Most Romantic Places in USA for weekend getaways

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Anais Nin once said, “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” Rightly so. And that’s why we bring forth the most romantic cities in USA for weekend getaways to celebrate your loved one. 

We have collaborated with various travelers to share their favorite romantic places in the United States. This list includes romantic staycations, beach holidays, outdoor couple adventures, and more!

Most romantic places in USA for weekend getaways

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Preparation: Visit romantic places in the United States

For an easy romantic weekend getaway, follow these tips 

• Plan and book hotels, glamping sites or campgrounds ahead of time
• Leave your work laptop at home, and put your phones away
• Pack something nice for a dinner out

New Orleans, Louisiana

By Kate from Our Escape Clause

Beautiful New Orleans, with its storied history, beautiful oak trees, delicious food, and gorgeous architecture, is easily among the loveliest cities in the USA for a romantic getaway with your beloved.

While you’re there, be sure to stroll hand-in-hand through the French Quarter and the gorgeous Garden District, to enjoy a night out on the town complete with live jazz, take in the beauty of New Orleans’ natural setting with a long walk through City Park, to take a whimsical ride on a historic street car, and take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi.

Of course, no getaway to New Orleans would be complete without a thorough exploration of its iconic food scene! From Creole to Cajun, New Orleans’ cuisine is as legendary as it is varied. The city is packed full of romantic restaurants: consider including Angeline, Coquette, and the ever-popular Cafe Amelie in your NOLA itinerary.

For a beautiful bar experience, consider stopping by the incredible Carousel Bar before heading off to dinner!

True foodie couples may even want to include a food tour through New Orleans as part of their romantic getaway, while those fascinated by the many legends of NOLA may prefer to cling to each other on a ghost tour.

Whatever your couple style, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find plenty of romance when spending a weekend in beautiful New Orleans!

Amelia Island, Florida

By Sharon from Dream 360

Located on the northeast coast of Florida, Amelia Island is the perfect romantic getaway destination in the United States. From its long white sand beaches, nature trails, historic small-town boutiques and eateries to its lavish luxury resorts, there is something to do on the island for every couple.

Let’s start with Amelia Island’s beach area. The long and wide white sand beach will not disappoint. 

After a morning on the beach, visit the Historic Fernandina Beach area with all its local shops and great eateries. We recommend Nana’s Bakery for a sweet treat and coffee, Sabbia Middle Eastern restaurant for lunch and get in on the locals’ debate about where to get the best burger by trying T-Rays Burger Station or Tasty’s Fresh Burger.

Couples will enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic homes in Fernandina beach, romantic boat tours, bike rides on the island’s trail network, or a couple’s massage at the famous Ritz Carlton spa.

Depending on the type of couple you are, there are several places to stay on the island, from big luxury resorts to intimate bed and breakfast homes.

We recommend the Fairbanks House, which has many romance packages, and its location is just a short 2-minute walk from the Fernandina Beach area. Bill and Theresa are excellent hosts, and we still miss her little cookie treats waiting for us in the front hall as we arrived home late in the evening. Find accommodation in Amelia Island here

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a perfect weekend getaway for couples. From luxurious resort staycation to parties, dining in style, shopping, natural reserves to flamboyant Saturday nights, Vegas is the answer to a wild and a happening weekend!

Arrive Las Vegas on a Friday night, and then head to dine in one of the finest restaurants on the Strip. Ensure to book a nice hotel – like the Aria, Mandalay Bay, or the 5-star Bellagio. The next day opt for a quick day trip to the Red Rock Canyon (half day tour), and then spend some time shopping or wandering through the strip.

For Saturday night, book a concert or hop on a night tour that takes you through Vegas Strip to the downtown Fremont Street, whilst enjoying the illuminating night lights!

Before you leave Las Vegas, make it EPIC! Enjoy a gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel, the High Roller at The Linq, or a helicopter ride over the city. If you wish to keep it cozy and private, choose a couples spa package.

San Francisco, California

There are tons of things to do in San Francisco for couples. Start your day by walking hand in hand at the Golden Gate Bridge Park, soak in those mesmerizing views of the red bridge and the blue waters. Enjoy a romantic boat ride at Stow Lake after. 

There are tons of boating options to choose from, and cruising along the lake you and your sweetheart can enjoy pretty landscape and birdlife. 

In the afternoon, relax at the lake and picnic. Head to downtown San Francisco for a few cocktails and dinner at InterContinental Mark. 

Next day in San Francisco head to one of the wine valleys on a day tour. Napa Valley will definitely be a good choice for couples. Let a guide do all the driving, and take you around, while you two enjoy some quality time together with wine and beautiful scenery.

(If wine tasting is not your thing, you can easily swap this for a day trip to a national park from San Francisco). 

On your final day in San Francisco weekend, explore SFMOMA (museum), or head to the crooked Lombard Street and enjoy a streetcar ride. In the afternoon or evening, enjoy a couples spa at any one of the finest Bay Area wellness centers. 

ADDITIONAL READING: Road trip ideas from San Francisco

READ: Road trips to take in the USA West Coast

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

By Paulina by Paulina on the Road

One of the most romantic getaways in Wisconsin is definitely a long weekend in Lake Geneva. Located at only a short drive from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva area is filled with world-class golf resorts, spas, water sports, boutique shopping, and fine dining, making it an ideal getaway destination.

There are plenty of things to do in Lake Geneva such as renting a kayak and explore the area on your own. Or, why not get pampered in one of the city’s numerous spas.

Another great thing to do in exploring the impressive mansions in Lake Geneva downtown. The lilting romance of that era is the ideal stage for a couple’s getaway that will have you feeling like you’re a million miles away.

Make sure to also do a boat trip with the Lake Geneva Cruise Line which will take you to the remotest parts of the area. If you are wondering where to stay in Lake Geneva, WI, we recommend booking a romantic cabin, like The Geneva Inn.

Charlottesville, Virginia

By Hannah from Hannah Heliz Blog

A small, charming city located in the middle of rolling hills and a vast wine region, Charlottesville, Virginia is the perfect stop for a romantic weekend away.

From charming candlelit dinner spots, to live music venues and wine tours, you will find what you’re looking for here. We HIGHLY recommend the newly opened Quirk Hotel for your stay. This hotel is gorgeous, art-driven, and has many romantic dining options right on sight including the rooftop and the dimly lit barrel-aged spirits bar Bobboo, the perfect place for a last nightcap.

We recommend coming for the actual weekend as all the wineries are open and you can go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning!

Arriving on Friday, take a stroll, hand in hand, at the outdoor “mall”. This is a beautiful open airstrip through the center of downtown lined with trees, beautiful shops, and restaurants.

Romantic restaurant recommendations around here include Fluerie, The Alley Light, Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria, and my favorite, Mas- for traditional Spanish tapas.

On Saturday, start your morning with coffee and breakfast snacks at the Charlottesville City Market, a 200-stall local vendor farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday!

From there, plan a drive out to the vineyards for some wine tasting. If one of you doesn’t mind being the designated driver, that works or you can always book a private wine tasting tour. Some wineries you CAN’T miss include Pippin Hill Vineyards (eat here, the food is AMAZING), Blenheim, and Veritas Winery.

Once you return back to town, stop for dinner at one of the aforementioned restaurants and head out for a nightcap and music at Fellini’s or back to Bobboo at the Quirk for a fancy candlelit cocktail.

On the way out on Sunday grab some breakfast at the Farm Bell Kitchen or MarieBette Cafe. Enjoy your weekend lovers!

Salt Lake City, Utah

By Deb from The Visa Project

While not very well-known, Salt Lake City is one of those honeymoon destinations that can end up surprising with everything it has to offer. 

You can begin your visit with a stroll in downtown, while holding hands. If architecture is your thing, then the beautiful LDS temple is a must. The downtown, particularly along Broadway,  boasts various art galleries, rare booksellers,  cafes, and restaurants. 

Salt Lake City has many premier cultural events and a vibrant theater scene. Book a night with Utah Symphony or Ballet West, and you would not be disappointed. Capitol theater also hosts touring Broadway productions and several other performances.

If you are outdoorsy, then Salt Lake City is like a heaven. Little Cottonwood canyon is at barely 30 minutes from the downtown, and the drive to there, as well as the view, is wonderful.

Love skiing? Head to the Brighton resort in the Big Cottonwood canyons. If you want to spend a night, affordable lodging is available at the Brighton Lodge. And if it’s not skiing season, drive there during the day time to hike to Lake Mary or Lake Catherine and, breathe some wonderful mountain air that brings out the romantic in you. 

Wanna venture out a little further?  The Bonneville Salt Flats are more or less a two-hour drive from the downtown, where you can get lost in a desert of salt.  

READ: Getaways in the East Coast USA

Mobile, Alabama

By Wendy from the Nomadic Vegan

If you want to step back in time and feel like you’re Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, then take a trip to Mobile, Alabama. Its streets are lined with stately oak trees covered in hanging Spanish moss, and some of the antebellum mansions once owned by Southern plantation owners are now open to the public as museums.

The best time to visit is during the spring, and in particular during the Azalea Trail Festival in the second half of March. This is when the pink and white azaleas bloom, and you suddenly realize that just about every home in the city has at least one azalea bush in the front yard.

Local girls in their final year of high school are chosen as Azalea Trail Maids. They dress up in frilly hoop skirts and twirl their parasols, showing off their Southern hospitality and serving as ambassadors to welcome visitors to the city.

Or, if you arrive a bit earlier in the year, you may catch the local Mardi Gras parades. Mobilians will be proud to tell you that theirs is the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States! 

Now part of Alabama, Mobile was originally the capital of the French Louisiana Territory, and this French heritage is still visible in its architecture and cultural traditions.

Malaga Inn makes a great place to base yourself, as it’s in an atmospheric antebellum townhouse on Church Street, right in the heart of downtown.

Asheville North Carolina

By Stephanie by ExploreMoreCleanLess

Tucked away in the mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville is a fantastic romantic getaway for couples of all ages and interests.

Well known for its easy access to nature, craft breweries, and quirky art scene, Asheville is a great place to visit year-round. You can explore it all whether you’re staying in a chic downtown hotel or a woodsy treehouse on the outskirts of town!

The Biltmore Estate is one of the city’s main tourist draws and it’s easy to turn it into a date with a horse drawn carriage ride and dinner at one of the formal restaurants once you’ve explored the beautiful home and manicured gardens.

Nearby, you can spend an entire day exploring the River Arts District that has dozens of small studios with artists at work and pieces for sale. The public art in this area makes for a beautiful drive and there are plenty of dining options and pubs tucked in between the shops.

After taking in some culture, escape the city and take a hike for long-range mountain views or beautiful waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, or off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wind down and get a couple’s massage to relax your muscles in one of the natural hot spring spas! 

Chicago Illinois

By Ketki from Dotted Globe

The beautiful lakeside city of Chicago is one of the most romantic destinations in the country. Chicago is known for its impressive architecture and cuisine and is a favorite with honeymooners.

Couples should visit Navy Pier and take a ride up the Ferris Wheel to see the beautiful skyline at sunset. Or take a dinner and music boat cruise along the lake for an even better view.

Chicago also has many rooftop bars which are great for those who love nightlife. The city’s restaurants and cuisine including the deep dish pizza are a favorite with foodies.

The city also has many parks and gardens including the popular Millennium Park to take an evening stroll. 

While the best time to visit the city is in summer, Chicago in winter is also incredibly romantic. The city is a winter wonderland and the holiday festivities make it even more romantic.

The shopping area of Magnificent Mile has many holiday deals and is decorated with a million lights while an ice skating rink is open in Millennium Park. This is also a great time to spend the days indoors checking out Chicago’s great museums, aquarium, and sports games.

For outdoor couples, Chicago has plenty of opportunities to embrace the snow and go skiing or snowshoeing.

READ: Finest destinations to visit USA in winter

Denver Colorado

By Derek & Mike from Robe Trotting

Denver is a hip city surrounded by some of the most gorgeous landscapes in America. It’s also the perfect destination for a couple’s getaway in the United States. There are so many great activities to include in your romantic Denver weekend itinerary.

One place to start is at Denver Botanical Gardens. It’s a beautiful collection of diverse plant life from around the world showcased in a stunning collection of gardens. The gardens rotate exhibits and plants throughout the seasons so you can enjoy tulips in spring and poinsettia during the winter with a range of unique plants in between.

Another romantic idea is to visit Washington Square for a picnic lunch. Inside the park are five shaded areas for picnicking, two lakes and an extensive lawn and gardens throughout.

Wash Park (as it’s known by locals) is the ideal spot for a picnic, lovers stroll, or even a workout.

While enjoying the outdoors inside the city limits, you can also drive to Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy a hike in the wooded trails just outside of the city.

An evening date in Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest street, gives you a chance to wander the picturesque area of the city and pick from a range of high-end eateries and cozy bars for an after-dinner drink.

From Swanky meals to craft beers and hikes – Denver has something to offer any couple on a romantic getaway.

Mohonk Mountain House

By James from TravelCollecting

Mohonk Mountain House in New York’s Hudson Valley looks like something out of a Harry Potter novel.  The buildings of the resort, the oldest dating from 1869, are a hodgepodge of Victorian architecture – a random mix of wood and stone that looks like it belongs in a fairytale.  

The mountain house is set on the shores of a lake and surrounded by woods, which makes it the perfect place for a romantic getaway.  

If you like to dine and drink well, there is an enormous dining room with stunning views over the valley that has a spectacular weekend brunch and delightful dinners. Weekend barbecues are also served outdoors near the lake. There is an indoor swimming pool and a spa that is perfect for couples.  

Outdoors, there is something for every season. In summer, you can relax together on a small private beach, sit in rocking chairs on the porch on the edge of the lake or feed the fish.  

For more adventurous couples, there are dozens of hiking trails, a rock scramble, horseback riding and even fly-fishing lessons.  

For sporting types, you can enjoy tennis, golf, or kayaking together on the lake.  In winter, there is outdoor skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.  Perhaps the best season, though, is fall, when the woods turn bright red and yellow and the views of the Hudson Valley in the fall are especially stunning. 

No matter when you go or what you like to go, Mohonk Mountain House is the ideal romantic getaway destination.

North Fork of Long Island

By Harmony from Momma to Go

A romantic, hidden gem of a place to head for a romantic getaway is the North Fork of Long Island. Long Island is, in fact, an island, just east of New York City. You can get to the North Fork by car from the NYC area, or by auto ferry from Eastern Connecticut. 

The North Fork of Long Island is truly quaint, New England vibes, but in addition to the many farms, marinas and small beaches there are amazing vineyards and wineries. Some of our favorites to visit are Bedell Cellars, Pindar and Kontakosta.

At each winery you can taste wine, buy a few bottles to take home, have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The North Fork is also an amazing spot for a destination wedding. 

In the spring you can do some berry picking, and in the fall go pick apples and pumpkins!

There are a few towns that make up the North Fork, but we are partial to staying in Greenport. This town affords a little commercial area with great restaurants and cute little shops.

We have twice stayed at the Greenporter which is the perfect spot for walking to a romantic dinner or for a fun breakfast. Greenport is also in close proximity to the vineyards that you want to visit. Book your stay at the Greenporter hotel here.

If you are looking for a low key place to enjoy great food and delicious wine with your special someone, head to the North Fork of Long Island – a great year-round destination!

San Diego, California

By Heather from Embracing Chaos with Love

One of the most romantic places in USA is San Diego, CA.

Spend the day watching the waves and sticking your toes in the sand on the less crowded Mission Beach. Take a short walk away from the parking lots for a more secluded and relaxing spot. Mission Beach is located right next to Belmont Park, which is a go-to spot for all ages.

Don’t miss The Sweet Shoppe for your ice cream treat, complete with freshly made waffle cones and homemade fudge. Check out the vacation rentals located right off Mission Beach for easy access to the beach anytime.

Make sure to get one with a balcony so you can watch the beautiful sunsets. Or check out Hotel De Coronado on Coronado Island for the ultimate romantic resort stay. Book an indulgent couples spa treatment and follow it with drinks at their historic lounge.

Take a short drive over to La Jolla Cove for a delightful picnic, you might even catch the sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks. Bring along some delicious fried chicken from The Crack Shack or you can get some of the best deli subs from Fatboy’s Deli and Spirits.

For the nightlife head to Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Here you will find something for every mood and style. Whether you are looking for a trendy rooftop bar, a happening restaurant, a hot nightclub, or a laid back Jazz lounge, you can find it here. More coastal towns in California here!

We hope you enjoyed this list of romantic places in the United States. So where are you two heading to?

Read other USA travel posts here

• Best cities in the United States
• Grand Canyon National Park Guide
• Tours to take from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

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