Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
You know the old saying, "different strokes for different folks." Well, the same goes for couples planning their romantic getaways. Some couples revel in the excitement of exploring a new city; some dream of lazing about on sun-drenched beaches, all the while sipping a margarita. Still others desire an adventure -- to hike, kayak or horseback ride -- and some just need to drop the kids at their parents and get away … anywhere. Taking all this into account, here are our Best U.S. Destinations for Romantic Getaways.
Why go: Kauai is a Hawaiian getaway filled with distinct couples' offerings, from secluded beaches and private beach villas to hiking adventures in the Na Pali Coast State Park and horseback rides along the beach. And if you're a couple who enjoys the simple pleasure of marveling in your environs, Kauai has mountains, rainforests, cliffs, beaches -- each sure to procure moments of transcendence.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Kauai»
Why go: Maui's out-of-this-world beauty makes couples feel as if they're in paradise a million miles away, even though they're still in the States. Plus, the combination of spa resorts, exotic jungles and swoon-worthy beaches makes Maui an ideal place for some one-on-one with your one and only.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Maui»
Why go: San Francisco's for the urban couple looking to explore a sun-drenched metropolis together. Filled with neighborhoods, eclectic shops and interesting museums, San Fran is just a convertible's drive away from Napa and Sonoma valleys for some winery hopping.
Read on: Top Things to Do in San Francisco»
Why go: This is a lazy beach destination for couples who enjoy relaxing together. Although there are a few museums and historic homes to tour, the Key West experience is mostly about soaking in the sun, scuba diving or snorkeling, and dining and drinking in the evenings.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Key West»
Why go: No passport is required for travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which means you and your honey can steal away to this tropical paradise without the hassle of traveling internationally. Choose between an action-packed getaway on St. Thomas, a tranquil one on St. John or an outright secluded one on St. Croix. Shopping on Main Street, sipping beachside cocktails, meandering around the Virgin Islands National Park or touring the Cruzan Rum Distillery are just some of the activities couples can enjoy together.
Why go: Like Charleston, Savannah is a Southern city with personality. Spanish moss hangs over sidewalks, which lead past more than 20 public squares and hundreds of historic homes. The Savannah Riverfront provides shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities, and several eastern islands provide respite on the sand.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Savannah»
Why go: On top of a mesa, you'll watch the horizon transition from ocean blue to fiery red and finish in a burnt orange. Only in Hawaii do sunsets compete with those of the desert. Santa Fe has outdoor activities as well as a thriving arts district, where the two of you can pick a piece to commemorate your extraordinary time.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Santa Fe»
Why go: A low-key getaway, Charleston is filled with historic homes, art galleries and succulent Southern food, not to mention nearby beaches, on which to lounge. And the accommodations range from beachfront resorts to historic inns, complete with a hot breakfast.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Charleston»
Why go: There's a reason "I Love NY" is this city's motto. Because of the sheer amount of things to do, from seeing Broadway musicals to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and touring world-renowned museums to shopping in a to-die-for scene, and sightseeing, too (Empire State Building, Central Park, numerous neighborhoods), New York is a splendid place for a romantic getaway.
Read on: Top Things to Do in New York City»
Why go: Chi-town is another bright metropolis, known for its friendliness (it's in the Midwest), deep-dish pizza, museums, among others, the Magnificent Mile, and of course the beloved Cubs and Bears. Urbanistas will relish this city's fine restaurants, hotels and top-notch attractions, but they will also enjoy the Windy City's relatively lower costs, especially when compared to comparable cities like San Francisco and New York.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Chicago»
Why go: If couples steer clear of Mardi Gras season (February), New Orleans makes for a Creole-flavored, jazz-permeated romantic getaway. Attractions fill the atmospheric French Quarter and Garden District, zesty Cajun cooking abounds in the restaurants and live-music floats through the air in the sticky-sweet evenings. A cache of French/Southern-influenced hotels fills Nah'leans, offering couples ambient places to bed down.
Read on: Top Things to Do in New Orleans»
Why go: "The Venice of America" offers more than 185 miles of smooth canals to navigate on a water taxi with you and your significant other. After strolling around the Riverwalk promenade and grabbing a delectable meal, go for an evening stroll on the beach. Walking hand-in-hand toward your seaside hotel, you'll wonder: am I really in Fort Lauderdale?
Read on: Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale»
Why Go: Couples looking to catch up on their R&R in lavish accommodations should head to Monterey. Take the short drive from San Francisco or San Jose for a spectacular view of Monterey's breathtaking 17-Mile Drive. Then, park in cozy Carmel-by-the-Sea for delectable red wine and gourmet dining. If you want some isolated natural beauty to set the mood, head to Point Lobos.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Monterey»
Why Go: Brimming with rolling vineyards, cozy wine caverns and luxurious hotels, this wine-lover's paradise is the ultimate romantic getaway. Vino connoisseurs indulge in the valley's sweet grapes at intimate wineries like the O'Brien Estate Winery and Schramsberg Vineyards. Meanwhile, outdoorsy types can hike in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and breathe the fresh open-air as they marvel at shadowy Mount Shasta.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Napa Valley»
Why Go: This ritzy seaside retreat has all the New England musts: top-tier stores, succulent seafood, exciting regattas and powdery sands. After strolling along the Cliff Walk, peruse cobblestoned Thames Street for upscale fashion and delectable bites. And for an air of romance, head to Easton's Beach and wander hand-in-hand along the white-sand shore.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Newport»
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