The Most Romantic Cities in America
Paris may be known as the City of Love, but I’m here to once again tell you all to quit sleeping on the United States when it comes to the sweet siren song of romance! There’s a reason we champion it as a honeymoon paradise; love is in the air here, I promise you.
The sheer size of the U.S.–there are fifty states, after all–means that there’s romance for every kind of sweetheart around; whether you love strolling quaint cobbled streets, lying on the beach, swimming in beautiful clean lakes, or exploring some of the country’s best national parks, you can find your perfect lovers’ escape.
We’ve chosen what we feel are eight of the most romantic cities in America for couples to kiss, cuddle, and explore hand in hand.
New Orleans: Creole Charm & Foodie Fantasticness
Being from the beautiful state of Louisiana, of course I had to lead off with the romance capital of my home state, New Orleans.
This is one for the history lovers and foodies among us, because of course Louisiana has a strong indigenous history as well as having been ruled by France and Spain, plus there’s the influence of African and Caribbean cultures, and the arrival of the Cajuns from Nova Scotia.
So in New Orleans, you can take in delicious jazz music, eat incredible Cajun and Creole food, admire the European influenced architecture in the French Quarter area, and stroll hand in hand down the oak-lined streets of the Garden District.
Even the cemeteries here have a certain dilapidated romance to them, and of course, if you’re a spirit-hunting kind of couple, you’ll love the many ghost tours available; there’s a bit of sweetness in clinging to each other out of a bit of spooky fright, no? This one might be one of the most fun and unique couple vacations in the U.S.
San Francisco: Oceanside Delights
The gem of Northern California, San Francisco is a dream destination for sweethearts who love quirky diverse architecture, amazing views, excellent seafood, and unique vacation activities.
If you’re on the hunt for good eats, Ghirardelli chocolate, the fresh local seafood on offer and of course the famous San Francisco Sourdough are must-tastes here, of course, but San Fran also has a thriving and super delicious Chinese food scene that you really can’t miss out on for a great date night.
When you’re ready to walk off your belly full of succulent Beijing duck, you can enjoy a hand-in-hand stroll through Fort Winfield Scott, ending with an unforgettable view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Or wander through Alamo Square Park and see the famous Painted Lady houses, or roam Fisherman’s Wharf so you can laugh at the antics of the Pier 39 sea lions, play vintage games at Musée Mécanique, and go on a boat tour that’ll take you under the bridge.
Of course, you can’t forget to hitch a ride on one of the iconic San Francisco cable cars–make a game of kissing every time the bell rings!
Charleston: Lowcountry Beauty
At the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, moss-draped Charleston has stood in resplendent sentry for over 350 years. Having endured fires, hurricanes, wars, earthquakes and more, Charleston is a real monument to survival and grit while still remaining strong and beautiful–and if that’s not a metaphor for lasting love, I do not know what else could be!
Historic Charleston, with the South of Broad neighborhood, incredible Downtown district, and French Quarter, is a beautiful place to stay and explore; you can easily go on foot, or many hotels and B&Bs offer bike rentals so you can enjoy leisurely couples’ rides through the historic streets.
Like San Francisco here, the locally caught and super fresh seafood is a real perk! And it does not get more romantic than a slow, sweet horse-drawn carriage ride through the prettiest parts of the city. All in all? Charleston is certainly romance personified.
St Augustine: The Spain of America
America’s oldest city is yet another coastal treasure, one with a deep Spanish heritage and flair. And beyond history, this is a city with an artistic soul, absolutely ideal for a pair of lovers who love to dance, sing, or just appreciate art.
You can spend hours prowling the boutiques and art galleries of Aviles Street, working in concert to find and bring home the perfect locally created work of art as the ideal souvenir of your sweet getaway. Then grab dinner at any one of St.
Augustine’s fantastic restaurants, followed by dancing the night away in any of the city’s legendary live music bars or nightclubs.
Sleep in the next day, grab brunch at Nero’s, then just do it all over again to your heart’s content, but not forgetting to explore the stunning historical architecture at Flagler College and Castillo de San Marcos.
Niagara Falls: A Massive Splash
Niagara Falls has a long reputation for being an iconic place for lovebirds to escape to–it’s even known as the original honeymoon capital of the world. And why not?
There’s something awe-inspiring and beautiful about looking over the great triple waterfall, hearing the crash of the water on the rocks, watching rainbows dance in the air. That you can do it from a hot-tub in a luxury hotel overlooking the Falls is a very sexy bonus!
But coming here isn’t just for newlyweds, it can also make a great anniversary trip. On the New York side of the Falls, there’s any number of romantic activities to indulge in; obviously a Maid of the Mist tour is a complete must.
But the Niagara region on both sides of the U.S./Canada border (be sure to pack your passport!) is swiftly becoming an amazing wine destination, with lots of vineyards and wineries for couples to visit together.
The local wines are also served at a number of restaurants, so you can dine al fresco and enjoy the fruits of the region, a very sweet night out for two.
Las Vegas: Kitschy Allure
Hear me out on Las Vegas… hear. Me. Out! I think a big case can be made to call Las Vegas one of the most romantic cities in America. Yes, okay, it’s kind of kitschy, a little tacky, and so busy and loud, how can it be romantic?
But some of us revel in kitsch, we love the neon lights, we love the fun variety of shows, and yes, we even love the idea of getting married by an Elvis impersonator at 3 AM.
Honestly, my idea of a perfect date would involve an afternoon in the Neon Museum, a gondola ride at the Venetian, maybe a stroll in Downtown Las Vegas, and of course a classic Vegas buffet dinner. Once upon a time I’d have included the Treasure Island pirate show… RIP to a real icon of Vegas kitsch!
Beyond the entertainingly kitschy aspects of Vegas, though, if that’s not really your thing, there’s still plenty of romance to be had on the higher end of the spectrum.
Hotels like The Wynn and Mandalay Bay have incredible wellness spas on site with couples massage options and other fun sweetheart-friendly activities.
And of course, there are some gorgeous cocktail bars like the Velveteen Rabbit that have a very sensual vibe and an excellent drinks menu.
It’s very easy to tailor the romantic experience of your dreams for yourself in Sin City, whether you prefer bright neon fun or more dreamy luxury for your swoony lovers’ retreat.
Sedona: Wellness & Wonders
They say that the couples that play together, stay together, and Arizona, known for many cool and interesting things, is also known as real playground for the sweeties that love their outdoorsy wellness time.
For starters, some of the best and most beautiful hiking experiences in the U.S. are in the Sedona region, and many of them are so-called “vortex hikes,” where it’s believed that great spiritual energy collects and swirls around–Boynton Canyon and Cathedral Rock are two big favorite vortex hikes.
Sedona is also renowned for its wellness culture, so after spending a long day out on the trails, you can indulge in massages, energy healing, and other rejuvenating delights.
Then go for dinner at one of the many restaurants in the foodie tapestry of the city–Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill is a particular standout, serving up incredible views to diners alongside its house-made empanadas and pollo rustico.
Willamette Valley: A Different Wine Country Experience
If you like the idea of a couples’ wine weekend in Napa Valley but aren’t so sure about the crowds and the high price tags, might I offer the beautiful alternative that is Oregon’s Willamette Valley?
This lovely green region in the Pacific Northwest has really been making a name for itself in the wine scene, specializing mainly in what I think of as one of the most romantic wines, the lightly lush Pinot Noir.
Easy enough to get to–you can fly into Seattle and spend a day or so there before driving down to the Valley–a pair of lovebirds can spend some really beautiful days here exploring the string of romantic small towns that make up the Valley, not only enjoying world-class wine but also getting lost in charming historic downtowns, wandering nearby waterfall hiking paths, or even go up in a hot air balloon and watch the world unfold at your feet.
The United States of Romance
The romantic charm of America really can’t be counted out. There’s so much to do and see here, that you could spend your whole life just on honeymoons, babymoons, and other romantic tours of the U.S. and still never get to every possible lovers’ getaway!
Still, you can give it your best shot and we hope one of our eight suggestions kindles a new fire in your romance–let us know where you’ve been, and where you hope to go next!
