From big cities to quaint towns, there are an abundance of unforgettable weekend getaway destinations in proximity to Virginia Beach. When you’re looking to spend a short getaway with your sweetheart, book a Virginia Beach vacation rental and explore the seaside town for a day. When you’re ready for a change of pace and scenery from the iconic beach city, embark on an easy drive to one of these nearby romantic weekend getaway spots.
1. Baltimore, Maryland
With five hours driving time, you can make it to Baltimore for a romantic weekend in the city. Unwind and relax with a couple’s massage at Baltimore Spa and Salon. After your massage, soak in the whirlpool while enjoying chocolate covered strawberries. For a romantic meal, Sotto Sopra offers an upscale experience with fresh pasta, white linen tablecloths, and live opera singers once a month. If you dare, put a spark back in your romance with an evening at Creative Alliance. This small theater is the heart of the local burlesque scene. On Saturday, get creative together when you learn to decorate cakes at the weekly class at Charm City Cakes.
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2. Williamsburg, Virginia
Learn everything you want to know about America during the Colonial days with a weekend in Williamsburg after an hour drive from Virginia Beach. Colonial Williamsburg is a living museum, where the two of you can stroll hand-in-hand as people in period dress smile and greet you. Learn more about the art of wig making and how to create a horseshoe at the blacksmith shop. Visit the Governor’s Palace and take a tour of the home of the Royal Governors of the Colony of Virginia. If you prefer some thrills, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers roller coasters and thrill rides guaranteed to make you scream with delight. Start your romantic dinner at the Fat Canary with wine and cheese as you settle into a table on the patio.
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3. Raleigh, North Carolina
In a little over three hours, you arrive in the college town of Raleigh with its hip young vibe. Start your visit to the city with a trip to Pullen Park and take a romantic spin on the carousel. Afterward, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on one of the walking paths. Raleigh is home to several great museums, and North Carolina Museum of Art combines a permanent indoor collection and temporary exhibits with its outdoor memorial gardens featuring large sculptures. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences offers extensive collection exhibits on natural science and the ecosystems found in the Carolinas along with a 3D theater and programs that include live animals.
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4. Washington, D.C.
In a little less than four hours of driving, arrive in Washington, D.C., for a romantic weekend in the nation’s capitol city. Start your trip with a tour of the Phillips Gallery with its extensive collection of Impressionist paintings that capture love and joy. Next, take a walk hand-in-hand through the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden and look for the sculpture that spells out love in French. Wander through Union Market, checking out the vendor stalls with their unique handmade items or pick up a quick bite to eat at one of the menu restaurants. Before leaving, stop by the Heart Wall that was designed in 2015 by graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash.
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5. Richmond, Virginia
Although it’s a major city, Richmond remains much of its southern charm and small-town feel, and with a drive fewer than two hours, it’s a great place for a weekend away. If the other person’s sense of humor what was first attracted them to you, then book tickets for the ComedySportz for your first night in town and rekindle that flame while you laugh together. Another great option is something sweet for your sweetie when you book the Carytown Dessert Tour with River City Food Tours and stop at some of the best spots for dessert. During the day, tour the downtown area with Segway of Richmond and save your feet the miles of walking.
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6. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Enjoy an hour and a half drive down the coast to the small beach community of Kitty Hawk. Here, you can enjoy walks on the beach and play in the surf without all the crowds in your normal area. While staying in the area, check out Jockey Ridge State Park. It’s home to the largest sand dune in the southeastern United States. Most days, Kitty Hawk Kites, a local company, offers the chance to go kitesurfing on the dunes. Strap into a parachute and a surfboard to shoot up and down the sand dune’s hills. Another popular spot is the Wright Brother’s National Memorial. You can take a tour of the visitor’s center and hike up to the spot where the brothers’ airplane first left the ground.
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7. Dover, Delaware
Dover is about four hours from your home and makes for a great weekend getaway when you need to reconnect. Indulge in a little retail therapy and pick out a beautiful antique together to add to your home at Spence’s Bazaar. As the capital city, Dover offers a lot of historic government buildings that date back to Colonial times, and you can see many of them with a visit to First State Heritage Park. Check the schedule and book tickets for a performance, movie, or live music event at the Schwartz Center for the Arts. Music is great for romance, and you can explore the history of records and recordings at the Victrola Museum.
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