Choose from a wide variety of waterfront dining options from seafood to Southern comfort food. Enjoy the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Take a day trip to First Landing State Park, where English colonists arrived in 1607. It is now full of beautiful trails through beach, maritime forest, and cypress swamp. Don’t forget to leave your love lock at the Love Lock Heart in the Town Center.

If you’re looking for a stay in a historic, luxury hotel, try the Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club, featuring an onsite distillery and spa. For oceanfront, try the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. For a more tucked away bed and breakfast experience, try the Beach Spa Bed and Breakfast. Chic’s Beach Vacation Rentals at the Chesapeake Bay offers a secluded cottage experience.

Destination #3: Shenandoah National Park

This may be one of the most beautiful places in the nation to see a sunset. There are also miles and miles of hiking trails where you can find waterfalls, swimming holes, and rock scrambles. There are lots of hiking options available from easy to challenging. Stay at a cozy lodge such as Big Meadows or Skyland, overflowing with epic views and romantic vibes. Or, stay in one of the charming towns near the park entrances, such as Front Royal, Luray, or Winchester. You can find unique shopping, dining and nightlife in any of these enchanting mountain towns.

A few highly rated places to stay near the park include the Iris Inn in Waynesboro near the Southern end of the park. Only for couples, luxury cabins include hot tubs and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains. In Luray, find Shadow Mountain Escape for European-style timber cabins, or the Mimslyn Inn, a historic hotel with a spa and fine dining on site. L’Auberge Provencale is located at the Northern end of the park and is known as a luxurious, French-inspired B&B.

Romantic Destination #4: Richmond

The Jefferson Hotel is a classic luxury hotel in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, with stunning historic architecture and upscale amenities. Known for its fine dining and service, this 1895 property built by tobacco baron Lewis Ginter is rich in Southern charm, but it isn’t the only option in Richmond’s charming downtown.

You’ll find plenty of history at places like Hollywood Cemetery, unique shopping in Carey Town, and delicious dining options throughout. Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or explore Maymont, a beautiful gilded age mansion surrounded by gorgeous gardens, wildlife, and space to wander hand-in-hand.

Romantic Virginia Destination #5: Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the US and a great place to enjoy a carriage ride and a colonial era dinner with your loved one. Other romantic activities that are plentiful in the area are spas and wineries. The Williamsburg Winery is highly rated, as is the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.

The Crim Dell bridge tucked away behind the sunken garden on the College of William and Mary’s cobblestoned campus is also a famously romantic place to visit. You can also find other historic landmarks or visit beautiful Busch Gardens, a beautiful amusement park with areas that celebrate different European countries and include enjoyable shows. For a dose of nature, rent a pedal boat at Waller Mill Park, or bicycle along the paved pathway of Virginia Capital Trail, which winds through historical points of interest and lovely natural landscapes.

If you’re looking for a historic luxury stay in the heart of Williamsburg, you may want to book the Williamsburg Inn, or stay directly in one of the restored Colonial houses scattered throughout the historic area. For a more secluded, boutique stay, try Wedmore Place, tucked in the Williamsburg Winery.

All of these options will deliver a romantic vibe for your weekend getaway to Virginia. To find more to do in this beautiful state, visit our post on the best things to do in four regions of Virginia. Or, check out our page on seasonal fun in the Mid-Atlantic for other ideas for romantic destinations in this region of the USA and other seasonal attractions.