These romantic getaways in the United States are ideal for couples, whether they are traveling for a weekend or a longer period of time.
According to surveys, couples who travel together are more content with one another. It’s possible that this assertion is oversimplified, but it’s safe to say that traveling, escaping daily routines, and trying new things together are effective ways to foster romance and connection.
Traveling together is a surefire way to keep the romance alive and forge deeper bonds, from your first romantic weekend trip to your honeymoon or babymoon to anniversary trips years after you get married. Many people’s dream vacations include trips to Paris or Rome in Europe, but romance can be found close to home. There are cities in the U.S. that are ideal for any couple’s interests.
Go on a vacation to San Diego or Big Sur in California, where you can take in the local cuisine and the coastal scenery. In Aspen, Colorado, where you can go skiing, spa-going, or both, explore the outdoors. Visit a quaint city like Charleston or Martha’s Vineyard where you can explore the old streets and stay in a welcoming inn. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to find a schedule that will relax and please both of you.
Our most romantic vacations in the USA are full of picturesque natural scenery, Michelin-starred cuisine, and some of the country’s most romantic Hotels.
Best romantic vacation spots in the U.S.
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1. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s charms—classic homes, historic squares, and incredibly picturesque moss-covered trees—wear themselves out in the open. However, this Southern belle is more than just something to gawk at. Take a stroll on Tybee Island before dining at Alligator Soul, where you can order gator on the menu while also enjoying expertly prepared Cajun and low-country cuisine. At Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, conclude your visit by sharing a slice of the rum-brushed strawberry suppe.
Photo credit: Visit San Juan/Jim Maya
2. San Juan Islands, Washington
This Puget Sound getaway is about getting away from it all; the area’s most populous town is only one square mile. Fresh seafood, visits to alpaca or lavender farms, coastal kayaking, and lighthouse strolls are all part of island life. At the Bird Rock Hotel, where loaner bikes allow you to travel at your own pace, book a summer whale-watching excursion to see one of the three nearby orca pods before retiring for the evening.
Image courtesy of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau
3. Massachusetts’ Berkshires
There are several quaint and endearing towns scattered throughout the Berkshires, not just one. Start with Lenox, a picturesque and lush town that was once Edith Wharton’s home, and Stockbridge, a city whose streets are dripping with Norman Rockwell-inspired architecture. There’s also Williamstown, a town surrounded by mountains and farmland, and North Adams, a town full of charming churches. No matter where your days (and nights) take you, there will be romance here. Stroll hand in hand through the old town, go hiking, and unwind in a B&B.
Image courtesy of Visit Sun Valley
4. Sun Valley, Idaho
The area around Sun Valley, Idaho is ideal for a little romance any time of year. Take advantage of hiking opportunities near water and wildflowers in the spring and summer, go skiing during the day in the winter, and enjoy some of the nation’s most breathtaking foliage views in the fall. Stay at the storied Sun Valley Resort or at the Limelight Ketchum in the nearby town of Ketchum, which offers a heated pool year-round and mood-setting mountain views.
Image courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House
5. New Paltz, New York
Located two hours from New York City, the stunning Mohonk Mountain House was built in 1869. Since then, Mohonk has expanded significantly, as evidenced by the various architectural styles of the main structure and the dispersed wooden “summer houses” that dot the surrounding landscape. Come here if you want to enjoy live music, events, and romantic Victorian rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and breathtaking views from the nearby trails. The resort occasionally hosts “Romantic Couples’ Weekends” with activities for you and your beau that are themed around love.
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6. Sonoma, California
It’s simple to fall in love with Sonoma. This place has it all—farms, wines, and the omnipresent beauty. Book a cedar bath for two at Osmosis Day Spa after visiting several vineyards and indulging in local juice and entertainment (don’t miss the pool at Francis Ford Coppola or the Ferrari-Carano estate’s thriving acres of spring tulips). S’mores around the fire pit or a dip in the heated pool are the perfect way to cap off your stay at the opulent Farmhouse Inn, where Michelin-starred dinners conclude.
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7. Aspen, Colorado
There is never a bad time to plan a trip to this Rocky Mountain town, where all year long romantic allures call. There’s a reason Aspen has a reputation for extreme thrills, from opulent hotels and fine dining to hot air ballooning and renowned slopes. You’ll leave Aspen more in love than ever, whether you come here to go skiing, tackle some rapids, or enjoy a luxurious couple’s massage at the opulent St. Regis (don’t miss the hotel’s nightly champagne sabering, either).
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8. Kauai, Hawaii
Open your laptop and make travel arrangements to Kauai if your idea of paradise includes craggy cliffs and sunny sand, emerald hills, and challenging hikes. The ‘Garden Isle’ is a lush wonderland where you can hike the wild Na Pali Coast, kayak Hawaii’s only navigable river, or take a helicopter ride past the Jurassic Park waterfall. However, no one will hold it against you if you just want to relax with a cocktail on the beach.
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9. Montana’s Glacier National Park
This park deserves a spot on your to-do list because it has glaciers (expected to melt in the next 30 years), 600-foot waterfalls, and mountain lakes surrounded by rocky peaks. Trek, ride horses, ride a boat, look for grizzly bears or mountain goats, and then relax with a hearty meal or a fire. This is the perfect location to combine adventure and love because of the variety of accommodations available, including lodges, campsites, and backcountry chalets well worth the walk.
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10. New York, New York
New York romance involves establishing a connection with your partner amidst the nonstop commotion. Go traditional: Hire a rowboat in Central Park and dress up for dinner at La Grenouille, which serves traditional French fare in a room decorated with flower arrangements. Alternately, break tradition and engage in some sexy business at the Museum of Sex or ride the tram to Roosevelt Island for sweeping panoramas of the city.
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11. Big Sur, California
This section of the California coast is positively idyllic, with cliffs rising above turquoise water, rolling redwood forests, and other natural features. You can splurge at the Post Ranch Inn and stay in a luxurious bungalow without a phone or a TV, or you can cuddle up in a yurt at Treebones. Come in the summer to kayak alongside sea otters, explore Point Sur Lighthouse by moonlight, or stay up late for a soak in the Esalen Hot Springs.
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12. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Even though Harpers Ferry contributed to the start of the Civil War, the atmosphere there now is much more romantic than revolutionary. The main part of Harpers Ferry is a national historic park with forts, museums, cobblestone streets, and plenty of charm. It is situated at the confluence of the Shenandoah River, the Potomac River, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Outside of the city center, there are 22 miles of hiking trails, and during the warmer months, the town makes a great starting point for whitewater rafting, tubing, and kayaking. You’ll quickly realize why locals refer to West Virginia as “almost heaven.”
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13. Sedona, Arizona
At this oasis in the desert, where natural vortexes emit mystical energy, liberate your spiritual side. Even if connecting with the earth isn’t your thing, a trip here is worthwhile for the breathtaking slot-canyon hiking and top-notch accommodations. Enjoy a luxurious stay in a L’Auberge de Sedona cottage with an outdoor shower or book a romantic treatment for two at the renowned Mii Amo spa if you stay at Enchantment Resort.
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14. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Windswept beaches and quaint towns have always charmed tourists at the Obamas’ favorite summer vacation destination. Edgartown, the island’s idyllic, oldest settlement with winding streets, red-brick sidewalks, and white clapboard homes, is a great place to rent a home or set up residence. Visit the beach, look around the neighborhood, take in the sunset, and chow down on fresh seafood. A trip to the Vineyard isn’t complete without lobster from Larsen’s Fish Market.
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15. Charleston, South Carolina
Even though Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook was actually filmed near Charleston, this picturesque Southern city doesn’t just resemble a scene from a love story. As you stroll through the Boone Hall gardens, investigate the exciting dining scene, and explore the historic district, use it as the setting for your love story.
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16. Block Island, Rhode Island
This tiny island, 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, is known by the Narragansett tribe as the “Island of the Little God” and is a completely different ecosystem from the mainland. Grab a sandwich from Three Sisters, rent a bike or a moped, and set out to explore your favorite beach or natural trail.
Image courtesy of SanDiego.org
17. San Diego, California
San Diego begs you to get outside and explore with its 322 days of sunshine per year. Surf at Pacific Beach, rent a boat, ride bikes along the boardwalk, or grab a piece of sand and cuddle with your partner. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Marine Room for dinner at high tide when the Pacific crashes against the windows. The zoo is justly renowned.
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18. Amelia Island, Florida
This Atlantic Coast barrier island, which is just inside the state of Florida’s border, is ideal for an opulent getaway or quiet retreat. Select a historic B&B or a Ritz-Carlton room with a view of the water. After that, spend your days relaxing in the sun while riding horses along the water or on a fishing or sightseeing charter. Keep your camera handy in case you see dolphins, manatees, or sea turtles.
