8 Relaxing Vacation Ideas for Couples in the USA
When you love to travel, there is no doubt that something that can elevate your experience in any trip you embark on is to make it with your significant other. Whether domestic or international, a trip with your loved one allows you to share exciting adventures while you can learn something new about each other. Maybe you discover that your partner loves the rush from cliff diving or is good at making friends with anyone around the world.
Traveling together gives you a different kind of closeness while having many first-time experiences with each other. Therefore, when looking for your next destination to venture with your significant other, you have to consider what matters the most to you to enjoy a romantic getaway. The options are endless, from luxurious resorts and outdoor activities to secluded places with gorgeous views.
Going on a trip always opens our horizons and takes us to discover new and exciting places, although traveling can also be a way to find a quiet space to get out of the busy life that we lead daily. In addition, traveling together can be the perfect occasion to enjoy each other, admiring beautiful natural settings, visiting museums, and enjoying a delicious wine tasting in some picturesque and less-crowded town.
Couples looking for a chance to unwind together might choose a spa weekend or a beach vacation in a beautiful destination. Maybe you want to visit a famous destination that is a dream for you. But, still, you want to have a relaxing stay without many tourists. So, you may want to plan your trip off-season to avoid crowds, and you will also find better rates on accommodations and flights.
When the main goal of your trip is to enjoy a romantic and relaxing getaway, here is a list of charming towns in the USA. to have an unforgettable vacation. Some of these vacation spots are listed by Travel and Leisure as the most romantic getaways worldwide.
Ogunquit, Maine
This seaside town in Maine is an ideal romantic destination. This beautiful town is for beach lovers. It’s the perfect place for a beach picnic, a sunrise view, or a scenic winter stroll at Footbridge and Moody Beach. Those who love to get outdoors will love kayaking the Ogunquit River or biking along the waterfront of Perkin’s Cove.
You can find delicacies such as homemade fudge, ice cream, and full-service restaurants—delicious fresh seafood, from lobster rolls to grilled scallops. And if you love arts and history, you can visit the beautiful Nubble Lighthouse or the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and maybe even catch a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Make sure to include a seaside cocktail or a spa treatment at The Cliff House Resort in your itinerary.
Spring or fall is the best time to visit Ogunquit to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back holiday. Couples can book a quiet cottage, B&Bs, waterfront hotels, and resorts when they prepare to vacation in Ogunquit.
Seagrove Beach, Florida
With stunning sugar-white beaches, Seagrove Beach is a unique destination along 30A. This lovely beach town offers a laid-back atmosphere with upscale neighborhoods, shops, and restaurants everywhere.
Seagrove Beach is one of the least crowded beaches in the area, perfect for relaxing with your loved one. Spend time at the beach strolling along a sugar-white sand beach, and when the sun begins to set, gather around a beach bonfire while you roast s’mores.
Make your way to explore the coastal dune lakes. These are natural phenomena found in a few places worldwide, and Seagrove Beach is home to two of them. In addition, you can visit Deer Lake State Park, where you’ll find a variety of rare plants, including Southern magnolias, Gulf Coast lupines, Spoonflower, and wildflowers.
Enjoy the sensation of a relaxed way of life together by visiting the most fabulous restaurants and stores that are only a short walk or bike ride away. First, stop by Cafe Thirty-A or Seagrove Village Market Cafe for a quick bite to eat. Then, spend the day touring local shops for one-of-a-kind artwork. Following that, head to Bud and Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant for a special cocktail while seeing the most magnificent sunset.
Pacific City, Oregon
Pacific City, Oregon, is a secret little haven that offers everything you need to have that well-deserved getaway with your significant other. From delicious local restaurants, outdoor recreation, beer, and wine tasting experiences.
This peaceful beachfront town is home to the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, where you can make the most of your day hiking, whale watching, and bird viewing. Some other popular activities you can find are biking in the Cape Kiwanda Fat Bike route or wildlife viewing at the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The Winema Beach Walk is another outdoor activity that takes you along beautiful beaches, perfect to avoid the crowds if you visit in the off-season.
Visit the Pelican Brewing Company, the Pacific Northwest’s first beachfront brewpub that provides exquisite food and the most fantastic beach patio experience available. And for a romantic date with a tranquil ambiance, you can visit the Twist Wine Company, one of the best tasting and most visited wineries in the town.
Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are available in town. However, a vacation home in Pacific City could be the best lodging option to make the most of your romantic trip in this scenic coastal setting.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Gorgeous scenery, a charming yet unhurried vibe, and beautiful weather make Anna Maria Island the perfect destination for a romantic vacation. Home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, the island offers bikeable streets, ocean recreation, and a great local culinary scene.
Spend some time relaxing on the beach. You may find quiet and fantastic beaches like Bean Point and Holmes Beach that provide a calm setting in which you will enjoy one another’s company while surrounded by beautiful tropical nature. Have a luxurious experience by booking a couple’s massage right on the beach in an idyllic and exclusive setting with Sea-renity Beach Spa and Bou-tiki. You can also book yoga classes, organic facials, meditation sessions, and acupuncture therapies at the Aluna Wellness Center & Spa.
If you are looking for uncrowded beaches and cooler weather in the area, January – March, or October are the quietest times of the year in Anna Maria Island. This beautiful island offers a wide variety of accommodations for couples, including beachfront homes, quaint bungalows, beautiful villas, and luxury resorts.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Isle of Palms is a beautiful destination ideal for a laid-back getaway, located on the coast of South Carolina and known for its pristine beaches and clean water, natural wildlife. You can start planning your trip itinerary with one eco-tour experience with Barrier Island Eco Tours to explore the wild animals and plant life surrounding the island. Then you can visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens.” And if you are a couple who enjoys golf, you can go to Wild Dunes Resort and see why Golf Digest recognizes it as the “Best in State” for golf in South Carolina.
Also, you may want to add a couples massage at the Spa at Sweetgrass to relax together and de-stress from life on the go. Shopping in Isle of Palms at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is another thing to do you will love and enjoy.
When you choose Isle of Palms as your next trip with your loved one, you are indeed expecting to experience the coastal lifestyle in South Carolina. Spending time at the beach will be the highlight of your relaxing stay, waking up together with a cup of coffee, watching the vibrant sunrise over the Atlantic, and evenings stargazing on the sand.
This destination has fantastic lodging options to make your romantic vacation a secluded and private stay, from world-class resorts, golf villas, oceanfront rentals, and historic bed and breakfast inns. Consider visiting Isle of Palms in February to avoid crowds. There are a variety of perfect vacation rentals in Charleston that you can choose from. You can easily explore the surrounding area everywhere you go.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Staying on an island creates an air of elegance and luxury, and when you visit Hilton Head, you’ll find it’s no exception. With lots of outdoor recreation, 5-star restaurants, and upscale boutique shops, you’ll never run out of things to experience with your loved one.
First, you can explore the island by bike is a great way to take a low-key day with your favorite person, soaking up gorgeous sights. You can travel to popular locations like South Beach and Harbour Town and even ride directly on the beach in some sections. You can rent your bikes with Bicycle Billy’s Bike Rentals and Hilton Head Outfitters & Bike Rentals. Next, take an afternoon to walk the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge trails hand in hand with your loved one admiring the abundance of captivating wildlife. Follow it up with a happy hour wine tasting at one of the island’s many wine bars!
Then you can take the ferry to Daufuskie Island to visit the historic lighthouse and museum. Finally, consider booking a romantic sunset cruise. You can find various companies and cruise types, from full dinner cruises to lively happy hour tours out to sea.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
When you want to treat your loved one to a magical trip, look no further than Gatlinburg. This vacation destination has never-ending possibilities for romance, from beautiful mountain views to fun attractions and incredible outdoor experiences.
A romantic day can start enjoying a couple’s massage available at local spas such as Fox Place Salon and Spa. Then you can head over to Sugarland Cellars for a historical piece of Gatlinburg and enjoy a vineyard tour stopping by the tasting room with your loved one.
Ride together aboard the SkyLift. This famous lift will carry you up gently while providing plenty of elevation for spectacular views. Once you’ve reached the top, make sure you and your loved one cruise the whole SkyLift Park (lift fees include access to the park). The SkyBridge offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a great site to take photos.
Another great place to snap a pic or two is around the different hiking trails in the area that will take you around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You and your significant other will be able to find Grotto Falls, Cataract Falls, and Ramsey Cascades. The spring season is perfect for seeing them as the snow begins to melt. Though Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are indeed a year-round destination, the off-season in Gatlinburg is during January, February, and March, less busy than other times of the year.
Gatlinburg offers more lodging options than any other mountain area in America, and you can choose a hotel, condo, cabin, chalet, or bed and breakfast for your much-deserved getaway for two.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you want to experience a less crowded vacation in Jackson Hole, you may want to plan your getaway in the springtime since it is considered shoulder season. Couples will appreciate the warmer days, quiet streets, and excellent dining options. Dining out is something you don’t want to miss; many Jackson Hole restaurants stay open in springtime and offer two-for-one dining specials.
The weather is perfect for taking advantage of the many activities available in Jackson Hole. You can go for a run or road biking in the Inner Loop Road of Grand Teton while you take in the beautiful mountain views.
There is no better time to watch animals than during this uncrowded season in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The bison in Yellowstone is very active in the spring, and seeing them on the move is a unique experience. And if you want to see more wildlife in a safe environment, book an eco-tour.
For your next Western getaway for two, a downtown boutique hotel, bed & breakfast, or a vacation rental in Jackson Hole are the best accommodation options to enjoy a romantic stay.
