You decided when and where to exchange vows, now on to the best part: planning your honeymoon.
Across the USA, luxury getaways beckon newlyweds and romance lovers alike. The best honeymoons are exciting, intimate and unexpected. Whether you and your partner want to explore an off-the-beaten-path hideaway, unwind amidst breathtaking outdoors or experience iconic attractions, the USA has options to suit your unique style. Make lasting memories as you discover inspiring new destinations and celebrate your love.
Experience one of the world’s great natural wonders with your loved one in Niagara Falls, New York. Feel the cool spray from the falls on a boat tour with Maid of the Mist, or get up close and personal on the Hurricane Deck. (Pro tip: bring a poncho.) If you’re looking to splurge, consider booking a helicopter tour for spectacular views of the Whirlpool Rapids, American Falls and Niagara Gorge from above. At night, relax and watch the colorful light displays illuminate the famous falls. If you’re ready for more, venture to the nearby Finger Lakes Region for picturesque scenery and top-notch wines.
Couples seeking a glamorous honeymoon will love Las Vegas, Nevada. Discover a neon-lit paradise of luxury resorts, glitzy casinos and larger-than-life shows. Pamper you and your loved one with deluxe spa treatments and decadent meals in stunning restaurants. If you’re looking to experience classic Las Vegas, take a gondola ride through the Venice-inspired canal at The Venetian Resort. But the excitement doesn’t stop there: You can book a helicopter tour of the majestic Grand Canyon.
The second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui tempts honeymooners with powder-soft sand beaches, lush foliage and grand oceanside resorts. Discover hidden coves and waterfalls on a Jeep tour, hike a dormant volcano in Haleakalā National Park and taste fresh pineapple and other tropical fruit. In the evening, savor traditional Hawaiian cuisine and enjoy the beautiful sunset while you watch a hula performance at a traditional lūʻau.
Learn why “let the good times roll” is not just the unofficial slogan of New Orleans, Louisiana; it’s a way of life. Celebrate your honeymoon in style as you listen to jazz and blues in intimate clubs and storied courtyards. Sample bold Creole and Cajun flavors at romantic restaurants, and explore charming, historic neighborhoods on foot or by streetcar. If you’re looking for good vibes and high energy, enjoy a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River or join in a lively parade or traditional second line.
Just a short drive from breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the perfect year-round honeymoon destination for nature lovers. In winter, snuggle together on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through rugged mountainscapes or go snowmobiling in undisturbed backcountry. In summer, take in panoramic views of sprawling meadows, lush forests and native wildlife on a private hot-air balloon ride. At sunrise, ride horseback through scenic valleys carpeted with wildflowers. After a long day of exploring, unwind with your partner in natural hot springs.
At the southernmost end of the Florida Keys, Key West is a walkable, fun-loving island town with luxury resorts and charming inns. Check out historic sites, including the Hemingway Home & Museum and the Key West Lighthouse, or take part in showstopping events like the city’s Pride celebration in June and Fantasy Fest in October. Later, watch the sunset from Mallory Square or take to the ocean on a tall ship. Night owls should be sure to check out the nightlife on Duvall Street. Seeking true adventure with your special someone? Embark on a journey from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park via ferry or seaplane, then enjoy unbelievable snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs make for a stunning honeymoon backdrop in Monterey County, California. Rent a car and go for a scenic drive down coastal U.S. Highway 1, stopping for a hike and picnic amid epic redwoods at Limekiln State Park or a stroll on tranquil Pfeiffer Beach. Watch for soaring California condors in the skies and breaching humpback whales offshore. Enjoy prime quality time when you sign up for a gourmet wine and food tour, followed by a romantic couples’ spa treatment and a stay at a quaint inn or bed and breakfast.
Vieques, a small Caribbean island 11 kilometers east of mainland Puerto Rico, is renowned for its secluded beaches, making it an ideal destination for romantic getaways. The island’s multicolored beaches offer unmatched water activities. Swim and snorkel through vibrant reefs in turquoise waters or take a nighttime kayak tour in Mosquito Bay to see mystical bioluminescent microorganisms glow in your wake. Culture-loving couples can explore the 19th-century Spanish fort and museum, as well as tour the ruins of a historic sugar plantation. Join locals at the Old Sugar Cane Pier in the lovely town of Esperanza for unbelievable ocean views and a welcoming community.
Looking for a serene honeymoon destination? Consider the San Juan Islands, a rocky archipelago set in the Salish Sea off the northwestern coast of Washington State. This under-the-radar destination is perfect for couples seeking a beautiful and intimate retreat. Take a passenger ferry or seaplane to reach the four main islands – Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw. Once there, honeymooners can enjoy a sea kayaking tour, go zip-lining through untamed forest and look for orcas from Lime Kiln Point State Park. Other activities include strolling around the picturesque seaport of Friday Harbor, visiting historic lighthouses, savoring fresh seafood and unwinding with a local glass of wine.
Nearly two-thirds of St. John – the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands – is encompassed by Virgin Islands National Park. On this untouched, mountainous island, couples can hike through verdant forests to see ancient petroglyph carvings, swim in calm ocean waters and rent a Jeep to explore the island’s twisty, hillside roads. (Drive on the left, and watch out for donkeys.) Charter a day sail on a luxurious catamaran with snorkeling and a delicious lunch included. Honeymooners can also shop local markets and dine on Caribbean dishes in lively Cruz Bay or charming Coral Bay.