25 Of The Best Romantic Staycation Ideas for Couples

Staycation ideas for adults

Romantic Staycation ideas that couples can enjoy!
These budget-friendly ideas are romantic, fun, and relaxing.
Take a staycation today and enjoy each other.

We all love going on vacation and getting away from our everyday activities. We dream of everything from warm beaches, mountain cabins, luxury hotels, and even weekend day trips.

On vacation, you can choose to sleep in, try a variety of new culinary treats, have a day when you do nothing at all, or be on the go all day long. Sounds like a dream, right?

With these Romantic staycation ideas, you can achieve that same feel at home. Many of these ideas don’t even involve you leaving the house.

poolside

We all enjoy and need vacations, a break from the normal. Sometimes, for one reason or another, we need a break but can’t take a traditional vacation.

Money might be tight, or you both can’t get away simultaneously. This is when an at-home romantic staycation will give you that budget-friendly break while still feeling indulgent.

What is a staycation?

The dictionary meaning of a staycation is ~ “a vacation spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.” It’s a way to get away without going anywhere and using a smaller budget.

You can have a lot of fun together on a staycation. It’s a chance to discover what is in your hometown or backyard.

If you want to get away from the office and the everyday routine to spend quality time together, a staycation is just what you need.

Romantic Staycation Ideas for Couples

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Benefits of a Romantic Staycation

  • A staycation is less stressful.
  • You don’t need to spend hours online coordinating flights, car rentals, and tickets.
  • You don’t need to pull out your packing list and luggage.
  • No fighting the crowds or traffic
  • No rushing to the airport on time and standing in line to go through security.
  • A staycation also won’t break the bank or the budget.
  • A staycation is perfect for when you want to turn up the romance at home
  • The best and most important part is you are together

You still need to budget!

Although an at-home staycation will be budget-friendly, you still want to make a budget. Know what you can spend without hurting the family budget.

If you plan on eating out, this will cost more than eating at home. This is an opportunity to discover your city and be creative—a chance to have a well-deserved weekend without breaking the bank.

How do you take a romantic staycation?

  • First, treat it like a vacation. Stick to your budget.
  • This is your vacation. You may be at home, but that does not mean you are on call for your employer.
  • Please leave all your work at the office and turn off their calls.
  • Ladies put away that honey-do list. This is his vacation as much as yours.
  • Leave all those everyday chores for when your staycation is over.
  • Focus on each other!

What types of Staycations are there?

Staycation means something different for everyone. When some mention staycation, they think it simply means you stay home during your vacation and do much of anything.

Others think of a staycation as a vacation in or near your hometown or at one of your local hotels. These Romantic hotel ideas will help you plan a romantic staycation for two.

Either way, staycations can occur entirely at home, in your hometown, or even at a local hotel.

Romantic Staycation Ideas for Couples

Any of these ideas for a staycation will offer budget-friendly, romantic opportunities for couples to reconnect and make some great memories.

Sleep In And Wake up Together

 Bedroom during a staycation

Start your staycation by sleeping in. Make it memorable by getting new sheets and making the bedroom look like you are stepping into a new room.

This may be easier said than done. We become creatures of habit. Even though we try to sleep in, we are often still up at our usual time.

It can be a significant part of a staycation if you get a chance to sleep in. Plus, getting in some extra snuggles and leisurely waking up together can be a bonus.

That morning time when you are cuddling and possibly spending some private time together is a great way to start the day. ‘

Check out our tips on how to make coffee shop drinks at home for those mornings when you sleep in together. Making coffee together will make the morning more special.

Take a Drive and Enjoy Each Others Company

Sunday drive

My dad used to call them Sunday drives. We never really went anywhere, yet it seemed like we drove around forever. There was no real purpose for the drive other than to get out and drive around.

These drives can be great for connecting. It’s the perfect time to talk about those silly little things that might not fit into a conversation otherwise.

We find ourselves laughing and giggling, just like when we were younger and on a date. Maybe add a stop for ice cream, park by the lake, and watch the animals.

On one of our recent drives, Gary pointed out many of his childhood places. It was so much fun reliving it with him. Weeks later, I was able to share the same things with home about my childhood.

Go on a Picnic Together

Picnic in the park

Add a little romance with an intimate picnic in the park.

Pack a picnic lunch; it can be as simple as fix-ins from the deli or elaborate as one of your favorite dishes you don’t make very often.

If you feel like making a day of it, pack a small grill and have a cookout at the park. (Check with your local ordinance to make sure grilling is allowed in the park)
Don’t forget to bring:

  • A blanket
  • Some tasty treats – Get a little creative, maybe even some of your deli favorites, or create a charcuterie board to take on your picnic. Don’t forget dessert.
  • A chilled bottle of wine or sparkling water if your local park doesn’t allow wine.

For inspiration on charcuterie boards, check out our post on How to create your own charcuterie board for a romantic night at home.

Visit a local museum

Harley Museum entrance

When was the last time you visited a museum?

Many cities have numerous small museums that we always drive past but never stop at. This is your opportunity to see what you have been missing and support a local business.

Find out what museums are in your area and plan to visit them. Please take a few photos and give them a shout-out on social media after your staycation.

We discovered there were several museums not far from us. One of them was the Harley Davidson Museum. Visiting it made for a fascinating road trip, and we had a great afternoon exploring the museum.

Make a New Meal Together

dinner at home

Plan and prepare a romantic meal together. Try something different in the kitchen. An elaborate home-cooked meal probably isn’t cheaper than a restaurant dinner for two if it involves multiple courses. It’s sure to be more memorable. One partner does the chopping, and one does the stirring. It’s sure to get hot in the kitchen.

Remember to light some candles and set the table to make it memorable. With our busy schedules, many of us eat on the run. This is a great chance to slow down and enjoy a meal and each other company.

A Fondue date night has become our favorite when we are looking for an evening filled with romance. We love prepping everything together and enjoying the cooking. It makes us slow down and just enjoy being together.

Take a winery or brewery tour

Drink at Brewery tour

Check to see if there are any wineries or breweries near you—plan a day trip to visit one or maybe several.

When visiting a winery or brewery, you get to:

  • See the wine or beer-making process
  • Ask questions
  • Take pictures
  • At the end of the tour, enjoy the samples
  • Find your favorite and take home some to enjoy later

We have several wineries near us. Each one has its own story about how it started. It has been fun hearing all of the stories.

Many times the wine-making process is different between wineries. Each winery put its own uniqueness into the process. Some have been passed down through generations. Our favorite winery to date is Door County Peninsula Winery.

Check out our ~
Magical and Romantic Christmas Date Ideas for Couples

Explore your city

coffee

Take a day and explore your home town. Most of us drive past many things in our day-to-day activities but never stop to check things out.

Take time during your staycation to discover new things in your home time and maybe even find a new favorite.

  • Visit that new coffee shop you’ve meant to try out
  • Visit historic sites or tourist spots you’ve never been to
  • Visit local dessert spots — a bakery, cupcake place, or chocolatier. We discovered a fun wine and chocolate pairing establishment in our backyard
  • Use this opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of your city

Enjoy a Cozy Movie Night

Pillows and blankets as a bed on the floor

You may be tempted to have a movie marathon day, but let’s take it up a notch and plan a special romantic staycation movie night.

Start by piling your living room floor with quilts and as many pillows as possible. Add candles or twinkle lights to set the stage for romance.

  • Check out Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, then pick out some movies you want to see together.
  • Buy some popcorn, chips, and candy, and you have all the makings for a great movie night.

Cuddle up together and have a romantic movie night.

For an extra special touch, spend the night camped out in the living room, cuddled together after the movie.

Take a Walk Together

Walking bridge

Put on your most comfortable shoes and take a walk around your neighborhood, local park, or even a potential new neighborhood. Hold hands and have some great conversations along the way.

Enjoy a day outdoors walking in nature, taking in a scenic nature trail. Leave your electronics at home and enjoy the day together, exploring nature.

You could even pack a backpack with lunch and spend the entire day hiking and exploring.

For more staycation ideas, check out ~
Unforgettable Romantic Winter Staycation Ideas for Couples

Have a Game Night

Board games

Have a good old-fashioned game night—dust off Scrabble, Monopoly, Uno, Yahtzee, or Parcheesi. There are so many games that never go out of style. You probably have a few just sitting in the closet.

Invite friends or family over and make a real game night of it. Go shopping and find a new game to learn together.

If you are looking to add a little extra romance, enjoy a game made just for couples. A couple’s game will make you laugh and smile together, taking your relationship to new heights.

Relax and Take a Nap

Nap in a hammock

Use your staycation to catch up on a bit of relaxation. How many times do you get the chance to close your eyes and catch some z’s in the middle of the day?

Set up a hammock, nap outside under the trees, or cuddle on the couch together!

Maybe even try a hammock for two.

A romantic staycation is an ideal time to plan a Romantic Backyard Date and enjoy a little magic in your own backyard.

Have Fun in your Backyard

fire

Create some memories right in your own backyard. Your backyard can be the perfect place for a staycation.

Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars

outdoor movie

Enjoy a movie outdoors under the stars.

Set the stage with an outdoor mattress or blow-up couch and some minimal lighting. Then pick up a bottle of wine and snacks. You have the perfect setting for a movie under the stars.

Outdoor screens and projectors are readily available on amazon. They make a great gift and are ideal for an evening together.

Find a Drive-in Movie

Drive-in

Talk about a trip down nostalgia lane. Remember the fun? Drive-in theaters are making a comeback. And for good reason. They are a great way to spend an evening together.

This will be a great date if you’re close to a drive-in theatre.

Pack some snacks in the car, maybe a blanket and pillow, or even a couple of lawn chairs, and just before dusk, head to the Drive-in theater.

I remember when friends would pack into the car, we would drive through the movie theater gate, find a speaker, hang it on the car window, turn it up, pull out the snacks, and watch the movie.

Oh, what fun those days were. And it can be even more special when shared with your partner!

Visit a Local Restaurant

restaurant meal

Check out the local restaurants that you may have never visited.

For some of us, a restaurant meal is not in our budget or kept for special occasions. Splurging on a fancy dinner can be a very romantic experience. Get dressed up for each other and treat it as a date.

Why not let someone else do the cooking on your staycation? Make a reservation and dress for an evening out. You might discover a new local favorite.

Take an Art Class

Wine and painting

Art and wine nights seem to be everywhere, and even non-artsy people are giving it a try. How about making a date out of it by taking the class together?

Seeing each other’s creative side come out can be so much fun.

How much fun will it be to see who is more creative or what hidden talents each other has been hiding?

Rent a Convertible or Luxury Car

convertible

Is there that car that you have longed to drive? Check your local rental place on Skyscanner and see if it’s available to rent for the day.

Rent a convertible, vintage, or luxury car for the day and drive where ever your heart leads you.

Go Shopping

A couple shopping

Spend the day going shopping together. Help each other pick out a new look. Take time to model several options for your “other,” and then let them pick out their favorite. Then you do the same.

You could also go to the home improvement store, go through the kitchen and bathroom displays, and dream. Find out what each other likes. Who knows, you may soon be getting a new kitchen re-do.

Pamper Yourselves

couples massage

Treat each other to a day at the spa. Relax first by enjoying some champagne together. Then prepare for your couple’s massage and maybe even pedicures. It is so romantic to be lying on massage tables side by side, creating memories together.

Yes, Gary does get pedicures with me. We have even had at-home spa days, giving each other massages, manicures, and pedicures.

Try Something New

bowling ally

Find something that you both have never done before and learn it together—Bowling, dancing, kayaking, or paintball, just something new for you both. Check out our post about kayaking, this is one thing Gary and I are learning together.

Maybe you have a talent that you can teach your significant other. Picture your husband standing behind you, holding your hands as he teaches you how to swing that golf club.

Attend a Local Show

Local shows

Check to see if a local high school or community theater is putting on a show and attend it together, showing support for your local thespians.

While in Milwaukee, we attended a theater production by The Milwaukee Rep. We had so much fun! We were on the edge of our seats laughing all night long—dinner before the show and a romantic walk with nightcaps after. Check out our fantastic romantic staycation weekend in Milwaukee.

Plan a Spa Weekend at Home

With a bit of planning, a spa weekend can be fun. You can enjoy all of the spa relaxations without leaving the house.

Prior to your spa weekend together, do a little shopping. It’s ok to splurge a little if the budget allows. Pick up some massage oil and maybe some massage stones. Add in some special soaps, candles, bubble baths, and perhaps even matching robes.

Your spa weekend is all about relaxing. Take turns treating each other. Think breakfast in bed, massages, candlelight bubble baths, manicures, and pedicures.

You may want to order in food that goes along with your relaxing weekend.

Check into a Hotel

Resort room

Pack a quick overnight bag or maybe even skip the bag and for one night, check into a local 4 or 5-star hotel near home. Look for one with plush robes in the rooms, you know, the one you have always wondered about.

Some hotels have romantic staycation packages that might include extras like dining credit or goodies left in your room.

Look for last-minute hotel ideas and save on booking.com.

Go Glamping Under The Stars

Glamping under the stars can occur in your backyard or at a nearby campground. If you have a beautiful backyard, why would you want to go to any place else?

There are many advantages to glamping at home. If you forget something, it’s easy to go inside and get it.

Set up your tent outside and make it as cozy as possible. You could even move your mattress into the tent. Run and extension cord and add lots of twinkle lights. Set up an area for a fire, add some marshmallows, and enjoy an evening of glamping in your backyard.

Enjoy your own Personal Pool

If your staycation falls in summer, spend the day enjoying the pool together. Mix a pitcher of your favorite summertime drink – lemonade, iced tea, margaritas, or pina~coladas. Grab your suits and sunscreen and enjoy a day lazying around the pool.

Even if you don’t have a lush built-in pool, you can still enjoy an afternoon filled with water fun right in your backyard. This is a fun staycation idea that involves a little planning.

There are several varieties of blow-up pools available to purchase that are designed for adults. Pick up one and maybe even throw in a pack of water balloons for later. We found a blow-up pool for two that fits on our deck.

It’s perfect for a day when you need a little extra fun.

When looking for an extra romantic date night ideas, head to our post featuring more of our favorite Romantic Winter Staycation Ideas for Couples.

Romantic Staycation Ideas for Couples

These are just a few romantic staycation ideas to get your gears turning. The focus is not on what you are doing. It’s that you are doing it together. Taking that break from everyday life and enjoying each other and something new can be a vacation in itself.

No matter which budget-friendly staycation ideas for couples make it onto your must-do list, it’s a great way to escape. You’ll return to work refreshed and relaxed by giving yourself a romantic staycation.

You may have some additional ideas. Sit down together and come up with your own list of things you can enjoy together. And start planning your staycation today!

Please share your staycation ideas with our readers and us by commenting below.

Is a Romantic Staycation a Good Idea for Couples

Planning a staycation together is an excellent way for couples to connect and work toward a common goal, ROMANCE.

A staycation either at home or at a local hotel is fun. Spending time together at home without all of the everyday distractions is exciting. It allows us to rekindle our romance and see our home differently.

A staycation is excellent for any relationship and the ideal way to spend your vacation.

Original publish date 03/22/2020

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11 Comments

  1. I love this! My partner and I often do many of these on a weekend! We love seeing movies (need to try the drive in), visiting local coffee shops, doing activities in our city and hiking!
    I want to try doing a ‘restaurant’ at home during this time which would tick off cooking together too!

    1. Every part of doing a restaurant at home can be a blast. Don’t forget to dress as if you are going out and prepare your written menu.

      1. Hi Gary and Michelle, I did this exact same thing when I was working from home back in April. I did everything right down to making my own menu and pretending we would follow dinner with going out to a movie. The location was our sitting room which has glass windows all around and the patio out the back. We had candles and soft jazz music playing in the background; it was just so nice. Our 20yr old son was our waiter and he really got into the spirit (his dress, his name, selection of wine {only one option} food selection {I made two options }.I asked if he wouldn’t mind helping me and he said not at all. He did a wonderful job and my husband smiled and enjoyed it all.

        I want to do a drive-in type movie for our anniversary (next month) since we have such a large back yard it would work great. We could do a fire in the pit but unfortunately here in the south going outside is hot enough!! LOL
        It was so nice to see other ideas so I’ll be coming up with something. 🙂

        1. Michelle Gary says:

          We have been having so much fun coming up with ideas to keep the sparks going during staycations.

  2. Amanda Kerr says:

    These are all great! My husband and I love cooking and workout out together. There are also a lot of great wineries about an hour away, so it makes it a great weekend or day trip! 🙂

  3. My favorite one is watching movie! 😍😍 Great post thanks 😀

  4. Great ideas! These ideas will definitely lead to a romantic weekend at home. Thanks so much!

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