For most couples, a honeymoon is the vacation of a lifetime. Granted, you make take bigger, more extravagant and more adventurous trips down the road but none will compare to that first trip together as husband and wife. While glamorous, international trips are known to be romantic, there are plenty of jaw droppingly beautiful destinations domestically that can serve as the perfect backdrop for a lover’s paradise. Wanting to keep your honeymoon closer to the vest or maybe not spend all of that gift money? Here is a list of our favorite stateside honeymoon destinations to send our newly married couples.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
With its 22 historic squares, multiple romantic hotels and incredible food scene; a honeymoon in Savannah is always a good idea. This very walkable city is lined with multiple oak trees and Spanish moss. Its cobblestone streets are lined with charming, pastel homes, which means finding the perfect place to snap a lovey dovey photo easy. Honeymooning in Savannah is also more affordable than you would think, with the average higher end hotel running anywhere between $250-$400 dollars a night. This means couples with every budget can find the perfect place to lay their heads after a busy day exploring all this quaint and historic town has to offer.
MAUI, HAWAII
The second largest Hawaiian island offers the traditional ambiance you want from Hawaii without the crazy large crowds of Oahu. Snorkel with sea turtles, visit whales, relax in a romantic cabana, or take a sunset dinner cruise or hop on a quick plane ride to a neighboring island; finding the perfect activities for your taste is a breeze. While Maui requires the longest plane ride out of any other cities we mention on this list, it is worth it. The dazzling landscape, large variety of honeymoon resorts and close proximity to home makes this a fantastic and hopelessly romantic honeymoon option. We suggest visiting April, May and September-November for optimal Hawaiian weather. However winter is better for surfing while the summer months see calmer waters. So…make a list of what is important for you to do and base your travel dates on what would be best for you.
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK
If you like something more fast paced, look no further than New York. Creating lasting memories and providing opportunities for romance along the way, the concrete jungle is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples on the go. History buffs, art finatics, Broadway fans and food lovers alike will all find something to keep them busy. While a honeymoon here may cost more than some other locations on this list, we highly recommend it if for no other reason than every season brings its own beauty and experiences, meaning there is never a bad time to live your best New York honeymoon life.
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Wine lovers, this one if for you. Being one of the most romantic cities in America, Napa Valley truly sells itself as one of the best places to spend your honeymoon. With so much to explore in this beautiful city, you will not be short on experiences and adventures. Multiple wineries and farm to table restaurants set this destination apart from most others on this list. Whether you choose to stay at a spa, a bed in breakfast or a luxurious resort, the opportunities are endless.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
While Nashville is known for its country music, that is not all this picturesque southern town has to offer. Nashville is a wonderful honeymoon destination filled with culture, art, good food and southern charm; and yes…country music. With a wide range of hotels that fit every traveler, there are accommodations from Air B&Bs to high end hotels with stunning city views – the perfect honeymoon is at your fingertips when you visit Nashville.
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA
If you want the beauty and vibes of a Caribbean honeymoon without the travel or price tag, you are not going to want to skip Islamorada, Florida. The sugar sand beaches and crystal clear water make this island in the Key’s irresistible. For the most picturesque honeymoon, rent a beach side cottage with stunning views right outside your front door. Snorkel, scuba dive, take boat rides and stroll through tropical gardens while hand in hand with your love. Dip those toes in the sand, drink that beach cocktail and bask in the beauty and relaxation of this beautiful and relaxing destination.
ASPEN, COLORADO
Looking for a winter honeymoon? Aspen offers both world class skiing and a majority of other winter activities that will have you living your best winter wonderland dreams. Skiing not your thing? Try snowmobiling, tubing, snowshoeing and so much more. Aspen is the perfect honeymoon for the couple who want to curl up by the fire, drink some wine and escape the world together. While it is not the swiss alps, it is a great alternative if you are wanting to stay closer to home.
AUSTIN, TEXAS
With hotel packages geared towards honeymooners, speakeasy bars, historic tours, intimate restaurants and so much more – Austin, Texas may be the perfect honeymoon destination for you. The diversity of experiences available are what really make Texas an incredible stateside honeymoon option. The average cost of a hotel in Austin is $150-$300 a night making it extremely budget friendly. And what’s even better? Take a drive to one of Texas’ other large cities and feel transported into a whole different area. With all major cities in the state being within a 4 hour drive from one another – hopping around in a fun rental car is both easy and exciting.
While there are so many fun and romantic destinations for US honeymoons, this is a list of a few of our favorites. If you are planning your honeymoon, we highly recommend you look into a getaway stateside as there really is the perfect location for every couple. And with shorter travel times and typically cheaper accommodations…staying closer to home is not only time saving, it’s also practical. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you! Reach out to your Vacations by Jamie Travel Advisor and we will find the perfect location for your lover’s vacation after getting to know you and your wants and needs.