9 romantic trips for couples in the U.S.

From Chicago to Savannah, these spots are packed with things to do for two.


Some trips are just better when experienced with your significant other. Whether you desire soulful romance, an in-tandem adventure, a food lovers’ vacation, or just a weekend getaway nearby, we’ve got you covered with our picks for the best trips for couples across the U.S.

For architecture buffs: Savannah, GA

Live Oak and Spanish Moss trees at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA, Image: Mbell/Getty Images

Live Oak and Spanish Moss trees at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA, Image: Mbell/Getty Images

Whether you love history, architecture, hearty food, or all three, Savannah should be on your list. Spanish moss-laden oaks encircle grand squares dotted with historic antebellum homes. Southern hospitality comes alongside down-home cooking at places like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and historic The Pirates’ House—the latter of which might have inspired a scene in Treasure Island. For a ghoulish experience, visit the Bonaventure Cemetery, the permanent home for some of the city’s most prominent residents. Speaking of which, the city teems with tour guides leading visitors past supposedly haunted sites like the Sorrel-Weed House and the Hamilton-Turner Inn, the perfect excuse to hold on tight to your significant other.

For non-stop activity: New York City

Iconic view of Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street in Brooklyn, Image: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Iconic view of Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street in Brooklyn, Image: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

From a walk along the Hudson River at dusk to an afternoon spent wining and dining at some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of entertainment in Manhattan. For an epic weekend to remember, book a romantic dinner at Locanda Verde in Tribeca. In summer, grab a glass of Champagne and some oysters at Grand Banks. When the air is crisp and the leaves are turning red in fall, soak up the color with a room at the Park Hyatt New York, overlooking Central Park. No matter the season, book tickets for date night at Blue Note, one of the most notable and intimate jazz clubs in the city.

For hiking and hot springs: Bozeman, MT

Sunrise over a field of sunflowers outside Bozeman, MT, Image: Stephen Simpson/Getty Images

Sunrise over a field of sunflowers outside Bozeman, MT, Image: Stephen Simpson/Getty Images

This city in southern Montana delivers romance in spades thanks to snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and, of course, that Big Sky Country. The Bozeman Hot Springs are the perfect après-hike or off-road biking antidote. For indoors date night activities, Bozeman offers art galleries and wine bars aplenty, and—for those who want to keep the night going—a turn around the dancefloor at Bar IX.

For small-town charm: Door County, WI

Located on a peninsula in northeastern Wisconsin and around four hours from Chicago, Door County is a go-to romantic destination thanks to an abundance of quaint bed and breakfasts. In the fall, spend the afternoon cherry picking and visiting the array of boutiques and antique shops. In winter, cozy up at a historic inn and grab a glass of pinot noir while warming up by the roaring fire. And in the summer, spend the long days on Lake Michigan soaking up the sun. While you’re flush for B&B choice, the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, WI, offers historic charm coupled with romantic extras like wood-burning fireplaces and maximalist decor.

For all-night (and all-day) live music: Nashville, TN

Nightlife on Broadway Street in Nashville, Image: Erwin Widmer/EyeEm/Getty Images

Nightlife on Broadway Street in Nashville, Image: Erwin Widmer/EyeEm/Getty Images

The honky-tonk capital of the South lives up to Nashville’s Music City moniker. There’s live music at nearly every bar on Lower Broadway—known as the Honky Tonk Highway—and country music legends often perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Dine on hot chicken at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and melt-in-your-mouth biscuits at Biscuit Love. Take in local and international artists, as well as historical pieces, at the Frist Art Museum. And for a truly authentic Nashville experience, get kitted out in cowboy boots at Boot Country before hitting the dance floor.

For slow afternoons at the vineyard: Napa Valley, CA

Vineyard near St. Helena, CA, Image: Charles O'Rear/Getty Images

Vineyard near St. Helena, CA, Image: Charles O'Rear/Getty Images

Lovers of the good life rejoice: In Napa Valley, you can find wine tastings in art galleries, barns, and castles. Couple this with a Michelin-starred meal at the renowned French Laundry to experience the best flavors of the region. But there’s more to do than drink and eat: Visitors to the towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga—an itinerary that can easily be completed in a long weekend trip—can follow up the delectable drinks and dining with boutique shopping on each town’s Main Street, a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, and, for something more intimate a deux, a dip at a mineral spring spa. Make Bardessono Hotel and Spa your home base for your Napa escape—the wellness-inspired resort in the heart of downtown Yountville is just steps away from shops and restaurants.

For outdoor adventures: O'ahu, HI

Sunset at Kaka'ako, O'ahu, Image: Anna Gorin /Getty Images

Sunset at Kaka'ako, O'ahu, Image: Anna Gorin /Getty Images

Volcanos and lush foliage greet visitors to O'ahu, the island that exemplifies Hawaii’s natural beauty. Hike along scenic pathways to spots like Manoa Falls, Waimea Valley, and the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail to see that beauty for yourself. But O'ahu offers more than just a pretty rockface. It’s also home to Honolulu, the state’s capital. There, visitors can check out Iolani Palace, the royal residence of Hawaii’s last monarchs, and the floating Pearl Harbor memorial. Surfers can celebrate a tradition that dates back even earlier than the 19th century by catching some local waves, while food lovers can devour fresh seafood at restaurants like Hoku’s alongside breathtaking vistas.

For an urban retreat: Chicago

Gourmands will find no shortage of all-star restaurants to please their palates in the Windy City, from Michelin-star meals to Chicago-style pizza. Take a romantic stroll or an architecture boat tour along the Chicago River to get your bearings, or spend the day bouncing up and down Michigan Avenue. Other areas not to be missed? Lincoln Park, with its idyllic greenery, and Armitage Avenue, which is home to an abundance of cute boutiques and restaurants. Summer House is a great date spot serving up an incredible roasted artichoke for two, alongside wood-fired pizzas. Ask for a table on the dimly lit patio—the best seat in the house. For the most romantic stay, bed down at the Peninsula Hotel, a five-star property with oversized luxurious suites and a phenomenal location off Michigan Avenue.

For year-round beach vibes: Nantucket, MA

A hop, skip, and a jump from Boston and NYC, Nantucket is one of the best getaway destinations for couples on the east coast. Carve out time for a lobster roll at Cru, a sunset cocktail at the Galley, and a visit on a hot afternoon to The Juice Bar, Nantucket’s most popular ice cream spot. You could spend an entire afternoon shopping downtown, as the town’s charming boutiques offer everything from beachy upscale home decor to lovely patterned sundresses. But summertime isn’t the only season it's worth a visit—every December, the island hosts its annual Christmas Stroll, when the town comes alive like the pages of an enchanted storybook with Christmas decorations, live music, Santa’s village marketplace, and much more.

Sahar Khan is a London-based lifestyle journalist who specializes in travel. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Smithsonian Magazine, Monocle and Vogue.com, among others. When not on assignment, she can be found exploring all that London has to offer. Her work is available at saharkhan.com.

Kimberly Peiffer is an editor, writer, and content strategist with over a decade of experience working for digital and glossy print publications. She has spent her career curating luxury lifestyle content, from the most glamorous places to travel, to the best skincare to buy. When she's not writing (or editing many things), you're most likely to find her at a hot yoga class, skiing down a mountain, or sipping margaritas on a beach-any beach will do. She has written for Robb Report, Glamour, Oprah, Travel & Leisure, InStyle, People, Shape, Vogue and many others.