Discover fun weekend trips from Louisville for couples, whether it’s wild adventures or quiet escapes you’re looking for.
When you’ve got a few days to spare, these weekend trips from Louisville are perfect for couples wanting a quick getaway. Whether you’re craving vibrant city life, outdoor adventures, or a mix of both, these destinations promise adventure and time to reconnect – something we could all use a little more of these days!
As a professional travel writer with over 10 years of experience writing for magazines, I’ve explored incredible destinations across the United States. My mission is to help people plan unforgettable vacations. Check out my itinerary guides for everything you need to quickly plan an amazing trip!
Weekend Getaways Within 5 Hours of Louisville, Kentucky
From Louisville, you can drive to a great destination in three to five hours for a weekend adventure that restores your spirits and brings you closer together as a couple. Check out my recommendations for fun trips perfect for couples, listed in order of closest to furthest away.
1. Nashville, Tennessee (3 hours)
Nashville is my favorite city! It’s a town that lives and breathes music and its energy is downright contagious. Start your trip with a stroll down Broadway, where live music pours out of honky-tonk bars all day and night. (My favorite is Layla’s Honky Tonk.)
For country music fans, a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame or a tour of Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” is a must. Don’t miss a stop at the Johnny Cash Museum to dive deep into the life of the Man in Black.
Food is a big deal in Nashville, so indulge in hot chicken at Prince’s or Hattie B’s and don’t miss grabbing some BBQ while you’re in town. Outdoor lovers can explore Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon.
➡️ Pro Tip: Get ideas for 10 more incredible things to do on a weekend trip to Nashville and discover 19 non-touristy things you can do in the city.
Where to Stay in Nashville
📍 Budget: The Russell
This boutique hotel housed in a renovated church offers stylish, affordable rooms with modern touches. Located in East Nashville, it’s close to the action but away from the chaos of Broadway. The average rate is $150/night.
📍 Mid-Range: The Germantown Inn
Located in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood, this cozy boutique inn has spacious, modern rooms and a rooftop terrace. The average rate is $250/night.
📍 Luxury: The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Located downtown, this upscale hotel features stunning views, a rooftop pool, and an art-inspired ambiance. The average rate is $450/night.
MAKE IT EASY! Purchase my Nashville Weekend Itinerary Guide for this trip. It has everything planned for you including daily itineraries with fun activities, the best places to eat and drink, how much to budget, a curated list of where to stay, and more!
2. Columbus, Ohio (3.5 hours)
Columbus is a charming city that has fun shops, historic neighborhoods, and yummy eats, making it perfect for a weekend trip.
The Short North Arts District, where boutique shops, street art, and trendy cafes line the streets, is a treat to walk around. But my favorite neighborhood is German Village. Stroll down cobblestone sidewalks, fantasize about living in the gorgeous Victorian homes surrounding Schiller Park, and make at least three stops: Fox in the Snow for amazing pastries, Book Loft, a 32-room independent bookstore that’s a bit of a maze, and Stump, a funky plant shop.
Another fantastic place for foodies is downtown’s North Market, a food hall with options galore, from burgers and pasta to Tibetan dumplings, ramen, and even an oyster bar.
➡️ Pro Tip: Columbus is an underrated beer city—explore the Columbus Ale Trail to sample craft brews from local breweries like Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Land-Grant Brewing.
Where to Stay in Columbus
📍 Budget: Drury Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown – A budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms, a central location, and perks like free breakfast and evening snacks. The average rate is $140/night.
📍 Mid-Range: Hilton Columbus Downtown – The standout feature of this hotel is the great location within walking distance of the Short North neighborhood and a 10-minute drive to German Village, with clean, comfy rooms. The average rate is $200/night.
📍 Luxury: Le Meridien Columbus – In the heart of the Short North neighborhood, this chic hotel has modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa services, and complimentary bikes to explore the city. The average rate is $250/night.
3. St. Louis, Missouri (4 hours)
St. Louis is a dynamic city with activities for every kind of traveler. Start with a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch, where you can take an elevator to the top for jaw-dropping views of the Mississippi River. Then head to Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, and home to free attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum. Even adults love to play at the quirky City Museum, a wild complex of slides, tunnels, and rooftop attractions (but you do have to pay for this one!).
Foodies won’t want to miss City Foundry STL, a food hall with local specialties like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake along with numerous exotic treats to choose from. Housed in the same historic structure, the Alamo Drafthouse is a fun movie theater that takes film watching seriously – no talking, no late arrivals – and has leather recliners and boozy milkshakes.
➡️ Pro Tip: Grab tickets for a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium if you’re visiting during baseball season—it’s a true local experience.
Where to Stay in St. Louis
📍 Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park – A budget-friendly option with modern rooms, complimentary breakfast, and proximity to Forest Park attractions like the zoo and museums. The average rate is $130/night.
📍 Mid-Range: Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza – Expect big rooms in a centrally-located historical building with lots of onsite conveniences like an outdoor pool, Starbucks, and movie theater. The average rate is $200/night.
📍 Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis – A sophisticated luxury hotel featuring plush rooms, fine dining, and impeccable service in the upscale Clayton neighborhood. The average rate is $450/night.
4. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio (4 hours)
If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, Hocking Hills State Park is an incredible weekend destination. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and caves, this park is the ultimate retreat for nature lovers. Old Man’s Cave is the park’s crown jewel, featuring a stunning gorge and picturesque waterfalls. For an easier trek, check out Ash Cave, where a short walk takes you to a massive, horseshoe-shaped cave.
Feeling adventurous? Try zip-lining through the treetops, or book a guided kayaking trip along the Hocking River. Stay overnight in one of the many cozy cabins that come with hot tubs and huge stone fireplaces.
➡️ Pro Tip: While most people explore Hocking Hills during the spring, summer, and fall, I think it’s the most beautiful in winter. There’s a hushed stillness to the park, and seeing the icicle-clad cliffs and frozen waterfalls makes it feel like a frozen fairyland!
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills
📍 Budget: Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills – These dog-friendly micro cabins feature a modern camp design with large windows looking out onto the forest, a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a patio. However, they’re about 30 minutes from the Hocking Hills State Park entrance. If you need something bigger or closer, there are a ton of cabin rentals in the area to choose from, from rustic to luxurious. The average rate is $150/night.
📍 Mid-Range: Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls – A charming inn surrounded by nature, with cozy rooms, a log cabin restaurant, and a tranquil spa. The average rate is $250/night.
📍 Luxury: Dunlap Hollow Cave – A luxurious two-bedroom home built into a cave offers the ultimate memorable experience including gorgeous rooms and a secluded outdoor space with a hot tub. Snag this one early because it books up to a year in advance. The average rate is $780/night.
5. Chicago, Illinois (4.5 hours)
There’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago, making it an ideal couples getaway from Louisville. Start at Navy Pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel and sip a cocktail while enjoying lakeside views. Then pop into shops along Michigan Avenue (called Magnificent Mile) and take in the beautiful architecture on either side of the river that cuts through downtown.
Art enthusiasts should check out the Art Institute of Chicago, home to iconic works like Grant Wood’s American Gothic. While thrill seekers can take the elevator up 103 stories to Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower to walk out on a see-through ledge, or visit the 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the John Hancock Building to try Tilt, a thrilling angled glass platform experience.
Chicago is also a foodie paradise. Start with a visit to the three-story Little Eataly market for amazing slices of pizza, Lavazza coffee, gelato, and loads of Italian-imported goodies. Or devour a slice of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at the iconic Lou Malnati’s, grab a Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo’s, and finish with the espresso martini flight at Starbucks Roastery, the world’s largest café of its kind. For the car ride back to Louisville, pick up some snacks from Garrett Popcorn Shops too.
➡️ Pro Tip: To help plan your trip, check out my 1-day in Chicago itinerary blog post for free, or purchase my Chicago Weekend Getaway Itinerary Guide to get everything you need to quickly plan a trip for an incredible weekend, including 4 daily itineraries. If you have extra time, you might even consider exploring Chicago’s Chinatown.
Where to Stay in Chicago
📍 Budget: Millennium Knickerbocker – This historic hotel near the Magnificent Mile offers clean, standard-size rooms in a prime location for a good price. The average rate is $150/night.
📍 Mid-Range: The Hoxton Chicago – A hip hotel in the West Loop with modern rooms, a fun rooftop pool, a moody cocktail bar with live music on the weekends, and Peruvian restaurant on the roof. The average rate is $250/night.
📍 Luxury: The Peninsula Chicago – Consistently ranked as one of Chicago’s top luxury hotels, The Peninsula features opulent suites, a stunning spa, and a prime location on Michigan Avenue. The average rate is $600/night.
MAKE IT EASY! Grab my Chicago Weekend Itinerary Guide. It has everything planned for you including daily itineraries with fun activities, the best places to eat and drink, how much to budget, a curated list of where to stay, and more!
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (4.5 hours)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a weekend escape from Louisville like no other, with breathtaking vistas, forested trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for scenic drives, this park has it all.
Start with a visit to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, where a short but steep hike rewards you with stunning panoramic views. Another must-see is Cades Cove, a picturesque valley known for its wildlife, historic cabins, and easy biking loop. If you’re chasing waterfalls, head to Laurel Falls or Grotto Falls, both easily accessible and picture-perfect. Fall is an especially magical time to visit as autumn paints the mountains in fiery colors. After a long day of exploring, it’s so nice to come back to a cabin rental to sit by the fire or soak in the hot tub.
➡️ Pro Tip: Get my insider tips for planning a trip to this popular park and discover my top 10 things to do in the Smokies. Get my entire travel plan for an incredible long weekend trip to the Smokies by purchasing my Great Smoky Mountains National Park Weekend Itinerary Guide.
Where to Stay in the Great Smoky Mountains
📍 Budget: Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown – This hotel has comfortable accommodations and complimentary breakfast in the heart of downtown with convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The average rate is $180/night.
📍 Mid-Range: Cabin rental – Choose among the many cabins to rent in the Smokies, many offering hot tubs, fireplaces, and cozy places to curl up. The average rate is $300/night.
📍 Luxury: Snowbird Mountain Lodge – A secluded, all-inclusive retreat nestled in the mountains with breathtaking views, gourmet dining, and cozy accommodations. Perfect for a peaceful getaway with as much or as little activity as you like. The average rate is $500/night.
MAKE IT EASY! Grab my Great Smoky Mountains Weekend Itinerary Guide. It has everything planned for you including daily itineraries with fun activities, the best places to eat and drink, maps, a curated list of cabins and lodges, and more!
The Takeaway
These weekend trips from Louisville for couples offer the perfect mix of romance, adventure, and relaxation—all within a short drive. Whether you’re savoring live music in Nashville, hiking through the scenic trails of Hocking Hills, or indulging in deep-dish pizza in Chicago, each destination promises unforgettable moments together. So, pick your perfect getaway, pack your bags, and get ready to make some incredible memories!
P.S. WANT TO REMEMBER THIS? SAVE THIS LIST OF WEEKEND TRIPS FROM LOUISVILLE FOR COUPLES TO PINTEREST FOR LATER!
