Whether you’re united by a passion for the outdoors, a shared appreciation for the beach or a love of culture, it’s easy to imagine yourself on a romantic trip in one of these great vacation spots for couples.
Uvita, Costa Rica
Celebrate anniversaries, a recently emptied nest or just dash away for a romantic vacation without the kids in this Costa Rican destination where the mountains meet the sea.
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Stay at the adults-only Rancho Pacifico luxury resort, dramatically situated high up in the rainforest among the toucans and howler monkeys. There are two treehouses and three villas, each with private decks, outdoor soaking pools or tubs and sweeping views of the rainforest or beach. As a bonus, you’ll never encounter more than 20 other people during your stay.
Greenwich Village, New York City
For a romantic trip to New York City, ditch midtown in favor of the Village, where the pace is slower, the grass greener and the vibe infinitely cooler and more authentically New York.
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Stay at the Moxy in the East Village for easy strolls to the legendary Strand Bookstore and Forbidden Planet. You’ll also be a stone’s throw from Union Square and Washington Square parks and the most remarkable vegan meats at Red Bamboo. Settle into plush seats for an art house film at the East Village Angelika Theater, catch a band at Webster Hall or Irving Plaza and fall in love with each other all over again in the best part of the best city on Earth.
Sante Fe, New Mexico
Sante Fe has great food and fun things to do, plus a very specific something that few places in America can match: The sunlight in Santa Fe is nothing short of spectacular.
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Santa Fe is the perfect destination for couples who enjoy painting, sculpture and culture. Dive into the world of Georgia O’Keefe and the otherworldly modern art mecca that is Meow Wolf, then hop on a bike and take golden hour rides around this intimate city.
Stay at the Inn & Spa at Loretto for rooms that blend into the environment and an iconic exterior lined with candles that’s sure to take your breath away.
Washington, D.C.
Culture, food, history and a lot of Smithsonian freebies join forces to make the District one of the best vacation spots for couples. Stay at Riggs Washington D.C., a spectacular hotel housed in what once was a national bank building on the corner of 9th and F Street. The elegant rooms pay homage to the building’s legacy, with each reminiscent of a private safety deposit box.
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Enjoy the National Zoo and as many of the Smithsonian Museums as you can see, then indulge in some outstanding falafel and hummus at Falafel Inc. Nothing on the menu is over $4 and every time you dine, you help feed refugees.
The Pacific Northwest
This lush corner of the continental U.S. includes everything from the Olympic Peninsula just west of Seattle to the Redwoods trees in Northern California. In between, you have Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s rugged coastline and marvelous sand dunes, the cascades along the Columbia River Gorge and Maryhill Museum’s curious collection of art.
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To soak up every ounce of natural beauty, stay at the unrivaled Klickitat Treehouse and take your morning coffee in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park and the charming small New England town of Bar Harbor combine into one of the best vacation spots for couples.
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Staying in a Primrose suite with a massive king bed and fireplace will fan the flames of romance. Plus, you’ll be just a short hand-in-hand walk to everything in town, including charming restaurants, ice cream shops and a great local improv comedy venue.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Fun and mimosas in the sun and sand? How about an excursion to drive dune buggies through giant mud puddles? What about tasting some local libations? Do it all and so much more at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana.
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Every single room at the all-inclusive Hard Rock has a private in-room hot tub and you can have a turntable and curated collection of vinyl records delivered to your door, so pack your battery operated candles and leave your worries behind.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Romance is alive and well on the gentle shores of Elkhart Lake. With fine dining, cute shops and elegant accommodations at the Osthoff and Siebkens resorts, you and your favorite person can kindle the flames on a pontoon boat tour of the lake or rev up your relationship on a race weekend or track day at Road America.
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If you both fancy cool cars, visit the Throttlestop, a local car museum and showroom with a rotating collection of historic motorcycles, showroom cars and robust engines spanning the decades.
Fredericksburg, Texas
There’s wildflowers, wineries and great local shopping in Fredericksburg, but what you’ll notice first is the little Bavarian vibe in this charming city just over an hour northwest of San Antonio. History buffs will love Fredericksburg’s Pioneer Museum and National Museum of the Pacific War. Outdoor lovers will go mad for the wildflowers and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
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Go back in time with a stay at the adults-only Hangar Hotel featuring airplane memorabilia, USO history and 1940s-inspired romance.
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills provide easy access to Woodstock and other charming towns, but what really makes this area a great spot for couples is a cluster of miniature accommodations called A Tiny House Resort. These luxe cabins and custom trailers set along a creek are a romantic escape from hectic modern life.
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Each morning, you can pick up fresh eggs and veggies to make omelets, hang out with the goatsand Flemish Giant bunnies and take the chickens for a walk. Relax with a book or your favorite podcast in your ears and let the world drift by for a few days.
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