23 Most Romantic Getaways in the United States

If you’re looking to set the mood for a little bit of magic and spend an evening or a few days being pampered with wine, roses, and beautiful scenery, couples will find no shortage of romantic getaways in the USA.

From adventurous activities or intimate dining in the most luxurious resorts that cost an arm or a leg to simple picnics in the middle of nowhere that cost nothing, surrounded only by breathtaking scenery, below is my list of some of the best vacation spots for couples in the US.  

So if love is in the air and you’re looking for the right place to woo your loved one and perhaps propose or anything along those lines, this post is especially for you.

23 Most Romantic Getaways in the United States

Here are my favorite romantic getaways in the USA in no particular order. Enjoy!

1. Austin, Texas

Austin, straddling the Colorado River, emerges as the perfect choice for romantic getaways in the USA. 

Renowned for its lively music scene and iconic Texan barbecues, the city boasts parks, lakes, and expansive swimming holes. 

Zilker Park, a romantic retreat, invites couples to hike or bike the Ladybird Trail, take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs, or enjoy a scenic boat ride along Barton Creek and Ladybird Lake, showcasing the city skyline. 

With numerous vineyards, wooded hills, waterfalls, and caves, Austin offers diverse exploration opportunities. Over 50 microbreweries, bars, and restaurants, coupled with walking tours, ensure a delightful romantic experience.

2. Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of north-western Colorado along the Colorado River, Glenwood Springs stands out as an ideal romantic US getaway. 

Whether seeking outdoor adventures or luxurious spa indulgence with candlelit dinners and private hot-spring pools amid mountain vistas, Glenwood Springs caters to all preferences. 

For adventurous couples, the Hanging Lake Trail offers an excellent hike culminating in the turquoise waters of Hanging Lake, surrounded by a captivating waterfall. Winter transforms the falls into a magical frozen spectacle. 

The region, adorned with mountains, rivers, and hot springs, creates a haven for outdoor pursuits such as Rockies hikes, zip-lining, caving, and rafting. The town and resorts offer ample opportunities for pampering, dining, and shopping.

3. San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, central California’s dubbed Happiest Place in America, is a romantic gem for couples. 

Tree-lined avenues showcase historic Spanish-style architecture, galleries, museums, and boutique shops, while mountains, hills, vineyards, and the Pacific Ocean just 11 miles away offer a diverse landscape for year-round romantic activities. 

From wine tastings, beach outings, and hiking trails to fine dining, shopping, and exploring historic Downtown, the options are endless. 

Enjoy live concerts at the Fremont Theater, and movie nights, or visit wine and craft beer-tasting joints for entertainment. Indulge in the freshest seafood, including renowned Morro Bay oysters, at the docks a short drive away, making it one of the most romantic getaways in the USA.

4. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes district in New York is a top romantic getaway in the USA with breathtaking landscapes, dense woodlands, gorges, waterfalls, and charming towns surrounded by vineyards. 

Featuring 11 picturesque lakes, it’s a heavenly destination. Explore over 100 wineries and 85 microbreweries on a tasting trail, rent a boat for fishing or water activities, and enjoy scenic walks or secluded campsites along peaceful shorelines. 

The region offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails for nature lovers to spot diverse wildlife. Quaint towns around the lakes boast boutique shops, bars, and restaurants, creating a perfect day and night-exploration for romantic couples.

5. Miami, Florida

Miami, with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and palm-fringed green zones, offers a romantic escape. 

A morning walk on the Miami Beach boardwalk, coupled with coffee at oceanfront bistros, sets the tone for a romantic day. All beaches, each with its own charm, invite swimming, surfing, or simply unwinding on the sand. 

Miami provides diverse entertainment options, but a retreat to the nearby Everglades, a wonderful Florida national park, offers nature reconnecting. 

An airboat ride through tropical waterways or a drive to Key Biscayne Nature Park adds to the romance. 

Cap off the day with a picnic at South Pointe Park, enjoying panoramic views of cruise liners and the city skyline.

6. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, known as the Island Garden, offers some of the best vacation spots for couples in the US, with lush rainforests, dramatic mountains, and beautiful beaches. 

Many of the state parks on this Hawaiian island provide a romantic escape, allowing couples to hike to tall waterfalls and dip in clear pools amid the peaceful jungle sounds. 

With some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, the coastline boasts white and black sand beaches, inviting water enthusiasts to snorkel, scuba dive, surf, or simply relax. 

Scattered small towns and resorts feature beachside eateries, providing opportunities to savor local cuisine while enjoying unforgettable sunsets. 

The picturesque landscape, often featured in Hollywood productions, sets the stage for a romantic getaway in the US.

7. Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island, off Florida’s northern coast, offers a tranquil and romantic getaway with pristine beaches, nature parks, and lodging options away from tourist crowds. 

The east-facing coastline features uninterrupted miles of beaches for swimming, fishing, and leisurely strolls. 

The west-facing side comprises tidal salt-water creeks and marshes, perfect for kayaking or sunset cruises along the Amelia River, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. 

Scenic hiking trails in state parks and a walk along the George Crady Pier provide breathtaking views and stunning sunsets over Nassau Sound. 

Charming beachside establishments offer fresh seafood for a romantic dinner, which is the perfect way to end each day.

8. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, situated 25 miles south of Cape Cod, has transformed from a farming and fishing hub into a popular destination, offering some of the most romantic getaways in the USA. 

The island’s 100-mile shoreline is open to the public, featuring foot and paved paths for walks and cycling along uncrowded beaches ideal for various activities. 

The seven-mile stretch from Coatue Point to the Great Point Lighthouse offers a romantic walk with beautiful views of sand dunes, the Atlantic, and historic lighthouses, often spotting wildlife like deer, seals, seabirds, and whales. 

Quaint towns, a main harbor, and fishing villages provide vacation retreats, boutiques, and seafood-focused bars and restaurants. Walking tours, sunset boat tours, and festivals enhance the romantic experience, providing some of the best couple vacations in the US.

9. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

A brief ferry ride from Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, a laid-back island near mainland Massachusetts, offers natural beauty, pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming harbor towns. 

Hiking and biking trails traverse wildflower-covered hills and farmlands in the interior, while the coastline features endless beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque inlets. 

Small towns boast galleries, museums, and diverse eateries, hosting oyster and food and wine festivals. 

Whale-watching and island tours provide a chance to spot breaching whales, and a visit to the iconic Jaws Bridge, known for scenes from the famous movie, adds a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the experience.

10. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Nestled just below the Monterey Peninsula in Central California, Carmel is a picturesque beachside town offering natural splendor and cultural attractions for a romantic getaway in the USA. 

With its village-like charm, the historic town features a scenic mile-long walk along Carmel Bay, providing stunning ocean views and beach access for swimming and sunbathing. 

Surrounding hills, parks, and mountains, including Point Lobos State Park, offer additional scenic walks and breathtaking vistas. 

Despite its small size, Carmel boasts galleries, boutique shops, and California cuisine restaurants, making it an ideal destination for romantic couples to explore on foot.

11. Aspen, Colorado

Perched at almost 8,000 feet in the Rockies, Aspen offers an unparalleled mountain retreat with year-round outdoor activities and stunning scenery. 

Winter brings world-class skiing and hot springs, while warmer months offer camping, hiking, fishing, and romantic options like hot-air ballooning. 

The town boasts historic buildings, cultural sites, and diverse shops, bars, and restaurants. Music enthusiasts can visit the John Denver Memorial Park, honoring the iconic artist. 

Aspen provides lodging choices ranging from basic camping to luxurious hotels and resorts. It stands as an exceptional destination seeking a memorable vacation for couples in the USA.

12. Houston, Texas

Houston, known for its pivotal role in space exploration, offers more than astronauts and barbecues, showcasing romantic getaways in the USA. 

Explore the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park via walks or tandem bike rides, take a romantic stroll in the evening through the Arboretum and Nature Center, or experience the fun-filled atmosphere of the Kemah Boardwalk. 

With a choice of 10,000 restaurants, the Spindletop restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency provides a romantic setting with stunning views. 

For a cultured date night, the renowned Houston Symphony Orchestra offers unforgettable performances at the Jess H. Jones Hall. Discover the romantic side of America’s most diverse city.

13. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, located on the Mississippi Delta in Southern Louisiana, offers an abundance of romantic experiences. 

The French Quarter, including the iconic Bourbon Street, showcases the city’s vibrant character with jazz, blues, reggae, and rock music clubs, charming buildings, and street entertainers. Explore different neighborhoods through walking tours or street-car rides to discover a unique destination. 

A romantic cruise on a paddle-wheeler steamboat along the Mississippi, accompanied by soothing jazz music and Cajun or Creole cuisine, provides an unforgettable experience. 

Don’t miss the lively Mardi Gras and other cultural festivals, making it hard to leave this charming city.

14. Eugene, Oregon

Eugene, located along the Willamette and McKenzie rivers in Oregon, is an underrated romantic getaway in the USA. 

Renowned for its scenic hiking trails, state parks, mountains, and waterfalls, the city also boasts a rich arts and cultural heritage reflected in museums and cultural centers. 

Surrounded by organic farms and vineyards, Eugene offers a culinary haven with 25 breweries and wineries. 

Walking tours unveil coffee houses, markets, and restaurants, while the annual Truffle Festival and Saturday Market attract food enthusiasts worldwide. 

The city’s numerous parks provide tranquil nature strolls, with Hendricks Park’s rhododendron garden offering a stunning display in April-May.

15. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, ranked among the top 10 most romantic cities in the USA, offers a perfect getaway with scenic river esplanades, beaches, parks, and cultural landmarks. 

Outdoor activities for couples include beach relaxation, boating, marina strolls, and island cruises, while public parks invite picnics and hikes. 

Romantic Boston boasts cultural attractions like theaters, museums, galleries, and high-end shops. 

Numerous towering buildings with up to 52 floors provide fine dining venues and breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings for a romantic getaway in the USA.

16. Nashville, Tennessee

If country music and spicy hot chicken are your scene, there’s only one place for you to go. Grab your Stetson and hit Nashville, Tennessee, the Honky-Tonk Highway and America’s Music City. 

Explore the Johnny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, and legendary RCA Studio B. Immerse yourself in live music on Broadway, and savor the tastiest fried chicken on a foodie tour. 

Discover parks, museums, distilleries, and wineries for a cultural escape, with adventurous options like zip-lining and hot-air ballooning in this incredible part of America.

17. Key West, Florida

Key West, located at the southernmost tip of the USA, is a sought-after romantic destination accessible by car via the Overseas Highway. 

This island paradise boasts stunning beaches, thriving coral reefs, and warm waters—ideal for ocean lovers or anyone looking for the most romantic vacation spot for couples in the US.

Activities include sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat cruises. 

The island also offers attractions like Fort Zachary Taylor Park, Dry Tortugas cruises, galleries, antique shops, theaters, museums, and numerous seafood restaurants. 

Accommodation options range from clubs and hotels to resorts and waterfront marinas, ensuring a vibrant nightlife.

18. Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, situated at over 6,000 feet above sea level on the California-Nevada border, is surrounded by alpine forests and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

With unbelievably clear blue waters, it stands out as one of the most beautiful, serene, and romantic places in the USA. 

Various lodging options are available, but renting a cabin along the lake shoreline is unmatched. Whether engaging in water activities or exploring trails, the breathtaking scenery accompanies every experience. 

Scenic drives reveal beautiful beaches, charming coves, and villages. In winter, Lake Tahoe transforms into a skiing and snowboarding haven with numerous ski resorts.

19. Sedona, Arizona

For those drawn to hiking, biking, picnicking, star-gazing, arts, culture, and spirituality in a magical landscape, Sedona, located in central Arizona, is the perfect destination. 

Nestled by Oak Creek, this evergreen oasis in the Arizona desert offers numerous hiking trails showcasing spectacular mountain scenery, vibrant red-orange rock formations, steep canyons, birdlife, and Native American rock art. 

The town’s natural beauty has fostered a thriving art community featuring galleries, memorial parks with sculptures, spas, and eclectic shops. 

With roots in ancient Native American folklore as the center of the universe, Sedona invites exploration to determine if it lives up to the legend.

20. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, nestled below the Chugach Mountains in the Cook Inlet, offers a unique wilderness experience with grizzly bears, black bears, and moose often seen within the city. 

Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, it serves as an ideal base for outdoor adventures. The Knik River mouth is to the northwest, and the Turnagain Fjord, boasting the world’s highest tides, lies to the south. 

The landscape caters to outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, snowboarding, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and Northern Lights experiences. 

The city retains a small-town feel, featuring museums, shops, cultural centers, and delicious restaurants offering Alaskan culinary delights such as king crab, halibut, and wild salmon.

21. Dallas, Texas

In Dallas, Texas, romance reaches new heights with a plethora of options. 

From towering skyscrapers and intimate dining experiences to tranquil parks, lakes, and green spaces, the city offers endless romantic venues.

Enjoy sweeping views from the Reunion Tower at sunset for a sweeping look at Dallas. 

Explore museums, art galleries, zoos, and neighborhoods, or indulge in the vibrant nightlife with numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, and food trucks to choose from. Dallas has it all for a romantic experience.

22. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, situated along Lake Erie’s Ohio shoreline, is a modern port city boasting a blend of 18th-century Neo-Classical, Victorian, and ultra-modern high-rise architecture. 

This diverse city is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway for couples. Explore historic and cultural landmarks like the Connor Palace Theater, Severance Music Center, and the Victorian-era Arcade in the walkable Downtown district. 

The lake shoreline offers scenic beauty for strolls, paddling, or boat rides, while parks provide romantic picnic spots. 

Enjoy beach parties in the summer and explore numerous eating joints, breweries, and watering holes, including a must-visit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for music enthusiasts.

23. Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, nestled between the Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal year-round romantic getaway. 

The stunning shoreline features wide sandy beaches for activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. 

The harbor and Stearns Wharf, extending into the ocean, offer picturesque views, along with numerous eateries and bars. 

The city boasts a blend of colonial Spanish and modern architecture, inviting exploration of galleries and boutique shops. 

Pristine hiking trails among the mountains provide magnificent views of the city and the blue Pacific Ocean below. Santa Barbara is truly a magnificent destination for couples.

Wrapping Up on the Most Romantic Getaways in the USA

In conclusion, these 23 romantic getaways in the United States offer a diverse range of experiences for couples. 

From the vibrant music scene and outdoor adventures in Austin to the luxurious spa indulgence in Glenwood Springs, each destination has its unique charm. 

Each destination on this list offers a distinctive blend of scenery, activities, and ambiance, ensuring that there’s a perfect romantic getaway for every couple’s preferences. 

So, pack your bags and embark on your next romantic weekend getaway to discover the romantic wonders that await you in these enchanting destinations. Enjoy!

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