19 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA

Written by Carri Wilbanks and Becca Blond
Updated May 3, 2023
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From over-the-top pampering at a luxe spa resort to affordable outdoor adventures, the USA is one of the best destinations in the world to celebrate your honeymoon.

There are beach destinations on both coastlines and island destinations, like Hawaii, that allow you to be as active or lazy as you desire. And there are mountain retreats to places like Telluride; Colorado; and Jackson, Wyoming that offer the chance to get back to nature and take a hike through a national park.

Enjoying a beach walk by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

So whether you are looking for a cheap honeymoon destination in a big city or a national park that's within driving distance of your house, or you want to go all out and splurge on a five-star resort with fine dining and daily spa treatments, we have a honeymoon idea for you.

To make this decision a little easier, check out our list of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Couple enjoying a stroll on Kaanapali Beach, Maui

Maui is a longtime favorite place to visit on a honeymoon. The Hawaiian island is filled with idyllic white-sand beaches backed by turquoise water, some good surfing, inland hiking, and a range of accommodations from the affordable to the ultra-luxe.

For five-star pampering head to Wailea, which is home to five stunning crescent-shaped beaches. Here you'll find the opulent Grand Wailea, as well as the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, both of which are excellent honeymoon resorts right on the sand at Makena Beach.

On Maui's northwest coast, Kapalua Bay Beach has more affordable resort choices. The white-sand beach here is set in a protected cove and surrounded by reefs with excellent snorkeling.

The cliffs tumble into the ocean in picturesque Laguna Beach. In Orange County, about two hours south of Los Angeles, it is home to more than 30 beautiful beaches and coves, making it an ideal beach honeymoon destination.

Besides the beach, the town itself is charming and filled with art galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. The Deck is a great al fresco dining spot right on the sand. It's where to come for live music and fish sandwiches just before sunset.

On a bluff facing the Pacific Ocean, the Montage Laguna Beach is the perfect honeymoon resort with romantic beachfront bungalows and 5-star service. You'll want to make sure to book a couples spa treatment package at their luxe spa.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Laguna Beach, CA

3. Sunset Key, Florida

Sailboat passing Sunset Key off Key West

If your idea of the perfect honeymoon involves a private island, then fulfill the fantasy on Sunset Key. Located just a seven-minute boat ride from Key West, it features a beautiful white-sand beach backed by the Gulf of Mexico's stunning turquoise hues and just one resort: Sunset Key Cottages.

The beachfront boutique property has just 40 cottages done up in chic Florida Keys beach style. Each features a wraparound porch with Adirondack chairs that are perfect for watching the sunset with your partner.

Don't worry about getting bored, there is plenty to do, from chartering a deep-sea fishing boat to jet-skiing and parasailing. There is also an award-winning fine-dining restaurant on-site, Latitudes.

4. Nashville, Tennessee

If you love live music, you will love Nashville. Sure it has a reputation for being the country music capital of the USA, but country is far from the only genre you'll find around the city. Hit up the Honky Tonks on Broadway for the typical Nashville experience, but you can also check out its evolving fine-dining scene at restaurants like Santo, which does modern Mediterranean fare in contemporary environs.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Couple on an oak-lined street in Savannah

One of the most romantic cities in the USA, Savannah, Georgia has cobblestone streets and green, mossy trees along with plenty of Southern charm and historic architecture. Many of the hotels and bed and breakfasts in Savannah also offer honeymoon packages.

When it comes to celebrating your love, there are plenty of experiences. Take a stroll with your lover past the 19th-century mansions and Spanish-moss-clad walls to one of the 22 existing town squares in the historic old town, each of which has a beautiful garden area that's perfect for a picnic.

The fine-dining scene in Savannah is also on point. Book a table in the ballroom at The Olde Pink House, which is the most romantic restaurant in town.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Savannah

6. Molokai, Hawaii

If you're looking for a unique honeymoon destination consider Molokai. The Hawaiian island, which is set between Oahu and Maui, is far removed from the usual honeymoon scene. It offers a Hawaii vacation that's far from touristy or on the beaten path.

Here, you'll find deserted beaches and plenty of space to just enjoy nature with your husband or wife. The island's interior is a lush oasis, with waterfalls and rainforests with hiking trails and lots of local cultural experiences.

If horseback riding on the beach is something you want to check off your honeymoon bucket list, it can be experienced at Puu'u O Hoku Ranch. The outfitter offers romantic sunset rides that include dinner in a wild setting.

There are also 16 beaches on this island, including one of the longest white-sand beaches in all of Hawaii: Papohaku Beach.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do on Molokai, Hawaii

7. Jackson, Wyoming

Teton mountains reflected at sunrise in the Snake River, Jackson, Wyoming

Want to incorporate hiking trails in a national park into your honeymoon adventure? Then consider Jackson as your base. This old west Wyoming town is just 12 miles from the entrance to Grand Teton National Park and also accessible to Yellowstone National Park.

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.

Couple enjoying the view of the Bixby Bridge and the Big Sur coastline

Running between Carmel and San Simeon on California's Central Coast, Big Sur covers a wild stretch of coastline along Route 1, with cliffs tumbling down into the Pacific Ocean that make for the ultimate back-to-nature honeymoon.

This rugged area is filled with excellent opportunities for hiking and other outdoor adventures, and it seems there are always wildflowers blooming in the meadows along the highway.

There are also laid-back restaurants, art galleries, mom-and-pop shops, and small hotels scattered across this area. You can also incorporate Big Sur into a road-trip honeymoon along Route 1 that starts in Carmel and ends in San Francisco, about two hours to the north.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Big Sur, CA

9. Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach is another popular honeymoon destination in the USA. The southern Florida town is known for its beautiful beaches and opulent mansions. Worth Avenue has a posh but romantic vibe, perfect for strolling past upscale shops, art galleries, and fine-dining restaurants.

The Breakers in Palm Beach is the definitive old-world opulent honeymoon resort. The 5-star property is done up in Italian Renaissance style for an ultra-romantic vibe and is set right on a private beach. For something more affordable but still swanky with a Gilded Age look, check out The Chesterfield Palm Beach, which does a lovely afternoon tea service for guests.

10. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a beautiful and vibrant city that makes for a great urban honeymoon with a side of beach. There is so much to see and do here, from arts and culture to varied neighborhoods where you can eat your way around the world.

If you appreciate a modern hotel with an in-your-face city view, book the just renovated InterContinental San Francisco, located right downtown. The rooms feature walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that look directly out at the city skyline. At night, many of the buildings have light shows, creating a romantic vibe. When it is time for bed, simply press a button, and the room will fade to blackness as the shades close.

Read More: San Francisco Walking Tour: Top Sights

11. Miami, Florida

Couple walking under palms in Miami, Florida

Miami has one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., warm weather year-round, and a vibrant food, entertainment, and sports scene. It is perfect for an urban honeymoon, where you want a beach experience, but also something more.

The city is always hosting festivals and events, and there is plenty to keep you busy should you wish to leave the white sand and turquoise hues of Miami Beach behind for a little while.

Take a stroll around the Art Deco Historic District off trendy South Beach, which is the city's most popular stretch of sand at the southern end of Miami Beach, or explore Little Havana.

Or head to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for something more secluded and romantic. A national historic landmark on 28 acres, the grounds and gardens are impressive with gorgeous Italian and French fountains.

There are hundreds of hotels across Miami, but for a honeymoon, we recommend The Setai, Miami Beach if you are looking for a luxury resort with a scene. Right on South Beach, it is an Asian-inspired, all-suite resort.

Another top beachfront resort is 1 Hotel South Beach. It has maritime-themed rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean in the best ones.

12. Telluride, Colorado

In one of the most stunning locations in Colorado, wild and remote Telluride is surrounded by craggy mountains in the southwestern corner of the state. Winter or summer, it is a wonderful active honeymoon destination. In winter, you can ski some of the best powder in Colorado at Telluride Ski Resort, which has terrain for all ages and levels of skiers, as well as breathtaking San Juan Mountain views.

During summer, the town comes alive with music festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival that has been running for some 47 years now. There is also plenty of hiking and mountain biking.

The Madeline Hotel & Residences is one of the best honeymoon resorts in Telluride. It has an elegant and romantic vibe throughout and is located right next to the slopes with ski-in, ski-out access in winter.

13. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Pueblo-style adobe building in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Looking like no other city in America, Santa Fe's history goes back more than 400 years. The all-adobe city is a beautiful honeymoon destination set up against a mountain backdrop. It is most famous for its art scene, with dozens of galleries lining Canyon Road.

Santa Fe also features a creative dining scene with a lot of restaurants focusing on New Mexican fare. Try The Shed for a truly delicious local meal. The old plaza at the center of the city has a romantic vibe and is surrounded by narrow streets filled with more galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. There are hotel options for all budgets as well.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Santa Fe

14. Lanai, Hawaii

Beautiful Lanai is the perfect honeymoon destination if you're looking for the beauty of Hawaii with fewer crowds than Maui and Oahu. The tiny isle is a 45-minute boat ride from Maui and home to some beautiful beaches and perfect honeymoon resorts.

Try the Four Seasons Resort Lanai for a swanky romantic stay. In Hulopoe Bay, the beach here is part of a protected marine preserve, and the snorkeling just offshore is excellent. There is also an adults-only swimming pool on-site and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course should you wish to challenge your partner to a game.

15. Key West, Florida

With a serious energy about it and lots of history, Key West is another popular US honeymoon destination. There are beaches to explore, as well as activities like snorkeling in the clear blue water. Oh, and the sunsets here are famous, go on forever, and can be very romantic. Mallory Square is one popular spot to watch.

The island is the southernmost point in the continental USA. It's just 90 miles from Cuba, and the tip is marked with a very Instagram-friendly sign. Key West is also home to numerous restaurants and shops in pastel-hued buildings — check out Duval Street — and lodging options, from small boutique hotels to larger resorts.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Key West, FL

16. Hilton Head, South Carolina

For a laid-back beach honeymoon head to Hilton Head. The South Carolina barrier island is home to white-sand beaches, a number of championship golf courses, luxurious day spas, and resorts that know how to up the romance ante.

Try Inn & Club at Harbour Town - Sea Pines Resort, which is part of the larger Sea Pines Resort. The soaking tubs in the Lowcountry swanky rooms and suites are lovely, and there is a beach club and golf course on the grounds.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Hilton Head Island

17. New Orleans, Louisiana

Horse-drawn carriages in front on St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, New Orleans

With delicious food, amazing culture, and a buzzing energy, The Big Easy is another great place to visit on a honeymoon. New Orleans is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but you don't need to visit during this event to have a good time.

Book a romantic hotel like The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter. The historic property dates back to 1908 and occupies a Beaux Arts Maison Blanche mansion that retains much of its original charm.

New Orleans is definitely a foodie town, especially if you like Cajun or creole fare. Cafe du Monde is a must-visit for its iconic beignets paired with a cafe au lait.

Live music also abounds in New Orleans, and you'll want to catch a couple of jazz shows. You'll also want to take a stroll around Jackson Square. Fronting the Mississippi River, it is a National Historic Landmark and is also known for its one-of-a-kind street performances.

18. Scottsdale, Arizona

If your idea of a perfect honeymoon is pampering yourself at an award-winning spa, playing some championship golf, staying at a five-star resort, and maybe going for a horseback ride or bike ride through a towering cacti-strewn desert then Scottsdale is where to book your special trip.

Part of the Phoenix metro region, this high desert town is ideal for a winter honeymoon, as even during its coldest month, January, daytime highs still average about 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and skies are usually sunny and bright blue.

Scottsdale has so many romantic luxury resorts, including the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, where rose-petal turndowns are easily arranged. The couples' massage at the house spa is another favorite activity.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has super romantic Southwestern-style casita accommodations. If you golf, you'll enjoy special privileges at Troon North Golf Club. Oh, and the desert scenery is stunning.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Scottsdale

19. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is where to go for an entertaining honeymoon that's full of neon lights, opulent resorts, and over-the-top live shows. Vegas isn't for everyone, but there is no doubt that for many, it is considered romantic. Where else can you visit Paris, Venice, and New York in the space of a few blocks?

Romantics will want to take a gondola ride at The Venetian Resort. You'll float under bridges while coasting along the Grand Canal with a singing gondolier piloting your boat. For sleeping, check out the Bellagio resort. It's our favorite for overall romance, and the hourly choreographed fountain shows are pretty dazzling.

Vegas also has an awesome foodie scene, with some super trendy restaurants, including many celebrity chef outposts. And if you have come to shop on your honeymoon, everything from haute couture to hipster looks is on sale.