A romantic trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honoring a milestone, or simply craving a change of scenery together, there are wonderful places to go without draining your savings.
The key is choosing destinations with free or low-cost activities, staying flexible on travel dates, and looking at less-crowded spots. With that in mind, here are 15 great getaways for couples who want to travel smart.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii might sound like a splurge, but Honolulu is more budget-friendly than you’d expect, especially if you use reward miles or points. The beaches are free. Hiking costs nothing. The tour of Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial is free as well.
Oahu’s bus system gets you around the island without much cost. Look for farmers’ markets and local spots serving saimin noodle soup, poke, and shave ice. The Twin Fin, a surf-inspired beachfront hotel, offers free group surf lessons, free surfboard rental, and complimentary late check-out. The Kaimana Beach Hotel is another affordable option.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Tucked in northwest Idaho on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this town is a year-round destination for couples who love the outdoors. Summer brings lakeside fun. Winter offers snow sports. In between, there’s hiking, biking, wineries, breweries, and gorgeous scenery at every turn.
Downtown has boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants. The Coeur d’Alene Resort is known for its scenic sunset and dinner cruises. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and campgrounds round out the lodging options.
Yosemite National Park, California
Granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and wildlife, Yosemite is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country. Hikers and photographers will find paradise here, and many trails stay open in winter when crowds thin out.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with one of the most stunning backdrops in America. Lodging ranges from camping and cabins to spots inside or just outside the park. Even if you don’t stay at the historic Ahwahnee hotel, it’s worth stopping in to see its decor, art, and architecture.
New York City, New York
It might surprise you to see New York City on a budget list. But there are more free things to do here than almost anywhere else. The American Folk Art Museum is free to enter. Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City offers stunning skyline views at no cost. A ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway gives you an aerial view of the city for the price of a subway fare.
For meals, an iconic New York bagel, a slice of pizza, or a hot dog from a street stand won’t set you back much at all. These are obligatory experiences, and delicious ones.
Mazatlán, México
Mazatlán has golden beaches, a miles-long seaside promenade called the Malecón, and a charming historic downtown. Stroll the cobblestone streets around Plaza Machado, stop for ice cream, or watch cliff divers along the waterfront, all at little or no cost.
The all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort includes meals, and guests can also access restaurants and amenities at the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort and Spa, including a 16,500-square-foot wellness facility with hydrotherapy pools and steam rooms (spa treatments are available at an additional cost).
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
White sandy beaches, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, fresh seafood, and lively evenings make this Alabama stretch a real value for a beach vacation. Ride the Ferris wheel, drive go-karts, or play miniature golf at Track Family Fun Park. Take the Mobile Bay Ferry for scenic views.
With hundreds of locally-owned restaurants, you can try Gulf shrimp, oysters, crab, and snapper without spending a fortune. It’s a full beach experience at a Southern price.
Fort Worth, Texas
Located 25 miles west of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Fort Worth is a fast-growing city with deep Western roots. The historic Stockyards District preserves the streets that once served as the heart of the cattle trade. Twice a day, a herd of longhorns passes through with drovers on hand to answer questions, and it doesn’t cost a dime to watch.
Shops, saloons, restaurants, and the famous honky-tonk Billy Bob’s Texas keep the evenings lively. Rodeo events at Cowtown Coliseum are affordable. The budget-friendly Kimpton Harper hotel is a comfortable home base, and Hotel Drover on Mule Alley has a nice outdoor backyard lounge worth a visit.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico checks every box (beautiful beaches, great food, rich history), and you don’t need a passport. Skip the big resort and look into locally owned boutique hotels or glamping sites. Uber and taxis handle transportation around San Juan, so you won’t need a rental car.
In Old San Juan, explore 16th-century fortresses, watch street performers along the Paseo de la Princesa, and go salsa dancing at cocktail bars like La Factoría. The Museo de las Americas has low admission fees. The Santurce neighborhood is full of dazzling street art (completely free to enjoy. Less than an hour from the city, El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, has hiking trails leading to waterfalls.
Palm Springs, California
The desert community of Greater Palm Springs has a lot going for it year-round. Stroll Palm Canyon Drive for shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Take a self-guided tour of the area’s famous mid-century architecture or celebrity homes. Hike through the Indian Canyons nature preserve.
About an hour away, Joshua Tree National Park offers stunning rock formations, native desert vegetation, and, on a clear night, some of the most spectacular stargazing you’ll ever see as a couple.
St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida
White-sand beaches and warm water make this Florida area a natural fit for an affordable getaway. Swimming, water sports, and sunny days are the main draws. But there’s plenty to do after sunset, too, from restaurants and clubs to dive bars.
Stroll the streets to see more than 600 murals or join a street art tour. The Dalí Museum, set in a unique waterfront building in downtown St. Petersburg, offers discounted tickets on Thursdays after 5 p.m. Bed-and-breakfasts and a wide range of hotels mean you can find something that fits your budget.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital may be one of the best free destinations in the world. The Smithsonian Institution’s 21 museums are free and cover everything from space travel and technology to art and natural history. The National Zoo is also free for a full day of wandering.
Just be sure to apply in advance for timed entry passes, which are required for the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Public transportation is convenient and low-cost. For a classic bite, try the famous chili half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl. If hotel prices in D.C. feel steep, staying in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, can save money, and Alexandria is a lovely place in its own right.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a walkable, welcoming city known for its diversity and vibrant food scene. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District, with its art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques in restored industrial buildings. Grab a bite at St. Lawrence Market or browse Stackt, a shipping container market with pop-up shops and special events.
Get around on the city’s extensive public transit system or rent bikes through Bike Share Toronto. Your best bet for affordable hotels is to visit outside the busy summer season.
Ridgedale and Springfield, Missouri
About an hour from Springfield-Branson National Airport, Ridgedale offers beautiful scenery, waterfalls, rock formations, hiking, and boating. In nearby Springfield, Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a full-day experience featuring wildlife exhibits, art, photography, and a vast array of marine life. Right next door, Bass Pro Shops spans 500,000 square feet with a café and exhibits.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park offers hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and fishing. Big Cedar Lodge offers golf and a variety of inexpensive accommodations. A few miles away, Branson has more hotels, campgrounds, and cabin options, plus a historic downtown to explore.
Greenville, South Carolina
Just 15 minutes from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, downtown Greenville is a charming, walkable area with excellent restaurants and unique shops. Falls Park on the Reedy sits in the heart of downtown, featuring gardens, waterfalls, picnic areas, and the 345-foot Liberty Bridge spanning the Reedy River.
Free events like Downtown Alive and Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays run from spring through early fall, bringing live music and food trucks to NOMA Square. The city also has public art tours, the Greenville County Museum of Art, and a downtown trolley. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and campgrounds suit every budget.
Lexington, Kentucky
Horse country, bourbon, and bluegrass, Lexington has a personality all its own. At Kentucky Horse Park, there’s a museum, a horse-drawn trolley tour in summer, and a campground with a pool, tennis, and a bike trail. History lovers will want to visit the 1814 Hunt-Morgan House and the Mary Todd Lincoln House.
Watch horse races at Keeneland Race Course or stop by early to see the morning warm-ups. The Lexington Distillery District is a relaxed spot for a beer, pizza, or ice cream after touring the James E. Pepper Distillery. The reasonably priced Manchester hotel is nearby, with a rooftop cocktail lounge called Lost Palm offering great views to end the evening.
Any one of these destinations can give you and your travel companion a trip worth remembering, without the kind of price tag that lingers long after you get home.