Many of us dream of going on a romantic vacation to Tahiti or Paris, but if your budget doesn’t allow travel to an exotic location, consider a getaway closer to home. You can experience romance in an exciting locale without even leaving the country. Here are ten romantic destinations within the United States that you and bae can enjoy.
1. Hawaii
There’s a reason Hawaii draws honeymooners from around the world. With lush tropical landscapes, plenty of white-sand beaches on which to stroll and watch the sunset and consistently calm weather, Hawaii seems to have been tailor-made for romance. Plus, Hawaii’s warm “aloha” culture creates the perfect ambiance for relaxation and romance. A “date night” in Hawaii could consist of attending a hula performance at an ocean-side restaurant while sipping a tropical drink.
2. San Francisco
To paraphrase a famous song, you could easily leave your heart in San Francisco. With a dramatic setting on steep hills, quaint cable cars, the cozy Italian restaurants of North Beach, the bright colors of Chinatown, and a vibrant counter-cultural scene, San Francisco’s intriguing atmosphere seduces countless visitors. When the city’s notorious fog rolls in, snuggle up with your sweetheart at a tiny inn or boutique hotel. Or, take a scenic drive south of the city along the rugged California coast.
3. Aspen
Aspen has justly earned its reputation as a premier ski destination, but its breathtaking alpine setting provides a romantic backdrop for year-round outdoor adventures from all types of winter sports to hiking and mountain biking. If you feel a bit lightheaded, it might not just be from romance. Aspen perches at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet above sea level. So, catch your breath, and unwind with a couple’s treatment at one of the area’s many spas. Dine out at an intimate European-style bistro, or have a picnic in the mountains.
4. New Orleans
New Orleans’ French Quarter, with its wrought-iron balconies bedecked with colorful flower boxes and potted ferns, could double as the set for a historic romance novel. For a macabre touch, visit one of the city’s famous cemeteries – some of which are reputed to be haunted – with their above-ground marble tombs. Go on a river-front amble along a levee, or spend the evening at a jazz club. Whatever you decide to do in New Orleans, you’re sure to have a romantic experience.
5. Napa Valley
This famous wine producing location is well known to drawn romance seekers for quick getaways to long idyllic weeks year-round. The hardest choice you’ll have to make will be deciding on your accomodation style. Couples can choose to stay in the smaller Inns and cottages with a big canopy beds, a fireplace and a claw foot tubs that fit two; or in one of the bigger chain hotels hotels with out of the world spas and live evening music. Then spend the days hot air ballooning over the vineyards, imbibing of California made wine at the many vineyards, or dining at the many fantastic and classic restaurants in the Valley.
6. Smoky Mountains
Imagine lounging in a hot tub on the deck of a cabin tucked into rolling hills. In the summer enjoy a hike in the mountains, visit the town of Gatlinburg or get your adrenaline pumping at the Dollywood amusement park. In the fall, you can watch the sun sets it paints the hills in hues of red, yellow and orange. And in the winter, you can get cozy with your loved one in front of a roaring fire. In short, the Smoky Mountains are a year-round romantic destination providing as much excitement or tranquility as you desire.
7. Charleston
Charleston in a word- Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemeteries, cobblestone walks, historic elegance and gorgeous weather. As you walk hand in hand past the gas lamp-lit streets at night, past horse-drawn carriages and the antebellum architecture, you just might think you’ve traveled back in time. It is the perfect weekend romantic getaway. Take a walking tour to learn about the rich and sometimes sordid history this quaint city. Try some contemporary southern food for lunch and make dinner reservations at romantic restaurants like ‘Chez- Nous’. For those who are brave enough to venture to Charleston in the peak of summertime remember to have a fan handy when you aren’t frolicking at the beach.
8. Las Vegas
To some this might seem a strange romantic vacation destination, but I tell you, this is one of the most underrated romantic destinations of all time and it packs a punch. You will come away from Vegas feeling more in Love and excited about your partner. Book a suite at the romantic Venetian hotel, enjoy breakfast in bed and take a private gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant at Paris Las Vegas where you can see the Fountains of Bellagio from every seat in the restaurant; or dine 800-feet above the Strip in the Stratosphere Tower 360 degrees revolving restaurant; or stay close for a candle-lit pre-fixe dinner at DB Brasserie . Book a romantic private Spa day at the Waldorf Astoria; catch an evening breathtaking Cirque du Soleil show before closing out the night with at one of the many famous clubs.
9. Savannah, Georgia
An atmospheric city of leafy parks and elegant antebellum architecture, Savannah oozes romance, from the clopping of horses’ hooves on cobblestones to the Spanish moss-draped plazas to a history filled with intrigue and colorful characters. If the setting isn’t enough to excite your senses, sample innovative cuisine and Southern hospitality at one of the city’s excellent restaurants, or check out an event such as the Savannah Black Heritage Festival or the Savannah Jazz Festival. Spring is a good time to visit Savannah, when flowers bloom all over the city’s gardens.
10. Cape Cod
Long, dune-lined beaches and expansive ocean views have drawn artists, vacationing families and honeymooners to the Cape for generations. While Cape Cod has a reputation as being somewhat of an upscale destination, there are plenty of bargains to be had there, especially if you visit outside of the peak summer tourist season. Plus, going to Cape Cod during the off season means you’ll have those romantic beaches mostly to yourself.
From the excitement of San Francisco and New Orleans to the tropical splendor of Hawaii to the lush rolling hills of Napa Valley and the Smoky Mountains, these ten destinations offer romance and adventure. So go ahead and book that trip with bae A S A P !
