The best romantic getaways in the U.S. to get you in the mood

It’s easy to swoon over Sonoma. While wine tasting is the main attraction, there's so much more to this sprawling California county. Get pampered at world-class spas (head to Dawn Ranch for an oasis set among the redwoods); dine your heart out at restaurants rooted in seasonal California fare (splurge on a multicourse tasting menu at the ultra-luxe Cyrus Restaurant); or head to the coast to take in stunning ocean views at boutique hotels like Nick's Cove or Timber Cove (grab a bite at their waterfront restaurants or stay the night). 

If your version of paradise includes rugged cliffs and sunny sand, emerald hills and epic hikes, fire up your laptop and book a trip to Kauai. The 'Garden Isle' is a verdant wonderland where you can take a helicopter ride past the Jurassic Park waterfall, kayak Hawaii's only navigable river or walk the wild Na Pali Coast—though no one will blame you for kicking back with a cocktail on the beach. For an indulgent stay, book a room at the brand-new sustainable luxury resort, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

Savannah wears its charm in the open: classic homes, historic squares and impossibly photogenic moss-covered trees. But there's more to this Southern belle than gawking at her sights. Go for a stroll on Tybee Island, then dig into expertly crafted Cajun and low-country cooking at Alligator Soul (where, yes, there's gator on the menu). Finish things off at Lulu's Chocolate Bar and share a slice of the rum-brushed strawberry suspension cake.

This Puget Sound escape—where the most populated town is just one square mile—is about escaping it all. Life on the San Juan Islands means lighthouse strolls, coastal kayaking, visits to alpaca or lavender farms, and fresh seafood. Book a summer whale watch session and spot one of three local orca pods before bed at the Bird Rock Hotel, where loaner bikes let you explore at the right pace.

The Berkshires aren’t just one town but a collection of several that are quaint and charming in their own way. Start with the scenic and lush Lenox, once the home of writer Edith Wharton, or Stockbridge, known for its Norman Rockwell-inspired streets. There’s also North Adams, replete with picturesque churches, and Williamstown, surrounded by mountains and farmland. Stroll together hand-in-hand along the historic downtown streets, hit a hiking trail, and relax together in a B&B. No matter where your adventure in the Berkshires takes you, romance permeates this classic New England region.

No matter the time of year, the Sun Valley, Idaho region, is a great choice for a lovely getaway for two. In the winter, ski during the day and get cozy at night; in the spring and summer, enjoy wildflower and waterfall hikes. When autumn rolls in, take in some of the most stunning foliage views in the country. Stay at the historic Sun Valley Resort or the neighboring town, Ketchum, at the LimeLight Ketchum, which features a year-round heated pool and mood-setting mountain views.

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, is a gorgeous retreat two hours from NYC that dates back to 1869. Since then, Mohonk has grown enormously, evident in the varying styles of the main building as well as through the scattered wooden “summer houses” that dot the landscape. Head here for romantic Victorian rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, outstanding views from surrounding trails, live music, and events. The resort hosts occasional "Romantic Couples' Weekends" with love-themed activities for you and your beau.

There’s no wrong time to book a trip to Aspen, a Rocky Mountain town where romantic enticements beckon all year long. From luxury hotels and sophisticated dining to hot air ballooning and legendary slopes, there’s a reason Aspen has a reputation for over-the-top thrills. Whether you’re here to ski with your partner, take on some rapids, or settle into a couple’s massage at the extravagant St. Regis (don’t miss the hotel's nightly champagne sabering, either), you’ll leave Aspen more in love than ever.

With mountain lakes surrounded by rocky peaks, 600ft waterfalls and glaciers (expected to melt in the next 30 years), Glacier National Park deserves a place on your to-do list. Hike, horseback ride, hop a boat, spot a grizzly bear or mountain goat, and then cozy up over a fire or hearty meal. Given the range of accommodations offered—from lodges to campsites to backcountry chalets well worth the walk—this is the ideal destination to combine adventure and affection.

Nantucket is the perfect setting for a romance novel—or your own real-life version. With white-sand beaches, cobblestone streets and New England charm everywhere you look, this tiny island (only 14 miles in length) is the perfect place to get away if you're looking for seaside splendor. Splurge on luxury accommodations (we recommend the Wauwinet), slide into a booth at a historic restaurant, or bike around the island and have a picnic on a beach. High season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, so if you’re able to, visiting during shoulder months ensures a crowd-free escape.

With rolling redwood forests and cliffs jutting over turquoise water, Big Sur is idyllic in the extreme. Splurge at the Post Ranch Inn, where your luxury bungalow is TV- and telephone-free, or snuggle up inside a yurt at Treebones. Come during the summer when you can kayak with sea otters, take a moonlit tour of the Point Sur lighthouse or stay up late for a dip in the Esalen Hot Springs.

If American history is your love language, make your way over to Harpers Ferry. The town sits at the edge of the Shenandoah River, the Potomac River, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and doubles as a national historic park with forts, museums and cobbled streets steeped in Civil War lore. You’ll also find 22 miles of hiking trails outside the city center. In the warmer months, the town is an ideal launch point for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and tubing.

The Obamas' go-to summer getaway, Martha's Vineyard, has always charmed visitors with its windswept beaches and sweet towns. Rent a home or base yourself at Hob Knob in Edgartown, the island’s picture-perfect, oldest settlement with narrow streets, red-brick pavements and white clapboard homes. Hit the beach, browse local shops, marvel over the sunset and stuff yourself with fresh seafood—it’s not a Vineyard visit without lobster from Larsen’s Fish Market.

Nothing beats Michigan in the summer—the crystal blue water, perfect weather, and friendly people. One of the most quaint spots in the state is Mackinac Island, situated on Lake Huron between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. With stunning national parks, car-free streets, charming B&Bs, and plenty of outdoor activities, this is a place where you can lazily enjoy the island life or be active from sunrise to sunset. 

This picturesque Southern city doesn’t just feel like a romantic movie set; Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook was actually filmed around Charleston. Turn it into the background of your love story as you roam the historic district, explore the vibrant dining scene or drive around its outskirts to see sights like Boone Hall or the otherworldly Angel Oak Tree.

Dubbed 'Island of the Little God' by the Narragansett tribe, this petite isle 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island is a world apart from the mainland. Rent a bike or moped, grab a sandwich from Three Sisters and start discovering your favorite beach or scenic trail.

Free your spiritual side in Sedona, a desert enclave where natural vortexes emit mystical energy. Even if communing with the Earth isn't your thing, visiting for the spectacular slot-canyon hiking and world-class accommodations is worth it. Spoil yourself in a L'Auberge de Sedona cottage complete with an outdoor shower or stay at Enchantment Resort and book a couple’s treatment at the acclaimed Mii Amo spa.

Barely within the Florida border, this Atlantic Coast barrier island hits the spot for a luxury weekend or low-key retreat. Book a room at a historic B&B or bed down overlooking the beach at the Ritz-Carlton. Then, spend your days soaking up the sun, riding horses along the shoreline or on the water on a fishing charter or sightseeing tour. Keep the camera ready for sea turtles, manatees and dolphins.

If you're looking for romance on the Eastern seaboard, you and your boo won't be disappointed by the ever-charming Cape Cod. Situated along the Atlantic coastline, a trip to Cape Cod feels like a step back in time with its white-sand beaches and classic New England aesthetic (think quaint cottages with American flags and historic lighthouses). Picnic on the beach, stroll hand in hand with ice cream, or hop on a bike to cruise town—here, there's a timeless romance that will leave you enchanted.

This lesser-known wine region is home to rolling hills, a dry Mediterranean climate, and boutique experiences that feel refreshingly personal, though it’s also home to some big-name winemakers like Austin Hope and Justin. Stay at Cass Winery in one of their chic container suites, where electric bikes let you explore the vineyards before an intimate al fresco dinner under the stars. Savor locally-inspired cuisine at The Hatch Rotisserie, which is famous for its perfectly roasted chicken and stellar whiskey selection. For a unique twist, tour the region’s only designated distillery trail, sampling craft spirits like limoncello and grappa. When you’re ready to hydrate, take a dip in natural hot springs at River Oaks or Franklin Hot Springs.

Tucked away along the Magnolia River, Magnolia Springs, Alabama, feels like a place pulled straight from a 19th-century novel. Check into the charming Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast, where creaky floors and vintage details make it impossible not to fall a little deeper in love. Drift along the river in a kayak or boat, letting the moss-draped trees and quiet waters set the mood. Share a candlelit dinner at Jesse’s Restaurant, where Gulf Coast seafood is enjoyed under giant oak trees. Finish the day with a stroll under the town’s iconic magnolias or a quick trip to Gulf Shores for a sunset on the sand.