Whether celebrating an anniversary or planning to spend quality time with each other, it’s important to pick the right location for a romantic getaway. With the US having a wide range of attractions and landscapes, there are many options for every preference. For adventure lovers, there are state parks with trails and campsites with scenic spots. For those looking for urban escapes, there are romantic city sights and attractions to make memories for a lifetime.
Santa Barbara, California
One of the top US cities for a romantic vacation is the city of Santa Barbara. Dotted with buildings made in Spanish and Mediterranean architectural style, the city offers a charming romantic ambiance for couples looking for an ideal getaway location. Besides, there are incredible views of beaches against stunning sights of mountains all around, offering some of the most romantic spots to enjoy quality time. Since the city has a warm climate, a trip can be planned for any time of the year. There are a number of luxury hotels, spas, wine tasting venues, and delightful restaurants for the perfect date nights in Santa Barbara.
Bar Harbor, Maine
For couples looking for a quiet and carefree vacation, this is one of the most romantic getaways in the US. Located on a small island along the coast of Maine, Bar Harbor is a town that is all about enjoying the little pleasures of life. From fresh lobster served over low-frills shacks to leisure bike rides over car-free and crushed stone paths, there are a lot of things to do. Situated on Mount Desert Island, the town offers a direct gateway to the Acadia National Park. So, even adventure lovers can plan a visit to this area for a quick romantic weekend getaway. Even if there are no plans for hiking or trekking, the national park offers some of the most stunning sunrise and sunset views for those looking for romantic spots.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
From experiencing a horseback ride on Daufuskie Island to spotting dolphins from a sunset cruise, Hilton Head Island offers some incredible romantic weekend trips in the United States. For those looking to escape to the country for a romance-fillled weekend, this place offers lots of scenic beauty and opportunities for romantic activities. Couples can enjoy quiet moments while taking a walk across the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. For those who like to do outdoor activities together, there are 60-mile-long biking trails and horseback riding along the beaches of Daufuskie Island. Besides, there are indulgent spa treatment options as well as a yacht cruise ride to enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean and scenic sunsets.
Asheville, North Carolina
For couples whose idea of having a nice time is to go on adventures together, Asheville is one of top romantic destinations in the US. While the activities that can be done here are not typically romantic, they can be enjoyed by those who like outdoor activities. There are a lot of things to do, including biking, hiking, rafting, forest bathing, and rock climbing. Located in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains and close to the Appalachian Trail, Asheville is this artsy town that is perfect for a road trip vacation. The ideal time to plan a trip here is during autumn and when temperatures are cooler. Summer is also a good time for visit, particularly for those into water sports activities. Besides, spring can be quite romantic too with native wildflowers and cherry blossoms blooming all over the town.
Big Sur, California
Among the most romantic places to visit in the US, Big Sur in California can seem like an unlikely destination. It is more known for travelers who enjoy activities along the coast with its innumerable beaches. But it is a hidden romantic gem in the United States. Big Sur has one of the most good-looking coastal stretches all over the country, which spans for over 90 miles along California Highway 1, starting from the Carmel-by-the-Sea south and ending at San Simeon. This means an iconic romantic road trip for couples who want to plan a unique getaway. The sweeping beaches, never-ending trails, and dramatic cliffs offer lots of opportunities for romantic moments. Besides, the climate here is quite temperate, making this location ideal for visiting all through the year.
Kauai, Hawaii
A popular location for couples, Kauai in Hawaii is one of the most scenic romantic destinations in the US. The slow pace of life along with the sea air scented with blooming plumeria instantly evokes romance in this place. Ideally, trips to this location must be planned during the dry season, which is between May and October. This allows for opportunities to go on scenic hiking trails along the Ha’ena State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park. Beside this, couples can also go on a quiet boat trip along the Napali Coast to get some incredible views of cliffs surrounding the island. Surfing and paddleboarding are also some of the activities that couples can enjoy together in the famous Wailua River.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
This is one of the top romantic vacations in the US for couples looking for a relaxing and quaint trip. Staying at a local bed and breakfast here is a good way to experience an intimate setting. Most couples usually choose to go for romantic activities like wine tastings, whale watching, picnics by the lighthouse, and dinner dates at any of the local bistros specializing in seafood.