Top 10 Romantic Weekend Destinations Perfect for Couples
Romantic Getaways: Top Weekend Destinations for Couples
Nothing keeps the sparks flying like traveling together. Navigating new places with your significant other while spending quality one-on-one time is a great way to deepen your bond and create lasting memories. Whether for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a long weekend, why not go away together to a rustic lodge, laze on a tropical beach, or toast at a countryside winery? Whatever your idea of a romantic escape is, we’ll help you get there with these great weekend destinations perfect for couples. Get ready for starry-eyed bliss.
Best for outdoor adventures: Park City, Utah
What’s more dreamy than cozying up by a fireplace in a snowy mountain lodge? Having local whiskey and chocolates in hand, of course. Park City is a winter wonderland rich with small-town charms, and it’s quickly accessible from Salt Lake City International Airport. Hit the slopes at two world-class resorts — Park City Mountain and Deer Valley — which offer some of the world’s greatest ski conditions. In between runs on fresh powder, savor magnificent snow-capped landscapes and gourmet fare at several on-mountain pit stops. For a stellar après-ski situation, make your way to the ski-in, ski-out St. Regis Deer Valley resort for decadent hot chocolate, fireside s’mores, and craft cocktails. Beyond mountain sports, Utah’s historic mining town is like a holiday postcard come to life, full of perfect date activities like sleigh rides, ice skating, hot-air balloon rides, dog sledding, and shopping along historic Main Street, where the facades of many acclaimed restaurants and saloons are preserved from the 1880s. Unwind with a whiskey flight at Park City’s own High West Distillery. For an excellent candlelit dinner featuring local live music, head to Riverhorse on Main, then saddle up to the popular No Name Saloon Bar & Grill for a nightcap. There’s so much for couples to see and do in "Winter’s Favorite Town."
Best for luxury: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Just a short drive south from the Cancun airport, Playa del Carmen is situated along the Yucatán’s palm-lined Caribbean coastline. With its unspoiled natural setting and upscale hotels, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a first-rate vacation destination — and an ideal escape for lovebirds seeking warm weather. If privacy and luxury are your speed, say "hola" to one of the area’s most romantic resorts: The five-star Rosewood Mayakoba. Set along the edges of a freshwater lagoon, the property features refined accommodations with over-the-top amenities, heated plunge pools, and in-room mezcal to spice things up. You’ll also find three infinity pools, an open kitchen for interactive culinary experiences, and a beachfront fire pit to curl up next to in the moonlight. And if you want to explore off-property, other nearby resorts, like Andaz Myakoba and Banyan Tree Myakoba, are connected by bike paths. Simply borrow a complimentary bike and set off through the jungle.
Best for culinary experiences: Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, called "Holy City" because of its long history of religious tolerance, is a beloved destination of many travelers due to its historic landmarks, cobblestone streets, booming food scene, and Southern charm. Foodie couples will be in heaven: The culinary capital of the South boasts a myriad of standout spots and immersive experiences. Don’t miss oysters at King Street’s seafood stunner, The Ordinary, spicy fried chicken at Leon’s Oyster Shop, and Texas-style brisket at Lewis Barbecue, just to name a few. For a post-dinner classic cocktail, belly up to The Bar & Patio at Husk. Fancy some bubbly? Check out the Champagne bar Camellias at Hotel Bennett. Opt for a stay at the French Quarter Inn, a boutique gem in the heart of the historic district. At the end of a jam-packed (and no doubt delicious) day, the hotel’s top-notch turndown service with a "pillow menu" — featuring seven different comfy options for resting your head — will ensure the sweetest dreams.
Best for a glamorous getaway: Palm Springs, California
Glamorized as Old Hollywood’s vacation destination of choice, Palm Springs is still as hip as it was in Frank Sinatra’s day. The desert oasis entices travelers with stylish resorts, world-class restaurants, and majestic desert views. It’s a haven for hikers, adventure seekers, and golfers — with more than 100 courses in the area. Try a backcountry Jeep tour through the San Andreas Fault Zone or make a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, about an hour’s drive away. Looking to unwind? Soak in the natural healing waters at Desert Hot Springs or head to one of the area’s many day spas for a hot-stone couples massage. Palm Springs also has a foodie scene, and many of the city’s finest establishments offer patio dining under the stars. For a relaxing stay, book a suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. With everything from clifftop dining to a luxe spa surrounded by the beautiful Santa Rosa Mountains, you won’t have to leave the grounds to have an unforgettable weekend. There’s postcard-worthy scenery in every direction, and we recommend taking it all in from a cabana at the pool while sipping an Arnold Palmer. The golf legend debuted the now-famous iced tea-lemonade drink in Palm Springs in the late ’60s.
Best for beach days: Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Just a short drive from many locations in the northeast, Watch Hill is an idyllic place to visit year-round. For an intimate stay, hightail it to Ocean House, a grand 1868 Victorian oceanfront beauty and the crown jewel of the New England town. Couples can enjoy long walks on the private white-sand beach and canoodling in front of the stately stone fireplace, cocktail in hand. There’s a farm-to-table restaurant on site, plus a prestigious cooking school offering guests gourmet classes and intimate tastings.
Read on for the full list of our recommendations.