Whether you and your betrothed want to capitalize on some R&R or make up for those wedding cake calories with ample hiking and activities, there’s a destination for you. And even better, you don’t have to leave the country to enjoy it. Here, ten awesome spots right here in the U.S. of A.
The 10 Best Secret Honeymoon Spots in the U.S.
No passports required
Chetek, Wisconsin
Where to stay: Canoe Bay
If you’re not a beach person but crave some good old fashioned outdoor fun—and some unplugged peace and quite—try a picturesque lakefront honeymoon with days filled with swimming and canoeing and evenings by a toasty fire. You’ll feel like a kid at camp, but with your own cabin, fireplace and whirlpool tub.
Asheville, North Carolina
Where to stay: Grove Park Inn
Anyone who’s been there will tell you, there’s just something special about Asheville. Whether you’re art fans, beer aficionados, foodies, architecture buffs or nature lovers, you will fall in love with this city...and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop doesn’t hurt either.
Walland, Tennessee
Where to stay: Blackberry Farm
The Smoky Mountains are absolutely gorgeous, especially when you can view them from a luxury hotel with all the fanciest amenities—including gourmet cuisine, a sommelier-curated wine cellar and a top-notch wellness spa—to help you finally unwind from all that wedding planning.
Laguna Beach, California
Where to stay: The Montage Laguna Beach
For those looking for a sophisticated beach vacation, Laguna’s drop-dead beautiful shoreline, upscale lodging and varied fine art and dining will easily reel you in. Spring for the ocean view and toast to the sunset. Cheers.
Sedona, Arizona
Where to stay: Enchantment Resort
Even if you’re not one to embrace the “energy vortexes” in the mesmerizing red rock region, you can’t help but feel a wee bit spiritual in a literal geological wonderland. Plus...a luxury resort with stunning views and access to the Mii Amo spa aren’t bad either.
Rincón, Puerto Rico
Where to stay: Serenity Rincón
Even if you’ve been to Puerto Rico, you probably haven’t visited this bohemian city on the island’s most distant corner. And if you’re a surfer, consider this your paradise. American expats have been coming here for years, so don’t be surprised if hear “dude” every once in a while.
Kaua'i, Hawaii
Where to stay: Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort
When we say “pure bliss,” we mean it. OK, and a little rain. But on the smallest of the main Hawaiian islands, everything is a little quieter (you will have the best sleep of your life) and a little lusher (mountains, flowers, turtles). You might want to make a bet on which you’ll see more of, rainbows or waterfalls, because Kaua’i seems to have endless supplies of both.
Ojai, California
Where to stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Its nickname, “Shangri-La,” refers to the natural beauty of this inland artsy destination. It may not have an ocean view, but it’s the perfect place if you want to get pampered whilst indulging your spiritual side. There are mountains to see, spas to relax in and all the organic food your newly wedded mouths can feast on.
Captiva Island, Florida
Where to stay: Rent a house
The best way to describe this quirky, colorful island is this: one street and zero traffic lights. If you want to get around, biking is probably your best bet. But you won’t have to go far. Like we said, one street. But there is also plenty of beach for epic sea-shelling…or just sitting back and watching the waves roll in.
Niagara Falls, New York
If you want the retro honeymoon your grandparents took back in the day, this is your spot. While the city may err on the side of cheesy (at least on the American side), nothing will bring you back to earth like the falls themselves. The Maid of the Mist is calling.