When you’re in a relationship, the day-to-day experiences you share with your partner should normally be enough to fulfill you, right? Even if you agree with that statement, getting away from time to time can enrich your relationship even more.
Whether it’s a long weekend, a week-long vacation, or something in between, taking a trip with your significant other allows the two of you to share novel experiences and visit places you don’t usually have access to. If you want to spice things up as you explore the USA or the globe with your SO, we encourage you to keep our list of the best places for couples to travel nearby so you’re never short on ideas for your next couples’ adventure.
Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition is your go-to source for activity ideas you can enjoy with your partner. With over 50 challenges, as well as tear-out surprises and other interactive elements, these scratch-off adventures will bring you closer as you complete tasks together!
Fredericksburg, TX
Situated about an hour-and-a-half outside of San Antonio and Austin, Texas, Fredericksburg is a small town with a population of just 11,000 residents or so. Despite its comparatively small size, Fredericksburg is home to a vast range of things to do and see.
Wineries
Founded by German settlers in the 1800s, Fredericksburg has since evolved into a wine lover’s playground. With 50 wineries occupying real estate in Fredericksburg and the surrounding Gillespie County, a trek along the Texas Wine Trail can consume an entire couples’ vacation no matter how long the getaway lasts.
Here are some of the world-class wineries you may want to visit if you want to visit locations where wine tasting is an absolute must:
- Grape Creek Vineyards
- Woodrose Winery
- Messina Hof
- Hilmy Cellars
- Fiesta Winery
- Becker Vineyards
- Pedernales Cellars
- Lost Draw Cellars
- William Chris Vineyards
Main Street
Also known as the “Magic Mile,” Main Street is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves to shop. Located in the heart of Fredericksburg, Main Street embodies the quirky style of the town, showing off its unmistakably Texan and European roots unapologetically.
Whether you want a funky t-shirt, a unique keepsake, or a one-of-a-kind treat for your pooch, you’ll find something worth your hard-earned money in shops, such as:
- Barefoot Campus Outfitters
- Phil Jackson’s Granite and Iron Stone
- Dogologie
Marktplatz
Marktplatz is a square nestled in the middle of Fredericksburg, with the town’s two primary shopping districts stretching out on two sides. The square is home to luscious gardens, historic sculptures, picnic areas, and, when it’s warm out, an active farmer’s market.
Depending on when you visit, you and your partner may want to attend one of the square’s near-countless number of festivals, special events, or live concerts. If you visit around the holidays, don’t forget to pack your ice skates because part of the square is transformed into a skating rink as the New Year approaches.
Luckenbach
While Luckenbach isn’t officially part of Fredericksburg, it rests just 13 miles outside of the town. Populated by a handful of residents (three to be exact), and home to only two structures, Luckenbach is a hub for country music. The town hosts live music events just about every night of the week, and audience members of all ages are invited to attend at no charge. Whether or not you’re a fan of country music, Luckenbach is worth a visit if you want to shake your “money maker” during a jam session.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
If you’re planning a series of day trips and Fredericksburg is included in your itinerary, you may find yourself wondering how you can see many of the town’s attractions in just one day. By booking a Fredericksburg Scavenger Hunt with Let’s Roam, you can ensure you get to experience as much of what the town has to offer in a mere hour or two. Marktplatz, the Sunday House, and the Admiral Nimitz Museum are just some of the attractions our scavenger hunt will take you to.
Savannah, GA
Are you trying to think of ideas for a romantic vacation? If so, you should consider taking a road trip to Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is the perfect place for romantic weekend getaways. With 22 historic districts, centuries-old house museums and cemeteries, fantastic eateries, boutique hotels and shops, and sandy beaches nearby, Savannah has something for everyone.
Savannah is widely thought to be one of the nation’s most haunted cities. If you want your loved one to hug you a little tighter as you explore the city hand in hand, consider booking a ghost tour. While ghost tours are often spooky any time of day, they’re normally more so at night, which is something to keep in mind when you schedule a tour of some of the city’s paranormal hotspots.
With Savannah being one of the country’s sought-after honeymoon destinations, it should come as no surprise that the city is also a popular spot for couples who want to elope. If an upcoming romantic getaway is going to involve you popping the question, consider booking a stay at one of the following accommodations as they specialize in both planned and spontaneous elopements:
- Forsyth Park Inn
- Kehoe House
- McMillian Inn
- Gastonian
- The Marshall House
New York
Saranac Lake, NY
The Village of Saranac Lake, New York is one of those vacation spots that too many people overlook. Nestled in the Adirondacks about two hours outside NYC, Saranac Lake is a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple. A small town where residents all know each other, Saranac Lake is home to art galleries, public gardens, boutique shops, historic buildings, and old-timey, charming restaurants.
Saranac Lake is the starting point for scenic trails that are perfect for couples who enjoy outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a novice outdoorsman, a seasoned hiker, or you land somewhere between those extremes, you can enjoy all the natural beauty you can handle during a stay in this quaint town. If you love leaf-peeping, you should know that a trip to Saranac Lake is one of the best vacation ideas you’ll come across for a getaway in the fall.
New York City, NY
Even if you’ve already visited The Big Apple in the past, the city should still be included in your bucket list of couples’ vacation destinations. During your visit, you and your loved one can:
- Catch a Broadway show
- Attend a concert
- Satisfy your inner foodie in any number of eateries
- Have a picnic in Central Park
- Do plenty of sightseeing
- Experience the public transportation system
- View fascinating street art
- Visit a museum
- Attend a professional sports event
- Enjoy the incomparable nightlife
- And much more!
Whether you want to stay in a luxury hotel or an Airbnb that has a hot tub, you’ll find accommodation that suits you somewhere in the city. With New York City being known as the city that never sleeps, it’s unlikely you’ll spend an overwhelming amount of time in your room anyway.
Exploring the city can be intimidating given its size and dense population. Let’s Roam can help! Check out famous buildings in the Big Apple or grab tickets for one of our NYC scavenger hunts!
California
Located on the West Coast of the United States, The Golden State is home to romantic places, stunning views, an array of topographies and climates, and bustling cities. Whether you want to soak in some ocean views, sip wine as you watch the sunset, hike, do some ziplining, or go kayaking on a mountain lake, you can do it all and a whole lot more during a visit to the Land of Milk and Honey.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a tourist-friendly city that occupies just 49 miles of real estate, making it a breeze to reach any part of the city. Despite its comparatively diminutive physical size, the city has plenty of attractions and amenities for you and your significant other to explore.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the city’s most popular free attractions. Around 120,000 vehicles cross the 1.7-mile-long bridge every day. You don’t have to rent a car to cross the bridge as a footpath allows people to cross the bridge on foot or by bike. Widely considered one of the most photographed attractions in the world, The Golden Gate Bridge is a great spot for selfies and pictures with your partner.
Alcatraz
Commonly referred to as The Rock, Alcatraz is a former prison that sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The prison is known for housing well-known prisoners in years gone by, such as:
- Al Capone
- George “Machine Gun” Kelly
- Robert Stroud, aka “The Birdman of Alcatraz”
- Roy Gardner
- Henri Young
- Alvin Karpis
- James “Whitey” Bulger
- Mickey Cohen
During the years The Rock was used as a federal prison, 1,576 prisoners were incarcerated at the facility. It’s believed that some of them never left as the prison is known for being haunted. During his stay at Alcatraz, Al Capone was supposedly tormented by an unseen presence, and the infamous gangster was sometimes heard shrieking with fright.
Whether or not you and your SO are into the paranormal, a visit to Alcatraz will prove a worthy trip. Recorded tours of the prison and surrounding grounds are available, but it’s wise to book one well in advance. You can catch a ferry to the island from Pier 33.
Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio of San Francisco is a former military base that’s been turned into a national park. This attraction is a National Historic Landmark District that’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to forested areas, hiking trails, a golf course, and great views year-round, this park is a must-visit for couples who enjoy spending time outside.
Even if outdoor activities aren’t your thing, you and your significant other may still want to visit the park to check out the area’s historic buildings. As you look over the architecture, you’ll notice that some of those structures house businesses you may want to visit, such as restaurants, Lucasfilm, and the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Napa Valley, CA
Located just north of San Francisco, you’ll find Napa County, which is home to hundreds of hillside wineries. Touring the area is like a fairy tale that involves wonderful wines, craft beer, tasty regional fare, stunning views, and plenty of outdoor activities like horseback riding and hot air balloon rides. Whether you take a guided wine tasting tour or you explore the valley on your own, a trip to this part of California should definitely make its way onto your bucket list of magical couple’s destinations.
Seattle, WA
Also located on the West Coast of the USA, Seattle is Washington State’s biggest city. Home to tech giants Microsoft and Amazon, the city is also where you’ll find the iconic Space Needle. While you’ll certainly want to check out the Space Needle when you visit Emerald City, there are plenty of other things to do and see.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Showcasing the mind-blowing work of Northwestern artist Dale Chihuly, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a popular attraction that features both indoor and outdoor art installations. The sculptures on display, particularly the ones in the garden, refract light so no two visits to the site are ever the same.
This place hosts various events year-round. From yoga classes to early morning tours and much more, the Chihuly Garden and Glass always has something interesting on its public calendar of events.
Pike Place Market
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market has been bringing local people and farmers together ever since. Today, the market is Emerald City’s most-visited landmark. While you can pick up some fresh meats and produce, the market is also where you can indulge your inner foodie with some yummy pre-made grub.
Here are some of the can’t-miss spots for foodies in Emerald City:
- The Pink Door
- Pick Place Chowder
- Lowell’s
- The Crumpet Shop
The Great Wheel
Located on Pier 57, the Great Wheel provides rides in all types of weather thanks to its enclosed gondolas. The Great Wheel is one of the largest rides of its type on the continent, and it lifts passengers up 175 feet so they can enjoy breathtaking views of Emerald City, the oceanfront, and, if it’s clear, the Olympic Mountains. Having opened in 2012, the Great Wheel isn’t one of the city’s oldest attractions, but it has a reputation for being one of its most enjoyable things to do in the metropolis.
Oregon
Oregon is far and away one of the best places for couples to travel if they enjoy outdoor adventures. That’s largely because the state is home to a bevy of state parks, each of which has its own unique personality. To visit all of the state’s natural areas without having to make a string of hotel or Airbnb reservations, you may want to consider renting an RV so you can make a road trip out of your next romantic getaway.
If you enjoy sandy beaches, bathing in the cool waters of the Pacific, or digging in the sand for Razor clams, you need to make your way over to the Agate Beach State Recreation Site. This spot is breathtakingly beautiful, and it’s usually not as crowded as you might fear.
Referred to as the “Loeb” by area locals, Alfred A. Loeb State Park has several camping areas where you can park your RV or pitch a tent. This park sits in a dense grove of ancient Myrtlewood trees. The campgrounds and three rentable cabins rest along the secluded banks of the Chetco River. If you want to get away from it all with your SO, a stay in the Loeb is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Here are some of the additional state-run parks you’ll want to add to your itinerary if you’re going to go on an RV park tour through Oregon:
- Arizona Beach
- Benson
- Beverly Beach
- Cape Blanco
- Champoeg
- Detroit Lake
- Emigrant Springs
- Humbug Mountain
- Jasper
- Prineville Reservoir
While all of the parks just listed allow camping, our list of camper-friendly parks is far from complete. In addition to having a sizeable number of other camper-friendly state parks, Oregon also has many additional parks that are perfect for day trips that don’t involve an overnight stay outdoors. If you’re going to visit a park and aren’t planning on camping, consider booking a stay at one of the state’s luxury resorts, such as:
- Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach
- Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, Pacific City
- Sunriver Resort, Sunriver
- Salishan Coastal Lodge, Gleneden Beach
- Hallmark Resort, Newport
- Overleaf Lodge & Spa, Yachats
Miami, FL
With spectacular beaches, a generous variety of restaurants, celebrated hotels and resorts, and an active nightlife, Miami, Florida has a lot to entice people to plan a couple’s getaway in the city. In addition to all the perks just mentioned, Miami has many other attractions and activities that make the metropolis a compelling pick for a weekend or weeklong retreat with your partner.
Little Havana
The cultural and symbolic capital for Cuban-Americans living in Miami-Dade County, Little Havana is a hub of activity and vibrancy. The food scene in Little Havana is best described as “happening,” with mouth-watering dishes served up and down 8th Street, which is better known locally as Calle Ocho.
If you want to visit Little Havana at its best, consider heading there in March. Every March, the Calle Ocho Music Festival seizes the area as residents and thousands of tourists celebrate Carnaval. If you’re going to join in on the fun, bring your dancing shoes. Don’t forget to throw your stretchy pants in your suitcase too as the food cooked up during the celebration is abundant and utterly irresistible.
Miami Zoo
More than 3,000 animals representing over 500 species reside at the Miami Zoo. This zoo is widely applauded for its humane treatment of its inhabitants, as the animals roam in cage-free open spaces that are separated from visitors by smartly placed moats.
Petting zoos and educational programs will keep kids of all ages entertained. The zoo is quite sizeable, so you and your partner will have plenty of opportunities to wander around hand in hand. Don’t worry if it’s going to be hot on the day of your planned visit because the facility has a lot of water fountains, misters, and rest stops in shaded areas.
Wynwood Walls
If you look around the world, you’ll quickly realize that Wynwood Walls is one of the globe’s biggest open-air street art installations. Located in what was once a run-down spot located between the city’s downtown area and the Design District, Wynwood Walls showcases artwork by more than 50 artists hailing from at least 16 countries.
The outdoor museum’s artwork is displayed on more than 80,000 square feet of what used to be warehouse walls. Since the museum was founded in 2009, it has expanded so it now occupies a second lot that boasts roll-down gates that are adorned with captivating street art and creative graffiti.
Everglades National Park
Although you’ll have to travel about 30 miles outside Miami to reach it, Everglades National Park is worth the trip. This park occupies 1.5 million acres where exotic and protected animals and plant species live. To make a trip to the park extra special for you and your partner, book a private airboat tour in the northern part of the park.
When your tour is done, head over to the Shark Valley Visitors Center and jump on a tram tour. The tram tours usually last about two hours, so make sure you bring some bottled water and sunscreen.
Hot Springs, NC
Named for the restorative, springs in the area, this mountain city is regarded by many as the gateway to the Smokey Mountains. Brimming with wonderous natural beauty, particularly when the leaves turn in autumn or snowfalls during winter, Hot Springs, North Carolina is a fabulous spot for a couple’s vacation.
During your stay, you can stroll down the hushed streets of the downtown area in the evenings. You can fill your days with rafting, pleasant drives along winding mountain roads, and eating scrumptious regional food. Of course, booking a stay and a couple’s massage at the 100 Acre Resort and Spa is a good idea, too.
Visitors who enjoy hiking will not be disappointed with all the trails that have a footprint in the town, such as the Appalachian Trail. While the Appalachian Trail is too challenging for some, you can find many alternatives with ease. Here are some of the trails you’ll want to check out during your stay:
- Jack Branch Trail: The trailhead for this path is found in the Murray Branch Picnic Area just off the aptly named Murray Branch Road. A five-mile, round-trip hike, this trail will reward you and your SO with captivating views of the French Broad River and gorgeous mountain peaks and valleys. While the trail isn’t the easiest to complete, it’s worth the effort. Hands down.
- Lover’s Leap Loop Trail: More moderate than the Jack Branch Trail, Lover’s Leap Loop Trail isn’t just fun to say, it’s a blast to hike. This trail will take you all the way up to Lover’s Leap Ridge, which is a great spot to enjoy a romantic picnic as you soak in outstanding views. Although it’s easy to get caught up in the romance of your surroundings, you need to remember that animals might not be the only onlookers at the ridge when you make it up there. So, we suggest you keep your friskiness in check at least until you get back to your hotel.
- Laurel River Trail: The easiest of the three trails we’ve named, Laurel River Trail is also the longest at seven miles in and another seven out. This trail follows an abandoned railroad bed, and it guides you past beautiful wildflowers, tempting swimming holes, and foundations of buildings the forest has reclaimed. To access the trailhead, go to the intersection of US 25/70 and NC 208, park in the lot, and look for the start of the trail just off the parking lot.
You might not realize it, but people living in the western North Carolina mountains love to celebrate things. As a result, it shouldn’t surprise you that Hot Springs plays host to various annual festivals that you might want to plan a trip around, including:
- The Trailfest: Started in 1995, the Trailfest is an annual celebration of hikers, outdoor activities, the city’s identity as a “trail town,” and the Appalachian Trail that runs right through the heart of the city. This festival features yummy food, local art, and live music in a wonderous setting you’ll be hard-pressed to pull yourself away from.
- French Broad River Festival: This festival is more than a celebration of the French Broad River. It’s also an event that’s predicated on giving back to the organizations that support local endeavors. Since the first French Broad River Festival, more than $100,000 has been given to area non-profits to support their work.
- Bluff Mountain Festival: A daylong celebration, this event honors the rich history of Madison County. Clog dancing, bluegrass music, and ballad singers are always parts of this fun-filled festival. The Bluff Mountain Festival began as a communal effort to prevent the mountain it’s named after from being logged, and it’s now a yearly reminder of area residents’ commitment to preservation.
- Wild Goose Festival: Scheduled over four days every July, the Wild Goose Festival is an ever-changing event that celebrates the unexpected with great food, lots of laughter, local music, and regional artwork.
If you and your SO enjoy water-born activities, the two of you will appreciate what the western Carolina mountains have to serve up. Depending on the time of year you visit Madison County, you may want to engage in the following activities:
- Whitewater rafting
- River floats
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Lake snorkeling
Colorado
Colorado has long been known as a leading outdoors destination, but the state has plenty of other amenities to lure couples who want to enjoy romantic weekend getaways. From all-inclusive resorts to luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, shopping, restorative springs, and highly respected museums and cultural centers, the Centennial State has them all and a whole lot more.
Rocky Mountain National Park
This 265,000-acre park is a natural playground where you and your SO can hike, bike, climb, and camp all while you enjoy breathtaking views. If you want to surprise your partner, book a private photo safari so the two of you can snap any number of captivating photos to commemorate your visit.
Do you want to experience the best that the park has to offer without immersing yourself in the outdoors? Consider taking a drive along Trail Ridge Road. Stretching 48 miles between Grand Lake and Estes Park, Trail Ridge Road is an iconic roadway that will take you past the park’s various meadows and forests.
For a more challenging drive, tackle Old Fall River Road. This road is a one-lane, gravel-lined pathway that stretches over 11 miles. If you want to travel along the nail-biting Old Fall River Road, you’ll have to do so before late October when the road usually closes due to wintry weather.
The Stanley Hotel
As the inspiration for Stephen King’s best-selling book “The Shining,” The Stanley Hotel has forever earned a spot in pop culture. Built in 1909, the original hotel is widely viewed as haunted, making it a great place to take a guided night tour.
Located in Estes Park, Colorado, The Stanley Hotel offers several types of accommodations that are flexible enough for couples and lovers traveling with kids and/or pets. Only four miles east of the park just discussed, The Stanley Hotel is a convenient place to stay if the park is the focal point of your romantic getaway.
While you’re in Colorado, consider braving our Mile High Ghost Tour. You’ll stop by the spookiest places in Capital Hill, including haunted homes that might just make you second-guess leaving yours!
The Broadmoor
First opened in 1918, The Broadmoor is the longest-running winner of the Forbes Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond designations. Boasting several types of accommodations, The Broadmoor is one of Colorado’s romantic places that offer just about everything.
Guests will enjoy opulent headboards, intricate textiles, and more modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi during their stay at The Broadmoor. You’ll be able to choose from among 10 on-site restaurants and another 10 lounges and cafés when it’s time to eat. Italian food, European-inspired fare, and great wine are all on the menu at The Broadmoor.
If you’re brave enough to wander off the hotel’s grounds, you’ll find a wealth of activities nearby. You can go ziplining across South Cheyenne Canyon, for example. You can also take a ride on the recently renovated Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Italy
You don’t have to be a world traveler to know that Italy is home to some of the most beautiful and romantic honeymoon destinations in the world. Even if you’re not embarking on your honeymoon, you should put “visit Italy” on your bucket list of things to do with your SO.
Italy makes putting together a varied itinerary a breeze since travel between places is a breathless endeavor. Here are some of the most romantic places you’ll want to include in your travel plans:
- Amalfi Coast: Nestled on the Tyrrhenian Sea about an hour south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is where you’ll find picturesque seaside towns that welcome tourists with open arms, great Italian food, and thirst-quenching wines. If romance is in the air, book a stay at Palazzo Avino, which is a five-star hotel that’s home to a Michelin Star-winning restaurant.
- Cinque Terre: Consisting of five seaside villages, Cinque Terre has pastel-colored homes that are built into the surrounding cliffs. Several footpaths connect the quaint villages, so each one will be fully accessible during your stay.
- Florence: Home to the world’s biggest collection of Renaissance art by Italy’s native sons and daughters, Florence is a must-visit location for couples who love art. If you and your SO are food enthusiasts, you’ll want to book a food tour through the city so you don’t miss out on some of the best bites made in the city.
- Lake Como: Located at the base of the Alps just 90 minutes north of Milan, Lake Como is a lakeside oasis. If you’re going to visit Italy during the summer and you’re not a fan of the heat, plan to stay at one of the lake area’s hotels so you can avoid the heat in more southern locations. You’ll have several accommodations to choose from, including the Hotel Villa Cipressi, the Villa Carlotta, and the even more luxurious Grand Hotel Cadenabbia.
Mexico
With gorgeous white beaches, the Caribbean Sea, vineyards, stunning sunsets, and cozy towns that welcome tourists, Mexico has a lot to offer star-crossed lovers. If you want to take your partner to Mexico, but don’t want to get stressed by planning a full-blown romantic vacation on your own, consider booking a stay at the Le Blanc Spa Resort.
Located in Cancun, the Le Blanc Spa Resort is one of the country’s all-inclusive resorts that makes pampering your SO a cinch. From a French restaurant that serves seven-course meals to a hydrotherapy pool overlooking the ocean, a full-service spa, and a whole lot more, you won’t even need to leave the resort’s property to have the best vacation of your life at Le Blanc Spa Resort.
What are some other destinations you may want to explore with your partner when you visit Mexico? Here are a few you might want to consider:
- Playa Azul
- Puerto Vallarta
- Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos Corridor
- Copper Canyon
- Mexico City’s Historic Center
- The Mayan Metropolis
- Guanajuato
Additional Locations to Consider
It’s nearly impossible to put together a list of the best places for couples to travel and provide in-depth descriptions of them all. Let’s face it, the world is a remarkable place, and couples can enjoy time together in a countless number of places and have a great time.
With that said, we’d like to mention a few more locations you may want to visit with your SO that are easy to research online:
- New England
- Paris
- London
- Hawaii
- The Caribbean
- Belize
- Spain
- Brazil
- Alaska
- Any place with waterfalls
As you can tell from the mini-list of vacation destinations just provided, couple’s adventures await in all four corners of the world. The key to making any couple’s getaway an enjoyable experience is for both you and your SO to have an open mind. That type of mindset will make any vacation destination even more beautiful and enjoyable than it inherently is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best places for couples to travel include the Amalfi Coast in Italy, North Carolina’s Hot Springs, The Broadmoor in Colorado, California’s Napa Valley, and Fredericksburg, Texas.
Romantic getaways always depend on the couple and their interests, as well as what they deem romantic. With that said, we’ve listed some of our picks for the best places for couples to travel!
All relationships go through their dull phases. Spice up your love life with a romantic getaway, or stay close to home and try any of the 50+ activities in Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition!