While big cities like New York and Las Vegas often steal the spotlight for couples planning romantic trips in America, the country has countless hidden gems perfect for those seeking quality time together away from the usual tourist crowds. From cozy mountain lodges to quiet coastal towns, these destinations let couples slow down and connect in more intimate settings.
Here are 19 of the best romantic weekend getaways across the US, where you and your special someone can escape the daily grind and create memories, from charming wine country escapes to peaceful lakeside retreats.
Napa Valley, California
Couples flock to Napa Valley for its world-class wineries and scenic vineyard landscapes, but this Northern California gem offers much more than just wine tasting. The region’s Mediterranean climate and rich soil have created perfect conditions for both grape growing and farm-to-table dining, making it a food lover’s paradise. Throughout the year, you can join cooking classes at the Culinary Institute of America, take a hot air balloon ride over the rolling hills, or hop aboard the Wine Train for a romantic journey through the valley. While many visitors come for weekend trips in the fall harvest season, the spring wildflower blooms and quiet winter months offer equally charming experiences for couples seeking a peaceful escape.
Savannah, Georgia
Just a short drive from Charleston lies the charming city of Savannah, where Spanish moss drapes over oak-lined streets like delicate curtains from the past. Unlike many Southern cities that rushed into modernization, Savannah holds onto its historic soul through its 22 town squares, each telling stories from centuries ago. Horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop along cobblestone streets, while couples stroll hand-in-hand past pre-Civil War mansions and local cafes serving traditional Southern comfort food. Thanks to its history as one of America’s first planned cities, Savannah’s grid layout makes it perfect for wandering, with hidden gardens and quiet corners waiting around every bend.
Charleston, South Carolina
With its cobblestone streets and antebellum mansions, Charleston feels like stepping into a different era of American history. While many coastal cities in the South have modernized rapidly, this South Carolina gem maintains its old-world charm through preserved architecture and time-honored traditions. Just watch horse-drawn carriages roll past historic homes with their iconic side porches, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Because of Charleston’s role as a major colonial port city, the local culture blends European, Caribbean, and African influences, which you’ll notice in everything from the food to the architecture. The city’s famous low-country cuisine and craft cocktail scene make it perfect for couples looking to share intimate meals in historic settings, while the nearby beaches offer quiet spots for afternoon walks together.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen first caught my eye during a winter escape in 2019. Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, this charming town sits in a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The streets of downtown mix high-end boutiques with cozy cafes, while ski slopes and hiking trails crisscross the mountainsides above. The Little Nell hotel, perched at the base of Aspen Mountain, offers couples a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and luxury. Its Element 47 restaurant serves up local cuisine with mountain views that make every meal feel like a special occasion. As evening falls, the twinkling lights of town create a magical atmosphere that seems made for romance.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Of all the coastal towns I’ve explored in New England, Bar Harbor stands out as the perfect mix of seaside charm and outdoor adventure. This small harbor town, nestled against Acadia National Park, draws couples looking to combine rocky coastline walks with cozy downtown strolls. It’s a place where you can spend your morning hiking Cadillac Mountain, watching the sunrise over the Atlantic, then spend your afternoon sampling fresh lobster rolls and browsing local art galleries. The rhythm here shifts with the tides – quiet mornings give way to busy harbor tours, and evenings end with simple pleasures like ice cream walks along the Shore Path.
Sedona, Arizona
Just two hours north of Phoenix lies the desert paradise of Sedona. Like many spots in Arizona, Sedona has its share of hiking trails, desert plants, and wide-open skies. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet entirely. Just look up at the towering red rock formations glowing in the sunset light, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of Sedona’s reputation for spiritual energy, many seekers have made this small city their home, and you’ll find crystal shops, meditation centers, and mystical vortex sites tucked between the crimson cliffs.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Nestled in the heart of the Teton Mountain Range lies Jackson Hole, where cowboys and luxury somehow coexist in perfect harmony. Unlike most mountain towns that shine only in winter, Jackson Hole draws visitors year-round with its mix of outdoor adventures and small-town charm. The area’s rich history as a refuge for outlaws and fur trappers lives on in its wooden sidewalks and authentic saloons, complete with swinging doors. Thanks to its location between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, visitors can spot elk, moose, and bears roaming freely, while the Snake River winds through the valley, offering couples everything from gentle float trips to white-water rafting adventures. In winter, the powder-covered slopes become a playground for skiers, while summer brings wildflower meadows perfect for hiking hand-in-hand.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe draws couples seeking both outdoor adventure and peaceful relaxation along the California-Nevada border. The clear blue waters of North America’s largest alpine lake provide a perfect backdrop for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming during summer months, while the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains offer world-class skiing in winter. Beyond water activities, couples can explore more than 200 miles of hiking trails, take scenic drives around the 72-mile shoreline, or try their luck at the Nevada-side casinos. The mix of cozy lakefront resorts and mountain lodges makes it easy to plan a romantic stay any time of year, whether you’re looking to cuddle up by a fireplace or enjoy sunset cruises on the water.
Did you know?
Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in America at 1,645 feet deep – that’s deep enough to submerge the Empire State Building and still have 300 feet of water above it. The crystal-clear waters are so pure that if you poured a glass from the lake, you could see more than 70 feet through it, making it one of the clearest large lakes in the world.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
I always tell couples looking for a romantic escape to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nestled along California’s central coast, this charming European-style village offers cozy streets lined with art galleries, local wine tasting rooms, and intimate restaurants. The town’s famous white-sand beach provides a perfect backdrop for sunset walks, while the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve lets you explore scenic coastal trails hand-in-hand.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine holds a special place among America’s romantic destinations, as the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the country. This charming coastal city blends Spanish colonial architecture with palm-lined streets and Atlantic views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Couples can spend their days wandering the cobblestone paths of the historic district, exploring centuries-old fortifications like Castillo de San Marcos, or taking horse-drawn carriage rides past buildings that have stood since the 1700s. The city comes alive at night when the narrow streets fill with the sounds of live music drifting from local restaurants, and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Step into the artistic soul of the Southwest in Santa Fe, where adobe buildings and centuries-old traditions create a uniquely romantic atmosphere. The Plaza, the heart of this historic city, invites couples to browse Native American art, handmade jewelry, and local crafts while street musicians fill the air with melody. Take a cooking class together at the Santa Fe School of Cooking to master the art of green chile cuisine, or unwind at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa nestled in the piñon-covered hills. For a special evening, book a table at Geronimo, housed in a 250-year-old adobe building along the famous Canyon Road, where southwest flavors meet fine dining excellence.
Newport, Rhode Island
I always recommend Newport to couples looking for that perfect New England escape. Located on Rhode Island’s southern coast, this historic seaside city charms visitors with its grand Gilded Age mansions along the Cliff Walk, cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings, and scenic harbor filled with sailboats. The iconic Newport Mansions like The Breakers and Marble House offer fascinating glimpses into America’s wealthiest families of the 19th century.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Have you ever ridden in a horse-drawn carriage through streets where cars aren’t allowed? That’s daily life on Mackinac Island, a charming slice of Victorian-era America floating in Lake Huron. This car-free paradise, just a short ferry ride from mainland Michigan, feels like stepping back in time with its historic architecture and clip-clopping horses. You can cycle the 8-mile road around the island, sample fresh fudge from local candy makers, or unwind on the grand porch of the Grand Hotel – the world’s longest at 660 feet. When evening falls, the island’s cozy inns and waterfront restaurants offer perfect spots for couples to watch boats drift by in the harbor.
Telluride, Colorado
Nestled in a box canyon of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride started as a Victorian mining town back in the 1870s. This charming Colorado destination sits at 8,750 feet above sea level, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests that create a natural sanctuary for couples seeking adventure. The free gondola connecting the historic downtown to Mountain Village offers some of the best views in Colorado, especially when the aspen leaves turn golden in fall. Cozy restaurants and boutique hotels line the town’s main street, while snow-capped mountains provide a perfect backdrop for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The Telluride Film Festival brings an artistic energy to town each September, though many visitors prefer the quieter spring and fall seasons for their romantic escapes.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region has been drawing couples to upstate New York since I first visited in 2015. This collection of eleven long, narrow lakes spreads across the countryside like nature’s own water features, with charming small towns dotting their shores. Wineries and vineyards line the gentle slopes around Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, creating perfect spots for afternoon tastings and picnics. The region’s bed and breakfasts occupy historic homes with wraparound porches, many offering lake views and private gardens. Walking trails wind through gorges and past waterfalls, while the lakes themselves invite couples to kayak, sail, or simply watch the sunset from a quiet dock.
Interesting Fact:
If you’re wondering how the Finger Lakes got their unusual name, the answer lies in their distinctive shape – the eleven long, narrow lakes were carved by glaciers thousands of years ago and resemble fingers when viewed from above. Beyond their unique geography, this region is home to over 100 wineries and is actually the largest wine-producing area in New York State.
Key West, Florida
Key West feels like it was designed specifically for couples seeking an escape. Sitting at the southernmost point of the Florida Keys, this laid-back island paradise blends Caribbean charm with American comfort. The historic Old Town district tells stories through its pastel-colored conch houses and narrow streets, while Duval Street hums with live music and cozy restaurants. Couples can spend their days exploring the crystal-clear waters by boat, sharing fresh seafood at waterfront cafes, or simply watching the sun paint the sky in orange and pink hues during the famous Mallory Square sunset celebration. The Ernest Hemingway Home, with its population of six-toed cats, adds a quirky touch to romantic afternoon strolls, while the quiet beaches and hidden gardens provide perfect spots for intimate moments away from the world.
Did You Know This Fact?
Key West’s iconic Mile Marker 0 sign marks the very end of U.S. Route 1, which runs all the way from Maine to Florida for a whopping 2,369 miles. Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most famous works at his Key West home, which still houses about 60 six-toed cats believed to be descendants of his beloved pet Snow White.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Ever hiked through mountain trails blanketed in fall foliage? It’s an everyday scene in the Shenandoah Valley, where the Blue Ridge Mountains create a perfect backdrop for couples seeking quiet moments together. This natural paradise, just a short drive from Washington D.C., offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures – from wine tasting at local vineyards to exploring the famous Luray Caverns. You can also take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, stopping at overlooks to watch the sunset, or spend your evenings stargazing from a cozy cabin in the woods. The valley’s small towns, like Staunton and Winchester, add charm with their local restaurants, antique shops, and friendly faces.
Asheville, North Carolina
Discover the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, where romance meets small-town charm. Take a stroll through the historic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private residence, where you can explore 250 rooms filled with art and antiques. Head to the River Arts District to browse galleries and watch artists at work, then wind down at one of the city’s many craft breweries. For a special evening, book a table at Cúrate, a Spanish tapas restaurant housed in a 1927 bus depot, where you can share small plates and watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen.
Stowe, Vermont
Ever walked through a snow-covered village that looks like it jumped straight out of a Christmas card? That’s what you’ll find in Stowe, Vermont, where cozy inns and maple-lined streets create the perfect backdrop for romance. This charming mountain town, just 45 minutes from Burlington, offers couples a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town comfort. In winter, you can hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort or glide hand-in-hand on cross-country ski trails. When summer rolls around, the area transforms into a playground for hiking, with the winding paths of Mount Mansfield calling to adventurous couples. Don’t miss the local craft breweries or the famous Ben & Jerry’s factory nearby – because nothing says romance quite like sharing an ice cream cone with your special someone.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that Stowe was once nicknamed the “Ski Capital of the East” after the von Trapp family (yes, the ones from The Sound of Music) settled there and opened a ski lodge in the 1940s? The town’s main attraction, Mount Mansfield, stands as Vermont’s highest peak at 4,395 feet and offers over 116 ski trails for winter sports enthusiasts.
