By Chloe Mulliner, on October 8, 2018

Top honeymoon destinations in the US

Shoot off the fireworks and pop some bubbly—you just got married and it’s honeymoon time!

Maybe you and your honey are fancying a luxurious getaway with ocean views and couples massages. Or perhaps you’re a more daring duo, preferring ski slopes and summit hikes. Whether it’s lavish relaxation or a rugged adventure, you two deserve to celebrate your union, your way.

To inspire your post-wedding retreat, we rounded up and rated some of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA, in no particular order. Here you’ll find charming mountain getaways with the utmost romantic appeal and flirty coastlines that give you the butterflies.

Use our following ranking system to find your honeymoon sweet spot:

🚴 Adventure action: How strong is the adrenaline rush?

🌇Picture-perfect scenery: How Instagramable are the views?

🌹 Swoon-worthy vibes: How mushy romantic is it?

💰 Pay to play: How expensive is this destination?

 

Key West, Florida

A sunset, snorkelers, and the view from a sail boat in Key West, Florida.

Ocean breezes, palm trees, and sun-drenched shorelines? Yup, Key West is exactly how you imagined your honeymoon to look. Soak in the dreamy landscape by staking a claim on the sandy shores of Smathers Beach or snorkeling off the coast of Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. In this slice of paradise, you’ll find both laidback vibes and fancy frills to suit your celebration style. Kick back with brews and ocean views at The Waterfront Brewery, or step it up a notch with Danger’s Wind & Wine sunset sail aboard a classic schooner—you’re celebrating after all!


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰💰


 

Orcas Island, Washington

A pod of orcas swimming along the coast, the view from the mountain top, and the deserted shoreline in Orcas Island, Washington.

You and your spouse (isn’t that fun to say?!) won’t regret a honeymoon on picturesque Orcas Island. Between hiking to the summit of Mount Constitution and spotting whales on a Deer Harbor Charter, don’t be surprised if you find yourselves already planning to return for your first anniversary. After all, you’ll take any excuse to spend more time kayaking on Mountain Lake with Orcas Adventures, dining at The Mansion Restaurant at Rosario Resort and Spa, and exploring Moran State Park. Now that’s what we call an epic honeymoon!


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰💰


 

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Views of the great outdoors in The Berkshires, including tall trees in the forest, autumn colors in the mountains, and a person picking apples in an orchard.

Yearning for a whimsical mountain retreat to celebrate your marriage? Say hello to Berkshires, the land of enchanting B&Bs and impossible charm. Nearly every activity in this mountainous region seems instantly romantic, whether you’re strolling through the Berkshire Botanical Garden, picking apples at Hilltop Orchards, or scouring the exhibits at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Admire the autumnal glow of the mountain tops come fall, and when the winter temperatures arrive, heat it up on the slopes at East Berkshire East Mountain Resort.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰


 

Los Angeles, California

The view from Griffith Observatory, the shoreline along the Pacific Ocean, and romantic dinner spots in Los Angeles, California.

Watch out, newlyweds, you may find yourselves having a love affair with Los Angeles when you honeymoon in SoCal. Sexy, yet classy, LA has the romantic appeal that makes couples flock to the city on the coast, where the sunsets are magical and the entertainment is on-point. You’ll quickly discover your niche, whether that means wining and dining at Redbird, the trendy cathedral-turned-restaurant, or dueling on the arcade games at hipster haven Two Bit Circus. Then turn up the heat with a sunset picnic at Leo Carrillo State Park or stargaze on the roof of Griffith Observatory, oh la la!


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰💰


 

Kalispell, Montana

Two couples hiking and riding bikes in the great outdoors of Kalispell, Montana.

After months of party planning, a peaceful getaway in Kalispell is just what you need. Relax and unwind as you cheers your union at Glacier Sun Winery, and then venture to neighboring Flathead Lake State Park. Shh, if you listen closely, you’ll hear the peace and quiet. Hike hand-in-hand along the Foys to Blacktail Trail System or take your honey for a spin on the ice rink at Woodland Park (it’s your honeymoon—it’s ok to be mushy!). To really up the ante on romantic vibes, road trip over to nearby Wild Horse Island State Park or Glacier National Park; the views are out of this world.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


 

Kauai Island, Hawaii

Views of the Na Pali coastline, cocktails on the beach, and the Fern Grotto on Kauai Island.

Kauai is what honeymoons are made of—yes, love is in the air. Enjoy dinner for two right on the sand at Lava Lava Beach Club and indulge in farm-to-table fare and epic ocean views at Oasis on the Beach. You’ll feel the romance wherever you go, from cruising along Wailua River through the lush, green Fern Grotto to diving off a Blue Dolphin Charter to snorkel along the Na Pali Coast. Between sharing shave ice and seeing dolphins off the coast, you’ll want your honeymoon to last forever.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰💰


 

Yosemite, California

Amazing views of the mountains in Yosemite, including a couple looking at the rugged landscape.

No one ever said honeymooning needs resort-style pools and five-star dinners. Celebrate your way with a trip to Yosemite, where you and your forever adventure partner can romp around in the fresh mountain air. The only distraction you’ll find out here is the drop-dead gorgeous mountain scenery. Summit Half Dome on a Lasting Adventures backpacking excursion or take it easy on the Glacier Point trail, where the sunset views are second to none. Go on, sprinkle in some luxury with massage treatments at Ascent Spa and dinner reservations at the Majestic Yosemite Dining Room.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


 

Delray Beach, Florida

Views of the coastline, a yacht, and the backyard of a restaurant in Delray Beach, Florida.

It’s easy to feel all lovey dovey in Delray Beach, where cool artwork meets the salty sea air. Lose track of time exploring Artist Alley and Arts Garage together, or spoil yourselves aboard luxe Delray Yacht Cruises. There’s something irresistibly romantic about walking along the shores of Delray Municipal Beach, while dinner at Sundy House will seriously make you swoon. Delray Beach pulls out all the stops, making you wish you could tie the knot all over again just for an excuse to extend the celebrations on the Florida coast.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


 

Fairbanks, Alaska

Views of the northern lights, the mountain range along the Denali Highway, and the hot springs in Fairbanks, Alaska.

You and your partner have been eying Alaska for ages, and a honeymoon in Fairbanks is the perfect excuse to experience its magnetic allure. Front-row seats to the aurora borealis and romantic rides along the scenic Denali Highway? Yes, please! You’ll fall in love all over again as you spend an afternoon soaking in the therapeutic waters at Chena Hot Springs Resort or shredding the slopes at Moose Mountain Ski Resort. Better yet, tap into your joint sense of adventure with an airplane ride through the region with Northern Alaska Tour Company.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰


 

Niagara Falls, New York

Views of the rushing water of Niagara Falls and the Skylon Tower in New York and Canada.

You’ll be pressed to find a place more majestic than Niagara Falls to celebrate your matrimony, where you can play on both sides of the border. Let the adventure begin aboard a Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, where you’ll get so close to the American Falls, Bridal View Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls that you’ll feel the mist on your skin. For a different view of the mighty falls, reserve a table for two at the rotating Skylon Tower, 775 feet in the sky, or pamper yourselves at the Christienne Fallsview Spa. Keep the revelries going—toast to your love along the Niagara Wine Trail. Whatever you do,  don’t forget to pack your passports!


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰


 

Saugatuck, Michigan

Views of the coastline during winter and summer, along with a pour of a local beer in Saugatuck, Michigan.

Saugatuck is one of the best honeymoon places because it’s ridiculously romantic whenever when you visit. In the summer, take a Retro Boat Rental for a spin on the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan and wine and dine on the patio at Bowdie’s Chophouse. If the first snow has already fallen, rent snowshoes and hit the trails at Saugatuck Dunes State Park and then cozy up around the fireplace. But no matter what the weather is like outside, it’s always a good time to knock back some beers at Saugatuck Brewing Company to celebrate getting hitched!


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


 

Aspen, Colorado

Stunning views of Maroon Bells and the slopes at Aspen Mountain with two skiers in Aspen, Colorado.

The wedding might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep the after party rollin’ in Aspen! Gallop on horseback through the countryside with Maroon Bells Guide and Outfitters in the summer, or challenge each other to the slopes at Aspen Mountain come winter. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Nature Trails are beautiful year-round, while date night at the Wheeler Opera House is always en vogue. For a romantic dinner, Pine Creek Cookhouse is a must, where the dramatic Elk Mountains views are as good as the cuisine.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰


Charlottesville, Virginia

Views of the landscape in Charlottesville, Virginia, from the blue mountain range of the Shenandoah Valley to the lush vineyards with a rainbow overhead.

Kick start your very own happily-ever-after in Charlottesville. Quaint and charming, Charlottesville offers a fairytale getaway where blue hazy mountains frame the rolling countryside. With your honey in the passenger seat, drive along the windy roads of Shenandoah National Park for enchanting mountain views, or imbibe some vintage vino on the Monticello Wine Trail. Spend an evening at The Paramount Theater, but whatever you do, save room for dessert at Hamiltons’ Restaurant. You and your amore could get used to this pace of life…


Adventure Action – 🚴🚴🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇🌇🌇🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


 

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard on a clear day, from the rocky coastline and lighthouse to the charming rows of homes that look like dollhouses.

With its lovely lighthouses and welcoming harbor towns, Martha’s Vineyard certainly belongs among our great honeymoon destinations roundup. Summertime is an absolute delight here, as you and your partner can ring in the married life with a flirty stroll at Polly Hill Arboretum or aboard an antique Cape Cod Catboat. Want to keep it lowkey and laidback? Slurp down some oysters—we’ve heard they’re aphrodisiacs!—at Coop deVille’s quirky raw bar. But when you’re feeling something fancy, reserve the best seat in the house at l’etoile.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰💰💰


Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Some of the many adventures to be had in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, including an adventure course and white water rafting.

Idaho may not be the first place to come to mind when you’re imagining romantic honeymoon destinations, but don’t be fooled. Coeur d’Alene is an under-the-radar adventure hub, where you and your mate will flirt your way through the zipline courses at Timberland Adventures. Practice your balancing act together on the lake with SUP rentals from Kayak Coeur d’Alene, or brave the whitewater rapids on the Clark Fork River with ROW Adventure Center. Don’t worry, after all that excitement, a bottle of wine and fresh seafood are awaiting you at Beverly’s.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


 

Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, Maine

Boats along the coast and a lobster roll—some of the best things in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, Maine.

Congrats, you exchanged vows, now bring on the honeymoon in the Kennebunk/Kennebuckport region! Beaches, artwork, and seafood just scratch the surface when it comes to this idyllic coastal destination. Mother’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Gooch’s Beach offer sandy stretches to bask on, while the 2nd Friday Village Art Walk invites you into the local art studios and galleries. Tandem bike ride along Ocean Avenue, and remember, the way to the heart is through the stomach, so be sure to eat your way through the Lobster Roll Trail.


Adventure Action – 🚴 🚴 🚴

Picture-Perfect Scenery – 🌇 🌇 🌇 🌇

Swoon Worthy Vibes – 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Pay to Play – 💰💰


What other U.S. destinations are perfect for a honeymoon?


[toggle title=”Image Attributions”]
[one_half]
Key West:
Top: Shutterstock.com/Zhukova Valentyna
Bottom Left: Yelp/Tim W
Bottom Right: Shutterstock.com/Inspired by Maps

Orcas Island:
Top Left: Flickr/Andrew Smith
Top Right: Shutterstock.com/Edmund Lowe Photography
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/Monika Wieland Shields

The Berkshires:
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/Albert Pego
Top Left: Shutterstock.com/jdwfoto
Top Right: Yelp/Michael T.

Los Angeles:
Top Right: Shutterstock.com/Steve Heap
Top Left: Shutterstock.com/Ceslo Diniz
Bottom Left: Yelp/Redbird
Bottom Right: Yelp/Redbird

Kalispell:
Top Right: Shutterstock.com/Scott Wilson Photography
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/Larry McMillian
Top Left: Shutterstock.com/Galyna Andrushko

Kauai Island:
Bottom Right: Yelp/Corinne S.
Top: Shutterstock.com/Maridav
Bottom Left: Shutterstock.com/Steve Gergens

Yosemite:
Top: Shutterstock.com/Andrew S
Bottom Right: Shutterstock.com/Canadastock
Bottom Left: Shutterstock/Sara Fields Photography

Delray Beach:
Top Left: Shutterstock.com/Tono Balaguer
Bottom Left: Yelp/Kristin C.
Right: Yelp/Dave O.

Header Image Via Shutterstock.com/ Ditty_about_summer
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Fairbanks:
Top: Shutterstock.com/Beth Ruggiero-York
Bottom Left: Shutterstock.com/gary yim
Bottom Right: Yelp/Topaz M.

Niagara Falls:
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/turtix
Top: Shutterstock.com/Fabio Lotti
Center: Shutterstock.com/Yuguesh Fagoonee

Saugatuck:
Top: Shutterstock.com/Wildnerdpix
Bottom Left: Yelp/Rony M.
Bottom Right: Shutterstock.com/Dean Pennala

Aspen:
Top Right: Yelp/Aspen Mountain
Top Left: Yelp/Aspen Mountain
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/Matt Grimaldi

Charlottesville:
Top: Shutterstock.com/Zack Frank
Bottom Left: Shutterstock.com/ss9ug
Bottom Right: Yelp/Alex W.

Martha’s Vineyard:
Top Left: Shutterstock.com/Gary Alford
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/travelview
Top Right: Shutterstock.com/Joaquin Ossorio Castillo

Coeur d’Alene:
Right: Yelp/Lisa F.
Bottom Left: Shutterstock.com/Wollertz
Top Left: Yelp/Rob K.

Kennebunk/Kennebunkport:
Top Left: Shutterstock.com/Burcu Ergin
Top Right: Yelp/Pearl & Spat Oyster Cellar
Bottom: Shutterstock.com/Doug Lemke
[/one_half_last]
[/toggle]