Looking for the most romantic getaways in the USA? The United States offers a veritable treasure trove of romantic places to spend a vacation, but these 17 places are some of the best of the best!
Choosing a place for a romantic getaway really depends on your own preferences and likes and dislikes. For example, you may want to consider whether you like big cities, mountain scenery, cute beachside towns, etc. But no matter what your preferences are, this list will definitely help you find the perfect place for your next romantic vacation!
1. San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo is the perfect place for a romantic getaway in the USA, as it has a little bit of everything you could want. Mountains, beaches, city…there are plenty of things to do in SLO no matter what you like!
SLO’s city center is on the smaller side, but perfectly charming. You’ll find the famous Thursday Farmers’ Market to be a delightful place for a romantic stroll, as you browse produce, buy beautiful flowers, or pick up a delicious dinner to eat while you listen to live music. SLO also boasts some fascinating California history at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, plenty of places to enjoy a romantic meal, and the perfect romantic place to stay—the Madonna Inn.
If you’re looking for hikes to enjoy on your romantic getaway, there are lots to choose from in the area…but Bishop Peak is indubitably one of the most famous in the area and offers up some of the best views over San Luis Obispo. Plus, with nearby beaches including Avila, Pismo, and my favorite Montaña de Oro, you really are spoiled for choice in activities when you go to SLO for your romantic getaway!
2. Charleston, South Carolina
If you’re looking for romantic getaways in the US, you can’t go wrong with Charleston, South Carolina. This city seems to live and breathe romance wherever you go!
From strolling the iconic Rainbow Row, to finding the city’s beautiful fountains, to taking a carriage ride through the city, you’ll never find yourself lacking in romantic things to do in Charleston! There’s also so much delicious food to try, and I loved staying at the gorgeous John Rutledge House Inn while in the city.
So if you’re looking for a place filled with romance and southern charm, Charleston should definitely be at the top of your list of romantic vacation spots in the US!
3. Maui, Hawaii
What could be more romantic than a trip to Hawaii? And Maui is the perfect place to go!
There are plenty of amazing things to do on a romantic trip to Maui, but some of the best include snorkeling in the waters of Molokini and Turtle Town or going on a sunset dinner cruise. You could also enjoy activities such as experiencing a luau, going whale watching, or even taking surf lessons!
But with all these incredible activities, you also won’t want to forget to slow down, lounge on the beach, or take a leisurely drive on the Road to Hana. No matter what you choose to do, a trip to Maui will certainly be one of the most romantic vacations you’ll ever take!
4. San Diego, California
San Diego is a hugely popular tourist destination, but did you realize it’s also one of the best romantic getaways in the USA?
There are plenty of bucket list items to do in San Diego, but if you’re looking for the most romantic ones then the best place to start is with a stroll through Balboa Park or exploring the neighborhood of La Jolla. In La Jolla, you can also watch the adorable seals at the Children’s Pool or take an amazing kayaking tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves! And not to mention, this is another perfect destination to enjoy a whale watching cruise and see some incredible sea life.
But one of the best parts about San Diego for a romantic getaway is all the delicious and diverse food offerings. Whether you are interested in the variety offered at the Liberty Public Market or a more traditional romantic meal on the waterfront at C Level and Island Prime, you’re sure to spend at least part of your vacation in a food coma!
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Looking for the most romantic getaways in the US? Then New Orleans is the place for you! This southern city is filled with romance, history, and excitement which makes it the perfect place for taking a vacation.
There are a few essential things you should do while in New Orleans, among which are wandering through the French Quarter (on your own or with a storytelling guide) and enjoying some delicious meal at a romantic restaurant like the Commander’s Palace.
You might also enjoy taking a jazz cruise aboard a steamboat, going on a voodoo and cemetery tour, or even taking a a Cajun and Creole cooking class. Or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous then you won’t want to miss going on a swamp tour of the bayou!
So whether you’re looking for adventure and culture or simply want a cute city to relax in, New Orleans won’t disappoint you on your next romantic getaway!
6. Boston, Massachusetts
If you love city settings for your vacations, then Boston is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway in the USA. This city has lots of delightful things to do, plus plenty of history to explore!
Some activities you may enjoy include going to the New England aquarium, taking a tour of Fenway Park, or going whale watching. You might also enjoy walking along the Freedom Trail and discovering its history (on your own or with a tour guide) and later taking a sunset cruise in the Boston Harbor.
Regardless of what you decide to do, be sure to enjoy a dinner of freshly caught lobster and take some time just to wander and soak up all the history of this amazing city!
7. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
For those who love the outdoors, there’s really no more romantic getaway than going to Lake Tahoe! This place is filled with beauty and with all sorts of wonderful things to do.
Some of the top attractions include seeing the gorgeous Emerald Bay and going hiking, kayaking, or—my favorite—paddle boarding! You can take a paddle boarding tour if you want some guidance for your first time, or you can rent a paddleboard and go out exploring on your own. And if you’re looking for a romantic experience to remember, then you may even want to consider splurging on a helicopter tour. You won’t find a better view anywhere else!
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle may be a busy city, but there are still lots of reasons that make this city a delight to visit. It’s perfect for romantic weekend getaways in the USA or even for a longer romantic getaway if you prefer!
Some attractions you won’t want to miss include the Space Needle (where you can go up to an incredible glass floor observation deck) and the awe-inspiring Chihuly Garden with all the breathtaking glass sculptures you’ll find inside. You may also enjoy taking a harbor tour for excellent views of the city skyline, and even better you’ll find all of these activities included when you purchase a Seattle CityPASS!
Of course, one romantic (and delicious) place you won’t want to miss going is Pike Place Market. This iconic Seattle institution is the perfect place to wander and explore the stores, or go on a food tour to discover some of the best foods on offer. But no matter what you choose to do or how you choose to explore, Seattle is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic getaway in a big city!
9. Solvang, California
Looking for a romantic US getaway but wishing you were in Europe? Then Solvang is the place for you! This adorable California town seems straight out of Europe with its beautiful Danish-style architecture.
While you’re on your romantic vacation here, you can enjoy trying Danish pastries and æbleskiver, go wine tasting at one of the many downtown tasting rooms or nearby wineries, wander the boutique shops, or explore museums about Danish culture. You could even take a fun food and photo tour with a local if you’d like!
Overall, this cute little town is perfect for couples looking to relax and enjoy a more slow-paced romantic getaway. Be forewarned that all the shops close early in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of time to simply enjoy the small-town charm and tranquility of Solvang!
10. Denver, Colorado
Denver is a city filled with lovely (and sometimes unusual) things to do, which makes it an excellent destination choice for a romantic or even a non-romantic getaway.
While in Denver, Larimer Square is a place you’ll definitely want to explore. This street is one of the prettiest streets in the city with its perfectly-Instagrammable twinkling lights, and it is filled with boutique stores to browse and restaurant patios as well.
Union Station is another must-see place, as it’s not just a busy transit center but is also a historic terminal filled with restaurants and boutiques to enjoy. It’s opulent and lovely, but if you prefer you could also get your dose of opulence by taking a delicious high tea at the Brown Palace (this is an unforgettable experience!).
Last but not least, one of the places you’ll certainly want to go is the unusual and unique Red Rocks Amphitheater a little ways out of the city. This open-air concert venue utilizes the giant red rocks to create the perfect acoustic surroundings! You can attend a concert here or simply come to visit during the day when there are no concerts on.
With all of these exciting and romantic activities, Denver is definitely a place you’ll want to return to time and time again!
11. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town in California that makes for a relaxing romantic getaway—with the highlight, as the name suggests, being its proximity to the ocean (as well as the adorable nature of this little city)!
You’ll find this little beach town to be the perfect place for a romantic stroll, and if you tire of the town setting you can easily turn to strolling along the iconic Carmel Beach. But a visit to Point Lobos State Reserve is also an excellent idea and makes a good place to picnic!
There are plenty of nice restaurants for a romantic evening, wine tasting, or brunch in Carmel-by-the-Sea as well. So if you’re looking for a picturesque and relaxing getaway, then Carmel-by-the-Sea is the ideal choice!
12. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Cannon Beach is another romantic place to visit with the prime attraction being the beach itself.
The most iconic feature of this beach is Haystack Rock, but besides seeing the iconic landscape and enjoying the usual beach activities you can also plan to walk around the beach at low tide to see the incredible tide pools in the area. There are also some nice hikes nearby that you can enjoy!
With the glorious scenery all around, Cannon Beach is an unmatched location for couples looking for an outdoors-focused romantic getaway. You surely won’t be disappointed in choosing this location for your next vacation!
13. Santa Catalina Island, California
Santa Catalina Island is just a short jaunt by boat from Long Beach, California…but when you arrive you’ll feel immersed in the romance of this island from the very start! After all, this is the same island from the 1950s song 26 Miles which states “Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me, Santa Catalina, the island of romance, romance, romance, romance.”
Besides the general romance of the island, this is the perfect place for couples who like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more water activities. It’s also perfect for going hiking and biking!
But if you prefer a more relaxing activity, you may wish to go out on the water in a glass bottom boat or take a day to enjoy all the shopping and delicious food in the area. Life doesn’t get much better than the island life you’ll experience here!
14. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is just about as romantic a location as anyone could wish for! There are plenty of fun things to do in the area, and seeing the falls themselves is an experience of a lifetime.
Some of the best activities here include taking a Maid of the Mist boat tour to feel the spray from the powerful falls or taking a walk behind the falls through the Cave of the Winds. You could also enjoy exploring Goat Island—the small island between the American and Canadian sides of the falls.
If you’re looking for more adventurous activities at the falls, you might consider taking a cable car ride over the Niagara Gorge or taking a jet-boat tour of the Niagara River. This is sure to get anyone’s heart pumping fast with adrenaline!
Note that while you could stay on just the New York side of the falls, some activities or tours in the area will take you across to Canada. This means you may wish to bring your passport along with you in case you find an activity you want to participate in on the Canadian side. But whether you stay in New York or cross into Canada, a Niagara Falls adventure will be the romantic vacation you’ll never forget!
15. Aspen, Colorado
For those who love the mountains and the outdoors, Aspen and the surrounding area is a dream come true and a splendid choice for your next romantic getaway!
Some activities in the area include visiting the beautiful Wheeler Opera House, seeing the town’s memorial to John Denver, and of course taking a trip to the nearby iconic Maroon Bells. Plus, if you visit in the winter, skiing on Aspen Mountain is also a wonderful choice.
No matter what season you visit, you will be awed by the incredible beauty of Aspen. This is a place you definitely will want to visit again and again!
16. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a romantic getaway, but it is an excellent choice just the same! Particularly for those looking for a mix of good food, outdoors adventures, and a city scene.
For those looking for amazing New Mexican food, The Shed and its sister restaurant La Choza are out-of-this-world choices (and are places I always recommend travelers stop on a road trip from California to Texas). Their red and green chile they use on enchiladas, burritos, and more are both delicious!
If you’re interested in American art, the Georgia O’Keeffe museum is a no-brainer to visit. Or if you’re looking for some fascinating outdoor places to explore, the nearby Bandelier National Monument offers glimpses into cliff dwellings and the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument offers some of the most unique scenery you’ll ever find.
No matter what you’re looking for in a destination, Santa Fe will surprise and delight you at every turn. You won’t regret choosing this lovely city for your romantic trip!
17. New York, New York
New York City is the ultimate place to spend a romantic vacation, as there are so many delightful and exciting things to do!
Of course, on a romantic trip to New York you simply must stroll through Central Park (or, alternatively, rent a bike to enjoy riding through the park and nearby areas). Other perfectly romantic ideas include renting a boat from the Loeb Boathouse and rowing around the lake in the park, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride!
New York City’s art scene is also unrivaled, and you can explore museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim or any number of other incredible places. There are also plenty of Broadway shows to enjoy if you want to experience this iconic part of New York City!
Of course, your trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without seeing the city skyline from above. You can choose between journeying to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, seeing the view from the classic Empire State Building, or visiting the iconic Top of the Rock observation deck.
If you still need more romantic ideas for your New York vacation, you can’t go wrong with a harbor lights night cruise or going all out with an incredible helicopter tour of the city. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to have an unforgettable romantic vacation in the city that never sleeps!
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