As you start planning your honeymoon, it’s natural to think of the most romantic destinations out there and dream of exotic locales.
However, plenty of beautiful places in the United States make a perfect romantic honeymoon destination—plus, they have the bonus of being much more accessible and affordable than an international trip.
Here are eight honeymoon destinations in the United States that will help you celebrate your marriage without breaking the bank.
1. The Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island, a.k.a Hawaii, is home to the active Mauna Loa volcano and Kilauea volcano. It’s also the southernmost and most isolated of the main islands and has over 10 million acres of land (that’s twice as many acres as Maui).
The Big Island offers visitors many beaches to choose from—and there are plenty of activities you can do while soaking up some sun.
You can rent a car and drive around yourself or get a guidebook and hit the road with someone who knows what they’re doing!
2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of things to see and do. It’s also a popular destination for honeymooners who want to avoid crowds.
The red rock formations are known worldwide, and you can hike or mountain bike through them or raft down one of its rivers.
There are plenty of activities available here, no matter your skill level: rock climbing to golfing (with views, of course).
While in town, make sure you stop by Sedona’s Woodland Park Zoo, which has over 200 exotic animal species on display, including lions!
3. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is a wine country filled with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat.
You can visit one of the many wineries to sample some of California’s finest wines while learning about their production methods and history. You can also enjoy a picnic between tasting rooms on one of the many grassy fields.
There are many outdoor activities available in Napa Valley if you’re looking for something more active than sipping wine or eating gourmet meals (though I would highly recommend both). There are hiking trails for all levels, bike paths along quiet roads that wind through vineyards and pastures filled with cattle, hot air balloon rides over Mount Saint Helena, kayaking down rivers…the list goes on!
4. Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Poconos Mountains are located in northeast Pennsylvania. They offer beautiful scenery, many hiking trails, and activities. There are many places to stay, including resorts and hotels, as well as some great restaurants that serve fresh trout or venison from local game farms.
5. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
This small mountain town is known for its beautiful views and historic architecture. There are many places to stay, as well as restaurants and shops. There are plenty of hiking trails if you’re looking for outdoor activities.
6. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a mountain town in Colorado. The city’s name comes from the aspen trees that growColorad.
It’s an upscale ski resort town popular with celebrities, musicians, and other artists.
Restaurants in Aspen are among the best in the world, serving up French and Italian cuisine alongside Native American fare crafted from local ingredients like trout and elk meat.
Local art galleries are displayed throughout town—from traditional works by local artists to abstract pieces by modern masters like Picasso or Warhol.
In addition to its many restaurants and art galleries, Aspen offers one of America’s top-rated nightlife scenes: live music venues line Main Street every evening of the week (and often into early morning), including bars such as Tomboy Tavern, where you can watch live concerts while sipping on local craft beers or cocktails named after famous musicians who have performed here over time (think Mick Jagger).
7. Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California, United States. It’s known for its mild climate, low crime rate, and many art galleries in its downtown area.
Laguna has something for everyone: beaches, cliffs, and parks offer plenty of opportunities for fun activities like surfing or picnicking; more than 60 shops make shopping easy; and more than 100 restaurants serve up delicious cuisine ranging from casual fare to fine dining at some of LA’s top-rated eateries.
The selection of top-notch hotels makes it easy to find accommodations that are just as enjoyable as your stay will be!
8. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Beaches: One of the main draws of St. Thomas is its long, beautiful beaches (most of them are considered “swim-able”). You can also snorkel, scuba dive, or sail on a catamaran.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: The waters off the shore are home to some of the most colorful coral reefs in the world—a paradise for divers.
Shopping: The island has several shopping districts with everything from souvenirs to high-end jewelry stores and designer boutiques; you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Dining/Nightlife: There are dozens of great restaurants here serving everything from local fare to international cuisine; nightlife options include bars with live music all day long and nightclubs where you can dance until dawn!
There are plenty of romantic and beautiful places to honeymoon in the United States.
The US is a big country with many beautiful places to visit. It is one of the most popular destinations for a romantic getaway and honeymoon because it offers many options for couples looking for romance.
Bottom Line
There are so many gorgeous places to visit in the United States. Suppose you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon destination you can get to without having to deal with passport applications and other pesky things.
In that case, these eight destinations (and the many more we didn’t list) are perfect for you! It can be hard to decide where you should go on your lifetime trip, but if any of these locations resonate with your sense of adventure or romance, then make sure they’re added to your list! If not, there’s always next time.