The honeymoon is an important and fun part of a new marriage. It presents an opportunity for the betrothed couple to put the chaos of wedding planning and the wedding day itself behind them and focus on themselves and their future. So finding the right honeymoon destination is paramount to a happy and unforgettable honeymoon. We’re here to help you do that! Let’s take a look at a few of the most romantic locations in the United States that make for perfect honeymoon destinations.
1. Gasparilla Island, Florida
As Katharine Hepburn rented a home on this charming island for many years, you can be sure this place is known for its class. There is something nostalgic and quaint about Boca Grande, the small residential community of Gasparilla Island, which is home to ice cream parlors, boutique shops, and palm-tree-lined bike paths.
Start your day by waking up in a king-size bed in a suit at the old Hollywood Gasparilla Inn & Club which features a pool, golf course, and beach club in addition to gorgeous rooms. Grab brunch at the 3rd Street Bistro and enjoy your eggs and mimosas on the outdoor patio. Afterward, you and your spouse can work off a hearty meal by renting a couple of bikes and peddling down the Boca Grande Bike Path.
Naturally, an island getaway wouldn’t feel right without copious amounts of time sunning yourself on the sandy beaches, smelling the salty sea air, and going for a dip in the ocean. In the afternoon, you’ll want to make your way to Gasparilla Island State Park for swimming, fishing, boating, and barefoot strolls along the beach.
2. Napa, California
Does anything say “romantic honeymoon getaway” quite like magnificent sunsets and wine? For non-wine activities, spend an afternoon horseback riding on the equestrian trails at Skyline Wilderness Park before gallivanting through the meadows, canyons, and groves of the scenic, 157-acre Alston Park. Other romantic outdoor experiences include Westwood Hills Park and a walk through the garden at Kennedy Park.
Some must-see wineries and vineyards include Domaine Carneros, a stately French mansion with a winery, the 40-acre O’Brien Estate, and the Napa Valley Wine Train. Honeymooners will want to book reservations at the Westin Verasa Napa located right in downtown Napa. This luxury hotel provides guests with an unforgettably romantic experience with amenities like a heated saltwater pool, elegant restaurant, and poolside couples massages. For more unique, novel honeymoon activities, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley region, shopping for artisanal goods at the Oxbow Public Market, and taking a cooking class at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia.
3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The Cape Cod National Seashore’s 40,000 acres of pristine beachfront makes for an inviting romantic getaway for any occasion, particularly a honeymoon. You won’t want to miss a sunset over the Cape Cod Canal as you stroll or bike your way along the canal path. Hop on a cruise ship with Hy-Line Cruises and take a ride over to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for enjoyable day trips.
Beaches you and your significant other should visit during your honeymoon include Nauset Beach (great for surfers) and Marconi Beach. For a romantic candlelit dinner, spend the evening at Buca’s Tuscan Roadhouse for some unbelievable Italian fare. And being in Cape Cod means you can’t miss out on all the fresh seafood, so plan to visit such restaurants as The Ocean House Restaurant, which overlooks the Nantucket Sound, the upscale Chatham Wine Bar and Restaurant, and Karoo Restaurant, which serves up South African-inspired cuisine.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
There is no end to the amount of romance New Orleans has to offer. Newly married couples won’t want to miss an evening at the Carousel Bar & Lounge complete with cocktails, crawfish beignets, and live jazz music. Two other insanely romantic activities include a stroll through the Frenchmen Art Market (which is only open at night) and a boat cruise down the Mississippi River.
On your New Orleans honeymoon, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy romantic, elegant dinners at such places as Brennan’s, Carrollton Market, and Upperline, a Creole restaurant located in an 1877 townhouse. Finally, your honeymoon would not be complete without luxurious, romantic accommodations. If you’re staying in the French Quarter, book a room at the Hotel Monteleone. Two other gorgeous hotels you’ll only find in a place like New Orleans include The Frenchmen Hotel and The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection.
Ready to start planning your honeymoon today? Begin by buying your bus ticket from BusTickets.com!
