The most romantic cities in the USA

While not what you might traditionally think of when imagining cities, this is the de facto capital of California’s wine country. A getaway here is certainly centered around wine, with more than 400 wineries and 90 tasting rooms across the county. Some of our favorites include Markham Vineyards in St. Helena and the iconic Trefethen Winery in Napa proper. Where you stay is as important as the vineyards you choose to frequent. The most romantic retreats in Napa happen to be cottages. The Brannan Cottage Inn includes six cozy structures in the heart of Calistoga, perfect for those who love afternoon and evening strolls around town. Care to splurge? Carneros Resort & Spa balances luxury with character, boasting over 100 landscaped cottages with tiny backyards where you can sip your spoils. One of the best ways to make the most of a trip to Wine Country is to book a ticket on the historic Napa Valley Wine Train, which offers a variety of rides through vineyards and, on some, stop off at various wineries along the way.

There are tons of ways to squeeze romance out of the Greatest City in the World, whether you dream of a classic Upper East Side experience, like staying at The Pierre overlooking Central Park, or you want to hop over to Brooklyn and stay at the hip The William Vale. While in New York, take in a Broadway show, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a cozy downtown restaurant like Via Carota, or an afternoon visiting The Guggenheim. Whatever your inclination—bagels in the park or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge—you’ll find no shortage of romantic options.

No matter the season, Aspen delights travelers looking for some luxe, mountain fun—though, to be sure, no skiing and/or mountain biking is required for maximum enjoyment of this artsy enclave, home to five-star hotels like The St. Regis and restaurants like French Alpine Bistro, oozing romance (and fondue!). The city is removed enough to feel like a true escape from chaos but bustling enough to radiate big-city energy.

Considered by many to be the OG of the spa vacation, Scottsdale is the place to be when life and all its stressors start to feel unwieldy. Scottsdale is home to more than 50 spas in total—many are within resorts (such as the VH Spa at the Hotel Valley Ho and Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain), and there are plenty of more affordable day spa options and even more holistic treatment options like at Second Nature Clinic. But it’s not all body scrubs and deep tissue massages; take a horseback ride through the desert, fill up at one of Scottsdale’s best restaurants, or experience Arizona's up-and-coming wine scene at Old Town tasting rooms like Merkin Vineyards.

The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk, old Victorians, a slew of romantic restaurants to serve every budget (including hot spots 7 Adams, Aphotic and Dalida), and a diverse dance club scene—all existing in an inimitable inclusive atmosphere that firmly cements San Francisco as one of the country’s national treasures. Agreeable weather, beach access, and an option to retreat to wine country for a half or full day add to Northern California’s magical appeal.

Who says a city famous for its parties and raucous open streets can’t be romantic? Certainly not us. New Orleans is the place to get silly and buzzed with your other half, sure, but it’s so much more than that. It's also a culturally rich city with sultry appeal beyond its beignets. Creole-style architecture, some of the best restaurants in the country, an evolving cocktail scene, live music every night of the week, and festivals galore provide NOLA’s visiting couples with ample opportunity to spice things up.

Yes, that Will Smith song is now stuck in our heads. Miami is an ideal choice for couples who eschew the generic. Spend time people-watching as you walk along South Beach or meander the grounds of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens before retreating to the tranquil confines of the splurge-worthy Setai, where gracious staff sees to it that you and yours bask in the lap of luxury.

While certain other Southern cities have bogarted the love in recent years, it’s high time this little South Carolina gem takes center stage. The romance in Greenville is evidenced in its sparkling clean, eminently walkable downtown bursting with restaurants (Camp is the ultimate date night spot), art galleries, adorable gift shops, and inviting cafes—all the fixings for a lovely, low-key respite.

Kitschy wedding chapels aside (or not?), there’s far more to Sin City than an impromptu elopement. Thanks to an unbeatable high-end hotel scene, dining rooms brought to you by bold-faced restauranteurs like Michael Mina and Giada De Laurentiis, and exciting musical residences from Katy Perry and Adele, Las Vegas is always uber-glamorous. And if the casinos don’t stoke the fire (or your bank account), head off-strip to enjoy the nearby hiking in glorious Red Rock Canyon, the perfect selfie spot.

Oregon state's largest city has long been considered cool, but the buzz about this PNW city shows no sign of dimming any time soon. Portland is packed with walkable or bikeable neighborhoods, depending on your mileage, incredibly diverse cuisine, a growing hotel scene, and some of the finest dispensaries in the state. Portland's exploratory appeal is clear for all to see, and its love affair with donuts is truly inspiring stuff.

Savannah wears its charm on its sleeve: 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.

With 322 days of annual sunshine, San Diego begs you to get outside and explore. Hit the waves at Pacific Beach, ride bikes along the boardwalk, charter a boat or grab a patch of sand and snuggle up with your partner. The zoo is rightfully renowned and, when you've worked up an appetite, head to the Marine Room for dinner at high tide when the Pacific crashes against the windows.

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 and wander through the gardens at Boone Hall.

St. Louis is a surprisingly charming destination for couples looking to squeeze the most out of a weekend. Skip the crowds at the Gateway Arch and explore the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site just across the river. Or, take a stroll through Tower Grove Park, a Victorian-era green space with picturesque gazebos and tree-lined paths perfect for an intimate walk. If you’re craving luxury, the Four Seasons St. Louis offers stunning river views and an opulent spa experience, while the Angad Arts Hotel stands out for its colorful, art-inspired rooms designed to match your mood. Be sure to bring home an authentic piece of American history from Cherokee Antique Row, a quirky stretch of shops and art galleries ideal for uncovering one-of-a-kind finds together.

Seattle’s romantic charm lies in its blend of natural beauty and cozy intimacy. For an unforgettable adventure, take a ferry to San Juan Island, where scenic hikes, whale watching, and quiet beaches make it the perfect getaway. Seattle is also heaven for couples with furry companions, offering countless dog parks to explore together. Skip the crowds at Pike Place Market and wander the boutiques in Ballard, especially on Sundays when the farmers market fills the streets with local finds. Foggy days invite cozy meals—share spicy curries at a tucked-away Thai spot or savor fresh seafood with stunning Puget Sound views at Ray’s Boathouse. Whether you’re snuggled in a café or exploring the city’s natural wonders, Seattle is the perfect city getaway should you like to enshroud yourselves in a fog of romance.

Chicago offers a Midwestern mix of romance and charm. For a cozy escape, head to Andersonville, where boutique shops and intimate cafes set the stage for leisurely afternoons. Stroll through Logan Square, home to craft cocktail bars and hidden garden patios perfect for a quiet evening. For unexpected activities, skip the usual architecture tours and try a tandem kayak ride on the Chicago River at sunset, where the city’s iconic skyline glows around you, and wrap up the day with dinner at a neighborhood gem like The Publican in Fulton Market, where hearty, locally inspired dishes and a warm atmosphere make for a perfect date night.