The Best Romantic Getaways For Your Next Trip

Choosing a romantic getaway depends on what you and your partner value most in a trip. Some couples prefer the energy of a European city, while others want the stillness of a coastal town or the raw beauty of a volcanic landscape. are planning a honeymoon or a quick weekend break, the right setting changes the entire experience.

Sedona

You'll find Sedona about two hours north of Phoenix, where the landscape is defined by red sandstone cliffs. If you want to be near the action, stay in Uptown Sedona, where galleries and cafés are grouped together. For a quieter experience with easier access to trails, West Sedona is a better choice. You might also spend time in the Oak Creek valley to the south for riverside walks.

When you arrive, you can visit the Visitor Center on Forest Road to buy Red Rock Passes and get hiking advice from a ranger. If you visit in February, you can attend the Sedona International Film Festival or spend your evenings listening to music at the Jazz Festival. For a meal, you should try Canyon Breeze.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine offers a mix of Spanish style architecture and 19th century brick streets. You can spend your days walking through the downtown area, where colonial lanes lead to shops and restaurants with terraces overlooking the water. You'll want to walk past the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort that has never been captured.

You can also visit the grand hotel buildings built by Henry Flagler, which now house a small liberal arts college. For a bit of adventure, you can go parasailing from the beachfront. When you are ready for a drink or a meal, The Conch House Lounge is a notable spot.

Key West

Key West has the feel of a small island town. The most walkable area is Old Town, centered around Duval Street, where you'll find pastel houses and narrow lanes. A short walk south takes you to Bahama Village, a neighborhood that reflects the culture of the Bahamian immigrants who helped build the island.

Depending on your budget, you can stay in a boutique guesthouse in Old Town for $150-200 per night, or find a modest inn in Bahama Village for $100-130. For food, you can visit Kennedy Cafe or the Riviera Coffee & Sandwich Shop. Casual meals on Duval Street, such as conch fritters, typically cost $12-18.

Quebec City

Quebec City provides a European atmosphere in North America. You can walk through the fortified core of Old Quebec and explore the stone walls and the narrow Rue du Petit-Champlain. The Château Frontenac looms over the city, giving the area a sense of history.

In the morning, you can head to the Petit-Champlain district to visit Café du Clocher Penché or watch artists near the Terrasse Dufferin. You'll also notice the scent of baguettes coming from bakeries on Rue Saint-Jean. A short walk will take you to the Citadel to see the changing of the guard. For dining, you should visit Quoi?.

Paris

Paris is a city that rewards those who explore on foot. You can spend your time in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, sipping a café au lait at a local café. A short walk takes you to the 5th arrondissement, where tree-lined lanes are home to boulangeries that have baked for generations.

At night, you can watch the Seine glow under the bridges. You'll notice the steady rhythm of the Eiffel Tower light show as it marks the hour. If you are looking for an Italian meal, you can visit Uno.

Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, is a well-preserved 19th century town known for its pastel houses and Spanish moss hanging from live oaks. If you prefer easy walking access to the Battery and Rainbow Row, you should stay in the historic peninsula.

The French Quarter near King Street is the place to go for art galleries and boutique shops, while South of Broad is a quieter area near waterfront museums. For live music and craft drinks, you can visit Cannonborough/Elliottborough. For a quick meal, East Bay Deli is a great choice for a sandwich.

Venice

Venice is a city of water and time. To avoid the crowds of San Marco, you should start by wandering through Cannaregio. You can explore the narrow canals and quiet backstreets to see daily Venetian life. At a tiny bar on Fondamenta della Misericordia, you can try a cicchetto of sarde in saor while the sunset turns the palazzetti pink.

If you enjoy art, the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Dorsoduro is worth the walk from the Accademia Bridge. When it comes to dining, Gam Gam is a recommended spot.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a relaxed coastal experience. You can spend your time exploring the waterfront or visiting local eateries. For a casual meal, you'll want to try the fish and chips at Char West Fish & Chips.

Maui

Maui is defined by the contrast between its lush Upcountry towns and its resort shores. In Makawao, you can visit coffee shops and art galleries in former ranch houses, while Haiku offers a quiet plantation feel. You can also drive the Highway to Hana to find rainforest waterfalls, though you will need to pay a few dollars for parking.

For accommodation, Kihei has condo-lined beaches that are more affordable than the luxury hotels in Kaanapali and Kapalua, where rooms often start around $350. You can also explore the narrow main street in Paia.

Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, is a New England town known for its sailing heritage and 19th century mansions. The Point district is the center of the city's Victorian architecture and provides easy access to the waterfront. You can spend your time strolling along the scenic waterfront or visiting boutique shops in the downtown area.

Kauai

Kauai is a place of raw scenery and a slow pace. On the north shore, Hanalei and Princeville maintain a laid back vibe, while Poipu on the west side offers quiet beaches. You'll want to visit the emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the dramatic Waimea Canyon.

For hiking, the Kalalau Path and the trails around Kapa‘a are excellent options. You can find fresh poke bowls in Kapa‘a, kalua pork at a plate lunch spot in Lihue, and shave ice at a stand in Hanalei.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a premier wine region in California. The valley runs from Calistoga in the north to Napa in the south, including St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, and Yountville. With over two hundred wineries, the area is busiest during the harvest crush in September and October.

You can visit everything from boutique estates to large châteaux. If you are interested in culinary arts, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena is a notable landmark.

Comparison Matrix

Where to start

If you are unsure which destination to pick, start by deciding if you want a trip centered on nature or culture. For those seeking a quiet retreat in the wild, Kauai or Sedona are the best choices, while those wanting historic charm and city walks should look at Quebec City or Charleston.