Traveling is one of the best things you can do to keep the romance alive. It’s a great opportunity to meet a new partner or spend quality time with your loved one, away from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you’re planning a vacation for Valentine’s Day, your anniversary, or a long weekend, there are many couple-friendly places perfect for your romantic getaway. For ideas, read this list of the Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. for couples.

12 Best Vacation Spots in the U.S. for couples:

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

With a distinctive architectural style of low, earth-toned adobe buildings found nowhere else in the country, New Mexico’s capital city is idyllic in all seasons. Santa Fe comes alive with lilacs and forsythias in the spring, lanterns adorn the rooftops while the smell of burning piñon wood fills the air in the winter. The warmer months bring outdoor dining at top-notch restaurants serving authentic Southwestern food, outdoor festivals and markets selling folk art.

Take a stroll through the Downtown Plaza and side streets, stopping at Loretto Chapel to admire its mysterious spiral staircase. Choose from the art galleries on then Canyon Road, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which boasts the largest collection of its Southwestern-inspired landscapes. A short drive from downtown, you can get in touch with your inner child at the Meow Wolf immersive art exhibit.

Lodging: Where to stay in Santa Fe: best areas and hotels

 

2. New York, New York

Sleepless in Seattle has made the top of the Empire State Building a must-see for couples, and it’s one of the most romantic spots in New York. The city that never sleeps has so much to offer. Serenade your better half on a rowboat on Central Park Lake surrounded by breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, catch a Broadway show, enjoy a delicious meal at a gourmet restaurant, and end the evening holding hands under the stars at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History.

In winter, there’s no better place than New York City for Christmas lights and decorative store windows. Ice skate at Wollman’s Runway on Central Park’s East Side to the beat of festive tunes and then share an iced hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 a few blocks away.

 

3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

America’s first National Park is a 2.2 million-acre wilderness filled with wildlife and natural wonders, from the majestic Old Faithful and Steamboat geysers to the waterfall of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Spend a few nights at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins, the oldest hotel within a national park, overlooking the largest high-altitude lake, or in the world’s largest log cabin at the Old Faithful Inn to fully experience all that Yellowstone has to offer.

Take a safari into the American Serengeti at the Lamar Valley address for large herds of bison and sightings of elk, pronghorn and gray wolves. Make the nearby frontier town of Cody, Wyoming a stop for a truly Wild West experience, with a nightly rodeo and log cabins of notorious outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and stay at the iconic Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, built by the town’s founder, the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody.

Learn more:
Family Vacation to Yellowstone National Park

 

4. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is desert elegance at its best, with incredible luxury resorts, spas and golf courses in a glorious setting. Take a stroll down Main Street, enter one of the museums and take advantage of dozens of restaurants. Wake up early for a memorable hot air balloon ride over the Superstition Mountains and enjoy a champagne toast and picnic on the ground, a classy tradition that dates back to 18th century France.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, get your boots dirty as you make the arduous Camelback Mountain assent. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley, bragging rights and, most importantly, an unforgettable experience with your lover.

Lodging: high-end resort in Scottsdale

 

Read more:
7 Cheap Warm Places to Travel in US

 

5. Savannah, Georgia

As the oldest city in the Peach State, Savannah is charming, with oak trees adorned with cascading Spanish moss, stately mansions and historic plazas. With a year-round warm climate and a thriving cultural and culinary scene, Savannah makes an ideal southern destination.
Savor the impressive gardens and the magnificent Forsyth Park water fountain. Take a stroll down the tree-lined River Street overlooking the Savannah River, where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy authentic Southern cuisine at riverside restaurants. Find out which homes in the historic district are haunted on a walking ghost tour. Take a Bluff Drive in Hope Island to see pre-war homes and quaint homes across from the Intracoastal Waterway.

Lodging: top-rated resort in Savannah, Georgia

 

6. Molokai, Hawaii

Molokai is unlike any other Hawaiian island: the pace is slower, the buildings are shorter than coconut palms, and there are no mega resorts or luau parties. Known as “the friendly island,” it’s ideal for experiencing authentic Hawaii.

Combine culture with adventure on a Halawa Valley hike to one of its waterfalls, guided by one of the descendants of the original inhabitants of this lush paradise. Stay at the Molokai Hotel, located on a quiet stretch of palm-fringed beach. Share giant, warm sweet bread slathered with cinnamon, butter or strawberry cream cheese. Burn off those calories by canoeing in the calm waters that abound with sea turtles. Show your love for your partner by picking out your own plumerias at Molokai Plumeria Farm and putting them together for a lei.

7. Hocking Hills, Ohio

Marked by high cliffs, waterfalls, craggy caves, and lush forests, Ohio’s Hocking Hills the region is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Midwest. Located 50 minutes outside of Columbus, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even during the busiest season, you won’t see crowds at the natural attractions of Ash Cave and Old Man’s Falls at Hocking Hills State Park.

Get your adrenaline pumping at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours as you zipline above the Hocking River and verdant forest, an experience amplified by the brilliant colors of fall. If your idea of romance involves heart-pounding action, trust the guides at High Rock Adventures to abseil down the cliffs. Spend a few nights in the luxury yurt at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, equipped with cozy furnishings and a fireplace.

 

8. Snowmass, Colorado

While thousands of people flock to Aspen’s trendy ski resorts, the nearby resort town of Snowmass, Colorado, remains uncrowded and unpretentious. Located eight miles from downtown Aspen, this winter playground and summer mountain destination enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. It has the second-largest elevation gain in the United States, more than 3,000 acres of mountainous terrain, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty while moonlight hiking or fly-fishing and whitewater rafting. If you visit in the summer, don’t miss the Snowmass Hot Air Balloon Festival, one of the highest altitude events of its kind in the country.

9. Big Sur, California

The rugged, mountainous area of California’s Central Coast has picturesque vistas and accommodations ideal for a romantic beach vacation. The drive to Big Sur, nestled between Carmel and San Simeon, on Highway 1 is breathtaking, hugging the winding coastline with spectacular ocean views at every turn. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a must-see, home to California’s most photographed waterfall that spills onto a secluded beach.

Although there are many resort options, to fully enjoy the beauty of Big Sur, stay Resort by Treebones offering glamping in yurts with comfortable amenities to enjoy rustic solitude with your loved one. For more facilities, book a stay at the Esalen Institute, a cliffside retreat center that offers workshops to help you better connect with one another.

10. San Francisco, California

With incredible views, iconic monuments and delicious food, the City by the Bay is an enchanting destination on the West Coast. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, stroll through the landscaped gardens of San Francisco Botanical Garden, and take a cable car tour of the city’s highlights. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in the North Beach or Marina neighborhoods. Daylight Savings Time may bring fog, but the fog clears just in time to hit the beach. If you love music, head to the Stern Grove Music Festival (held on Sundays) at Sigmund Stern Grove for a picnic and enjoy the energetic beat.

Accommodation: Where to stay in San Francisco: best areas and hotels

Read more: 18 Best Budget Beach Vacations USA

11. Key West, Florida

Although it’s a short drive from Florida’s major cities, Key West feels like a world away, with picturesque streets, breezy beaches and Conch-style homes lined with colorful gardens. This island town and jewel in the Florida Keys crown is best explored by bike. You’ll glide past 19th-century fairytale cottages with white picket fences as the aroma and beauty of hibiscus, orchids, plumeria and exuberant bougainvillea take your worries away.

Pretty soon you’ll come across Ernest Hemingway’s residence in the heart of Old Town, where you can catch a glimpse of his life and meet the descendants of his six-toed cats. For outdoor fun, take a sunset sailboat cruise, snorkel in the warm waters or take a seaplane to nearby Dry Tortugas National Park. Take a moment to celebrate your love by watching the sunset and street performances during the Mallory Square event, just steps away from the famous Duval Street.

Lodging: top-rated resort in Key West

 

12. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is delightful, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, majestic oaks and the scent of magnolia filling the air in the warmer months. South Carolina’s oldest city has many unique offerings for couples. Join a goat yoga class at Jeremiah Farm & Goat Dairy followed by a picnic under the majestic 500-year-old Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island, a short drive from downtown Charleston. Walk along Battery to enjoy the Rainbow Row view, a series of pastel-colored homes.

Explore the surrounding islands by boat and stop on the deserted beaches around Edisto, nicknamed Shell Island, to search for shells with your loved one. Enjoy typical southern cuisine on Bowen Island near Folly Beach.

Lodging: upscale resorts in Charleston, SC