The Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench into millions of people’s travel plans for the past several years, including hundreds of thousands of would-be honeymooners. From closed international borders to uncertain (and constantly shifting) travel restrictions and testing requirements, the rules were about as clear as mud. Many honeymooners chose to delay the whole shebang – or to travel domestically, spiking new interest in areas like the Florida Keys, Rhode Island, Vail and Big Sur.
At the time of this writing, we are cautiously optimistic that travel around the world has resumed to its normal operating speed, cost, and convenience – meaning it remains slow, expensive, and inconvenient. But, hey. It’s better than a covered wagon! Especially when you’re hitting up one of the top five honeymoon destinations, we’ve picked out for you to explore. We made sure they’re in the USA just to limit the chances something goes awry again – and because, let’s face it, the United States has an abundance of amazing getaway spots.
Scroll down to read through our choices for American honeymoon destinations that will create memories to last a lifetime. Even if you’ve already taken your honeymoon or have no intention of getting married soon – or at all – check them out. The beauty and magic of these spots are in no way limited to the newly hitched. If you’ve got the cash to take a splurge-tastic, once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime trip and are on the hunt for lux accommodations through and through – honeymoon travel is the way to go.
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The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons, a group of towns and villages on the southeastern end of Long Island, have become an unattainable vacation spot for most people at this point. The traffic, the unbelievably high price tags, the celebrities, the exclusivity – it all feels out of reach on a normal day. Not so for honeymooners. It’s the perfect spot for a getaway that feels like heaven on earth.
Each town in The Hamptons has its own character and charm, so first determine if you want to stay put or hop around. Then book your stay at any one of several beachside resort hotels designed for couples with beachside dining and cocktails, moonlit strolls, pools and cabanas, you name it. The concierge will help get you reservations at the hottest restaurants and clubs in town, where you can party the night away – and maybe even catch a glimpse of Rihanna letting loose.
Acadia National Park and Coastal Maine
America has an incredible network of National Parks, all of which are worth a visit, but when it comes to honeymoons – Acadia National Park and coastal Maine should be on the top of the list. Plan to stay in an AirBnB or hotel in historic Camden or Bar Harbor and drive up and down the shore, taking day trips to different quaint towns as well as hikes in Acadia and boat rides off the coast.
While summer is the warmest time to visit Maine – and the only time you’ll have a hope of taking a dip in the ocean – it is also spectacular during the fall. From fishing, sailing and kayaking to island hopping and antiques shopping, a Maine honeymoon is definitely for the more relaxed, outdoorsy couple. You will enjoy some of the best seafood of your life, that’s guaranteed, but unlike in The Hamptons – you’ll probably be wearing L.L. Bean while you eat it.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is one of the great places in America and a beautiful, charming, and lovely area in which to honeymoon. The crashing surf, dramatic suspension bridges, towering cliffs. It’s inspired artists and filmmakers for years – why not let it serve as inspiration for your new marriage?
When choosing from accommodations you can choose between the ultra-lux, adults only Ventana Big Sur or the equally ultra-lux Post Ranch Inn or the more rustic and homey (and definitely more affordable) Big Sur River Inn. The neighboring towns of Carmel (where Clint Eastwood famously once served as Mayor!) and Monterey also have plenty of stunning hotel and Airbnb options, as do other locales up and down Pacific Coast Highway 1. The area is known for its beautiful hikes, ancient redwood forests and perfectly maintained golf courses – and of course fine dining, wine, art, and shopping.
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Vail, Colorado
If you’re planning a winter ski vacation to celebrate your unwavering love, there may be no better place than Vail, Colorado. Home to the mammoth Vail resort, Vail (and its neighboring resort, Beaver Creek) is a luxurious ski paradise. Think ski in/ski out access, cocktails by outdoor fireplaces, private ski lessons in the powdery back bowls . . . it would be an alpine ski lover’s dream come true.
But Vail isn’t just about the skiing. (Though it could be, the skiing is some
of the best on earth.) The town has shopping, dining, and hotel options to keep
up with the skiing. Everything is the best of the best. You can even take a
sleigh pulled by a snowcat to the award-winning restaurant Beano’s Cabin, which sits on top of a
mountain. Try doing that in Puerto Rico.
Nashville, Tennessee
Most people know that Nashville has become an extremely popular destination for bachelors and bachelorettes celebrating their last days of debauchery, but not so many realize that it’s a great location to visit after you get hitched to the ole ball and chain.
Those same cool cultural institutions, unique restaurants and amazing shows and venues are also available for your enjoyment once the license is signed. What’s great about Nashville is also its proximity to other places that might be worth a visit on your honeymoon: Pigeon Forge, Asheville and Knoxville among them. Not to mention the remarkable Smoky Mountains National Park! What an opportunity to get familiar with an extremely interesting and beautiful part of the country you might otherwise never have a chance to visit.
No matter where you end up going, we hope you have the absolute grandest time and make memories that last forever.
