Just like weddings, honeymoons are a one-time thing. This particular time allows the two partners to spend beautiful moments with each other and cherish them in their memories forever. Picking your post-wedding vacation is part of the wedding planning process, but you don’t have to leave the country for the perfect getaway! Some of the best honeymoon destinations in America offer stunning views, warm weather, and romance.
Would you want to stay in your relationship’s “honeymoon” phase forever? Beginning a new relationship is always an exciting time. During a new romance’s “honeymoon” phase, there is always hope and anticipation for the future. A new study finds that stress can make even the most loving couples focus only on their partner’s annoying habits. These unpopular acts can include anything from a spouse breaking a promise, showing anger or impatience, or criticizing their partner. Overall, the team believes experiencing stress influences what behaviors the human mind focuses on in others. So, enjoy the spark of young love while it lasts.
Similarly, many people tell themselves their new romance won’t end like older ones that may not have ended well. Interestingly, a new study at the University of Alberta finds that simply changing partners doesn’t change a person’s relationship dynamics. Eventually, new relationships will resemble and follow patterns similar to those of the past.
We’re getting ahead of ourselves! A spot that can allow for all the ooey-gooey warm and cozy first buds of love is hard to choose. America is one of the best places to travel with your beloved. It offers several attractions, amenities, tastes, and cultures. If you’ve got a reasonable budget to make your time worthwhile, you can have a blast here. We visited 10 reviewers to find out which are the best honeymoon destinations in America most recommended across their sites.
The List: Best Honeymoon Destinations in America, According to Experts
1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Time Out says this beautiful place makes for a great winter honeymoon. “Winter in Jackson Hole revolves around the mountain, which boasts 2,500 acres and 133 trails covered in snow. No matter the weather, stay at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, where thoughtful details make the difference between a nice vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. The hotel’s outdoor pool is heated year-round, and in the snowy months warmed robes and complimentary hot chocolate make taking a dip extra delightful.”
“At the base of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole in Wyoming has become a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether world-class skiing and dog-mushing in the snowy winter season, or whitewater rafting and fly fishing on a hot summer day, Jackson Hole is sure to provide the thrills for an adventurous honeymoon,” adds Traveler’s Joy. “After rugged days of mountain range trials and national park pursuits, stroll Jackson Hole’s charming downtown district. Quaint boutiques, lively restaurants, and acclaimed museums offer the perfect complement to the ever-beckoning great outdoors.”
“Want to incorporate hiking trails in a national park into your honeymoon adventure? Then consider Jackson as your base. There are lodging options for all honeymoon styles in Jackson, from boutique guesthouses to 5-star resorts. If you have a winter wedding and want a ski-focused honeymoon, Jackson Hole Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding. In winter, there are also options for romantic dog sled rides or more active snowshoe adventures. While in summer, you can go horseback riding and white water rafting,” writes PlanetWare.
2. Big Sur, California
U.S. News describes the scenery: “Big Sur’s towering cliffs, serene waters and location make it a superb option for honeymooners seeking peace and quiet. Hike and picnic amid the redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or enjoy each other’s company during a stroll down tranquil Pfeiffer Beach. For incredible views of the California coast and the chance to spot wild animals like humpback whales and California condors, take a long drive down Highway 1 (just be sure to check road closures and traffic conditions ahead of time). Wrap up your day with a couples spa treatment at a nearby inn.”
Travel + Leisure says the entire state of California is the perfect honeymoon location. “If you have not driven the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, you have not experienced the full beauty of this country. Truly, there is no drive more romantic — not to mention iconic — for a domestic honeymoon. We would recommend breaking up the Pacific Coast Highway honeymoon with a few luxury hotel stays for a honeymoon that walks the line between adventure and romance. Start in Santa Barbara, a West Coast gem two hours north of Los Angeles, and drive all the way to Ventana Big Sur. The five-star glamping destination, perched on the cliffs overlooking the dramatic Pacific Ocean waves, is truly unforgettable. From Big Sur, move through Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can stop for lunch, a wine tasting, or an overnight stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa. If you’re game to continue all the way up to San Francisco, make sure to book the last few nights of your honeymoon at the opulent Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.”
“A more secluded—but no less spectacular—strip of the central California coast, Big Sur is known for misty vistas along winding roads, and lodges such as Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur nestled amongst the massive cypress trees. “In addition to the outdoor experiences, the food and wine is top-notch,” says Gregory. “There are great vineyards over in Carmel Valley that are rustic and authentic,” writes Brides.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Brides puts it simply: “Eat, drink, and let the good times roll in the Big Easy, where a slew of high-design hotels (Peter & Paul, Maison de la Luz) are opening at a rapid clip. In between cozy meals at romantic spots like Coquette and La Petite Grocery, drinks at the boisterous backyard wine bar Bacchanal, and plenty of other fun things to do. For a unique day trip, head across the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, one of the longest over-water bridges in the world, to explore the quaint small towns of Covington and Abita Springs.”
Green Wedding Shoes says this unique city provides a honeymoon unlike any other. “It has Creole charm, incredible Jazz music (it’s actually considered the birthplace of Jazz!), and the most charming architecture. And if you don’t swing by Cafe du Monde for some beignets, did you even really visit New Orleans? If you’re looking for a stunning place to stay in NOLA, definitely book a room at the Ace Hotel New Orleans. Each Ace Hotel is built and designed to honor its location, and the Ace New Orleans is no exception. Or, if you’re looking for a non-hotel stay, this charming little home near the French Quarter is a total beauty.”
“Real ones know that NOLA isn’t just cool during Mardis Gras. It’s a city you actually want to learn about (no, really) plus celebratory vibes all the dang time. Here’s how I picture your honeymoon: holding hands while walking through the many lush gardens, cheers-ing Sazerac cocktails in honor of doin’ the damn thing, and sharing powdered-sugar-dusted smooches while chomping on some beignets. S’cute! Pro tip: Visit sometime between December and May for the best weather,” advises Cosmopolitan.
4. Savannah, Georgia
World Wide Honeymoon mentions that cities make for a fun honeymoon, “but what about a city where time slows down just a little bit? A city where southern cuisine reigns supreme, mossy trees and rushing fountains are all over the city, and charming homes are a sight to see at every corner; that is Savannah. Whether you enjoy spooky history or charming streets, Savannah is the laid-back honeymoon destination you didn’t know you needed to add to your list. Plus, the city allows you to drink alcohol outside in the Historic District as long as it is in a plastic cup, so you can stroll hand in hand with a cocktail in the other. Instead of wild and sometimes crazy New Orleans, Savannah is a great spot to go instead.”
“Beautiful Savannah, Georgia, with its incredible oak trees, and slow-moving cadence, is one of our absolute favorite cities in the USA, and a ridiculously romantic one at that!” writes Our Escape Clause. “Slowly strolling the squares hand-in-hand, exploring the wonderful restaurant scene, ducking into a house museum or two, and visiting beautiful spots like Forsyth Park are all romantic things to do in Savannah.”
“Slow down after your wedding with a honeymoon in Savannah, Georgia, where the atmosphere is easygoing. After a few hours sunbathing on nearby Tybee Island, feast on some classic Southern comfort foods at one of Savannah’s highly regarded eateries. If you share a love of the paranormal, sign up for a ghost tour of some of the city’s most haunted sites. Or, if you’re looking for classic romance, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Historic District,” adds U.S. News.
5. Key West, Florida
World Wide Honeymoon ranks this lovely place on the top of its list. “The Conch Republic has so much to offer for honeymooners from beautiful beaches to exciting bars on Duval Street. If you’re looking for beautiful clearwater beaches and Caribbean vibes, then Key West is your answer for a gorgeous US honeymoon spot! Beaches that you’ll want to visit during your time in Key West include the lovely Smathers Beach with almost 2 miles of white sand, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for water sports, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, which is part of a state park and the beach is great for snorkeling or diving!”
“As close as you can get to the Caribbean without leaving the States, this laid-back island is known for its one-of-a-kind joie de vivre, which has attracted plenty of notable residents (think Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams)—never mind its hard-partying reputation. But there’s plenty to see and do here that doesn’t involve getting drunk. Think less about laying on the beach and more about embracing the isle’s carefree, celebratory vibe,” writes Time Out. “Wander through Old Town and visit historic sites like the Hemingway House and Key West Cemetery (‘till death do you part, right?); take to the turquoise water for a snorkeling trip or a sunset sail; then park yourself in Mallory Square to watch the street performers while you munch on a conch fritter. Catch a meal in the garden at Blue Heaven, where chickens and cats wander by your feet, then collapse into a canopy bed at the Mermaid & the Alligator, an elegant inn with just the right romantic touch. Before you head for the mainland, toast your marriage with a Hemingway Daiquiri. The writer may not have been a relationship role model, but he certainly had good taste in cocktails.”
“For a lil bit of Caribbean flair without leaving the States, put Key West into your cheap flight tracker of choice. Located at the southernmost point of the continental U.S., this city is on island time all the time, with residents living that laid-back Margaritaville lifestyle 24/7. Stop by a beach bar for one of the city’s signature Rum Runner cocktails. Your Insta game will be untouchable,” mentions Cosmopolitan.
You might also be interested in:
- Best U.S. Vacation Spots For Couples
- Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts
- Best Romance Movies of All Time
- Best Romance Books
Sources:
- Travel + Leisure
- U.S. News
- PlanetWare
- Brides
- Our Escape Clause
- World Wide Honeymoon
- Cosmopolitan
- Green Wedding Shoes
- Traveler’s Joy
- Time Out
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
Morocco is quite different from a private island honeymoon where you simply book a flight and a villa and hang out in the sun and sea. Morocco requires extensive planning and organization. But don’t spend your own time on all the minutiae. Experiential travel agency Sahara Desert Kingdom with its team of experts in Morocco.