Couples Getaway Ideas

December 21, 2023

Our Top Getaway Picks for Couples

Whether you choose to slip away for a romantic weekend, plan a surprise overnight getaway, or pop over for a special evening, Oconee County offers a fun variety of date night (or day) opportunities!

Dinner Date Ideas

Small Town Seneca

Kick off a date weekend with old school recreation at the Oasis Ranch, or Timber Ridge Axe Throwing. Then head over to the historic part of Seneca. The walkable downtown district has shops, restaurants, and bars.

If you feel like bar hopping a bit, you could start at Keowee Brewing Company (the only actual brewery in Oconee County). They have a nice selection of beer and a great backyard setting with lawn games. G’s Pizza House is next-door. Then walk over to Brews on the Alley and grab a coffee, beer, cider or seltzer. Ram Cat Cellars is across the street. There you can enjoy a drink and a charcuterie snack inside or outside on the deck. Head upstairs to Stock and Barrel to select your favorite prime cuts to take home and grill. They have a wide selection of wine and local beer.

For couples looking for an upscale romantic dinner, we suggest Vangeli’s Bistro. This intimate setting serves scrumptous chef specials made with local ingredients plated in unique ways. They consistently win Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their superb selection of wines.

Where to Stay

The Nest and The Lofts on Townville both offer luxury apartments in downtown Seneca. Or if you prefer the comforts of home, stay at the Ram Shack Bungalow.

See all there is to do when you visit Seneca, SC.

Wander in Walhalla

The town of Walhalla is undergoing a resurgence with new businesses, restaurants, bars and lodging moving into historic downtown storefronts.

The Walhalla Performing Arts Center is a great example of a renovated building with a new lease on life. The venue is located a block from Main Street and has a great lineup of well-known artists scheduled to perform this season.

We suggest stopping by Mountain Mocha for coffee or a snack. For dinner there’s Carolina Pizza, Steph’s Steaks or Los Arcos. After a show you could venture into West & Co. Taproom, Garage Tap Room or Trailhead Tavern for a night cap.

Where to Stay

Oconee Hospitality offers romantic lodging options in downtown Walhalla where you’ll be within walking distance to WPAC, restaurants, and bars on Main Street.

For something completely different consider The Suites at Hisaw Gap. These one-of-a-kind rentals are re-purposed shipping containers overlooking the canopy of Sumter National Forest.

See all there is to do when you visit Walhalla, SC.

Love on the Lake

Lake Jocassee

Plan a day in Salem to enjoy Lake Jocassee. This pristine lake is surrounded by undeveloped forest and makes a lovely backdrop for sightseeing with your sweetie. If you’d like the inside scoop on the best places to go on the lake, several companies offer waterfall tours and side hike opportunities. Jocassee Lake Tours runs pontoon boat tours every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Book in advance to be sure there’s space and sit back and let the captain give you an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

If you don’t have a boat–or the budget for a boat tour–a small company, Eclectic Sun, runs a rental shop inside Devils Fork State Park. They’ll set you up with flat water kayaks or stand up paddle boards so you and your date can paddle along the shore.

Getting There: Lake Jocassee can only be accessed from inside Devils Fork State Park. Tip: Be sure to arrive at the park as early as possible! This is one of South Carolina’s busiest state parks and there is limited parking.

When you’re ready to grab a bite, check out Jocassee Valley Brewing Company. This taproom serves craft beer, light appetizers, and often has live music. There’s also Twice a Town Taproom nearby in the heart of Salem. It’s a casual place with a fun vibe.

Where to Stay

After a day on the lake, Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast is a charming place to stay.

See all there is to do when you visit Salem , SC.

Heart Pumping Adventures

Waterfalls

For a couples outing, you can’t go wrong with a hike to Brasstown Falls. This is one of our favorites to recommend because, with relatively little effort, you can see a series of four waterfalls back to back. Read more about Brasstown Falls to know what to expect with regards to mobility and parking.

For more inspiration, view our WATERFALLS page.

Rivers

Two free flowing rivers–the Chattooga and the Chauga–run through the rural towns of Long Creek and Mountain Rest.

The Chattooga River is federally designated as Wild & Scenic which means no man-made structures are allowed within a 1/4 mile of each side of the river. The easiest place to access the river for sightseeing is the Highway 76 River Access. This is where you can walk a 1/4 mile to view the impressive Bull Sluice Rapid or relax on a sandy beach next to the water.

Fishing

You and your date might enjoy a day of fishing. If so, we recommend getting in touch with Karl at the Chattooga River Fly Shop to book a guided fly fishing excursion on either the Chattooga or Chauga Rivers.

The Chauga River is not as well known as the nearby Chattooga River. But it offers great fishing opportunities and is regularly stocked with trout by the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery.

Hiking

If you enjoy hiking together, you’ve come to the right place! Oconee County offers a variety of wilderness hiking trails. There’s the Foothills Trail and the western portion of the Palmetto Trail, as well as dozens of shorter trails through the Sumter National Forest. View our page about HIKING to see all the options and choose one suited to your adventure level and setting preference.

Mountain Biking

For couples who get jazzed off-road biking together, head over to Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park. There are 20 miles of multi-purpose trails suitable for beginner and extreme riders.

Camping

Our CAMPING page has a wide range of places you can camp. From primitive, back county places to developed campgrounds.

Where to Stay

If you’d prefer something less rustic than camping, consider sleeping in the trees at Stella Vista and Bella Luna luxury treehouses. Or there’s the Goldfinch Birdhouse and even a covered wagon option at Chattooga Trails Bed & Barn.