One of the most fun things about getting married (besides saying “I do,” to your one and only, of course) is the honeymoon. For a week (or maybe two!), you and your lover have what seems like all the time in the world. But where do you go? All-inclusive resort? Sicily (or somewhere less crowded)? If you’re still wondering how to spend your honeymoon, search no further. Zola and Pinterest recently released a joint 2023 wedding trends report, and the data speaks for itself. Here are the top seven honeymoon destinations, from charming Southern cities like Asheville and Charleston to far-flung locales like Casablanca and Croatia.
These Are the 7 Hottest Honeymoon Destinations of 2023, According to Pinterest & Zola
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- Things to Do: Chimney Rock State Park, Biltmore Village, Brews Cruise
- Where to Stay: Biltmore Village Inn B&B (from $594/night, sleeps 2) Downtown Asheville Condo (from $156/night, sleeps 4); Asheville Tiny Home (from $62/night, sleep 2)
Outdoor-loving newlyweds will enjoy a trip to Asheville, North Carolina. First stop? Chimney Rock State Park. Hike up for splendid views stretching 75 miles over Hickory Nut Gorge. Hunger Games fans will also appreciate this destination, as tours are available of the hit franchise’s filming locations in the forest. Downtown, beer afficionados can mosey between distilleries, while the Asheville Brews Cruise will take you to more remote locations. Another can’t-miss is the city’s vibrant food scene run by those affectionately known as “Foodtopians.” Put 12 Bones Smokehouse, Corner Kitchen and Chestnut and French Broad Chocolate Lounge on your must-try list. Of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to Asheville without a peek at the legendary Biltmore Estate. When you’ve seen your share of the grandeur, head to Biltmore Village, which was historically a living community for estate employees. Today, visitors can amble the cobblestone streets, dipping into local boutiques and discovering local artists.
- Things to Do: Table Mountain, Constantia Valley, Greenmarket Square
- Where to Stay: The Table Bay Hotel (from $251/night, sleeps 2); Dock House Boutique Hotel (from $318/night, sleeps 2); The Marly Boutique Hotel (from $392/night, sleep 2)
Fancy a beach vacation with a little adventure sprinkled in? Cape Town’s your dream honeymoon. Get your suntan at one of its many beaches, explore the Cape of Good Hope and hike up the region’s famous Table Mountain. Those up for a challenge can hike to the summit (but note the terrain can be muddy), while those who want to sit back and relax can opt for the aerial tramway. Prepare for inspiring ocean and city views. Another can’t-miss is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. With views of the mountain and brimming with shops, restaurants and attractions, it’s a lively way to spend a morning or afternoon. Round out your stay with a trip to Constantina Valley, a wine-making region since the 17th century. Follow the wine route to hit all the major players and be sure to stop at the oldest winery, Groot Constantina.
- Things to Do: Gibbes Museum of Art, catch a jazz show, brunch at High Cotton
- Where to Stay: Charleston Marriot (from $282/night, sleeps 2); Emeline (from $507/night, sleeps 2); Market Pavillion Hotel (from $586/night, sleeps 2)
You could take a stroll down the iconic Rainbow Row, but Charleston has much more to offer beyond pastel-pink houses. For starters, catch a performance by Charleston Jazz and wander through Gibbes Museum of Art. It’s one of the country’s oldest art institutions. Up the romance factor with a boat ride through Cypress Gardens—you know, that ultra-romantic backwater swamp from The Notebook. As far as food is concerned, there’s no shortage of noteworthy picks, but two stand out: Southern brunch and bluegrass tunes at the beloved High Cotton (get a reservation if you can) and The Caviar bar (reservation required). Set in the boutique hotel Zero George, you’ll be surrounded by soft jazz, flickering votives and well-dressed fellow diners as you feast.
4. Croatia
- Things to Do: Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik
- Where to Stay: The Westin Zagreb (from $134/night, sleeps 2); Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split (from $345/night, sleeps 2); Royal Princess Hotel, Dubrovnik (from $189/night, sleeps 2)
It may be popular as the filming location for Game of Thrones, but this little country on the Adriatic Sea is brimming with interesting things to do and see for the ultimate honeymoon trip. You’ll want to hit these three cities: the capital, Zagreb, then follow the coast to Split and Dubrovnik. Croatia’s capital is filled with Gothic and Baroque architecture and is highly walkable, with convenient access to public transit. Find fun, cheap eats at Dolac Market and have a laugh at the Museum of Hangovers. Split is a great base camp for exploring the country’s many islands off the Dalmation coast. Brac, Hvar and Krk are some popular options. For oyster lovers, a day trip from Dubrovnik to the villages of Ston and Mali Ston is a must. Both are famous for the mollusks farmed in the neighboring bay. Local restaurant Bota Šare organizes oyster farm tours.
5. Florida
- Things to Do: Palm Beach, Amelia Island, Key West
- Where to Stay: The Breakers Palm Beach (from $781/night, sleeps 2); Courtyard Amelia Island (from $226/night, sleeps 2); Parrot Key Hotel & Villas Key West (from $331/night, sleeps 2)
Florida is another trending domestic honeymoon destination. The state is huge, so if you have to choose, go for Palm Beach, Amelia Island or Key West. On Clematis Street in Palm Beach, you can party away in the nightclubs and enjoy the plethora of live music venues and restaurants. Amelia Island was one of Travel + Leisure’s 2021 picks for best islands in the continental U.S. Take a lover’s stroll down the historic Fernandina Beach downtown area and you’ll see why. As for Key West, head there if you want to see some coral reefs and the Hemingway house.
6. Maui, HI
- Things to Do: Kapalua Bay Beach, Old Lahaina Luau, catch the sunrise at Haleakala
- Where to Stay: Maui Beach Hotel ($379/night, sleeps 2); Four Seasons Resort at Wailea ($1,640/night, sleeps 2); Sheraton Maui ($669/night, sleeps 2)
If you’re envisioning a Hawaiian honeymoon, book tickets to the island of Maui. It’s home to the renowned Old Lahaina Luau, said to have the most authentic experience. Tickets include an open bar, live performance and five-course feast. You’ll also want to put the Kapalua Bay Beach and coastal trail on your itinerary. The trail is a roughly 3.5-mile round-trip and will take you along the coastline past lava fields, including Dragon's Teeth (eroding formations of trachyte lava). And, the stay wouldn’t be complete without a sunrise hike in Haleakala National Park and a healthy serving of Ululani shave ice.
7. Morocco
- Things to Do: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez
- Where to Stay: Hotel Jadali & Spa Marrakech (from $239/night, sleeps 2); Radisson Blu Hotel Casablanca (from $161/night, sleeps 2); Palais Medina & Spa ($134/night, sleeps 2)
From Marrakech to Casablanca, Morocco promises a honeymoon you won’t soon forget. Meander through the lively souks (markets) of Marrakech and discover sundries not limited to textiles, pottery and jewelry. (Semmarine is a popular market.) Be sure to also stop at Bahia Palace and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent. In Casablanca, you can channel your inner Ingrid Berman and Humphrey Bogart at Rick’s Café, a replica from the classic film. A baby grand piano, brass chandeliers and cocktails await. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the stately Hassan II Mosque overlooking the Atlantic, as well as the old medina. Finally, end your visit with a stop in Fez, home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Al Quaraouiyine. The library is open to the public and displays stunning handmade tilework dating to the 9th century. Catch a glimpse of the Fes El Bali medina and hike Mount Zalagh for a view of the medina in its entirety.