Best vacations for young couples in the us

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15 Best Couple Vacations In The U.S. To Relax And Rekindle Your Spark

You can run off into the sunset in just about all of them.

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You and your significant other need a vacation. Yes, really. Maybe your spark is running lukewarm, you’re two surprise work deliverables away from burnout, or your parents have been asking for a weekend with the kiddos. Not that you even need a reason to carve out quality time with bae, but why not take a couple’s vacation?

Luckily, there are many awe-inspiring, romantic, serene destinations to visit right here in the U.S. that are accessible. Think bucket list-worthy trips to Alaska, ski slopes to hit throughout Colorado, islands to forget what time—or decade—it is, and quintessential tropical beaches to get steamy with your S.O. Whether you want to channel your inner cowboy, snowbird, lumberjack, or city slicker, follow your mood.

When scoping out your next romantic getaway, consider this: “There are two elements that make a destination romantic,” travel advisor Amina Dearmon of Perspectives Travel previously told Women’s Health. “One is the time and space to appreciate things you may not be able to at home and [the other is] that both people in the relationship are able to enjoy each moment as it happens.”

Ahead, explore the best couple vacations in the U.S. that cater to any type of traveler. Our recommendations span regions across the country, along with tips on what to eat, see, do, and where to stay. Ignore the nagging “Maybe we can wait until next year” thoughts—one look at some of the boutique hotels mentioned below will be just the convincing you need to get out of town. Whatever the occasion, you’re sure to create lasting memories without adding a new stamp to your passport.

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Cannon Beach, Oregon

Known for the 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock, this small coastal city in northwest Oregon boasts charm and pristine nature wrapped into one rocky shoreline. Watch tufted puffins in the spring, tide pools, and technicolor sunsets.

Venture into the village for specialty shops and art galleries, suck on saltwater taffy from Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, and watch glassblowers do their thing at Icefire Glassworks. Stay at The Surfsand Resort for lantern-lit beach walks and deep tissue massages, or Stephanie Inn to enjoy a gas fireplace in your guest room and dinner from a local chef.

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Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island is an hour-long ferry from Los Angeles, but it feels more like a laid-back Mediterranean getaway. Stay in Avalon, the historic east end of the island, but be sure to visit Two Harbors, the island’s rustic, sleepy west end. Snorkel in the clear ocean waters, hop in a golf buggy to see the island, and enjoy a boat day—or three.

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Snowmass Village, Colorado

This Colorado Rockies destination is minutes away from big sibling Aspen but offers a more intimate snowy stay. It’s a place you can enjoy year-round, from biking and hiking in the warmer seasons to skiing and snowboarding come winter.

Whatever seasonal splendors are on your itinerary, the mountain town makes space for you and your love to connect over the land’s serenity and stripped-back comfort.

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Santa Fe, New Mexico

This desert oasis earned its Land of Enchantment moniker for good reason. Escape amongst the locale’s adobe architecture, jewelry stores and art galleries, and snuggle up under the stars or around kiva fireplaces.

To connect deeper with your beau and Santa Fe’s landscape, dip into hot spring-fed pools, thermal pools, and saltwater pools at Ojo Santa Fe.

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Austin, Texas

If your love language is live music, food, and art, a weekend in Austin is in your future. Sway in your lover’s arms at a show, pull a sexy outfit on for dinner at French brasserie Justine’s or sip agave-based spirits and masa-forward bites at Suerte, and see exhibitions from emerging artists at Contra Common. Splurge for a stay in one of the city’s many boutique hotels, like Hotel Saint Cecilia, to get into the best kind of mood.

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Mackinac Island, Michigan

In the Victorian era, Mackinac Island was a go-to summer destination for resort-bound families—and not much has changed since. Guests arrive by ferry to an island void of cars and trucks (you walk, bike, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage) that sustains its old-world charm without feeling kitschy.

Feed one another homemade fudge and take a bike ride on an eight-mile path around the shore and through wildflower meadows. The landmark Grand Hotel presides over the island with its Wes Anderson-esque facade; stay for afternoon tea and themed weekends.

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Great Smoky Mountains

The mountain range along the Tennessee and North Carolina border is one of the most popular national parks and is known for its impressive biodiversity. Besides hiking to the summit of Mount LeConte or Rainbow Falls, reserve a viewing spot to watch the synchronous fireflies, nature’s light display. For added romance, stay in an AirBnB with a hot tub overlooking expansive acres or even a treehouse.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

No need to leave the country when New Orleans is right there with its global influences from France, Spain, Africa, and the Caribbean.

From sultry stays at Maison de la Luz to jazzy late-night lounges, the city is the perfect place to fall further in love. Don’t miss the New Orleans Museum of Art, where a walk through a manicured sculpture garden awaits.

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Charleston, South Carolina

Strolling through the pastel-colored, lamp-and-palmetto-lined downtown feels like stepping into a spring watercolor. Opt for after dinner walks down Rainbow Row, slurp fare like oysters at Leon’s Oyster Shop, and visit the Insta-worthy Pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park.

In Charleston, drink in the history and old-world charm, and keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures down the cobblestone streets.

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Florida Keys, Florida

It’s not an understatement to say the Florida Keys are like no other place. Sure, it has its eccentricities, but the water-surrounded Keys possesses its own scenic spirit.

Stop at the long-standing No Name Pub, feast on lobster salad at Morada Bay Beach Café in Islamorada and visit the Victorian “conch houses” in Key West. If you want more luxury than quirk, sleep in a thatched roof bungalow at the adults-only Little Palm Island Resort & Spa.

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Stowe, Vermont

The skiing haven of the northeast, Stowe will make all your cozy winter romance fantasies come true. Go to the top of the world with your S.O. via Gondola SkyRide to Mount Mansfield, Stowe’s highest peak. This area also makes for quality leaf peeping in the fall and mountain biking in the warmer months.

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New York, New York

Whether it’s a staycation or you’re taking your love to the city for the first time, New York is basically a choose your own adventure. Have your romantic comedy moment (finally!) with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or renting a rowboat around Central Park Lake. Watch the American Ballet Theatre perform at the David H Koch Theater in awe, followed by tucking into drinks in a low-lit bar.

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Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii is the textbook romantic getaway for couples—it’s impossible to argue against its vivid sunsets, pristine beaches, lush mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Part of Kauai’s draw is it’s a bit more lowkey and less developed than Oahu or Maui, so it won’t feel like a total tourist trap.

Take a sunset cruise or helicopter tour of the Na Pali coast for views of waterfalls and emerald sea cliffs so beautiful you must see to believe, and grab fresh bites at food trucks stationed outside of Warehouse 3540.

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New Paltz, New York

This Hudson Valley destination is just an hour and a half drive north of New York City and is gaining popularity. Shawangunk Ridge offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing in the winter, stellar rock climbing, and over a dozen hiking trails. Lodging at Mohonk Mountain House is a must, an 1869 Victorian castle resort in the middle of the forest with a spa and farm-to-table food.

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Anchorage, Alaska

While it’s tempting to go rogue into the wilderness of Alaska, Anchorage is your best basecamp. It has its own draws—craft breweries, museums detailing native history, salmon fishing—it’s also conveniently located to some of Alaska’s jaw-dropping natural wonders.

Drive to Chugach State Park, one of the largest state parks in the country, where you can kayak on a glacial lake, hike through the rainforest on the Winner Creek Trail, go white water rafting or ATVing, and more.

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