Plan on staying close to home to celebrate your anniversary this year?
Feel free to snag these romantic staycations that are affordable and fun!
One way to save on your anniversary celebration is to stay close to home. The further away you travel, the more money you end up dishing out.
If you live in a small town or far away from a major city, take a romantic day trip.
These areas may be what you and your partner need for your anniversary celebration.
Now, before we get into what romantic staycation ideas you should consider, let’s explore what it is.
What is a Staycation?
According to the good old Merriam-webster dictionary, a staycation is a vacation in or near your area that does not need hotel accommodations or airfare.
Now that we know what a staycation is, we can discuss the benefits of taking one.
Benefits of a Staycation
- Staycations are a sweet escape without the hefty price tags. You’ll save on airfare and airport-related expenses. In other words, you get to keep more money in your pocket.
- Gain a new perspective. Appreciate your town or city more by visiting places in your area you’ve never been to before.
- Create new memories by exploring attractions and visiting places close to home.
If you live in a major city like NYC or Washington DC, check out their less popular attractions or activities.
With that said, use your anniversary staycation to become a tourist in your town or city.
How to make a staycation romantic?
Create Intimacy
Find activities or places where you can be alone. The less crowded your local destination is, the more time you’ll have to spend alone time with your partner.
Get Creative
Avoid falling into the trap of repeating the same anniversary activities every year.
Go out on a limb this year and plan an anniversary that’s different from the ones you’ve done before.
If this is your first time planning a romantic staycation, make sure you think outside of the box. Book and choose a location or attraction that would be new for you and your partner.
If you need more ideas to make your staycation romantic, visit your official city or town website. You never know what types of activities and attractions you’ll find.
Also, look for romantic day trip opportunities to bond with your significant other.
Botanical Garden
If you are looking for a unique place to go for your staycation, then head to your city or town’s botanical garden. Admission fees are affordable and include other attractions to keep you entertained.
Average entry to visit botanical gardens are $25-$40 depending on location.
Botanical gardens are beautiful. If you live in the D.C. area, check out the United States Botanic Garden. There is outdoor seating and water fountains that make great photo ops.
The botanical gardens make an incredible place for a romantic staycation.
Walk Along a Pier
Going to a pier is a good option for a romantic escape. The views of the oceanfront alone can take your breath away. While you are there, watch live performances and nosologic arcade games.
Besides, who can say no to jumbo salted pretzels?
Visit an Orchard
If you and boo love shopping at farmer’s markets or farm-to-table dishes head to your local orchard.
Spend the day picking fresh fruit such as cherries, apples, and strawberries. Skip purchasing the edible arrangement bouquets and create your own.
Hit A Hiking Trail
Enjoy your anniversary staycation by exploring hiking trails in your area.
It’s a great way to bond with your partner. While you’re visiting, breathe in the fresh air.
Hiking trails are a great way to spend your anniversary if you are an outdoor lover.
Book a Private Dining Experience
The whole idea of dinner and a movie is redundant when it comes to celebrating your anniversary.
Why not step it up a notch this year and book a private dining experience? No distractions, a customize meal created for you and your significant other.
Depending on where you live, private dining experiences could range from $250 to $750. To save serious cash, book a private dinner in a nearby town or city that is less popular.
For example; If you live in Fort Worth, TX, book your private dinner in a nearby town like Addison, TX instead.
Murals and Public Art
Take a day trip to the area where there are murals and public art. A city like Philphadelia has lots of places to see murals and public art.
Viewing public art is the perfect romantic staycation idea for big-time Art lovers!
Not to mention, viewing public art is pretty light on your pockets too!
Spend the day at an Observatory or Planetarium
Do you and your partner love astronomy and shooting stars? Then you’ll love going to the planetarium or observatory to celebrate your anniversary.
Looking up at the night sky is already a romantic thing to do, but stargazing takes it to a whole other level!
If you can’t find stargazing opportunities in your area, head to the nearest national park. You can still gaze at the stars with your boo without the fancy astronomy equipment.
Enjoy the Views of a Waterfall
There is no question that one of the most beautiful bodies of water to see is a waterfall.
Some waterfall attractions are in mountainous areas, While other waterfalls are in national and local parks too!
If you live in an urban area, check if local parks to see if they have one. Lots of public gardens create smaller waterfalls.
Visit the Harbor
Do you want to spend your anniversary near the water but can’t make it to a beach or tropical destination? If so, head to your local harbor area.
At the harbor, there is plenty of anniversary activities to do. You can go Sailing or book a local cruise. Enjoy some spectacular views of the water and skyline or watch the sunset.
Plan a Beach Day
There’s nothing like collecting seashells and feeling the sand between your toes.
Going to the beach may seem like an obvious choice for a romantic staycation, it’s still a great choice!
So, if you and your partner want to spend your anniversary near the ocean, go for it.
Did you know that some local attractions and local resorts offer resident discounts? Yep, they sure do!
Many beach areas like myrtle beach areas offer resident discounts.
If your budget allows, you can book a night or two at a nearby hotel. That way, you can take advantage of the resident discount if your city or town offers them.
Have Fun at a Carnival or County Fairs
Going to a county fair or carnival can be a seasonal activity.
But it’s a good option for celebrating your anniversary. Am I right?
Spending the day at a carnival brings out a nostalgic type of feeling. Opt to go on bumper cars or ride on the Ferris Wheel, If you and your sweetie want to bring out your inner child.
Besides, you know you want your sweetie to win one of those stuffed animals to take home.
Explore Nearby Historical Towns
If you think historical locations are places to go for school field trips, then think again!
Visit a neighboring Historic Town and see what they offer. Change things up a bit and see if you can book a Local Trolley Tour in a nearby Historical town or city.
Sip Wine at a Vineyard or City Vineyard
Do you want to have a wine country experience without spending a whole lot of money? If so, visit a local vineyard or city winery.
You can book a wine tour or have a wine tasting experience with your significant other.
Better yet, make a bottle of wine together and save it to drink on your next milestone anniversary.
Head to an area with a Lake
Spending your anniversary by the lake is a good option for those couples that love the outdoors. You can rent a cabin, have a picnic, or relax and take in the natural scenery.
If your budget allows, see if you can rent a log cabin and cuddle with your significant other by the fireplace.
You and your partner can enjoy activities like going for a bike ride or soaking your feet in the water. Or you can sit and steer at the water.
Plan the Perfect Hotel Staycation
Book a room or suite with a hot tub if you prefer to book a hotel room than an appointment at your local spa.
Do you want to save some more cash? If you prefer a unique hotel stay, book a night or two at bed and breakfast. B&Bs are quaint and have intimate accommodations that are family-owned and operated.
Whether your choose to stay in a hotel or a BnB is up to you. Both options are good if you and your partner opt for overnight accommodations.
So, which idea will you consider for your next anniversary?
Are there any ideas that you would add to this list?
If so, leave your comments below!