50 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA – State by State

Estimated reading time: 24 minutes

But, did you know Alaska is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA if you want an adventure honeymoon?

Fly to Anchorage, hire a vehicle and get exploring. Whether it’s Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll find some epic things to do.

From redwood trees in Northern California to the endless palm trees of SoCal, the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1 drive is one of the world’s best road trip routes.

Discover exciting cities like San Francisco with famous sites like Alcatraz and the laid back vibes of San Diego where you can go whale watching.

Book into a hotel with a rooftop pool in Los Angeles. Explore the nightlife, shopping, museums and beaches.

Wine connoisseurs will love the regions of Sonoma and Napa Valley. We love California’s national parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite.

It’s one of our favourite destinations for an island hopping honeymoon. It’s perfect for stargazing, hiking and surfing.

From the stunning beaches and lush rainforests to the active volcanos, vibrant Polynesia culture and delicious food, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to spend their first days as newlyweds here.

Whether you want to lounge on a beach or explore the exotic islands, Hawaii is heavenly.

It’s one of our favourite honeymoon destinations in the USA for a more off the beaten track adventure. Admire the rugged coastline with breathtaking views, sweeping beaches, and majestic mountains.

All 363 miles of Oregon’s coastline is open to the public and free to explore, unusual in the world’s most capitalistic country! Go sea kayaking, whale watching, surfing and paddle boarding.

In Portland, there are plenty of craft breweries and trendy restaurants that will excite even the most discerning palates – it’s one of the best US cities for foodies. Don’t forget to take a romantic stroll through the Japanese Gardens.

Seattle is one of the USA’s most underrated city with plenty to explore with great shopping and dining. You can go whale watching. Visit the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls.

Spend your days hiking through Olympic National Park, kayaking in Puget Sound, or wine tasting in Walla Walla Valley and marvel at Mt. Rainier National Park.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA – Mountain States

Explore ancient Native American culture or take a hot-air balloon ride over stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes for an unforgettable experience.

Take an insta-worthy shot at Antelope Canyon. Try for a permit for Havasu Falls.

Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, Saguaro National Park are highlights. Hike around the stunning trails in Sedona.

It’s one of the most naturally beautiful US states. Go skiing and snowboarding down some of the world-class slopes in Aspen or Vail.

Explore downtown Denver’s vibrant culture with museums and a thriving dining scene. You can even smoke some cannabis legally these days.

Taking a scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. Go rafting, hiking, zip lining. Kick back and relax in one of the many hot springs.

Drive the scenic Million Dollar Highway. Marvel at the dunes Great Sand Dunes National Park and the gorges of Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Parts of Yellowstone National Park stretch into the state and although couples may head neighbouring Montana and Oregon, this wild mountainous state has abundant natural beauty with wonderful opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and more.

Go boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene and visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve – Idaho should definitely be on your list if you’re taking an epic honeymoon road trip across the north of the USA.

From the snow-capped mountains of Glacier National Park to the glacial lakes of Flathead Valley, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery here.

You can also explore some of Montana’s many small towns and lakes or take an exciting whitewater rafting trip down one of its many rivers.

For something more relaxing, visit some of Montana’s world-class vineyards and sample some locally produced wines.

It might be famous for gambling, but if you want to relax poolside at a luxury Vegas hotel, party into the night or early hours, eat at innovative restaurants, visit fun museums or shop till you drop, Las Vegas has all this and more. It’s one of the most fun cities on earth.

The red earth of Nevada outside of Las Vegas is worth exploring, and it’s all a perfect jump-off or end-point for a romantic USA honeymoon road trip in California or Arizona and Utah.

Spend your days exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park or White Sands National Park, or take a scenic drive through Taos Gorge or Bandelier National Monument.

If you prefer cities to natural wonders, Albuquerque offers plenty of activities like kayaking on the Rio Grande River or a hot-air balloon ride. Visit the picturesque old town. Albuquerque is also a stop on Route 66!

Known for its stunning red rock landscapes and awe-inspiring national parks—the perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon getaway!

Explore Zion National Park or Arches National Park. From Moab, go stargazing, whitewater rafting, rappelling and biking. You can take a hot-air balloon ride over the scenery. Take a horseback ride in Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley.

Take a day to explore Salt Lake City. Utah is an easy add on to a Montana/Wyoming/Idaho tour of Yellowstone or Grand Teton.

You can tag it on to a trip to the Colorado Rockies or if you’re going to be in Las Vegas, jump off from there on a trip through Canyon Country.

Take a horseback ride through Grand Teton and get that shot of the T. A. Moulton Barn.

In Yellowstone, marvel at sites like Old Faithful geyser and the oft-photographed Grand Prismatic Spring and Morning Glory Pool.

Jackson in Wyoming is a great winter sports and activities spot, too. History buffs will love Buffalo Bill Historic Center, Old Trail Town and Mormon Row Historic District.

Connecticut is just north of New York and south of Boston and is full of charming small towns and coastal cities, like Mystic, Chester or Stonington, and historical sites like Yale University and Mark Twain’s house in Hartford.

Take the heritage Essex Steam Train. Explore the craft breweries, wineries and cute restaurants.

From fishing trips off the coast to hiking Mount Katahdin, Maine is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA for nature lovers.

Explore the artisan ice cream shops and craft breweries of Bar Harbor. Take a food tour. Go on a bike ride and feast on lobster rolls.

Discover the secluded beaches and wildflowers of Acadia National Park, which has over 120 miles of spectacular coastline and some of the best nature hiking trails in the US.

Explore the charming seaside towns of Cape Cod, go whale-watching and enjoy the delicious culinary highlights.

Relax with a glass of wine at one of Massachusetts’ many wineries or indulge in some delicious New England clam chowder.

Take a trip to Martha’s Vineyard for picturesque harbour towns, lighthouses and sandy beaches.

Take long walks along its rocky coasts or enjoy some outdoor activities like hiking through its lush forests and exploring its many lakes and ponds in summer.

Cycle around Central Park and walk the High Line. Go to the top of one of the many skyscrapers (we love new Summit One Vanderbilt). Take that iconic shot of Brooklyn Bridge.

Shop till you drop and have cocktails and dinner in one of Manhattan’s five-star eateries before seeing a show on Broadway or attending a world-famous ball game at Yankee Stadium. Take a street art tour of Brooklyn and take a jazz tour of Harlem.

Outside of the city, upstate New York couldn’t be more different. You’ll find cute historic towns, stunning state parks with majestic forests, pretty lakes and cascading waterfalls.

You may know Niagara Falls as a Toronto tourist site, but they stretch over the border into New York too.

Philadelphia should be top on your list when visiting Pennsylvania – learn about the origins of America and the civil war. Take a tour of Gettysburg.

Don’t forget to take in some of Philly’s incredible street art and food, too. Try a Philly Cheese Steak.

Miles of scenic coastline are waiting to be explored make it one of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA!

Head for Newport, where it’s easy to spend days watching sailboats drift by or exploring one of its many lighthouses. Marvel at the Gilded Age mansions like the Vanderbilt’s The Breakers and be transported to the pages of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.

And if outdoor activities aren’t really your thing, then make sure not miss out on Providence’s artsy and food vibes with its many cool cafes and galleries around town.

This forested enclave is picturesque. Enjoy spending time together exploring Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace. Explore the beer scene.

Take the gondola up Mount Mansfield — Vermont’s highest peak—and take in breathtaking views from atop 4,393 feet high summit.

There are lovely hiking trails to explore from the top. Stop in the quaint town of Woodstock (not to be confused with its New York counterpart).

Head to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to soak up some sun. The area is home to miles of white sand and turquoise waters of the Gulf. Go on a dolphin spotting boat tour.

Alabama is an ideal stop for couples who are interested in history. Take a tour in Birmingham to learn about the fight for civil rights and racial justice.

Known as the Natural State, you can explore the breathtaking Ozark terrain which has pristine waterfalls and serene lakes where wildlife abounds—a true outdoor paradise!

Visit Hot Springs National Park and Blanchard Springs Caverns while here too—it’s one of Arkansas’ most famous natural attractions. Visit the boyhood home of Johnny Cash.

Yet this small East Coast state features miles of beaches along its Atlantic coastline and quaint towns like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach that offer great shopping and dining experiences for newlyweds.

Couples exploring the history and culture of the historic east coast cities like Washington D.C, might enjoy a day to Cape Henlopen State Park.

Take a few days in Miami to stay in South Beach and party the days and nights away. Take a tour of the Everglades.

Tampa Bay‘s vibrant arts district and Ybor City district of restaurants and cool shops. You can explore the beaches of Clearwater and St. Petes.

The Florida panhandle aka The Emerald Coast has miles of stunning powdery white sand, too.

One of our favourite areas is the Florida Keys – Key West and Key Largo with their stunning sunsets, beaches and laid back atmosphere are just a short hop away from Miami.

Florida is the largest cruise departure point in the world, too, so perfect if you want to see the Caribbean and Central America.

Atlanta is the perfect jump-off on a southern USA honeymoon road trip itinerary. Check out the nightlife, museums and vibrant restaurant scene. Learn about the struggle for racial justice and equality at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Discover the waterfalls trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park and wildflowers of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and Tallulah Gorge State Park.

Take a day or two to explore the beaches of Tybee Island and Jekyll Island State Park. Go dolphin spotting.

One of our favourite US cities, Savannah, is an absolute must. Marvel at the historic period architecture and learn about the south’s painful history.

The Bluegrass State is ideal for lovers of the outdoors with waterfalls, gorges and caves. You can cycle the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Spend some time exploring Louisville’s historic architecture or take a walk through Cave Hill Cemetery—the last resting place of some famous Kentuckians like Colonel Sanders.

Experience some unique southern hospitality and visit America’s most haunted neighbourhood.

Spend some time strolling around New Orleans French Quarter. Visit a jazz club, take a romantic carriage ride through Bourbon Street and enjoy creole cuisine. Have a drink at the famous Carousel bar at Hotel Monteleone.

Outside of the city, Louisiana is also home to some incredible hiking trails like Creole Nature Trail, so don’t forget your walking shoes!

For couples who are obsessed with history, this region is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA.

There is so much to explore in this lesser visited state. Visit the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo. A visit to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson is a must.

Music lovers should check out the Mississippi Blues Trail.  Spend the day on Gulfport Beach or take a boat trip to Ship Island and spot some dolphins. Take the Natchez Trace Parkway road trip to Nashville, Tennessee. 

Spend your time lounging on the beach on Emerald Isle. Head into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some hiking and camping beneath starry skies.

Hike to cascading waterfalls near Asheville. Admire the art déco and neoclassical architecture. Explore the craft beer breweries of Charlotte.

Go on an art-filled weekend in Tulsa and explore its galleries at the Philbrook Museum of Art or the Gilcrease Museum.

In Oklahoma City, take in all the excitement of a rodeo at the Stockyards District or take time out to explore its botanical gardens.

The historical antebellum architecture of Charleston and Beaufort belies a painful history that any history buff will find enthralling. Explore the Southern culinary highlights on a food tour and take a walking tour of Rainbow Row.

Explore plantations like Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Boone Hall and Drayton Hall and we encourage you to take the tours that you learn about the lives of the slaves that lived there.

It’s easy to see why it’s one of our top picks honeymoon destinations in the USA for music and history lovers!

Spend a few days exploring Music Row in Nashville. See a shot in the legendary Grand Ole Opry House to experience some true Tennessee country music. Visit all the music sights, including the National Museum of African American Music and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In Memphis, there is much to do, too. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum and Graceland. Visit Pigeon Forge. You’ll find Dolly Parton’s Dollywood nearby.

For some it may seem a less obvious of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA, but as the 2nd largest state, it has so much to offer.

Explore the pristine white sand beaches of Padre Island. Take a cruise from Galveston. Soak up the cool vibes in Austin.

Unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl with a stay on a ranch. And don’t forget about San Antonio — home of The Alamo and rich Mexican culture. Take a food tour and explore the architecture.

See the sites like where JFK was assassinated in Dallas. Visit Nasa’s Space Center in Houston.

If you’re travelling on a USA honeymoon road trip on Route 66, then a stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo is a must. Big Bend National Park is a hiker’s paradise.

The Smithsonian National Museum is a must. Visit famous landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and stand outside the White House, and take a tour of Arlington National Cemetery.

From there, head to Richmond to check out the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and stroll through Maymont Park.

And no trip to Virginia would be complete without a stop in Charlottesville to see Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic home. We highly recommend the Slavery to Freedom tour.

However, as it’s part of the tree covered Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, is actually a great spot for adventure seekers!

Visit New River Gorge National Park. You’ll find mountain biking, zip lining, horse riding, ATV tours and rafting.

Known for its nightlife, history and dining, Chicago is a great city stop on your honeymoon itinerary. Explore the eateries of Chinatown and take a prohibition walking tour.

Go kayaking on Lake Michigan. Visit western Illinois for a slice of the real America in towns like Galenda on the Mississippi River.

You’ll discover forests and prairies. Marvel at waterfalls and go stargazing in Starved Rock State Park.

Yet, Indiana has some worthy stops, like Indiana Dunes National Park, on the south shore of Lake Michigan.

However, if you’re travelling across the Midwest on honeymoon, you can discover the gentle rolling hills and farmland between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

You can have your own Dorothy moment as you drive through the state along Route 66.

Drive through the prairie landscape, stop at Wamego for Oz Museum. Discover the history of the old west at Boot Hill in Dodge City.

Yet as it’s surrounded by lakes, it has some lovely spots if you’re planning a honeymoon in the region.

Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline. Watch the sunsets over the lakes. Marvel at Tahquamenon Falls. Wander at the crystal clear water of Kitch-Iti-Kipi.

Much is written about the demise of Detroit, but it’s a fascinating place to visit. Music lovers may want to make a pilgrimage to the city that created of some of the world’s most popular music, Motown and Techno.

Minneapolis is home to the America’s largest shopping complex Mall of America. Visit Voyageurs National Park and go stargazing.

But for couples on this epic road trip, you’re getting a slice of the heart of the USA. Take a tour of St. Louis and have classic BBQ and listen to some blues.

Take a selfie at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and visit Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal.

Stop at Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station. Don’t miss out on the Ozark mountain town of Branson and Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and other country music highlights.

While it may be an obvious state when you’re thinking about the best honeymoon destinations in the USA, it has some cool things to do.

Take a scenic drive along the Sandhills Scenic Byway. Cycle the Cowboy Trail. Have a relaxing evening in one of Omaha’s steakhouse restaurants.

For couples who want to truly get off the beaten track, try Theodore Roosevelt National Park where you can spot bison roaming freely across rolling hillsides.

However, if you’re taking an epic honeymoon road trip cross-country, you might be surprised at the fun and interesting places of interest. The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland and the Cleveland Museum of Art is highly regarded.

In Cincinnati, visit the historic Findlay Market, the American Sign Museum and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

If you’re travelling across the northern states, you can take in the impressive views of Mount Rushmore.

Head over to Custer State Park and take a leisurely drive through its wildlife loop and you might meet bison, deer and elk, to name a few.

Milwaukee is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum and is ideal for foodies with a thriving food and drink scene.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, on Lake Superior, is home to 21 islands and offers opportunities for kayaking and hiking. The sunsets over the lake are legendary.

Bayfield, a quaint town on the shores of the lake, is known for its apple orchards and wineries. Hike the trails at Copper Falls State Park.