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Researching romantic getaways in the United States for Valentine’s Day, a special anniversary, or just because you love your other half? This guide details dreamy small-town trips, beach vacations, and sexy city destinations. It also includes tour and accommodation suggestions to plan your trip, book a base, and get excited! Let’s look at the best vacation spots for couples in the US.
You may also like our guide to the best places to visit in the US in February and the US bachelorette party destinations!
Romantic Getaways in the US
Cutest Towns in the US
We’re going to kick off our guide to getaways with small towns that pack in a lot of pretty!
1. Marfa (West Texas)
If art deco and art installations are your kinda couple thing, Marfa, the art town of West Texas, is the right destination for you.
Beyonce’s been, Solange sang there, Natalie Portman popped by, and Naomi Campbell called in.
So what’s the deal with dusty old Marfa?
A population of less than 2000, Marfa hibernates Monday to Thursday, but at the weekends, road trippers fill the streets, with limited restaurants and ample art spaces.
Romantic Things to Do in Marfa
- Self-guided photo tour of the striking architecture and color pops
- Experience the art exhibitions at the Marfa Ballroom
- Drive out to Prada Marfa, the faux lux store in the desert (US 90)
- Watch the shade change around Donald Judd’s ‘\15 Untitled Works in Concrete at his Chinati Foundation in the Chihuahuan desert
- Check out the nightly light phenomena, Marfa’s ghost lights
- Stay in a yurt! Here’s our accommodation guide
Read a detailed guide, plus a free map, here.
Marfa Hotels
- Hotel Saint George: Modern hotel with big rooms and seasonal pool
- Riata Inn – Marfa: Friendly staff, affordable and clean motel
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2. Montpelier (Vermont)
The first of New England’s locations to make it on our couples’ trip bucket list, idyllic Montpelier is the smallest state capital city in the US.
Due to its size, it might be worth considering Montpelier as part of a New England road trip instead of a standalone visit.
With its wide sidewalks, manicured gardens, and stark white historic buildings contrasting against the orange foliage in fall, Montpelier’s recognizable skyline is often used to market Vermont and wider New England.
The Winooski River runs close to downtown.
Romantic Things to Do in Montpelier
- Take a romantic wander through Downtown, reading the historic plaques
- Shop for chocolate at the award-winning Rabble-Rouser, a name shouted at Suffragettes!
- For food, check out The Mad Taco, Sarducci’s or Three Penny Taproom
- Visit the Vermont History Museum to learn more about Native Americans who lived here and conflict in Vermont
- Grab a creemee at Bragg Farm
- Watch a movie at Capitol Showplace
3. Mystic and Noank (Connecticut)
You get two pretty towns for the price of one in Connecticut.
Mystic is obviously known as pizza, being the focus of the 1980s movie Mystic Pizza.
The movie was actually filmed in one of the next-door towns, Stonington.
This seaport town with vast maritime history gets very busy in summer, so it’s teamed up with its cute neighbor, Noank.
Noank is a tiny fishing town in New England, five minutes drive from the popular Mystic.
With impressive houses, white picket fences, and leafy roads leading down to the huge body of water dominated by boats bobbing about, Noank reminds me of the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Canada, or a less compact Ullapool in Scotland.
This is a quiet destination, so not the right choice for party couples. If you want to chill, eat fresh seafood, and spend time together, Noank might be for you.
If beaches are your thing, you’ll love our guide to small beach towns on the east coast.
Romantic Things to Do in Noank and Mystic
- Grab breakfast at Carsons Store diner, which dates back to 1907 (Noank)
- Dine on lobster at Abbott’s Lobster In the Rough or Fords (Noank)
- Eat pizza at Mystic Pizza, of course!
- Gorge of cakes at Sift (Mystic)
- Plaque watch as you wander around the historic houses in both towns
- Sunbathe at Rocky Neck State Park
- If you like thrills, drive to Lake Compounce Amusement Park
4. Ouray (Colorado)
Outdoor adventure couple fans don’t need to research further than this scenic town in Colorado.
The Switzerland of the States, Ouray (yoo-rei), is in a valley surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
If you have time for a road trip, consider the San Juan Skyway (loop), which covers the towns of Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Stoner, Rico, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, and Silverton.
Romantic Things to Do in Ouray
- Hike Box Canyon Park (easy)
- Check out the Cascade Falls; how close can you get?
- Bathe in the Ouray Hot Springs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains
- See the turquoise waters of the Blue Lake Trails (moderate)
- Ride along the Million Dollar Highway
- Visiting in winter? Ouray has ice climbing experiences
- Try the local beer from family-owned Ouray Brewery
You may also like our road trip packing list for this trip.
Romantic Cities in the USA
If you prefer more action, check out the following lively US cities for couples.
5. Albuquerque (New Mexico)
With a passion for flamenco, hot air balloons, vineyards, and beercation awards, Albuquerque is an obvious choice for couples who like a bit of balance during their romantic getaways.
The most popular time to visit Albuquerque is during the Hot Air Balloon Festival, but you can get sky-high in several ways throughout the year.
On a budget? Albuquerque appears on our list of the cheapest places to visit in the US guide, too.
Romantic Things to Do in Albuquerque
- Enjoy a couples hot air balloon ride together
- Taste authentic food at Church Street Cafe
- Shop at Patio Market (local makers)
- Learn more at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Wine tasting along Albuquerque’s North Valley
- Craft beer hop at the Brewery District (between Edith and I-25)
- Ride the aerial car to Sandia Peak for sunset pics
6. Asheville (North Carolina)
Outdoor and craft beer fans should consider the lesser-known romantic getaway in Asheville, NC.
Asheville is a perfect combination city for those who enjoy walking hand in hand through downtown but also the thrill of the outdoors.
If you do not feel like walking, there are alternatives! One of the most scenic drives in the US is on Asheville’s doorstep, the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This is a popular drive during fall for the autumnal tones.
Romantic Things to Do in Asheville
- Discover the street art around Asheville
- Dig into the craft beer scene; there are 30+ breweries to try!
- Do a wine tour at Biltmore Estate; more below
- Lunch at the River Arts District
- Paddleboard down the French Broad River
- Dine at the sunset terrace of Omni Grove Park Inn
- Drive along and hike the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Take a ride on the Pisgah National Forest Sliding Rock (image below)
7. The Biltmore Estate (North Carolina)
The dreamy Biltmore Estate, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, deserves its own feature in the list of romantic getaways in the US guide.
Why? Well, it looks like it has jumped straight out of the pages of a European fairy tale book.
“America’s Largest Home,” Biltmore, was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895.
The Châteauesque-style mansion, once home to Vanderbilt, his wife Edith, and their family, is a popular day out or overnight stay for couples.
The 250-room house has 178,926 square feet (16,622.8 m2) of floor space and 135,280 square feet of living area.
A day pass gives you access to the mansion, where you will see 16th-century tapestries, a huge library containing 10,000 volumes, and the Vanderbilt Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling.
How many fireplaces did you find? There are 65 in total.
Things to Do at Biltmore Estate
- Explore the 8000-acre estate with your significant other
- 60-minute guided tour, including the estate rooftop
- Taste test their multi-award-winning wines
- See what’s blooming in the Conservatory
- Escape to the Walled Garden
- Do a self-guided bike tour
- Dine at Antler Hill Village
Biltmore Estate Accommodation
- The Inn On Biltmore Estate includes a pool, bar and restaurant
This private mountain adventure is well worth considering for a romantic weekend in North Carolina.
Check out the video of the estate below.
A trip to Biltmore Estate could make a perfect Mother’s Day trip, too, so it features in our guide to the best places to visit in the US in May.
8. Atlanta (Georgia)
Couple’s hikes, spa treatments, sunset spots, and shows: Atlanta has no shortage of romantic hotspots in the city.
There’s a reason so many Hollywood movies use this city as a filming location. Hunger Games, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Flight, and Captain America, to name a few.
Atlanta is also featured in our best cities to visit in December guide.
Romantic Things to Do in Atlanta
- Pick up grocers at Piedmont Park Farmers’ Market, then cook up a storm
- Learn about the Civil Rights Movement together at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Stroll through the 22-acre public park, Centennial Olympic Park
- Eat lunch at 70-year-old Mary Mac’s Tea Room
- Unwind at JeJu Sauna, Korean health spa
- Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar like The Sun Dial
- Dine at Canoe, the farm-to-table restaurant by the Chattahoochee River
- Watch award-winning ensembles of violin concertos at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Boat, fish, or kayak together at Lake Lanier
On a budget? Relax at Lake Lanier with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to watch the sunset over a bottle of wine, romantic getaways in Atlanta GA, are worth every cent.
Atlanta also features in our best destinations for January guide.
9. Austin (Texas)
Austin, Texas, is a brilliant city for couples who love music.
There is always live music around the city, and several festivals, such as ACL and South By Southwest, are held throughout the year.
We love Austin so much that we eloped there in 2016.
Romantic Things to Do in Austin
- Tex Mex breakfast at Ciscos
- Brunch on South Congress (So Co)
- Walk along Lady Bird Lake
- Get in the water on a boat tour or kayak
- Sunbathe or swim at Barton Springs
- Watch live music on East 6th
- Bar hop the craft beer pubs
- Grab food truck food
- Snap a pic at the I Love You So Much wall at South Congress
- And the You’re My Butter Half mural
- Gorge on BBQ
- See the bats fly from Congress Avenue Bridget at sunset from the end of March
- Stay in a hip airstream
We have a whole post dedicated to date night ideas, too.
Our Austin Guides
Our US Guides Featuring Austin
10. Boston (Massachusetts)
Boston is the best city for couples who love food, history, and sports.
Red Sox (Baseball), Bruins (Hockey), Revolution (Soccer), Patriots (Football), or Celtics (Basketball), there’s always a game to watch live or in a sports bar.
Romantic Things to Do in Boston
- Try all the food at Faneuil Hall
- Walk it off at Boston Common
- Enjoy afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental
- Savor a sunset from Bunker Hill Monument
- Have drinks and see a sports game in person or at a bar
- Splurge on the Boston Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail tour
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11. Chicago (Illinois)
Broadway, the Bean and boat tours, and Chicago are cool cities for couples who enjoy sightseeing and sunbathing in summer.
There is a reason why Chicago was featured in one of the most romantic movies, “The Vow,” starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams.
Catch a kiss under the Cloud Gate like the main characters did.
Romantic Things to Do in Chicago
- Get a bird’s eye view from 360 Chicago or the Skydeck
- Check out the Art Institute of Chicago
- Gorge on deep pan Chicago pizza
- Foodies check out the Chicago food and history tour
- Do a boat tour to learn more about the architecture
- Sunbathe at the manmade lakeside beach
- See the Bean (Cloud Gate at Millennium Park)
- Watch the sunset at Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk
- See a show at The Chicago Theatre (Balaban) or Katz Chicago Theatre
- Hang out at the hip Wicker Park neighborhood
Here’s our dedicated article on date ideas in Chicago.
Did you know the river is dyed green for St Paddy’s Day? Check out our guide on the best places to visit in March.
Here are a few more guides to help plan your romantic getaways in Chicago.
Our Chicago Guides
12. Huntsville (Alabama)
Space fans and foodies should consider The Rocket City, Huntsville, AL, for their next vacation.
While it’s not the most romantic places in the US when talking about conventional romance, it is definitely an underrated destination unconventional couples should consider.
Home to NASA space camp, couples a little of this world can train to be an astronaut like Two Scots Abroad did!
Romantic Things to Do in Huntsville, AL
- Check out Clinton Row Color Walk street art murals
- Lunch of meat and two at G’s Country Kitchen
- Take a stroll through Huntsville Botanical Gardens
- Play old-school games and have a drink at Pints and Pixels
- Browse art and vintage shops at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment
- Eat pizza, drink craft beer, and throw an axe at Campus 805
- Or all aboard Blue Bayou restaurant on a train with a changing menu
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13. Las Vegas (Nevada)
Is Sin City on your couple’s bucket list?
You don’t have to leave the States to experience some of Europe’s most romantic attractions when you have a weekend in Las Vegas.
Romantic Things to Do in Vegas
- The High Roller Ferris wheel at The LINQ
- Be stunned by the famous Bellagio Fountains Light
- Stroll through Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Enjoy a gondola ride at The Venetian
- Climb the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas
- Get lost together at Fremont Street
- Catch a live music show
- Rise above in a Vegas hot air balloon ride
- See Vegas a night in a helicopter
For a different kind of ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,’ check out our best bachelorette destinations guide.
14. New Orleans (Louisiana)
Oh my, New Orleans is the perfect destination for couples who like to party.
Hurricanes and hand grenades, New Orleans cocktails are as lethal as they sound.
The main drag for mayhem is Bourbon Street, where partygoers spill out from bars night and day.
Personally, I think New Orleans is a better party destination than Vegas… What do you think? Tell me in the comments below.
I’ve partied in NOLA when I was single and with Craig. Had an absolute ball both times.
Romantic Things to Do in New Orleans
- Listen to jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Browse the houses in the Garden District
- Eat Po’ Boys, Muffuletta and beignets (Cafe Du Monde)
- Hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez for live music on the lower Mississippi River
- Check out the Creole flavors in food for dinner
- Stay in a shotgun-colorful wooden home
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15. Santa Fe (New Mexico)
Pretty-looking churches, interesting adobe buildings, art installations, indie cinemas, a lot is going on in Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital city.
Santa Fe is ideal for the cultural couple who likes art, photography, movies, and good food.
There are also lots of opportunities to find out more about Santa Fe’s history at its museums.
Romantic Things to Do in Santa Fe
- Grab popcorn from a vendor and people-watch at Santa Fe Plaza
- Snack on Frito pie (chilli, cheese, and corn chips)
- Learn about the city’s history at the New Mexico History Museum
- Check out the artisan farmers’ market at Farmers’ Market Pavilion
- Gallery hop along Canyon Road
- Be amazed at Meow Wolf’s immersive art installations
- Watch the sunset from the Cross of the Martyrs
- Catch a movie at the community movie house, Violet Crown
- Or George R. R. Martin’s Jean Cocteau Cinema for indie movies and Game of Thrones-themed drinks
- Dine on New Mexican food among the plants at La Plazuela
- Or with cocktails at Coyote Cafe’s rooftop
Romantic Beaches in the USA
16. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
For the best romantic getaways in California, plan a weekend at Carmel-by-the-Sea.
“Carmel” is a seaside city in the Monterey Peninsula, popular with couples who need fresh sea air and a coastal escape.
If you are a fan of the TV show Big Little Lies, you will recognize the bridge in the image below from the intro scene.
Big hotel chains are not allowed on Carmel Beach, so this is the perfect excuse to book an adorable, cozy apartment.
Did you know Clint Eastwood was one of the mayors of Carmel? He won the election twice!
Like the idea of spending time by the beach?
Here is our beach packing list with a free checklist so you won’t forget a thing!
Romantic Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Wake up with a walk along Carmel Beach
- Hit the boutique shops and galleries on Ocean Ave
- Spot the fairy tale cottages made by novice architect Hugh Comstock
- Loosen up at the wine-tasting rooms
- Like Italian? Dine at Il Fornaio Carmel for patio dining
- Drive over the ‘Big Little Lies’ Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur) playing Michael Kiwanuka
- See The Lone Cypress tree at Pebble Beach (image below)
Pfeiffer Beach, south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, features is our best US beaches guide, so it may be worth adding to your romantic itinerary.
17. Cannon Beach (Oregon)
Cannon Beach is popular with day-trippers who want to see the famous Haystack Rock.
However, this guide to the most romantic places in the US suggests staying longer than just a day to check out some of the other beaches and parks in the area.
Perfect for the couple who appreciates scenery and the outdoors, it is Oregon after all!
Romantic Things to Do in at Cannon Beach
- Grab takeout coffee at the beach
- Learn more about the area at Cannon Beach History Center
- Eat fish and chips by the beach for dinner
- Head to Hug Point for another sandy beach cove hangout
- Ecola State Park 2-4 mile trails and coastline views
- Enjoy the sunset at Cannon Beach
- If visiting in summer, check out the lavender farm estates
Cannon Beach also features in our guide to beach towns in Oregon and the best beaches to visit in December for a fresh, festive beach trip!
18. Key West, Florida
If you want a Valentine’s vacation at one of the popular warm places to visit in February in the USA, you cannot miss the diving capital, Key Largo, or the party-heavy Key West.
At Key West, you can go to state and national parks or enjoy diving, cycling, kayaking, boat tours, sailing, and much more.
Romantic Things to Do at Key West
- Hit the bars at Duval Street
- Get in the water with this 2-stop snorkel tour
- Visit Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- See Audubon House’s beautiful gardens
- Foodies should check out the Key West Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
- Fantasy Fest – the festival where couples paint their bodies
If you love seafood, Key West Lobsterfest takes place in August! Plan to come back later for another romantic getaway in the US.
Key West is one of the most popular romantic beach getaways in Florida if you love being outdoors.
You may also like our guide on winter sun USA vacations.
Dreamy National Parks
Finally, let’s hit the road and look at what national parks can offer couples.
Think of long winding roads, hot springs, and unique accommodations.
19. Hot Springs (Arkansas)
Arkansas is a great base for those who need chill time together.
This state is famous for the National Historic Landmark, Bathhouse Row, a series of eight bathhouses and gardens at Hot Springs National Park in the city of Hot Springs.
With a name like that, the focus will be to relax, unwind, and find time for each other.
Hot Springs is the smallest of the US National Parks at 5,550 acres.
However, it still pulls in crowds of couples looking for a special trip together because it has 47 natural hot springs on Hot Springs Mountain.
Visitors love these hot springs because they don’t have that pongy smell that other outdoor springs let off.
Some of the bathhouses were built directly over these natural mineral water springs along Hot Springs Creek, and previous customers include sports stars, Hollywood celebrities, and famous gangsters.
Hot Springs is also known for its architecture. Many of the bathhouses are influenced by Spanish and Italian designs. The oldest is Hale Bathhouse, which was built in 1893.
The city of Hot Springs is also nice to visit during the fall in Arkansas.
Romantic Things to Do in Hot Springs, AR
- Book into a bathhouse such as Buckstaff or Lamar
- Enjoy a massage or other beauty treatment
- Check out the museum at The Fordyce Bathhouse
- Read about Hot Springs and Al Capone’s relationship at the Gangster Museum of America
- Do the free Bathhouse Row walking tour to learn about the history
- Hike the 26 miles of trails for forest scenery
- Learn about the Natives who named the park ‘The Valley of Vapours’
You don’t have to book into a bathhouse at Hot Springs. There are several apartments near the park if you prefer to have your own space and kitchen facilities.
“The Great American Spa” is one of the best romantic getaways in Arkansas for its healing properties, the champagne of nature and history.
20. Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Early hikes with sunrise, restaurants with views for sunsets and star gazing at night. Who can ever say no to the home of the Grand Canyon?
Arizona has the most stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by red mountain peaks, desert landscapes, and vast canyons, you have lots of choices of how to get around them via hiking, biking, boating, and from the sky.
Deemed “profitless” by Colorado River explorer and botanist Joseph Christmas Ives, the Grand Canyon was protected as a forest reserve in 1893.
This saw a boom in elite folks visiting it, putting the Grand Canyon on the US tourism map.
In 1908, it became a national monument and, in 1919, the US’s 17th national park.
The Grand Canyon is now a landmark and one of the main reasons international visitors choose the West Coast of the USA as a destination.
Romantic Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
- Ride in on the historic railway at Grand Canyon Village
- Reserve your spot on the 2-hour South Rim jeep tour
- Check out one of the few female architects of her time, Mary Colter’s buildings such as The Lookout at South Rim
- Learn about the 11 Native American tribes that remain
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Canyon on a 45-min helicopter ride
- Get wet on a rafting tour on the Colorado River
- Experience the sacred Rainbow Bridge arch
- Stargaze from Moran Point and Lipan Point
Grand Canyon obviously features in our most romantic national parks guide.
21. Big Bend National Park
The 15th largest national park, Big Bend, is a great option for couples who like relatively easy hikes, hot springs, cool yurt-style accommodations, and stargazing.
Located in West Texas, several stops close to Big Bend are worth factoring into your itinerary.
Terlingua, the ghost town, is home to historic ruins from mining companies and photogenic yurt accommodation.
Marfa is a cool art town with art deco buildings and art installations.
Read our Texas road trip guide for more details.
Romantic Things to Do Big Bend National Park
- Hike the 201 miles of trails
- Enjoy a dip at Boquillas Hot Spring
- Do the 2-minute boat ride to Mexico for lunch
- Canoe through Santa Elena Canyon
- Watch the sunset
- Stargaze at night
Big Bend Accommodation
Four campsites are in the park, and you must book online before you arrive.
If you miss a booking, there is an overspilled campsite, Stillwell Store RV Park, 20 minutes drive from the Persimmon Gap Visitors Center.
It is really common for visitors to stay in Terlingua and travel into the park.
Terlingua Hotels
- Resort Lajitas Golf Resort: Spa and swimming pool
- Lodge Terlingua Ranch Lodge: Private cabins and campsite
Save for later! Pin to your USA planning board
Final Words
Evidently, there are plenty of romantic getaways in the United States to suit any and every couple. Whether you like partying or paddling, hiking or hot springs, or a mix of them all, there’s the perfect destination for you and your loved one this Valentine’s Day and all year round.
Thank you for sharing these romantic destinations for couples. I appreciate the way you’ve covered everything from enjoying a comfortable cabin retreat to off-road adventure, and nature. Exploring these destinations is truly every couple’s dream escape.
Thanks Janhavi!