If you can't make a romantic escape to Venice, Paris, or the Maldives anytime soon, there are plenty of options for sparking the flame right in the U.S. You don’t even need an entire weekend to make it special. Whether you want to enjoy active adventures with your partner or just kick back and relax together, here are eight day trips that scream romance.
Sedona, Arizona
One of the most magnificent destinations in the Southwest, Sedona is an easy two-hour drive north of Phoenix. Surrounded on all sides by dramatic red rock formations, rugged canyons, and pine forests, there is myriad trails for enjoying the scenery together. If you get here early enough, you can even enjoy a glorious sunrise and panoramic views of famous rock formations like Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Thunder Mountain while hiking the Airport Loop trail.
Plenty of fun activities await, as well, including Jeep tours, a thrilling way to explore hidden treasures off-road. Or you might splurge on a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view over it all. In town, you’ll find dozens of art galleries, spas for lavish couples’ treatments, and a wealth of eateries, including Creekside dining at Cress on Oak Creek.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is an artsy, eclectic town just two hours north of Los Angeles, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The weather is nearly perfect year round, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities like surfing, bike rides along the beach, and hiking. There are several wineries and vineyards for tasting throughout the area, along with dozens of tasting rooms in downtown.
Along the city streets, you’ll find the famous Mission Santa Barbara, unique boutiques, and multiple museums to explore. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is ideal for art enthusiasts, featuring over 27,000 works of American, Asian, and European art in its permanent collection. Romantic strolls can be enjoyed through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, too.
Astoria, Oregon
Located less than 100 miles from Portland, Astoria is America’s oldest settlement west of the Rockies and offers heaps of historic character in its steep streets lined with beautiful Victorian homes. Take in the panoramic view from the Astoria Column, which sits overlooking the city. From here you can see the Columbia River, Astoria-Megler Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and multiple snow-capped peaks. A romantic stroll along the Astoria Riverwalk is a great way to view the passing boats and sea lions along the waterfront. On the downtown streets, you’ll find art galleries, trending coffee houses, chef-driven farm-to-table restaurants and museums like the Flavel House set within a magnificent Queen Anne-style mansion.
Murphys, California
While the population of Murphys is less than 2,000 people, for a small town it offers a lot, with just the perfect amount for a day trip from the San Francisco Bay Area. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, you’ll find many historic sites from its early Gold Rush days, along with all sorts of outdoor adventures including hiking, zip-lining, and cave exploring. Stop through Mercer Caverns, a subterranean wonderland consisting of a massive series of caves that reach a depth of nearly 200 feet, with many stalactites, stalagmites, and speleothems.
In town, enjoy the historic Main Street which features independent shops, a wide range of eateries, and tasting rooms. Wine enthusiasts can step into what’s sometimes referred to as the “Napa Valley of 30 years ago” with many opportunities to sample award-winning small-production estate wines and even chat with the winemakers. You might pick up a bottle along with some tasty eats for a picnic in the park.
Port Townsend, Washington
Two hours from Seattle along the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is often found on lists of the best small towns in the country. It’s surrounded by water and mountains offering numerous places to hike, bike, kayak and sail, as well as being a departure point for whale-watching excursions. The town is overflowing with natural and manmade beauty, including streets lined with spectacular Victorian-era homes. In the downtown area, stroll through house galleries, eclectic shops, brew pubs, wine bars, and coffee houses.
Hudson, New York
Hudson isn’t too big or too small, it’s just right for a day trip from New York City, easily reached with a two-hour ride from Penn Station. The Hudson Historic District, which includes most of downtown, features structures built in a range architectural styles, including 18th-century buildings from Hudson’s early Federal period. Second Empire, Queen Anne and Greek Revival-period homes line the streets as well. Populated by several artists and writers, and littered with antique stores, it has a distinct creative vibe. The many urban transplants who were inspired to join them have opened up everything from a coffee shop mixed with a motorcycle dealership to cheese shops, taco stands, and traditional art galleries.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
P-Town, as many locals refer to Provincetown, is just a 90-minute ferry ride from Boston. Not only does it boast a fabulous location on the Outer Cape’s Cape Cod National Seashore, but it’s been an LGBTQ hotspot for decades thanks to its open-minded and creative attitude. The lively streets are lined with dozens of colorful shops, bookstores, galleries, and a wealth of casual to fine-dining restaurants serving fresh seafood. Along the gorgeous stretch of Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, enjoy tranquil walks, sunbathing, splashing around in the Atlantic Ocean, and enchanting sunsets at the end of the day.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Located in Texas Hill Country just a 90-minute drive west of Austin, Fredericksburg is famous for its surrounding landscape. It bursts with color in the spring, thanks to the many wildflowers that grow here, most notably the bluebonnets which can be enjoyed with a scenic drive on the 13-mile Willow City Loop. The town itself has a rich German history that still influences it today, from the architecture to the food, with over a dozen eateries serving German-inspired cuisine. The area is also well known for its many vineyards and opportunities for wine tasting. Learn more about Fredericksburg’s past in four different museums and enjoy shopping, wine tasting, cold brews and more along the historic main street.
