Searching for the most romantic places in America for your couples getaway? From cuddling up in cozy mountain B&Bs to relaxing on the beach while watching the sunset, these seven romantic U.S. cities have everything you and your partner need for a love-filled weekend!
- Bar Harbor, ME
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Charleston, SC
- Key West, FL
- New Orleans, LA
- New York City, NY
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
- Sedona, AZ
- Sonoma, CA
- Stowe, VT
Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor is a romantic destination perfect for couples seeking natural beauty, rich history, and delicious Maine lobster! If you love the cool New England air and beautiful fall foliage, then Bar Harbor is for you! With Acadia National Park surrounding it, this small town has tons of romantic outdoor getaways perfect for any season. While many of Bar Harbor’s attractions do close during the off-season, you can still catch sight of beautiful fall foliage while biking Bar Harbor’s trails.
Romantic Things to Do in Bar Harbor
Visit in the summer for luxury camping at Terramor Outdoor Resort. Take a romantic walk through the Wild Gardens of Acadia and appreciate the conservation efforts. Catch amazing sunset views on the Pacific Ocean while kayaking, paddleboarding, or on a boat tour in Bar Harbor. Catch a show in style at historical Art Deco building, 1932 Criterion Theatre. Reserve your spot to see the sunrise from Acadia’s 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. Keep an eye out for seals, other wildlife, and Bar Harbor’s amazing sights while on LuLu the Lobster Boat. Cozy up by the fireplace after a day of skiing in Arcadia National Park. Check out Geddy’s for local food favorites—or the Reading Room for an elegant oceanside dinner.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Known for its fairytale cottage-style architecture and breathtaking beaches, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most romantic destinations in America! Located just off the Monterey Peninsula, this California beach city gives couples their own little slice of Pacific Coast paradise with quaint cafes, wine-tasting rooms, picturesque hiking trails, and lots of secret romantic courtyards and passageways to explore. If you want to spend a quiet evening in, order a bottle of champagne and room service at one of the area’s charming hotels like Tradewinds Carmel, or La Playa Carmel.
Romantic Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Pack a picnic and take a romantic sunset stroll along Carmel Beach. Spend quality time exploring Picadilly Park, or reading poetry to each other near the bubbling fountain. Take a guided tour of California poet Robinson Jeffers’ home at Carmel Point, and take in the views of the colorful garden and gorgeous ocean at Tor House. Enjoy a margarita or glass of wine with some Crispy Calamari or Ahi Tuna Poke on the outdoor patio at Hog’s Breath Inn—which was formerly owned by Clint Eastwood. Sample over 100 different wines, taste small bites from local chefs, and enjoy live music at the Winemakers’ Celebration. Unwind with a couples massage at Carmel Massage. Grab some Sea Salt Caramels, Chardonnay Caramels, or Bordeaux Fudge for a little dessert from Cottage of Sweets. Or pick up tickets to a symphony performance, comedy show, or musical at the Sunset Center.
Charleston, SC
Looking for one of the most romantic cities in the U.S. for a couples vacation? Travel to Charleston! Ranked as one of the world’s most romantic places, this South Carolina city has quaint, clean streets lined with tropical trees and friendly citizens with Southern charm—creating a picture-perfect couples getaway. Spend date nights in elegant art galleries and museums, get acquainted with Southern comfort food, or wind down with sunset cruises and couples massages. Hotels in Charleston are just as diverse as the attractions, too, with everything from beach resorts and cottages to historic inns and luxury B&Bs.
Romantic Things to Do in Charleston
Spend the day lounging on a blanket and watching the waves roll in at Sullivans Island—or head out for a romantic boat tour like a Brunch Cruise, Sunset Music & BBQ Cruise, and more by Charleston Tours & Events. Walk through the butterfly house and see where movies like The Notebook were filmed, or take a torchlit boat ride through the swamp at Cypress Gardens. Go on a brewery tour, dance to live music, and enjoy a BellyItcher Blonde Ale and Fried Green Tomatoes at Rusty Bull Brewing. Make a reservation for private carriage rides throughout Downtown Charleston with Palmetto Carriage Works. Experience full-body relaxation and rejuvenation at The Charleston Place. Take your skills to the next level with a couples cooking class from talented Michelin chefs at Zero George Cooking School. Or sip flutes of champagne and share a slice of 12-layer coconut cake in a courtyard surrounded by lanterns at Peninsula Grill.
Key West, FL
No matter the season, Key West is an excellent destination for a tropical romantic getaway! Located at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, this romantic island offers a warm paradise year-round. White sandy beaches and clear blue waters lend themselves to beautiful sunsets overlooking the Gulf of Mexico—or sunrises on the Atlantic. In fact, while Key West offers plenty of romantic things to do for couples, vacationers can simply relax in a hammock before taking advantage of the inclusive programming at Sunset Key Cottages—one of the best places to stay in Key West for couples, among other romantic, luxury resorts in Key West.
Romantic Things to Do in Key West
Paddle a kayak through mangrove creeks for an intimate look at Key West’s unique coastal environment during a Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour. Book a dolphin encounter for an up-close experience with nature—or sip a pina colada with your partner while watching for dolphins, fish, and other wildlife. Take the Yankee Freedom ferry to Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park for an intimate exploration of wildlife. Celebrate gorgeous Key West sunsets while enjoying a show from local magicians, jugglers, clowns, and more at Mallory Square. In the mood for a romantic dinner in Key West? Head to La Trattoria for fine wines and daily specials. Or if you’re unsure what you’re in the mood for, try out the Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour to get a taste of Key West!
New Orleans, LA
From its lamp-lit sidewalks and street musicians to lively cafes and moody lounges, New Orleans is one of the best romantic getaway destinations in America. Known as the Paris of the South, you can spend your days relaxing in one of the many spas, taking a couples cooking class, or going on a carriage ride to see the Big Easy’s amazing architecture. Fill your nights drinking wine on outdoor patios, dancing under the stars, or taking sunset strolls through local squares. Stay in the heart of New Orleans at luxurious spots like the architectural gem Hotel Provincial or the Hotel Monteleone, the first landmark in the French Quarter!
Romantic Things to Do in New Orleans
Stop and smell the flowers at historic New Orleans Botanical Garden—or take a gondola ride on the lake at City Park. Get tickets to local and international performances at the Orpheum Theater. Have your fill of live music, bourbon, beer, and mouth-watering boudin at November’s Bourbon & Beer Festival. Stroll down the French Quarter and stop into the famous Cafe Du Monde for a beignet, or view colorful costumes at the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture. Learn how to cook Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and pralines while taking a couples class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Opt for the Valentine’s Day Cruise Package or enjoy a delicious moonlit dinner and live jazz on the water with Steamboat Natchez. Or sip on a Nat King Cole cocktail and listen to smooth beats at The Jazz Playhouse.
New York City, NY
While this bustling metro is full of action, there are plenty of areas for quiet moments and opportunities for intimacy in New York City! With autumn and spring the best time to visit New York, you and your partner can take advantage of gorgeous skylines, luxury hotels, sprawling parks, and more in the City That Never Sleeps. Visiting NYC gives you tons of romantic couple activities to choose from, especially in the arts and culture scene—from cosplaying actors in Times Square or street performers in Washington Square, to exhibits at The Met or anywhere else on Museum Mile. Or you can escape the hustle and bustle of NYC with strolls through parks, relaxing spa trips, and nights at romantic restaurants.
Romantic Things to Do in New York City
Book a stay at some of the most romantic hotels in NYC like the Royalton. Enjoy a high-end dinner while taking a nighttime river cruise near the Statue of Liberty. See what all the hype is about and visit sloths, snow leopards, gelada monkeys, and more at Bronx Zoo. Escape the concrete jungle and look for the Plants in Bloom while strolling together through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Experience NYC’s best green space through a romantic carriage ride through Central Park—or take a round on the Carousel, snowshoe, or admire all the trees in the Pinetum. Take a stunning journey through space with the “Worlds Beyond Earth” show at Hayden Planetarium. Spend evenings holding hands as you ice skate at Rockefeller Center. Or, after a romantic dinner in NYC, catch an entertaining Broadway show!
Portland, OR
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or date night ideas, Portland is one of the most romantic cities in the U.S. With no state sales tax, Portland offers an affordable romantic getaway for couples on a budget. There are plenty of free activities in Portland—from exploring the Portland Japanese Garden to strolling down Morrison Street—and even several romantic restaurants in Portland. From its beautiful cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants to its inviting forests and serene waterfalls, this Pacific Northwest city offers couples the perfect blend of relaxing and adventurous romantic activities.
Romantic Things to Do in Portland
Surround yourself with a variety of blooms while taking a romantic walk through the City of Roses’ International Rose Test Garden. Spend a day in Downtown Portland and visit the historic Portland Art Museum—one of the oldest art museums in the U.S. Looking for adventurous outdoor date ideas? Take a Pedal Bike Tour through historic Downtown Portland. Go on a private hike on the Oregon Coast with the help of Evergreen Escapes. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two with upscale dishes like Ox Heart and Glazed Grilled Prawn at Le Pigeon. Reserve a spot to sample rare wines at Les Caves, a wine bar housed in a rustic cave. Or share an order of Oysters or Miso Deviled Eggs with a glass of Chardonnay at Normandie.
Seattle, WA
Known for warm cups of coffee, rainy days, and lush green forests, Seattle is one of the most romantic places in the U.S. Surrounded by two mountain ranges and Puget Sound, The Emerald City is brimming with natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a private, adventurous, or inexpensive trip for couples, you can find it all in Seattle. Seattle offers a blend of big-city amenities—with arts and culture at every turn—as well as plenty of outdoor date ideas near beaches and mountains.
Romantic Things to Do in Seattle
Pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers, some of Seattle’s best coffee, and see the world-famous fish market at Pike Place Market. Sign up for couples cooking classes with seasoned chefs at The Pantry, PCC Natural Food Markets, or Book Larder. Spend a day exploring wildlife while on a whale-watching tour through Puget Sound. Take a weekend wine getaway and sample the best wines in the Pacific Northwest at nearby Woodinville Wine Country. Get a picturesque view of Seattle’s skyline while watching the sunset from Elliott Bay. Cozy up by a fire and enjoy views of Emerald City at Golden Gardens Park. Or share a drink while looking out over Seattle’s twinkling lights at the top of the Sky View Observatory.
Sedona, AZ
Want to plan an adventurous and romantic getaway? Consider visiting Sedona for exciting hikes, unique art galleries, tons of opportunities to stargaze, and more! This small desert town is surrounded by red rock buttes, pine forests, and steep canyon walls, providing tons of outdoor activities for couples. With a mild desert climate, Sedona offers comfortable weather year-round. From the wild surroundings of the Enchantment Resort to the creeks weaving around L’Auberge de Sedona, you’ll find some of the best resorts in Sedona for couples. Or experience a private couples getaway while renting a secluded cabin in Oak Creek at Briar Patch Inn.
Romantic Things to Do in Sedona
Spend a day exploring the work of local artists at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Visit the Honanki Heritage Site and explore Sedona’s history on an Ancient Ruins tour. Book a helicopter tour for a unique, bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon. Book your next adventure while visiting Sedona and go for one of the many Jeep Tours. Set out into Red Rock Country for a couples hiking trip through one of the Sedona Secret 7. Catch the best view of the sunset after a hike to Cathedral Rock—or head out to the Crescent Moon Picnic Site for the best stargazing spot in Sedona!
Sonoma, CA
Looking for the best summer vacations for couples? As the greatest wine producer in Northern California’s Wine Country, this historic small town is nestled by some of the U.S.’s finest vineyards. Aside from a weekend wine getaway, there are tons of romantic date night activities in Sonoma. With gorgeous state parks, a variety of award-winning romantic restaurants, and more, Sonoma is a West Coast gem bursting with romantic couples activities year-round. Plus, Sonoma offers visiting couples plenty of options for stay—from elegant boutique hotels to private and luxurious stays at Sonoma Bungalows, just steps from Sonoma Plaza.
Romantic Things to Do in Sonoma
Take a couples hike on the Sonoma Overlook Trail for an up-close view of native plants and wildlife—or explore the various sites at Sonoma State Historic Park. Soar over the rolling greens of Sonoma’s vineyards with a private hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Find an art piece for a souvenir or surprise your partner with some fresh-picked flowers from the Sonoma County Farmers Markets. Wind down with a relaxing couples massage at The Spa at MacArthur. Enjoy a tasting flight in the historic courtyard of Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery. Check out everything from Contemporary art to bronze sculptures and more at Sonoma’s art galleries. Stroll through Sonoma Plaza for romantic restaurant options sure to make any couple’s night. Or take a look at the Valentine’s menu at Cafe La Haye or the seasonal bounty selection at Enclos.
Stowe, VT
Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, cuddle up by the fire, or experience unique views of Vermont, you’re sure to have a memorable couples getaway in Stowe. This charming ski town is one of the best couple vacations in the U.S. during any season of the year. The “Ski Capital of the East” has a large trail system on the Stowe Mountain Resort. Head to Stowe for a spring getaway to see the local maple sugaring process, or visit during the warmer season for a romantic summer vacation filled with outdoor exploration. Additionally, Stowe is one of the best fall vacation spots for couples as it offers breathtaking views of New England’s iconic fall foliage.
Romantic Things to Do in Stowe
Get a taste of the maple sugaring process at local farms like the Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm and the Trapp Family Lodge. Take a Gondola SkyRide to the top of Mount Mansfield. Book a private hot-air balloon ride to see the fall colors of Stowe at an extraordinary height. Spend your evenings enjoying romantic dinners like a Vermont Cheese Plate to live music outdoors at top Stowe restaurants like Bistro at Ten Acres. Indulge in Swiss Chocolate Fondue for Two at Swiss Fondue By Heinz for a more unique date idea. Or take a trip to the heart of the historic Stowe village and taste Pan Roasted Mussels, Lobster Mac & Cheese, or Sweet Potato Encrusted Salmon at Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar.
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