Romance isn't just for Valentine's Day! At many vacation destinations, romance is in the air all year long. You have lots of options for the most romantic getaways, many of which you probably haven't considered yet. So, let's take a look at some of the best places to enjoy a weekend with someone special.
Charleston, SC
The Indigo House | Sleeps 10 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
This classic destination in South Carolina is perfectly romantic, especially in the spring and fall. Charleston has no shortage of adorable boutiques to shop in, and even just strolling through its French Quarter offers plenty of photo ops for couples.
But the best part of Charleston is that it blends historical romance vibes with the stress-free beachside feel. Stay Duvet's vacation rentals allow you to stay in the center of it all in this magical city.
Most romantic restaurants in Charleston:
- Peninsula Grill — You walk in through a garden courtyard lit entirely by copper carriage lanterns, hand-lit at dusk, and the whole mood is set before you've sat down. The Lowcountry plates are excellent — seafood towers, prime steaks — but the towering 12-layer coconut cake is what people actually plan the trip around. Dress up a little and reserve early, especially on weekends.
- Le Farfalle — A regional Italian spot in quiet Harleston Village, run by a chef who came up through New York's Babbo, with handmade pasta and a string-lit courtyard. It books out fast, so call ahead and angle for a patio table.
- Circa 1886 — Tucked behind the Wentworth Mansion in an old carriage house, it's about as private and unhurried as Charleston dining gets — quiet enough that it's where the city quietly goes to propose. Save it for the anniversary.
Best things to do for couples in Charleston:
- Horse-drawn carriage ride — Spend an hour rolling past antebellum homes and Rainbow Row while a guide threads in the history of each block. Take the evening tour, when the streets clear out and the gas lanterns flicker on — it's a completely different city after dark.
- Sunset harbor sail — Drift across Charleston Harbor with a glass of bubbly as the sun drops, passing Fort Sumter and slipping under the Ravenel Bridge. A two-hour schooner cruise like the Schooner Pride is the one to book.
- Waterfront Park — Claim one of the wooden bench swings facing the harbor, then wander down toward the Pineapple Fountain and White Point Garden. It's free, rarely crowded outside holiday weekends, and golden in late afternoon when the light goes soft on the water.
The Bahamas
Seaclusion Bahamas | Sleeps 16 | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms
There are few things more romantic than an island getaway! Head to the Bahamas during shoulder season (late April to early July) to avoid massive crowds while still enjoying the tropical weather. Anywhere on this beautiful island chain will do, but we recommend putting Eleuthera and Harbour Island on your itinerary.
There, you can go diving, ride horses on the beach, or simply relax on the pink sands. Need a place to stay? The Good Life Bahamas offers deluxe accommodations perfect for any getaway.
Most romantic restaurants in the Bahamas:
- The Landing — Set in a colonial-era inn and regularly counted among the Caribbean's best tables, with a menu that leans Southeast Asian. The goat cheese ravioli and spicy crab capellini are the ones to get, and if the weather cooperates, ask for a table on the porch.
- The Rock House — A stylish boutique-hotel spot in Dunmore Town with poolside tables and a proper lounge. The food's upscale-casual — fresh seafood, grilled mains — and the candlelight makes it easy to lose an evening here.
- La Bougainvillea — A beachfront place near Governor's Harbour where the food comes out fresh and the wine list holds its own. You're there for the view as much as the meal, and it's well worth the drive out.
Best things to do for couples in the Bahamas:
- Walk the pink sands — Harbour Island's three-mile beach gets its blush color from crushed coral, and it's calm enough for a slow, barefoot wander with no agenda. Time it for late afternoon, when the sand glows against the turquoise water.
- Glass Window Bridge — At the island's skinniest point, a sliver of rock splits the deep, dark Atlantic on one side from the calm turquoise bight on the other, and the color contrast is genuinely startling in person. It's a quick stop but one of Eleuthera's most photographed, so bring a camera.
- Beach dinner under the stars — Most resorts will set a private candlelit table right on the sand, server and multi-course menu included. With the waves a few feet off and the bays fading into the dark, you really don't need anything else.
San Diego, CA
Beachfront Modern | Sleeps 8 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
San Diego is fantastic for couples who want to check out iconic attractions together. The city is home to the world-famous zoo and several museums, not to mention exceptional ocean views. If you want a more intimate vacation with fewer crowds, visit in the late spring or early fall.
Even if temperatures aren't high enough for a swim in the ocean, it's always worth a trip up to La Jolla to see the sea lions! If you want to stay near La Jolla's crystal-clear waters, Bluewater Vacation Homes has the perfect spot for you!
Most romantic restaurants in San Diego:
- The Marine Room — A date-night institution for 70-plus years, sitting right on La Jolla Shores behind floor-to-ceiling glass. Book a High Tide Dinner and the waves crash against the windows beside your table; the menu runs French-influenced coastal, heavy on lobster, halibut, and bluefin.
- George's at the Cove — Seasonal California cooking on Prospect Street, with an open-air rooftop terrace overlooking the cove. Get the terrace at sunset and order a cocktail before you even open the menu.
- Bertrand at Mister A's — Twelve floors up downtown, with skyline and bay views, French-American plates, and an outdoor lounge. There's a dress code, so it's one for a real occasion.
Best things to do for couples in San Diego:
- La Jolla Cove — Walk the bluff-top paths and watch the sea lions and harbor seals piled up on the rocks below, the Pacific stretching out past them. It's free, takes no effort, and serves up some of the best coastline in the city.
- La Jolla Shores — A mile of sand and grassy park made for a picnic, and in late summer harmless leopard sharks gather in the warm shallows. Bring a snorkel or join a kayak tour if you want to get out among them.
- Balboa Park — Gardens, Spanish Colonial architecture, and more than a dozen museums spread across 1,200 acres, easily a half-day of wandering together. Save a moonlit walk through the lit-up courtyards for the end.
Destin, FL
Beach 1702E | Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
A tried-and-true Florida vacation town, Destin makes for one of the most romantic getaways in the state. Because the town is used to tourists, you'll find plenty of high-end restaurants, resort-like spas, and boat tours. Who knows?
You might even spot a dolphin on your romantic cruise! Whether you're planning to lounge at the beach with your partner or reserve a table at a gourmet restaurant, Holiday Isle Properties' rentals is the perfect jumping-off point for your adventures.
Most romantic restaurants in Destin:
- Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood — The Emerald Coast's longest-running fine-dining room, tucked inside the Hilton Sandestin. Prime steaks, fresh seafood, live piano, and a deep wine list, all wrapped in the kind of hushed setting that makes a milestone dinner feel like one.
- Marina Café — A candlelit room overlooking Destin Harbor with a menu that roams from daily seafood to USDA prime steaks to sushi and wood-fired pizza. The low light and water views have made it an anniversary regular for years.
- Beach Walk Café — One of the only spots in town where your table sits right on the sand, at the Henderson Park Inn. Come at dusk and let the Gulf sunset do the heavy lifting.
Best things to do for couples in Destin:
- Sunset dolphin cruise — Spend golden hour out on the Gulf with a real shot at spotting dolphins, and plenty of the boats fold in drinks or a light dinner. A low-effort way to make an ordinary evening feel like more.
- Couples spa day — The resort spas, like the one at the Hilton Sandestin, do side-by-side massages in a calm, dedicated space. The easy reset before a night out.
- Emerald Coast beach day — The sugar-white quartz sand and clear green water are the whole reason people come, and the public beaches stay walkable even in peak summer. Pack a cooler and a couple of chairs and settle in for the afternoon.
Martha's Vineyard, MA
Kat Ccas 29 | Sleeps 12 | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms
We're heading up north for our next getaway! Martha's Vineyard is an upscale retreat for couples looking for a relaxing atmosphere. Visit during the summer for the warmest weather, or wait until autumn to enjoy fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors.
Martha's Vineyard is known for picturesque beaches and lighthouses straight off of a postcard. With a rental from Point B Realty, you'll get to live in the lap of luxury on this gorgeous island.
Most romantic restaurants in Martha's Vineyard:
- L'étoile — Chef Michael Brisson's contemporary French tasting menu is the island's benchmark for a big night, the kind that earns near-perfect ratings year after year. Intimate and refined, it's worth reserving well ahead and building the evening around.
- Garde East — Dine in the nautical room, out on the deck, or with your toes in the sand on Vineyard Haven Marina, with fresh local seafood and a cellar running past 500 labels. Wherever you sit, a harbor sunset comes with it.
- The Bettini — New England classics with an international turn, overlooking Edgartown Harbor and the lighthouse. It's polished without being stiff, so it's easy to settle in for a long, slow dinner.
Best things to do for couples in Martha's Vineyard:
- Menemsha Beach at sunset — Facing Vineyard Sound, the waves stay gentle, and the sunset is one of the best in New England. Grab takeout lobster from Larsen's Fish Market just up the way, spread a blanket, and stay for the whole thing.
- Stargazing — With almost no light pollution out here, the night sky puts on a real show — pick a dark stretch of beach, settle in, and let your eyes adjust until the stars come out in full. It's the kind of slow, quiet end to an evening you don't get back home.
- Edgartown at dusk — Wander the edges of this old whaling town, past the white captain's homes and gardens, then slip onto the beach by the lighthouse as the light fades.
St. George, UT
Just Beachy St George | Sleeps 34 | 7 Bedrooms | 7.5 Bathrooms
Looking for a desert oasis to spend a romantic vacation? St. George could be the perfect fit. Plan your trip for late autumn to take advantage of falling temperatures, or wait until winter for mild weather. Here, you'll be close to lots of trails and parks, ideal for couples who love a bit of adventure.
But when you book with Red Rock Vacation Rentals, you'll hardly want to leave your lodging. These ultra-modern mansions offer majestic desert views with maximum luxury.
Emerald Coast, FL
Drift Away 30A | Sleeps 28 | 8 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms
Known as 30A, this stretch of Florida's Emerald Coast is often outshone by its neighbor, Destin, but this beach paradise makes just as good a romantic getaway. You might want to spend some time exploring the local state parks, but we suspect you're really in it for the sun and sand!
Visit in the summer for the best swimming, but a Valentine's Day trip is fantastic for those who want some privacy. No matter the time of year, ELP Luxury Vacation's accommodations are the place to be.
Most romantic restaurants on 30A:
- Vue on 30A — Upscale plates paired with sweeping Gulf views, and so many proposals happen here, it's basically tradition. Get an outdoor table and time the reservation for sunset over the water.
- Café Thirty-A — A 30A institution since 1995, dim-lit and dependable, with a deep wine and bourbon list that runs to hard-to-find bottles and desserts that have earned their reputation.
- Bud & Alley's — A beloved Seaside classic with Gulf views and award-winning food. Eat outside, then walk it off along the sandy paths winding through town.
Best things to do for couples on 30A:
- Couples spa treatment — Salamander Spa and a few others let you build side-by-side treatments off a long menu. The simplest way to slow down and unspool together.
- Beach-community hopping — The little communities strung along 30A, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, each have their own pastel look and distinct feel. Spend a day drifting between them, stopping for coffee, shops, and beach access along the way.
- Sunset walk — Burnt-orange and dusty-pink skies over white sand, which is really the entire point of 30A. Pick a quiet stretch of beach and let the evening unfold at its own pace.
Newport Beach, CA
Serenity by the Sea | Sleeps 12 | 6 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Just south of Los Angeles, Newport Beach is one of the most romantic getaways in California. We recommend visiting in the summer to make the most of the water, but a beach day certainly isn't the only way to spend your time.
Nature-loving couples will adore hiking in Crystal Cove State Park, and foodies will have no trouble finding intimate, romantic restaurants. After a long day exploring, return to your rental from Newport Beach Vacation Properties for a cozy night in.
Most romantic restaurants in Newport Beach:
- Five Crowns — Built to feel like a 17th-century English country inn, known for its prime rib and a warm, fireside hush. It's been the Corona del Mar date-night classic for decades, so it's a safe bet for an occasion.
- A+O Restaurant | Bar — Right on the harbor, pairing smoked cocktails and fresh seafood with wide bay views. Best around sunset, when the light hits the water just right.
- Basilic — A tiny French-Swiss place with just a handful of tables, which makes it one of the most intimate rooms in the area. Reserve well ahead it fills up.
Best things to do for couples in Newport Beach:
- Balboa Island Ferry — A few bucks gets you across the bay on the historic three-car ferry, and from there it's a boardwalk loop past waterfront cottages and bay views. A small ride that quietly turns into the whole evening.
- Crystal Cove State Park — Coastal bluff trails, tide pools, and three miles of undeveloped beach to explore together. Go at low tide to catch the pools at their best.
- Post-dinner harbor walk — The flat, well-lit Balboa Island boardwalk once the harbor lights come on, with benches scattered along the way to stop and take it in. The natural, unhurried way to close the night.
The Outer Banks
River Joy Lodge | Sleeps 16 | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are popular for a reason! Start your romantic getaway with a stunning sunrise over the ocean, and spend the rest of your day exploring small-town cafés and dining on the waterfront.
Fall is usually the prime time to visit, but this region makes a wonderful vacation destination all the way through December. Imagine yourself relaxing in a modern stilt house with impeccable views, courtesy of Coastal Carolina Vacations!
Most romantic restaurants in the Outer Banks:
- AQUA Restaurant — On the water over Currituck Sound, with a coast-inspired menu — sweet corn and crab soup, pistachio-crusted salmon. There's a spa on-site too, so you can stack dinner and a treatment into a full slow day.
- 1587 Restaurant — Fresh seafood and signature cocktails in historic downtown Manteo, in a room that keeps things intimate. Walk the Manteo waterfront before or after to round it out.
- The Black Pelican — One of the few rooms here with full ocean views, set in an old lifesaving station. The daily specials follow whatever local seafood came in freshest.
Best things to do for couples in the Outer Banks:
- Jockey's Ridge State Park — The largest living sand dunes on the East Coast and a prime sunset perch, the whole ridge glowing gold as the sun drops. For something bolder, take a beginner hang-gliding lesson together.
- Currituck Sound cruise — A quiet ride across calm water with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. An easy, peaceful afternoon with nothing to do but watch the shoreline slide by.
- Sanctuary Vineyards — Tastings, live music, and food pairings out in Jarvisburg. A nice way to round out a slower day spent off the beach.
Blue Ridge, GA
Wine Down Ridge | Sleeps 14 | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms
Perhaps the rugged mountains are calling your name. In that case, take a couple's trip to Blue Ridge. Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals has a selection of romantic accommodations in town and throughout the surrounding area. Picture it- you and your partner comfy in a cozy cabin by the fireplace, gazing at unforgettable mountain views! Blue Ridge is truly a year-round destination.
Take a cold-weather hike in the winter, chase waterfalls in the spring, take a driving tour in the summer, and go apple picking in the fall.
Most romantic restaurants in Blue Ridge:
- Harvest on Main — Named one of the top restaurants outside Atlanta, sourcing from local farmers and its own plot at The Cook's Farm. The seasonal menu is genuinely worth planning a night around.
- Ferraro's Kitchen — An upscale Italian spot up in the North Georgia mountains, cozy and unfussy. Get the lamb shank with risotto.
- Black Sheep — Southern fare crossed with a few other styles, plus the biggest outdoor bar and covered patio in town. Grab a patio seat when the weather's good and settle in.
Best things to do for couples in Blue Ridge:
- Serenity in the Mountains — A couples massage in a private treehouse suspended up in the trees with mountain views, then the sauna, hot tub, and pool after. About as memorable as a spa day gets.
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — The historic train from the old downtown depot out through the countryside to Copperhill, Tennessee, with a layover to poke around before the ride back. Scenic, and zero effort on your part.
- Bear Claw Vineyards — A tasting overlooking a working vineyard, with a treehouse on the property you can actually book for the night. Bring something to grill on the patio and make an afternoon of it.
Huatulco, Mexico
La Montosa | Sleeps 10 | 5 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms
Instead of heading to run-of-the-mill destinations like Cancún, step off the beaten path during your romantic trip to Mexico. Huatulco is a resort town on the Pacific Coast and offers plenty of opportunities for romance and relaxation. Have dinner on the beach, take a sunset walk, or book a couple's massage at a local spa.
After that, retire to your luxurious accommodation from My Huatulco Vacation- some of their rentals put you right on the beach! April is generally the best time to visit, but January is a popular travel month as well.
Most romantic restaurants in Huatulco:
- Doña Celia — Fresh fish and seafood with your toes in the sand, candlelight on the table, jumbo margaritas in hand. The tide sometimes washes right up near the tables, which only adds to it.
- Casa del Mar — High on the eastern ridge of Tangolunda Bay, known for the views every bit as much as the food. Come at sunset for the full effect over the water.
- Sabor de Oaxaca — The local pick for authentic, generous Oaxacan cooking at a fair price, with a wide menu and friendly service. This is where to go for the real flavors, not the polished tourist version.
Best things to do for couples in Huatulco:
- Private beach dinner — Most hotels will set a candlelit table directly on the sand against the backdrop of the bays, server included. The ocean breeze and the waves handle whatever the candles don't.
- Sunset bay cruise — Huatulco is built around nine pristine bays, and a sunset boat trip is the way to take them in as the sky shifts orange and pink. It's the best look at the coastline you'll get.
- Cooking class — Learn a few traditional Oaxacan dishes hands-on, which doubles as a fun way to connect over the food. You'll head home with the recipes and a story to go with them.
Winter Park, CO
Basecamp 490 | Sleeps 11 | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms
Trade in the Mexican beach for the chilly Colorado mountains. Winter Park is the ideal destination for couples who want a bit of fun in the snow. Take a sleigh ride, sip hot cocoa from your Visit Winter Park Lodging accommodation, or head to a spa for a relaxing facial.
You'll also find lots of places to spend a date night in town, from movie theaters to gourmet restaurants. If you decide to visit in the warmer months, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the Rockies!
Most romantic restaurants in Winter Park:
- Deno's Mountain Bistro — Enjoy steaks, seafood, pasta, and an award-winning wine list. The easy, satisfying call after a long day on the slopes or the trails.
- Tabernash Tavern — A vintage building ten minutes out in Tabernash, with prime aged beef and a Wine Spectator-recognized list. Warm and intimate enough to linger in after a cold day outside.
- Pepe Osaka's Fishtaco — Lively and original, big on creative food and cocktail concoctions with a fun, social energy. The playful end of date night here.
Best things to do for couples in Winter Park:
- Hot Sulphur Springs — A short drive away sits the oldest natural hot springs in the country, with 22 indoor and outdoor pools running from 95 to 112°F and spa services on-site. Soaking together with the mountains all around is the whole point.
- Grand Adventure Balloon — An early-morning balloon flight over the valley as the sun comes up over the peaks. Worth the alarm for the views alone.
- Stargazing picnic — Colorado's dark-sky rules mean a blanket and a bottle of wine in the mountains gets you some of the clearest stars anywhere. Bring layers and a headlamp and keep the rest simple.
Chincoteague, VA
Stoney Point | Sleeps 8 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
If you love an Outer Banks vacation but want to try a less-traveled destination, Chincoteague Island is perfect for you. You and your partner can explore the nearby wildlife refuge, go for a swim, or, our favorite, take a pony tour!
This place is fantastic for animal lovers, but the views are spectacular as well. Seaside Vacations & Sales' collection features several rentals with amazing waterfront views and convenient locations close to restaurants and shops.
Most romantic restaurants in Chincoteague:
- Channel Bass Inn — A French-American menu inside an 1889 inn, a short walk from Main Street. The intimate setting makes it the island's quiet, special-occasion choice.
- The Pearl — Seafood on the Assateague Channel with the iconic lighthouse out in the distance. The casual Pony Pen deck bar is the spot for a sunset cocktail before dinner.
- Ropewalk — A laid-back deck-bar spot with summer live music and a crowd-pleasing menu of burgers, BBQ, and appetizers. The easygoing end of the evening.
Best things to do for couples in Chincoteague:
- Pony boat tour — A small-boat tour around Assateague and Chincoteague for the famous wild ponies, plus dolphins, bald eagles, and herons along the way. The captains keep groups small, so it feels personal rather than packed.
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — Trails and overlooks where you can wander together watching for ponies, ospreys, and shorebirds. Bring a camera and go at a slow pace.
- Sunset at the deck bar — A cocktail out on The Pearl's Pony Pen deck as the sun drops over the water. A fitting, low-key way to close out the day on the island.
Finger Lakes, NY
Wide Open Views | Sleeps 10 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Live the lake life in New York! If you and your partner are looking for a chance to relax and forget about your worries, the Finger Lakes is a top choice. There are wineries, resort-like spas, and of course, stunning lakefront views. You'll have plenty to do, with all kinds of hiking trails and quaint small towns to explore.
The best time to visit is late spring to early fall, when you can enjoy warm temperatures and several outdoor activities. Look to Linger Hospitality for some of the best romantic vacation rentals in the area.
Most romantic restaurants in the Finger Lakes:
- Rosalie's Cucina (Skaneateles) — Hearty homemade pasta in a Tuscan-style room, with an on-site bakery's worth of dessert to finish on. A longtime local favorite for celebrations.
- Mirbeau (Skaneateles) — French-inspired cooking,duck confit, coq au vin, in a room overlooking the gardens at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa. The setting is every bit as refined as the food.
- Knapp Winery — A gourmet, locally sourced menu paired with wine flights, out on a patio shaded by grapevines. Easy to settle in and let an afternoon slip by.
Best things to do for couples in the Finger Lakes:
- Seneca Lake wine trail — Dozens of wineries ring the lake, so you can work your way around with couples tastings and light bites between stops. Linger at a few favorites instead of trying to rush the whole list.
- Belhurst Castle — A wine tasting inside an actual castle on Seneca Lake, which feels straight out of a fairy tale. It pairs perfectly with a day spent on the wine trail.
- Couples spa day — Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles or The Body Sacred in Watkins Glen, both built around couples packages. The perfect reset between wineries.
Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach, NC
River Joy Lodge | Sleeps 16 | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms
It's back to North Carolina for this dual recommendation. Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are incredible destinations for getaways full of sun and sand. In addition to relaxing on the beach, you and your partner can go on a paddleboarding adventure, see baby sea turtles, and watch the sunset over the water.
Visit during the summer to have the best chance of meeting the tiny turtles! At the end of the day, head back to your beach house furnished by Sloane Realty Vacations.
Most romantic restaurants in Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach:
- Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille (Ocean Isle Beach) — The best sunset view in town, with outdoor seating right over Jinks Creek and the Intracoastal. Chef Dan Reilly's Jewels of the Sea over angel hair is the dish to get, so book a table for golden hour.
- Oak & Palm (Sunset Beach) — Waterfront fine dining with a globally minded menu that's got something for everyone. The spot to dress up for.
- Le Volte — Italian, oceanfront, pasta and pizza and a water view that comes standard with the table.
Best things to do for couples in Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach:
- Kindred Spirit Mailbox — Walk out to Bird Island and leave a note in the famous mailbox, where visitors have been writing down their thoughts for decades. Add one as a pair to the collection.
- Silver Coast Winery — A tour and tasting in Ocean Isle Beach, then a few bottles back to the rental for later. A relaxed afternoon off the sand.
- Sunrise shell hunt — Catch the sunrise over the Atlantic and comb a still-empty beach for shells before the day crowds arrive. Worth the early wake-up for that quiet stretch of sand to yourselves.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Soul House | Sleeps 13 | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Get your passports- we're going to Costa Rica next! Just picture yourself lounging with your partner against a beautiful rainforest backdrop. Stay in Tamarindo offers several vacation rentals, all of which are at the height of modern luxury.
While you could spend your trip relaxing at your accommodation or sitting back on the beach, Tamarindo has a plethora of other attractions. Go horseback riding, take a mud bath, or explore the area on a catamaran tour. Be sure to book for December or January for the best weather.
Most romantic restaurants in Tamarindo:
- Dragonfly Bar & Grill — Low lighting, fairy lights, and table lanterns, with a hyper-local menu that shifts with the seasons. Sesame-seared tuna, fresh-caught snapper, even sushi.
- HiR Fine Dining — The Jungle Culinary Adventure is a three-hour, seven-to-ten-course run that OpenTable called a meal worth traveling for. Scallop carpaccio, grilled lobster tail, fresh octopus, plate after plate.
- Barefoot Restaurant Lounge — Beach-chic and casual in the best way — the kind of barefoot-friendly place where you can dress down and still feel like you're somewhere special.
Best things to do for couples in Tamarindo:
- Sunset catamaran cruise — Sail along Costa Rica's Gold Coast past exotic bays and white-sand beaches, with a stop to swim or snorkel and the sunset as the finale. Most cruises throw in drinks and a fresh meal aboard.
- Cooking class — Build a multi-course meal with wine from fresh local ingredients, learning to turn out dishes like Costa Rican ceviche and seafood-stuffed snapper. Hands-on and genuinely fun.
- Sea turtle nesting tour — From October through March, leatherbacks — the world's largest, up to 1,500 pounds — come ashore to nest at nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park. A quietly moving thing to witness side by side.
Jackson Hole, WY
Granite Ridge Chateau | Sleeps 12 | 5 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms
What's more romantic than a mountain getaway? Jackson Hole is a classic destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You might take a romantic hike through the Grand Teton National Park, or unwind with some couple's spa treatments.
Plus, the resort town has no shortage of delicious restaurants, bakeries, and cafés if you want to grab a treat. An accommodation from Outpost is the perfect way to complete your trip- these rentals combine cabin vibes with modern amenities. Visit over the winter for a cozy, romantic getaway.
Most romantic restaurants in Jackson Hole:
- The Blue Lion — Set in a 1930s house just off the town square, known for its rack of lamb and a long local following. The old-house setting suits a slow, lingering dinner.
- Jackson Lake Lodge Mural Room — Inside Grand Teton National Park, with what a lot of people call the best panoramic park views anywhere — the whole Teton Range out the windows. Sustainable meats and seafood, a strong wine list, and sunsets to match the food.
- Snake River Grill — A Town Square landmark for 30-plus years, turning out refined American food in a warm room. A dependable pick when the night needs to feel special.
Best things to do for couples in Jackson Hole:
- Grand Teton stargazing — Some of the darkest skies in North America, and a guided outing that sometimes comes with wine, cheese, and dessert to go with the view. Find a quiet spot and settle in for the show.
- Horseback trail ride — A customized ride through Grand Teton with outfitters who tailor it to your level and chase the best views along the way. Classic Wyoming romance.
- Winter sleigh ride — Out among thousands of elk on a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge. An only-in-winter date you won't forget.
Amelia Island, FL
2133 Beach Wood | Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
Florida has some of the most romantic getaways in the US, but Amelia Island takes the cake. This breathtaking destination is a beach-lover's paradise, but don't spend all your time in the sand! Amelia Island also has exceptional dining for a date night and a host of water activities like kayaking.
Don't forget to wake up early for a sunrise beach walk and freshly-roasted coffee from a local café. Book a vacation rental Destination Amelia in March, April, or May for prime weather conditions.
Most romantic restaurants on Amelia Island:
- Salt (The Ritz-Carlton) — A five-diamond room with a formal dress code, ocean views, and dishes like foie gras and lobster. For a real splurge, book the "Dine with the Chef" experience at the chef's table.
- Brett's Waterway Café — Most tables look out over Fernandina Harbor, and the seafood comes in local. Especially lovely in the evening as the marina lights flicker on.
- Le Clos — French Creole in downtown Fernandina Beach, French tradition crossed with Southern staples. Small, charming, and made for two.
Best things to do for couples on Amelia Island:
- Amelia River sunset cruise — A private cruise with sweeping views of Cumberland Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. The relaxed way to catch the sunset out on the water.
- Historic Fernandina Beach — Antique shops and boutiques across the 50-block district, with a candle bar where you craft a custom scent together. An easy afternoon of wandering with a hands-on twist to it.
- Couples massage — The 150-minute Wrap to Remember at the Ritz-Carlton spa: a bath, full-body exfoliation, and side-by-side massages in a couples suite. The full indulgence, start to finish.
Gatlinburg, TN
Casa Buena Vista | Sleeps 6 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
Gatlinburg is a fantastic weekend trip for couples who love hiking and mountain views. This Tennessee town is known worldwide for a reason! The stunning landscapes paired with top-notch attractions make Gatlinburg a must.
Stay at Mountain Laurel Chalets, and you'll be in close proximity to romantic wineries, incredible mountain drives, and local shops and art galleries. Fall is one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg, but this is definitely a year-round destination.
Most romantic restaurants in Gatlinburg:
- The Peddler Steakhouse — Off the main parkway on the river, grilling its aged steaks over genuine Tennessee hickory charcoal. Ask for a table overlooking the Little Pigeon River for the most intimate seat in the house.
- The Park Grill — A mountain-lodge-style room near the park entrance, all towering log beams, built around hickory-grilled ribeye and trout. It feels like dining inside a seriously upscale cabin.
- Crystelle Creek — Tucked into the Arts & Crafts Community, serving trout and mountain fare with live music from songwriters most nights. The hidden-gem pick, away from the crowds.
Best things to do for couples in Gatlinburg:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Trails and waterfalls right at the town's edge, for every energy level you might be in. The fall foliage makes it especially worth the trip.
- Old-timey photo shoot — Dress up in vintage costumes and ham it up for a souvenir photo at Old Town Photos, picking your own backgrounds and props. A guaranteed laugh together.
- Scenic mountain drive — A leisurely drive through the Smokies, no planning required and the views constant. Unbeatable when the leaves turn in fall.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Palmilla Lux | Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Los Cabos is a dream destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways of all kinds. The scenery is splendid, the perfect mix between desert vistas and beachfront living. The water is the main attraction here, but Los Cabos also has its share of fine dining establishments and spas for a memorable date night.
There are few wrong times to visit Los Cabos, but May and June are our recommendations for the sunniest skies. Regardless of when you visit, you'll love taking in the unparalleled views from your Escape to Cabo accommodation.
Most romantic restaurants in Los Cabos:
- Sunset Monalisa — Widely called the most romantic table in Cabo: cliffside seats over El Arco at Land's End, candlelight, and live violin. Reserve well ahead for a milestone night.
- Los Tres Gallos — A downtown courtyard glowing with string lights and bougainvillea, serving traditional Mexican. A short walk from the marina, and easy to fall for.
- Hacienda Cocina y Cantina — Breathtaking Land's End rock-formation views, with tables you can reserve right in the sand. Tough to beat on atmosphere alone.
Best things to do for couples in Los Cabos:
- Sunset sail — A catamaran across the Sea of Cortez past the sea lion colony, drinks in hand and the coastline sliding by. The easy romantic win of the trip.
- Playa del Amor — Tucked between dramatic rock formations with clear water all around. Take a water taxi out and claim a quiet corner for a picnic.
- The Spa at Esperanza — One of Mexico's best spas, with couples treatments like the signature Romancing the Stone. The perfect last-day wind-down before you head home.
Plan Your Next Romantic Getaway
Is a romantic getaway in your future? Whether you love majestic mountain views, a winter wonderland, or a tropical paradise, our partners have an accommodation to match your vacation dreams. Check out their collections today.
