This is a no-brainer, because we’re dealing with one of the most romantic areas on earth. Spanish moss, friendly beaches, sunsets over the water, sultry weather, moonlit carriage rides—what more could you ask for?

The Lowcountry pretty much wrote the book on romantic getaways for couples.

Day 1

Today you arrive at one of Charleston’s most evocative historic B&Bs, such as the John Rutledge House or Two Meeting Street. Enjoy the sunset on a leisurely early evening stroll around the Battery before taking a cute pedicab ride a few blocks to your romantic Italian dinner on Lower King at Ile Cortile del Re. If you’ve got some walk left in you, mosey on up to Upper King for a nightcap at one of its hip cafés, and maybe get a little dancing in.

Day 2

Enjoy the morning at your leisure before your next adventure, browsing the shops of world-famous King Street. End up near Marion Square and have a light lunch, maybe followed by a sweet treat at Cupcake. After dropping off your new purchases at your B&B, rest awhile before going on a ultra-romantic French Quarter carriage ride or maybe a sunset boat tour around Charleston Harbor.

Have a fantastic French dinner at La Fourchette or mussels and music at Mistral. Then cuddle together in the bracing night air off the Cooper River on one of the swings at Waterfront Park.

Day 3

Check out this morning and you’re off to West Ashley to soak in the beauty of Middleton Place Plantation and its amazing landscaped gardens and beautiful Butterfly Lakes. Drive to Beaufort and have a tasty lunch at the upscale Saltus River Grill. After enjoying Beaufort’s quiet, friendly charms, drive onto your stay for the night, nearby Hunting Island State Park. You’ll camp for the night in a cozy tent, or if it’s the off-season—a great time for couples to visit—you can rent one of the 1930s-era cabins for two nights. (Cabin rentals require a week minimum during the high season.)

Day 4

Hunting Island is a shell-collector’s paradise, so take your morning coffee onto the beach and comb for shells together. Then it’s time for a drive over to the secluded yet visitor-friendly Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge just outside Hilton Head. If you’re ready for some civilization, head into Harbour Town for a bite at the marina. In any case, before spending your final night back at Hunting Island, be sure to stop by Old Town Bluffton and browse the funky art galleries before taking in the quiet views of the May River from grounds of Church of the Cross high on the bluff that gave the town its name. Before leaving Bluffton, have a tasty dinner at Pepper’s Porch and a nightcap at the “Back Bar.”