5 Most Romantic Places to Visit in the USA
With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll do for that special someone. Even if you’re reading this post-February, there’s no bad time for a little romance.
When we think about romantic locations, though, cities like Prague or Paris often come to mind. While Europe certainly has a lot of charms to offer, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of other romantic destinations in your own backyard. It’s never a bad time to explore everything the United States has to offer.
If you want to treat your significant other to a romantic getaway, you don’t need to fly to international, far-off locations. Here are some of the most romantic cities in the United States for you and the love of your life.
1. Napa Valley, California
Starting this list off strong is the romantic oasis of California’s wine country. In our book, a weekend of non-stop wine tasting is a weekend well-spent.
Napa Valley is renowned for hosting some of the world’s foremost wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards, so you will be sure to experience some of the most delicious wine you’ve ever tasted.
Couple that with unmatched fine dining, indulgent spas, and picturesque B&Bs, and you’ll make romantic memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the best parts of Napa is its stunning terrain and gorgeous year-round weather, so you’ll have much more to do than just taste wine (although we won’t blame you if that’s all you want to do).
The best way to experience Napa’s vast beauty is to embark on a hot air balloon tour––a favorite among hopeful proposers. After your adventure, unwind with spa treatments at Napa’s many luxurious offerings like a couples massage or a decadent facial.
While the Napa Valley is fit for a romantic weekend getaway, it can also be made into an extended vacation.
Wine Country Galore
If the West Coast is too far for you, don’t be discouraged. The United States is riddled with equally romantic wine countries. Other regions perfect for your romantic vacation include:
- Willamette Valley, Oregon
- Texas Hill Country, Texas
- Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Finger Lakes, New York
- Palisade, Colorado
- Snake River Valley, Idaho
- Leesburg, Virginia
From coast to coast, there’s no shortage of romantic getaways for a couple of wine lovers.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a truly unique city. How many other cities are just as good for spring break as they are for Valentine’s Day? While your first thought of New Orleans might be Mardi Gras, it’s also a perfect city for some much-needed romance.
In New Orleans’ French quarter, you get to experience the best of France without the long flight—plus a heaping spoonful of Southern charm. In addition to intimate French dining, New Orleans offers live music, streetcar rides, and a beautiful countryside.
One of the best ways to start your day off in this fun city is with a beignet and coffee in Jackson Square. End your day with a romantic sternwheeler cruise down the Mississippi River.
For nightlife-loving couples seeking a bit more energy, Bourbon Street has no shortage of bars, parties, and festivals. Who said romance couldn’t be fun?
3. San Francisco, California
There’s a reason why so many romantic comedies take place inSan Francisco. If you’re a couple that loves stunning views, there are few cities more picturesque than SF.
From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Presidio to Muir Woods, San Francisco offers a wonderful array of urban and natural beauty.
During the day, you can explore the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, take a tour of the historic Alcatraz, and have a picnic in Golden Gate Park, home of the Summer of Love.
When the lights go down in the city, you can have an intimate dinner in North Beach, San Francisco’s Italian district. Follow that up with a show at Orpheum Theatre or dessert at Ghirardelli Square, and you’ll have all the romance you could ever want.
Don’t Stop There
While San Francisco is worthy of its own vacation, it’s also central to some of Northern California’s most beautiful and romantic offerings. A quick drive east will land you directly into the Napa Valley, which holds the top spot on our list.
Further east is the Sierra Nevada’s stunning Lake Tahoe (we recommend a stay at the lakefront Sunnyside Inn). South of San Francisco is a variety of intimate beach communities, such as Capitola, Monterey, and Carmel. Northern California is the perfect location for a hopeless romantic.
4. Kauai, Hawaii
This list would be incomplete without a beach entry, and Kauai offers the romantic beach getaway of your dreams. Warm water, rainbows, and sunsets atop white sand beaches—it doesn’t get more romantic than that.
Kauai offers a wide variety of luxury resorts complete with delectable restaurants, relaxing spas, and beautiful ocean views.
The Grand Hyatt is perhaps one of the most well-known beach resorts in the entire country. Tucked away amidst Kauai’s diverse beauty, this resort is secluded from the rest, offering a private beach, spa, gardens, oceanfront dining, and enough activities for a month’s stay.
One of the best parts of Kauai, though, is how many beaches it offers. If a resort isn’t your vibe, rent a jeep and find the hidden gems along Kauai’s coast. Chances are, you’ll find a beach just for you and your significant other. Bring some towels, chairs, a picnic, and maybe even some snorkels, and you have a perfectly romantic (and private) day for the two of you to enjoy the scenery.
For outdoor adventurers, Hawaii’s best hiking trails are just a winding road away. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to avoid those hefty resort fees.
5. New York, New York
The city so nice, they named it twice. While bustling streets and concrete jungles don’t necessarily scream romance, Manhattan is full of intimate spots and stunning views that are sure to ignite a spark between you and your significant other.
One of the best ways to experience the romance that Manhattan has to offer is with a carriage ride through Central Park. While a carriage ride is even more romantic when the sun sets, be sure to wear layers as New York gets chilly. You can follow up that ride up with a romantic dinner at one of Midtown Manhattan’s many renowned restaurants or head downtown for a variety of intimate eateries.
Such sites as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Plaza also provide romantic energy through their unmatched views. Other activities such as a walk atop the Highline, a cruise across the Hudson River, or a stroll down 5th Avenue also offer plenty of intimacy.
Also, if you and your significant other are into art or history, there is no shortage of museums and shows.
Spend the Weekend Upstate
While Manhattan offers an abundance of romance, you won’t find much peace and quiet there. Luckily, a quick trip upstate will transport you to a world of serenity.
One of the best places for a romantic getaway is the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Tucked away in a dense forest, this resort is nestled alongside the Hudson River. Here, you can hike, canoe, and enjoy a relaxing spa day. This picturesque resort only gets more romantic when it snows in the winter.
Fall in Love With Autio
The United States is full of romantic places. If you’re looking to surprise your significant other for Valentine’s Day, your anniversary, or their birthday (or just because you love them), there is no shortage of destinations in your own backyard. From Napa Valley to New York City, romance is waiting for you to find it.
While a proper romantic should be just you and your partner, make some room for one other companion.
WithAutio’s collection of bite-sized stories, local legends, and helpful histories, you’ll be sure to stay entertained and informed throughout your trip.
Sources
Mohonk Mountain House | mohonk.com