The 17 best honeymoon destinations in the US

Getting married is one of the best days of most couples’ lives. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most hectic days, which is why having a honeymoon after saying “I do” is essential for many. However, deciding where to go (and then planning the trip) can be stressful when you already have your plate full of wedding planning. Luckily, countless places exude romance and relaxation.

To help you decide where to go for postnuptial bliss, we’ve compiled this list of the best honeymoon destinations in the U.S. Use it to narrow down your options so you can focus on what matters: enjoying the first moments of your lifelong marriage.

Alaska

Best for couples who want to get away from it all.

An Alaskan honeymoon may just give you the healthiest dose of seclusion, intimacy, adventure and natural beauty you’re looking for. Untouched wilderness collides with cozy bed-and-breakfast establishments to spark peak romance. Alaska is perfect for a honeymoon because it offers great adventures like dog sledding, chasing views of the northern lights and kayaking near Mendenhall Glacier. Or, you can simply curl up with your partner and a book in the coziest of settings. If you imagine a honeymoon beside a crackling fireplace, then Alaska could be the destination of your dreams.

Asheville, North Carolina

Best for foodies.

Asheville is on the rise — and for good reason. The charming, eclectic hub has some of the best restaurants in the U.S., breweries on every corner and access to glorious views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Romantic picnics on the Blue Ridge Parkway, cozy accommodations full of character and lively nightlife combine to create a post-wedding getaway filled with a little bit of everything.

Charleston, South Carolina

Best for fans of “The Notebook.”

Another Southern city that is bound to charm honeymooners is Charleston. After all, it’s where the famous romance movie “The Notebook” was filmed. So, you know it has all the makings for a postnuptial vacation. Stroll along the cobblestone streets or take a horse-drawn carriage ride past the historical houses of the French Quarter and Battery neighborhoods. Don’t forget to also save time for a sunset sail through Charleston Harbor, a meal at one of the many top-rated eateries and a day spent lounging at the beach on nearby Kiawah Island.

Colorado

Best for nature lovers.

Colorado grants you access to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping scenery. As such, if outdoor adventure is your thing, then the Centennial State is the domestic destination to visit. After all, it’s a prime spot for a romantic getaway year-round, whether you’re seeking a quiet vacation in the woods during summer or an adrenaline rush on the slopes in winter. The towns of Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge and Telluride, in particular, are extraordinary honeymoon options. Nestled in the Rockies, Vail is an excellent option for couples looking for majestic scenery, world-class dining and outdoor adventure. Likewise, Aspen is a luxurious destination packed with high-end lodging options and, of course, great skiing. For twosomes sticking to a tighter budget, Breckenridge is a slightly less expensive option that’s also ripe with scenery, shopping and excursions. And for those with a passion for history, there’s Telluride, a National Historic Landmark District brimming with romance.

Hawaii

BRANDON COLBERT PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES

Best for couples who love the beach.

Oahu, Maui, Lanai and Kauai are all spectacular beach honeymoon destinations. You’ll be surrounded by panoramic ocean views, tempted by vibrant sunsets and moved by the natural beauty and aura of all Hawaii offers. Oahu — particularly the Waikiki area — exudes romance without sacrificing proximity to the island’s top sites and activities. Maui features breathtaking waterfalls, scenic drives on the Road to Hana and tantalizing farm-to-table eats. Lanai will give you quality time and tranquility as if you’re on your own private beach. Finally, Kauai showcases beachside cliffs that will capture your heart. With so many stunning spots, it’s no wonder why Hawaii is considered one of the top honeymoon destinations year after year.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Best for active couples.

Jackson Hole is beloved for its epic scenery and Western charm. Bordering Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is a romantic destination for couples who love the vastness of the outdoors. Natural beauty is abundant and adventure is plentiful, with world-class hiking, horseback riding, skiing and whitewater rafting available. Jackson Hole also has a lot of delicious fine dining options, so your food will match the excellence of the scenery surrounding you.

Key West, Florida

Best for a low-key getaway.

Key West offers a hint of the Caribbean in a peaceful island setting in Florida. With a rich history, culture galore and countless dining options, Key West is a top destination for honeymooners who want a beach feel with something more. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s house for a dose of history, or indulge in a romantic getaway at one of Key West’s many resorts. You’ll feel worlds away from home even though you’re still in the U.S.

Las Vegas

Best for couples who love nightlife.

You don’t have to elope with Elvis as your officiant to consider Las Vegas a top honeymoon destination. In fact, Sin City has become one of the most popular places to celebrate tying the knot — and for good reason. There are hotels to accommodate a range of budgets, the dining options are expansive and the nightlife presents access to world-class talent and shows that aren’t available anywhere else in the world. Not to mention, the array of spas helps with post-wedding recovery. All in all, it’s an eclectic, eccentric and electric place for a honeymoon.

Napa Valley, California

Best for oenophiles.

Why not spend a week toasting to your newlywed status? That’s exactly what you’ll get in California‘s iconic Napa Valley. The Northern California region is known for its romantic vineyards, top restaurants, revitalizing spas and high-end hotels. When you’re not busy touring world-renowned wineries, you can spend your days lounging by the pool, pampering yourselves with couples massages and indulging in exceptional cuisine. Plus, the picturesque rolling hills all around the valley will have you feeling like you’re in a romance movie.

National parks

Best for road trippers.

There’s nothing like a hearty conversation in the confines of a comfortable car. The open road is your backdrop, spontaneity is at your helm and national parks are your destination. Plan a cross-country road trip to explore any of the magnificent national parks the U.S. has to offer, including traveler favorites like Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Yosemite National Park in California and Zion National Park in Utah. No matter which parks you choose, the sightseeing opportunities will be endless.

New Orleans

Best for bar hoppers.

The Big Easy may be known as a party city, but it’s an ideal spot for honeymooners who love music, history and food. Chow down on Creole and Cajun cuisine, including local favorites like po’boys and gumbo. Of course, beignets from Cafe Du Monde are also a must. To work off all the outstanding fare you’ll savor throughout your New Orleans visit, take in the area’s history while walking along Bourbon Street, through the Garden District and around Jackson Square. Also, pop into a jazz club or two to be serenaded by exceptional music as you sip a Pimm’s Cup or Brandy Milk Punch before retiring to one of the city’s many charming boutique or luxury hotels.

Newport, Rhode Island

Best for history buffs.

Head to Newport for your honeymoon if you’re seeking a serious dose of classic romance. The seaside town became famous for attracting the who’s who of society during the Gilded Age, and many of those glamorous elements remain today. The local hotels are luxurious yet quaint, with many offering panoramic ocean views to boot. Plus, you can walk along one of the most stunning paths in the country — the Cliff Walk — while popping into the famous mansions that line it. (Know, though, that one stretch of the famous path is closed indefinitely for repairs, so the current route includes a detour away from the water.) When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the charming wharf for some of America’s best seafood.

New York City

Best for urban explorers.

Not all couples want to lay on the beach for days on end. Instead, a little action and lots of culture could be just the ticket. Enter: the Big Apple. You could visit New York hundreds of times and not see everything the city offers, but that means there’s plenty to do to keep busy during those buzzing newlywed days. Visit museums like The Museum of Modern Art, catch a Broadway show, take a long stroll through Central Park and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and hole-in-the-wall pizza joints. Everything you could ever want in a romantic getaway is in the City That Never Sleeps.

Orlando

Best for Disney fans.

A Disney honeymoon is in your cards if you want to find your inner child and uncover your childhood dreams together. End your fairy-tale wedding with a fairy-tale honeymoon at one of Walt Disney World Resort‘s theme parks. Disney World has world-class entertainment, dining and charm for honeymooning couples. Even if you want to skip the theme parks for the day, you can enjoy the perfect day retreat at one of the many luxury spas available in Orlando. Bottom line: The magic awaits.

Santa Barbara, California

Best for a classic honeymoon.

Known as the American Riviera, this coastal California town is perfect for a honeymoon no matter when you visit. Some of the world’s most luxurious hotels have a home here and are ready to pamper newlyweds with plush linens, incredible views and dedicated service. When you venture away from the resort, enjoy world-class cuisine, locally produced wines and spa experiences for some rest and relaxation. If you want a little action some days, check out the booming arts scene or opt for outdoor activities like kayaking. Still, need convincing? Former President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy chose Santa Barbara for their honeymoon back in 1953.

Savannah, Georgia

Best for hopeless romantics.

As one of the most charming honeymoon escapes in the South, Savannah provides couples with a quintessential romantic experience. Honestly, does it get more amorous than manicured parks, Spanish moss-covered oak trees, horse-drawn carriages and Georgian-style architecture? Stay at one of the many stunning B&Bs, explore historical buildings like the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, enjoy fine dining or down-home cooking, and take daytrips by boat to nearby Page Island or Daufuskie Island. Time slows down here, so you can truly enjoy those first precious days together as newlyweds.

Sedona, Arizona

Best for couples craving wellness.

Let’s face it: Weddings can be stressful. So, a honeymoon is a perfect time to decompress and reset. While several domestic destinations focus on wellness, there’s no better place to prioritize your well-being than mystical Sedona. Surrounded by red rocks, the city has become known for its healing nature and luxurious spas with a wellness focus. Spend your honeymoon getting pampered with massages and facials when you’re not enjoying delicious meals made with the freshest ingredients. That way, you can return home as a relaxed bride or groom.