Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Chincoteague Island, set between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is located in northern Virginia. The area has a more laid-back feel than beach destinations like Ocean City or Virginia Beach, Virginia, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. You can take horseback riding lessons, see the famous wild Chincoteague ponies, go bird watching or check out the island's maritime museum. The coast is a great place to learn how to dig for oysters or go clamming, and you can also go fishing and boating. Chincoteague Island is a good jumping off point for the Assateague Island National Seashore.
While much of the accommodations in this area are geared toward the luxury market, you can find cheap romantic lodging by renting a vacation home from a private owner. Check listings at Airbnb.com and HomeAway.com to find a budget option. As of 2010, private rooms in beach cottages or farms were available starting at $25 per night for no frills accommodation. You can rent an entire cottage or house on Chincoteague Island through Airbnb for $75 per night and up.
Airbnb
800-653-3420
airbnb.com
HomeAway
800-876-4319
homeaway.com
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Footsteps in the Sand at a Cape Cod Beach in the Summer. image by Christopher Seufert from
Fotolia.com
Cape Cod is Massachusetts' most popular romantic summer getaway destination. Here you can explore Monomoy Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Boaters and kayakers have plenty of fresh and saltwater adventures to choose from, and you can water ski, swim and sun tan as much as you'd like.
Certain towns tend to have pricier accommodation than others, so if you're looking for budget lodging you'd be best to look outside of Hyannis, Chatham and Provincetown. You can go for a basic beach cottage, rent a private home or stay in a romantic bed and breakfast. One affordable romantic inn is the Commodore Inn bed and breakfast in West Harwich. Set on Nantucket Sound, the inn has a garden restaurant and wrap-around terrace. Couples can book rooms with a Jacuzzi, fireplace and wet bar if desired. As of 2010, room rates start at $82 per night.
Commodore Inn Resort
30 Earle Road
West Harwich, MA 02671
508-432-1180
commodoreinn.com
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
maine coastal sunset image by Jorge Moro from
Fotolia.com
If what you're looking for is a typical New England beach town, consider having your romantic getaway in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. There are plenty of attractions along the seven miles of beach, including mini golf, theme parks and souvenir shops. Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are also popular activities among locals and tourists. For those who like to shop while on vacation, Kittery Premium Outlets are a 40-minute drive south. You can also experience Maine's art and culture scene by visiting nearby Portland, just 20 minutes' drive north of Old Orchard Beach.
The most affordable accommodations in Old Orchard Beach are vacation homes or small, family-owned inns. One such place is Point of View Inn. This bed and breakfast inn has been serving guests since the 1950s and has a prime oceanfront location. All rooms are unique and decorated with Victorian-style furnishings, although the bathrooms are shared. In the 2009 summer season, room rates started at $55 per night. At slightly higher rates, rooms with a kitchenette and TV are also available.
Point of View Inn
3 Camp Comfort Ave.
Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
207-934-2373
mypointofviewinn.com
