25 Most Romantic Getaways in the USA – Part 1
by Kate Storm
There is no shortage of romantic getaways in the USA.
As much as we love traveling abroad, the plethora of romantic escapes in our own homeland leaves us with insatiable wanderlust every time we return–and with each visit to the United States, we try to cross off at least one more spot on our (very long) wish list.
Considering a romantic trip within the United States? We’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to put together some of the best city breaks in the country–plus a few nature-focused knockouts for good measure.
If your list of romantic getaways in the USA isn’t a mile long already, it’s about to be.
Romantic Getaways in the Northeast
Boston
From Yulia of That’s What She Had
Romance for me is being able to walk with my beloved around the city hand-in-hand. Not many American cities give you this opportunity, but Boston does which makes it an ideal American romantic getaway.
Best of all, Boston has a harbor! You can enjoy a dinner of freshly caught lobsters at sunset and then walk by the waterfront. Does this sound good? Well, here are a few more ideas about how to spend time with your significant other in Boston.
Have a dinner at Parker House restaurant where, as the legend suggests, Kennedy proposed to Jackie Bouvier and where the original Boston cream pie was created over a hundred years ago.
Check out filming locations of your favorite movies. Did you know that you can sit on a bench in Boston Public Garden where the characters of Matt Damon and Robin Williams sat in Good Will Hunting? And while you are in the Public Garden, take a ride on a swan boat, one of Boston’s iconic attractions. You can also stop by the bar where Will Hunting and his friends had a beer after work in the same
See a show at Boston Opera House. I’ve been to several ballet performances, including the Nutcracker before Christmas, and it was absolutely beautiful. You can have a romantic dinner before or after the show at Marliave, a French restaurant three-minutes walk away from the theater that serves oysters.READ NEXT55 Best Things to Do in Boston (+ Travel Tips!)
By the way, oysters is another awesome idea for a romantic meal together. During happy hour, many restaurants have a one-dollar-oyster offer, so take advantage of it.
My main advice is to come to Boston at any time of the year, but winter. Although Boston is charming and romantic covered in snow, staying outside is practically impossible without getting frostbite!
Saranac Lake
From Danila of Travelling Dany
Saranac Lake is a cute city nestled among 46 High Peaks, Upstate New York.
If you are planning a road trip to the Adirondacks National Park, you can reach it by driving for about two hours from the Big Apple. The difference between NYC and the amazing forest is striking: it feels unreal that you’re still driving in New York State!
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A massive clock tower welcomes the visitors to this quaint little town, full of flowers and smiling faces. Its main street is the perfect spot where you can walk hand in hand at night, with your significant other, crossing wooden bridges and admiring historical buildings.
Saranac Lake, one of the most beautiful – and less touristy – towns in the Adirondacks, is absolutely breathtaking in the fall: foliage in this area lasts longer than in any other parts of the States! If your beloved one is a hiking addict, you definitely should try one of the trails starting from Saranac Lake. The difficulty goes from easy to moderately hard and the forests are full of deer and squirrels!
The perfect spot to spend a romantic vacation in Saranac Lake is the Ampersand Bay Resort. Wooden cabins on the shores of Lower Saranac Lake become romantic love nests where you can spend your evenings enjoying the jacuzzi or drinking hot cocoa next to the fireplace.
Because Saranac Lake is one of those lovely towns where everyone knows each other, and the food scene reminds you of the old times, you won’t have any problem at all in finding the best foodie spots. One of my favorite breakfast places in town is Origin Coffee: they bake homemade muffins every morning!
The perfect restaurant for dinner is Blue Moon Café, owned by an Italian-American couple who loves to cook and to chat with their guests. Be prepared to be treated with the best food: from the large servings alone you can definitely tell their Italian heritage!
New York City
From James of Travel Collecting
There are so many wonderful things to do on a romantic getaway to New York City.
Start the day by sharing one of the enormous pastry baskets when you have breakfast at Balthazar’s in SoHo. This beautiful restaurant with enormous antique mirrors, red leather banquettes and wait staff in long white aprons will transport you to another century.
For something uniquely New York, wander hand in hand through Central Park, then in summer rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse and row around the lake before enjoying a romantic lunch at the lakeside restaurant. In winter, go ice-skating at Wolman’s Rink before having lunch at nearby Palm Court restaurant at the Plaza hotel.
Hop over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a coffee in their café overlooking the American wing or on the rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park in summer, or pay a visit to New York at Christmas for the chance to stroll hand-in-hand past the city’s legendary decor.
If you are downtown, you can rent Citibikes and cycle along the Hudson River then stop for lunch and a glass of wine at Battery Gardens restaurant with wonderful views of the harbor sparkling in the sunshine and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
As the sun sets, take in the city lights from the top of the Empire State Building or a Broadway show with your loved one.
Finish a perfect romantic New York day with a cocktail at the Aviary bar on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel where the views of midtown are to die for, or at Park in the Meat Packing District for a downtown experience in their covered garden or fireside bar.
Romantic Getaways in the South
New Orleans
From Margie of DQ Family Travel
New Orleans gets my vote for the most romantic couple’s destination in the United States.
The city has such unique architecture that walking through the streets and seeing the French and Spanish influence feels like you are in a European city.
Due to that European influence and the Creole culture, the food in New Orleans is one of a kind. Among the best things to do is walk through the Garden District or the French Quarter and sit down to eat some beignets, crawfish, jambalaya, fried oysters, or a shrimp po’boy.READ NEXTThe Epic, Exciting 3 Days in New Orleans Itinerary
The food scene has grown exponentially in the last few years, and New Orleans has become one of the top foodie cities in the country.
The arts scene is also thriving in New Orleans as well. Walking through many parts of the city, you can find local painters and crafters selling their work.
The many public fountains and squares give the city a charming feel and people watching can be quite interesting. Since New Orleans is located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, you can take a classic riverboat ride and admire the city from the water.
At night, the city comes alive with street performers and sidewalk bars to enjoy a cocktail or two. Listening to a jazz band is a great idea while in New Orleans.
There is no shortage of music anywhere you go as restaurants are often playing some type of classic New Orleans jazz. Overall, New Orleans is a fantastic city to enjoy with a loved one and stroll through the streets, eating, drinking and enjoying its’ unique charm.
Nashville
From Allison of Eternal Arrival
While Nashville is a popular option for friends’ trips and girls getaways because of the fun nightlife, a Nashville weekend getaway is also a solid choice for US couples looking for a unique romantic trip.
Music-loving couples will enjoy the abundance of music-themed museums as well as the nightlife options. Stroll hand-in-hand through the Country Music Hall of Fame or visit the Johnny Cash Museum for a unique insight into the artistic genius who gave the world “Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire.”
While the honky-tonks on Broadway are always a raucous good time, couples would be better suited with a romantic visit to the Grand Ole Opry, a thrice-weekly live concert and radio show. It’s the longest-running radio broadcast in the United States history and being part of it is great fun–be sure to take the tour backstage!READ NEXT7 Epic East Coast USA Road Trip Routes
Other romantic things for couples to do include strolling the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which has beautiful views over downtown Nashville.
Couples will also love strolling around Centennial Park with its replica of the Parthenon.
Patient Instagram husbands will endure being dragged to the Gulch, a vibrant district with tons of colorful walls and street art including the famous “Nashville wings.”
Finally, couples can stuff their face with delicious Nashville BBQ – two of my favorite spots are Acme Feed & Seed and Martin’s BBQ. Whatever you do, though, be careful with Nashville’s famous hot chicken – the resulting stomachaches from trying chicken too far out of your comfort zone is far from romantic!
Savannah
From us!
Savannah is one of our favorite romantic getaways in the USA.
Dripping Spanish Moss, Savannah’s 22 beautiful town squares, stunning antebellum architecture, and an epic food scene all contribute to making Savannah one of the most romantic cities in the USA.
During a weekend in Savannah with your beloved, be sure to stroll through the lovely Forsyth Park and down Jones Street (often called the most beautiful street in the USA!), to learn a bit of history on one of Savannah’s famed house tours (the Mercer-Williams House of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame is a great starting place), to give yourselves an excuse to hold each other tight on a ghost tour, to check out River Street, and to peruse some of Savannah’s antique shops.
Art lovers can consider a visit to the Telfair Museum of Art or shopSCAD, the store run by the students of the well-known Savannah College of Art and Design.READ NEXT55 Best Things to Do in Savannah, GA (+ Food Tips!)
History buffs (and photo lovers!) will want to head a bit outside of town to the Wormsloe Historic Site, which in addition to being an important piece of Georgian history, boasts a driveway lined with oak trees that stretches on for more than a mile that has become extremely popular with couples’ photos–a stop there will surely include some of your favorite photos of your romantic getaway.
Of course, no romantic trip to Savannah could be complete without at least one fantastic southern meal: The Olde Pink House and Elizabeth of 37th are both popular romantic choices for a bit of a splurge, and Alligator Soul is a great option for more adventurous eaters.
For dessert, consider stopping by the famous Leopold’s Ice Cream, which has been a beloved Savannah tradition for nearly 100 years! If ice cream isn’t your thing, consider a visit to City Market instead–among other treats, candy stores selling pralines, one of the most well-known desserts in Savannah.
Key West
From Halef & Michael of RTW Guys
Few other places in the country rival Key West for popular romantic getaways in the USA. Key West is the land of “Southernmost”: Southernmost Highway, Southernmost Brewery, Southernmost Tattoos. Understandable, as this is the southmost point in the continental United States that you can reach without ever leaving your car.
Key West is located just 90 miles from Havana, Cuba and, despite the touristy reputation, it can be an exotic and romantic destination for couples.
The island has no shortage of exciting history and tourist attractions. Some of the more famous things to do in Key West include the Southernmost Point Buoy and Historic Marker, Duval Street, Ernest Hemingway House and Museum, The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and the Key West Lighthouse. Be sure to stop by the lighthouse for a classic Key West photo op with your partner!READ NEXT3 Days in Miami: A Magnificent Long Weekend in Miami Itinerary
Head out to Malloy Square for a romantic sunset. It is a popular place to view street performances, all while sipping coconut or pineapple drinks and snacking on fried conch bites–and of course, no trip to Key West would be complete without trying a slice of Key Lime Pie (you might not want to bother splitting one, though–better for the relationship to each get your own!).
You can have a romantic moment with your loved one here. Even though there are often hundreds of other people here, magical things can still happen!
If you are looking for a day trip gateway from Key West, we highly recommend an excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is another romantic place to enjoy while you’re in Key West!
Charleston
From Michelle at The Wandering Queen
Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most romantic getaways in the USA. The city is filled with southern charm, great food, colorful historic houses, gardens, parks, and much more.
My husband and I were fortunate to experience this dreamy city together. The endless number of romantic activities gave us many delightful memories and put Charleston in a special place in our hearts.READ NEXT3 Days in Charleston SC: The Perfect Weekend in Charleston Itinerary
Charleston is oozing with USA history dating back to when America was first colonized.
Taking a historic walking tour with your significant other is an absolute must. Learning the trials and tribulations the city endured over the years is not only educational but makes you appreciate its history even more.
The classic architecture takes you back in time, giving the city so much personality. The lovely colors and architectural features make for great couples pictures.
Another fun activity is to visit Boone Hall Plantation. The whispy, mysterious trees and grand, old plantation house is a perfect way to spend your afternoon. I recommend arriving in the late afternoon to get some great sunset pictures and fewer crowds.
My all-time favorite activity in Charleston is to EAT! The food is unbelievable and your days in Charleston should be food-centric.
Before arriving in Charleston, I wrote down all the restaurants I wanted to try. Before I knew it, I was running out of room! I felt as if the list was never-ending! Make sure to make reservations in advance if you want a great romantic dinner. Getting into the more popular restaurants can be difficult.
In the end, Charleston is a fun, charming city and is the perfect weekend getaway with your significant other. The food, history, and architecture made me fall in love with this one of a kind city.
Asheville
Of all of the romantic USA weekend trips covered here, Asheville is one of the best options for a couple divided on whether to visit a city or the great outdoors.
Home to an epic craft beer scene, the incredible Biltmore Estate, plenty of street art, and delicious food options, there’s no doubt that Asheville appeals to the city lovers among us.
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Its location right next door to plenty of wonderful hikes in the Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountain National Park, however, make it a fabulous US weekend destination for couples who are outdoor enthusiasts, as well.
No matter what your interests are, try to make time during your trip to Asheville to drive a small piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway–especially if you’re visiting in the fall and can enjoy the changing colors. Often considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the United States, it’s a romantic sight not to be missed.
Kinston
From Annick of The Common Traveler
Kinston, North Carolina, is becoming more and more of a weekend travel destination for East Coast residents. It is a perfect stop for Raleigh and Durham residents traveling to the Crystal Coast.
Book a room at the O’Neil Hotel. This converted bank building is now a boutique hotel with seven guest rooms, each uniquely decorated. The vault in the lobby has been converted into a refreshment area for guests. The building features the oldest functioning elevator in North Carolina.
Spend the afternoon or evening touring artistic exhibits at the Community Council for the Arts featuring local artists. Tour Mother Earth Brewing where, in addition to brewing amazing beer, they also distill rum, whiskey, and rum. Enjoy a flight of beer or a glass of wine.
Fans of PBS’ “A Chef’s Life” will be familiar with Vivian Howard. Dinner reservations at her flagship restaurant, Chef and the Farmer, need to be made three months in advance. The ambiance is very romantic and the food first quality yet affordable. Ask to be seated at the counter where you can see the kitchen at work. Follow dinner with a show at The Red Room, where musical acts perform every weekend.
Stop by the Neuseway Nature Park. Stroll on paths that follow the Neuse River. Or visit the free Ellis Planetarium. Before leaving town, enjoy a laid-back lunch at Vivian Howard’s Boiler Room Oyster Bar. This casual oyster and hamburger restaurant is sure to please all guests. The Oyster Boilerfeller dish is amazing. But don’t leave without trying the banana pudding!
Kinston, North Carolina is the perfect underrated romantic getaway as a small town experiencing a revival.READ NEXTHow to Take a Charming Day Trip to Cape Lookout, NC
By: Kate Storm, Dec 2020, 25 Most Romantic Getaways in the USA, Our Escape Clause, recovered from: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/most-romantic-getaways-in-usa/
