Certain places are ideal for reigniting any lost sparks, just as there are beaches that are great for families and national parks, theme parks, and more that you’ll want to experience while the kids are still young. Here are 10 unforgettable romantic getaways that don’t require a passport, ranging from rural wine regions to subtropical islands and even the City of Brotherly Love.
Book a Trip with AirfareWatchDog and Save Big!
1. Grand Junction, Colorado
Napa is to California what Grand Junction is to Colorado. More than 20 wineries and vineyards can be found in this underappreciated region where two impressive rivers (the Colorado River and the Gunnison River) meet. The scenery is also breathtaking. Grand Junction is surrounded by Colorado National Monument, a national park with over 20,000 acres of canyons and rock formations, and Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat top mountain.
Grand Mesa can be snowshoed and even downhill skied in the winter. Your visit may coincide with the Colorado Lavender Festival or the Palisade Peach Festival if you’re lucky. (After all, if grapes can grow here, why can’t peaches?) Two Rivers Winery and Chateau has some of the most romantic accommodations in the area. You won’t have to worry about finding a ride home after tasting too many Chardonnays.
2. Greenville, Carolina de Sud
Greenville is a more rural, less opulent version of Charleston. It has both southern charm and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Greenville also has its own outdoor oasis, Falls Park on the Reedy. Falls Park spans 32 acres and includes a river, waterfalls, gardens, and public art.
Pack a picnic or stop by nearby Passerelle Bistro, one of only two U.S. restaurants on CNN’s list of the world’s most romantic restaurants. At dusk during the summer, the park hosts Moonlight Movies. Every Thursday and Friday, you can enjoy free salsa dancing and free concerts on Main Street. Finally, if you want to stay in a luxurious French Chateau without having to fly across the Atlantic, stay at Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest. One of the hotel’s owners, 17-time Tour de France racer George Hincapie, inspired the design of this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel.
3. Fort Worth, Texas
Lockheart Gables, a B&B with heart-shaped jacuzzis in every suite, is located in this former frontier town known for its historic stockyards. Fort Worth, now one of the fastest growing cities in the country, is ideal for the couple who likes to feel young. For starters, there’s Six Flags Over Texas, the original Six Flags and the model for today’s theme park chain. The Fort Worth Zoo is another option. It is not only the only zoo in the country with all four great ape species, but it also caters to weddings. Martha Stewart Weddings even featured a Fort Worth wedding reception with appearances by the zoo’s friendlier reptilian and avian residents.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Niagara Falls proclaimed itself the “honeymoon capital of the world” more than a century ago. Today, that title is most likely held by a place like Maui. It’s the equivalent of Oahu for couples. In fact, The Knot calls Hawaii’s second-largest island a “no-brainer” for romantic vacations in its list of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.
Not only is the tropical weather inviting, but Maui also has some of the most epic, yet affordable, date ideas in the world. In Haleakala National Park, get up early to catch a sunrise from the top of a crater at nearly 10,000 feet. After spending the day snorkeling along a world-class beach, end the day at sea level with a toast to the sunset. Maui now has Hawaii’s No. 1 resort, thanks to Hotel Wailea, according to Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2018. It is an adults-only resort with a fantastic five-day “Romance Under the Stars” package.
Book a Trip with AirfareWatchDog and Save Big!
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’re in need of a couples massage, this is the place to go. This enchanting Sonoran Desert oasis has the most destination spas per capita of any American city. With nearly 70 resort and day spas, wellness is accessible to people of all income levels. A classic one-hour couples massage, for example, costs less than $100 per person at Scottsdale’s No. 1 spa, according to TripAdvisor reviews. Of course, Scottsdale is also an excellent location for a family outing in nature. Visit Grand Canyon National Park for the day, or make a wish on a shooting star while stargazing on an after-hours desert tour. To be within walking distance of Old Town’s lively scene, stay at Bespoke Inn Scottsdale. It’s the city’s highest-rated B&B, or better put, B&B&B — guests can take advantage of complimentary bicycles for exploring the area during their stay.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love honors all forms of love. Philadelphia has plenty of memorable places to pop the question, with its iconic LOVE statues and even an AMOR statue dotted throughout the city. Or, at the very least, they provide excellent photo opportunities. LOVE Park, which hosts a charming, German-themed Christmas village during the holidays, is also located here.
Another reason Philadelphia is so romantic? According to Walkscore.com, it is the fifth most walkable city in the country, so there are plenty of opportunities to stroll hand in hand. And where else can mouths collide over a world-famous cheesesteak? Make a reservation at The Independent Hotel, a boutique hotel with rates starting at $139 per night. The Out and About Package at the hotel includes a donation to a local LGBT organization and a 1-hour walking tour of Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood.”
7. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are not only the southernmost point in the continental United States, but they are also one of the most romantic. During their visit to this remote archipelago of over 1,000 islands, nearly 20% of visitors attend a wedding or vow renewal.
Book a Trip with AirfareWatchDog and Save Big!
Prices aren’t outrageous either, despite the high demand. Conch Concierge’s “Key West Barefoot” beach wedding package costs $195 and includes officiant and photos. Of course, you can come here for a regular weekend getaway as well. A two-night stay at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, which recently underwent a $25 million renovation and was named one of Travel + Leisure’s 2019 Best New Hotels in the World, includes a “sip and sail sunset cruise” or tropical reef snorkel excursion.
8. Saratoga, Wyoming
Saratoga Springs, New York, with its racetrack and mineral baths, provides both an exciting and relaxing experience. If your idea of a romantic getaway includes more open space and fewer people, consider Saratoga, Wyoming. Saratoga, with a population of 1,605, also has natural hot springs, but theirs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re also free. While glamping at The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, watch the sunset from your cabin after a relaxing soak. According to Conde Nast Traveler, this 30,000-acre ranch refuge has been the top-ranked resort for years. And, despite being in the least populated state, which is on The New York Times list of 52 places to visit in 2019, your chances of meeting a celebrity are quite high. Reba McIntyre celebrated her wedding anniversary here, and Allison Williams recently married in front of her famous friends, including Katy Perry.
What a coincidence, I was just reading about possible destinations for a few days of travel within the US when your post popped up. Actually I was thinking about Philadelphia and your post just confirmed it. Thanks 😊