The USA offers an abundance of romantic getaways and vacation spots for couples. From beaches to mountaintops, from iconic cities to small towns, from wineries to lakeshores—no matter what you are looking for, the US has it. Many of us love traveling abroad, but we always return with insatiable wanderlust.
The travel industry is a glamorous one, and it’s easy to forget that the reality of travel often doesn’t match up with the idealized images presented by travel bloggers on Instagram. But there’s no need to worry about not matching up with reality—no one does! The reality is that you can enjoy your travels as much as possible without being entrapped by perfectionism.
Every time we return to the US, we try to cross off one more spot on our highly long wish list. Here is a list of the top 10 best vacation spots if you are single or a couple. I am sure you will love it.
1. Explore Santa Barbara, California, as your Top Vacation Destination Spot:
For couples looking for romance, Santa Barbara provides the perfect backdrop. Its Spanish/Mediterranean architectural style and stunning views of beaches set against a backdrop of mountains and warm climate make it an ideal destination. The city’s iconic El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, has been recently restored and screams glamor and romance.
Couples can also stay at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, one of the region’s newest luxury beachfront properties and next to Butterfly Beach. Those who want to be right on State Street, which is within walking distance to world-class restaurants and some of the city’s top attractions, should look to stay at the Hotel Californian and treat themselves to a couple’s treatment at the Majorelle Spa in the couple’s suite with its beautiful Moroccan designs complete with bath butler service.
Also Read: Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations for Couples to Visit
There are several tasting room options for visitors to the Funk Zone, including Santa Barbara Winery, Kunin Wines, and Pali Wine Company. For dinner, visitors can try The Lark Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that serves locally sourced and seasonal ingredients or Loquita Spanish Restaurant with traditional Spanish cuisine—and diners can book a unique dining experience at Sushi | Bar Montecito, where Chef Phillip Frankland Lee’s omakase has been recognized with a Michelin Star.
2. Best Vacation Spots For Couples, Try New Orleans, Louisiana:
New Orleans is known for its music, architecture, and cuisine. The city is famous for its music festivals in the spring, summer, and fall, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Music Festival, and French Quarter Fest. The city’s history dates to 1718, when Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded the city as a French colony. And in recent years, it has been called “the new Paris” by many travel writers and residents.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, provides a luxurious getaway in the city’s heart. Newly renovated accommodations, a luxury spa, nightly jazz in the hotel’s famed Davenport Lounge, and more await visitors to this 1907 Beaux-Arts building. For those who want to take their trip to the next level, there is a brand new suite, The Residence, offered at this hotel.
This two-bedroom penthouse suite with 3,500 square feet of outdoor event space offers panoramic views of the city. Virgin Hotels New Orleans recently opened its doors; from intimate cocktails at the Dreamboat cocktail bar overlooking the cityscape to colorful and spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and soaker tubs, couples will find everything they need for a romantic retreat.
3. Discover Romantic Vacation Spots in Miami, Florida
A romantic getaway in Miami is the perfect way for couples to reconnect and enjoy their time together. Couples can opt to spend a weekend in Brickell, where they can enjoy the lively restaurants, sunny skies, and shopping trips that make up this area of town.
The EAST Miami hotel is the perfect home base for your trip with its modern design and tropical rooftop pool. Sugar bar’s stunning views of Miami make it one of the best restaurants for sunset drinks or an intimate dinner for two.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, try the new Sexy Fish restaurant and late-night bar in Brickell. Or stick around the hotel for wood-fired Uruguayan cuisine at Quinto La Huella before stopping by the hotel’s hidden speakeasy, Tea Room, for a nightcap.
If you’re staying in South Beach, the Kimpton Surfcomber is the perfect beachsidebeachsidet’s dog-friendly and has a gorgeous pool and beachsidebeachsident.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has many historic buildings, scenic views, and close beach proximity. The city’s downtown Battery District is home to hundreds of beautiful houses that provide excellent walking routes for couples.
The blossoming restaurant scene offers unique choices for culinary-inclined couples, who can choose from Brasserie La Banque, an old bank building that now serves French-inspired food, or Delaney Oyster House, a historic Charleston home that serves seafood.
5. Montauk, New York
On Long Island’s eastern end, Montauk is a popular destination for couples in search of a laid-back retreat. The area’s white-sand beaches and surfing are some of the best in New York State, while its proximity to vineyards ensures that wine lovers will never be at a loss for something to drink.
Montauk has plenty of hotels, including Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Marram, and the Montauk Beach House. While you’re there, visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse and Navy Beach for some swimming; then spend your evening dancing at one of the area’s many bars.
Also Read: 5 Top Tourist Destinations in the USA
6. Amelia Island, Florida
Whether you are looking to escape, unwind, or simply reconnect with your significant other, Amelia Island is the perfect place. At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island guests can enjoy 13 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, sip specialty cocktails beach-sidbeachsidehe day golfing, paddle boarding, biking along the beach, bonfires in the dunes at sunset, and more. Slip away to the spa and relax with unique spa rituals and leave the resort feeling fully refreshed and in love.
The hotel’s Romance Package includes champagne and chocolates, rose petal turndown, and a complimentary breakfast. Or you can take advantage of a couple’s chocolate wrap treatment at the spa.
7. For Newly Married Couples, Go for Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the perfect place to do so if you are celebrating your love. Albuquerque has a multicultural heritage and climate that provides 310 sunny days and cool evenings. Couples can be active together, learn new things and dine on unique regional specialties.
As a unique way to spend an afternoon, couples can tour Albuquerque with Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentals and stop at some of ABQ’s most picturesque locales, including Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm or Golden Crown Panaderia Neighborhood Bakery.
Take an evening bike ride with Routes Bicycle Tours and Rentals, following the route to Los Poblanos Historic Inn. Enjoy a romantic dinner and watch artists from Tablao Flamenco perform their craft.
8. Don’t Miss Best Vacation Spots: Put Big Sur, California in your Bucket list:
Big Sur may be just the ultimate romantic destination. It is home to coastal redwoods and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, and it offers visitors a unique opportunity for a getaway for two. There are iconic, awe-inspiring viewpoints, local restaurants that source ingredients from nearby farms, and bucket list hotels with a deep sense of connection and preservation for the natural beauty they call home.
Alila Ventana Big Sur provides a luxurious getaway in the heart of California’s rugged Central Coast, overlooking the majestic Pacific coastline. With your stay, you’ll enjoy private meals served in-room or at The Sur House; access to exclusive resort experiences such as yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and hiking; and more.
Read: 5 Unforgettable Overseas Adventure Travel for Couples
James is a co-author with one his friends at Travelistia. He loves to write adventure stories and explore adventure filled destinations.