Looking for romantic getaways with the love of your life? You may think about hopping aboard a jet to exotic locales like Shanghai, Dubai, or even Paris. Actually, you don’t even need to travel that far! We are exploring romantic trips a little closer to home. Here’s a list of a few special locations that are sure to create lasting memories.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Northern California may be best known for its vineyards in Napa Valley, but Carmel provides a beautiful setting for romantic getaways. Tucked along the Pacific Ocean, about 2 ½ hours south of San Francisco, Carmel Beach is perfect for enjoying a stroll as you watch waves crashing against the rocks. Come back to watch the sun set behind the ocean, creating a spectacle scene that is sure to light the fire in your hearts.
What to Do
Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to a bevy of shops and boutiques, where you can enjoy window shopping, as well as looking for a memento from your visit to the quaint community. Enjoy lunch at a number of restaurants and cafes, some of which provide excellent views of the area’s attractions.
If you enjoy a scenic drive, consider renting a convertible and enjoy the view as you travel along the 17-Mile Drive. You’ll see beautiful sites such as cliffs hugging the coast and immaculate golf courses. You must stop to view the Lone Cypress, a tree standing above the rocky coast with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Eat
Grab a seat at one of Carmel’s beautiful restaurants and enjoy a glass of wine or fine liquor with an exquisite meal. Mission Ranch Restaurant offers guests a sunset view as they dine on a heated patio. Anton & Michel provides a fountain view through a large glass window as diners enjoy an opulent dinner, such as oven-roasted salmon or maple lead roasted duck.
Where to Stay
Your visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea is enhanced with a stay at any of its nearly three dozen bed and breakfast inns. B&Bs provide a beautiful setting for romantic trips. Most innkeepers provide a delicious breakfast to start your day.
Long Beach, Washington
Home to the world’s longest beach, Long Beach provides a rural setting for romantic getaways. Known as the site of the international kite festival, it’s common to see couples flying kites on the beach. There’s something charming about sharing the string as you fly a larger than life kite high in the sky, with the Pacific Ocean in front of you. Behind, sand dunes with tall blades of grass offer a beautiful backdrop. You can also visit a small kite museum and hall of fame a short stroll from the beach.
What to Do
You might join others early in the morning digging for razor clams. It’s a fun local activity and you may find enough enjoy for dinner, along with a fine glass of vino. If clamming isn’t for you, the view of watching hundreds of people wearing galoshes and raincoats as they dig is entertaining.
A boardwalk provides a nice walking trail along Long Beach, where you see sculptures featuring history and art. You will find one depicting Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the area, as well as the skeleton of a beached whale from years ago. A short drive from the beach is Cape Disappointment State Park, where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean converge, creating some of the most amazing waves crashes against cliffs and rocks you’ll ever see.
Where to Eat
Dining on Long Beach peninsula ranges from sports bars to intimate restaurants. The Depot is a converted railroad station in nearby Seaview that is home to some of the best entrees and desserts you may ever sample. As an appetizer, maybe try the Oysters ‘Scargot, featuring six oysters broiled in garlic lime butter. With a menu featuring plenty of seafood, The Depot also offers steak and chicken entrees. Each item on the menu is mouthwatering and can be shared. Providing a truly intimate dining experience. Don’t forget to top off the visit with one of the dessert specials, such as an apple cobbler or decadent brownie with a scoop of ice cream.
Where to Stay
With small towns flowing into one another, it’s easy to think Long Beach is one long community. However, Seaview, a village a short walk from Long Beach’s attractions, is home to The Shelburne Hotel. The bed and breakfast offers food that is upscale restaurant-quality and also has a pub, which offers casual dinners perfect for romantic trips.
Taos, New Mexico
Calling the Sangre di Castro Mountains home, Taos may be best known as the landscape for several of the black and white photos shot by acclaimed Photographer Ansel Adams. But, the north-central New Mexico community offers perfect romantic getaways for couples looking for love. From walks in the Taos Plaza to couples spa treatments, the town of about 6,000 lends itself to a quiet, intimate visit.
What to Do
As you stroll through the town plaza, reflecting a mix of the cultures of Native America, Europe and Mexico with its colors and architecture, it’s easy to believe you’re vacationing South of the Border. Recognized for its art, Taos is a haven for artists of all styles, so browsing through galleries and boutiques adds to the romance of the trip. From southwestern Native American turquoise and pottery to a painter’s perception of adobes and the mountains, it’s easy to fall in love with the imagery. Handcrafted jewelry and clothing can also be found in shops and outdoor vendors.
Taos is full of history and culture. Take a guided tour of the area’s pueblos, which have been populated by Native Americans for thousands of years. Learn about the locals’ history and culture. Eight miles north of town, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the second highest bridge in the United States and offers views that you’ll long remember. A drive along the 83-mile long Enchanted Circle offers impressive views of New Mexico, including Wheeler Pass. At more than 13,000 feet high, it’s the tallest point in New Mexico. The Taos area is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the country, as well.
Where to Eat
Dining in Taos runs from traditional American fare to some of the best New Mexican food around. The Artesian Restaurant at Ojo Caliente is a hotel and spa and is considered one of the best eateries in the Taos area. The Artesian’s chefs create delectable entrees that will satisfy anyone’s palate. From a roasted vegetable chile relleno featuring goat cheese to grilled trout, diners savor the tastes.
Where to Stay
Winter brings skiing to Taos and it is perfect for romantic trips. Book a room at the Columbine Inn Taos Ski Valley and enjoy an outdoor hot tub for a bit of warmth during the cold. Owned by avid skiers who used to stay at the hotel as guests, they understand what downhill skiers are looking for and strive to meet those needs.
If you’re interested in enjoying a couple’s spa and massage treatment, you may want to consider a stay at the El Monte Sagrado, which is an eco- and pet-friendly hotel. The hotel offers full spa services. It’s also located on 11 acres of land, which provide a natural vibe.
Savannah, Georgia
From a carriage ride through town to a ghost hunt at night, a visit to Savannah, Georgia, ensures you’ll be holding your love’s hand. Located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean a stone’s throw from South Carolina, this Georgia city combines the charm of a southern jewel with the history and culture of the Deep South. Romantic getaways here may be the perfect trip for a couple in love.
What to Do
Start your visit with a carriage ride around the older area of town, learning about Savannah’s history as you relax and cuddle on the ride. There’s something romantic about a carriage ride no matter the time of day or season.
If you’re not ready to call it a night, Savannah’s ghosts are calling your name. You’ll want to hold on to each other tightly as you take a guided tour through Savannah’s historic district, said to be home to numerous spirits. With multiple tours available, from pub crawls to the Beyond Good and Evil Tour, there’s something to put the scare into you or just for the two of you to have a fun time together, before heading back to your hotel.
Where to Eat
Atlantic is a newer restaurant in the city, offering a variety of dishes, as well as popular cocktails. The evening-only restaurant offers a unique environment that caters to the romantic in all of us and is sure to provide a perfect cap to a day of shopping and touring Savannah.
Where to Stay
From hotels to bed and breakfast inns, Savannah is large enough – and small enough – to accommodate your interests. The historic district is home to hotels such as The DeSoto. Historic homes have also been renovated into inns, such as the Kehoe House – an 1892 mansion in the historic district – and the Marshall House, a historic hotel which ranks as one of the best in Savannah. Any of these are great for romantic trips.
Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario
Niagara Falls may be the most quintessential romantic spot in the world. With the Falls dropping millions of gallons of water into the Niagara River, they create a beautiful scene. Enjoy the view from Queen Victoria Park, which runs from Rainbow Bridge – which connects the American and Canadian sides – to the edge of the Falls. At night, the Falls reflect a series of lights, including red and green which provide an amazing view.
What to Do
On the American side of Niagara Falls, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get as close as possible to the Falls. On the Canadian side, the ride is known as Hornblower Niagara Cruises. The boat comes complete with rain ponchos to protect you from the water spray coming from the Falls. You may feel like you’re getting dragged into Niagara Falls as the boat begins to turn around. It’s all part of the fun.
If you two are adrenaline junkies, take a mile-long zip line ride past the American Falls. On the American side of the Falls, enjoy a stroll through Niagara State Park. You can stand next to the mouth of the Falls, as the water crashes down to the horseshoe.
While you’re at Niagara Falls for romantic trips, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. You’ll fall in love with the small lakeside village. With shopping and fabulous dining available, you’ll want to spend a couple of days here. Visit local wineries or take a stroll through town. Friendly people and historic architecture will impress you.
Where to Eat
Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner for two as Niagara Falls roll past you. Sip your favorite beverage as you dine on Chilean sea bass or seafood pasta at the Revolving Dining Room Restaurant, which rotates 360 degrees each hour, offering a spectacular picture of Niagara Falls.
Where to Stay
Be sure to book a hotel room on the Canadian side, because it provides the best view of Nagara Falls. Reserve a room or suite with a hot tub facing the Falls for romantic getaways. There’s nothing like enjoying a dip in a hot tub while viewing the Falls.
While most people tend to automatically think exotic places for romantic getaways, there are a lot of alternate locations that offer whimsical memories. From traditional romantic spots to opportunities to create new love stories, perfect romantic trips await. You might also try a trip to Dubai for the ultimate in romance.
