Looking to ignite that spark of romance, or rekindle the flame? Love birds have a long list of picture-perfect destinations where you can make memories, from a tropical paradise in Hawaii and along the gorgeous coastline of California to the incredible mountain vistas found in Colorado and upstate New York. There’s somewhere on this list to cater to all types of couples’ getaways throughout the year where you’ll find bucket list-worthy adventures and top-rated romantic hotels. For your next adventure for two, plan a trip to one of these top romantic weekend getaways in the U.S.
Kauai, Hawaii
The Garden Isle, as Kauai is often referred to, is a top pick for romance, as a more tranquil, quiet isle with stunning secluded beaches, gorgeous gardens bursting with tropical flowers, and more waterfalls than any other island in Hawaii. One of the highlights here is the Na Pali coast, a jaw-dropping coastal range considered one of the planet’s most breathtaking places, accessed by a challenging hike, boat, or helicopter tour. You can also look forward to alone time together on the island’s most remote beaches, Mahaulepu Beaches. The three separate, picture-postcard stretches of sand offer plenty of private spots.
Big Sur
This idyllic spot has long been a favorite getaway with both San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles residents, situated along a Mediterranean-style stretch of coastline that’s often referred to as California’s own Italian Riviera. Big Sur boasts numerous luxurious accommodation options, like Post Ranch Inn, renowned as one of the most romantic places to stay in the world, with its infinity pools overlooking the Pacific. Nearby, you can visit a beach where a waterfall plunges to the sand, and one of the world’s most unique beaches, a rare purple sand beach that gets its purple hue from the manganese garnet deposits found in the surrounding waves. Framed by the azure Pacific, the contrast is incredibly striking.
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park serves as the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. This incredibly scenic town is filled with elegant mountain-style cabins, many of which boast upscale amenities like fireplaces, claw-footed tubs or in-room Jacuzzis, or even private hot tubs on a deck overlooking the park or a tranquil river. This is a place where you can enjoy endless stretches of unspoiled nature and exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing – elk even roam the streets of the town while bighorn sheep can be spotted on hillsides. In the winter, take part in snowshoeing, sleigh riding, or ice skating, and in the summer, activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and horseback riding.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks are a popular spot for mountain getaways all year-round, though winter may be most ideal for couples who want to take time to reconnect and enjoy a slower pace of life. This region of the country is transformed into a snowy wonderland during the colder months of the year, and it also offers an array of wonderfully romantic cabin rentals and a host of outdoor activities.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
The beautiful Oregon coast offers the longest stretch of unbroken beaches, and Cannon Beach, located in the charming town of the same name, is one of the most scenic and most popular spots for romance in the entire country. With jaw-dropping panoramic ocean and coastal mountain views, including iconic Haystack Rock, this destination is hard to beat. One of the most romantic properties is the oceanfront Hallmark Resort which overlooks Haystack Rock and Tillamook Lighthouse. Rooms include balconies where you can sip your morning coffee while gazing out at the glistening expanse of the Pacific, a gas fireplace for cuddling together with a glass of wine, and even a two-person spa tub.
Jackson, Wyoming
Surrounded by the majestic Grand Teton Mountain Range, Jackson offers the opportunity for all sorts of outdoor adventure in every season along with incredible wildlife viewing and the Western spirit of romance combined with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. In the summer, enjoy hiking Grand Teton National Park, a gentle float on the Snake River, or paddling a canoe on Jenny Lake. During the colder months, you can take advantage of the snow-covered slopes by getting out on skis or snowmobiling together in remote wilderness areas, and at the National Elk Refuge, you can even take a sleigh ride through a herd of thousands of elk.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
One of the best spots for a romantic weekend in the Midwest can be found right on the front porch of the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The world’s largest front porch is 660 feet long, and while it would be easy to wile the days away there, you’ll find a wealth of other things to do on this tranquil island where no cars are allowed. Take a leisurely carriage ride, hike one of the prettiest state parks through the woods and limestone outcroppings, or ride a bike on the picture-perfect coastline while listening to the sounds of nature and taking in the sights of dramatic geographic curiosities.
Mendocino, California
This stunning seaside village on the northern coast of California sits atop breathtaking rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Mendocino is lined with magnificent New England-style Victorian homes and offers the chance to spend your days strolling postcard-perfect beaches and peering into tide pools, hiking through Redwood forests, and enjoying wine tasting at multiple area wineries. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is just north of town and features 47 oceanfront acres that include canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, a pine forest, as well as a wide range of plant and floral collections. Take the path that winds through the colorful flowers, leading to a dramatic cliff where a park bench overlooks the ocean to discover the perfect place for a kiss.
Little Torch Key, Florida
Little Torch Key hosts the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, considered one of the best resorts in Florida for couples. To get there, you’ll have to hop aboard a seaplane or boat, but your reward is the ultimate in privacy with just a small collection of units under a thatched roof, all of which offer magnificent water views and bamboo-enclosed outdoor showers. This slice of true paradise also hosts some of the state’s most picture-perfect stretches of sand, gourmet fare, the chance to indulge in treatments at the world-class spa, take part in water sports, and refreshing dips in the lagoon-style pool, and so much more.
