If travel time, or budget prevents you from honeymooning overseas, rest assured you can still get a romantic, cultural, and exciting vacation in The States! Consider one of these beautiful destinations, especially if they are easily accessible from where you're located. You can save a lot on airfare by road tripping to these cities, and spend your budget instead on fun attractions, delightful food, and comfortable lodging. Your dream honeymoon doesn't have to be abroad to be unforgettable.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Known for jazz, Cajun food, and brightly-colored buildings, New Orleans often feels like a European capital rather than a city in the South. Your stay in the Big Easy wouldn't be complete without some dancing, world-class cuisine, and window shopping on Royal Street. If you like adventure, the city isn't far from swamplands housing alligators and other wildlife.
2. Boulder, Colorado
This sky-high city offers a college town feel with a bit of a hippie flavor, while getting you close to the beautiful peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Stay in a cozy mountain cabin and explore the town on the days you aren't getting some serious hiking in. Take in the beauty of Colorado's natural scenery, all while within reach of excellent dining and entertainment. This destination is perfect for the couple that wants a small-town feel when honeymooning.
3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh may be known as the Steel City, but its downtown has seen a lot of beautiful additions in the past few years. If you want a walkable city with great museums, food, and history, Pittsburgh is the choice for you. Explore everything from the microbrew scene to the iconic Duquesne Incline that gives a breathtaking view of the city from atop the ridge.
4. The Bay Area, San Francisco
California may be the heart of technological innovation, but San Francisco and its surrounding area is perfect for visiting. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island, you'll find all kinds of historical locations. Ghirardelli Square offers delicious chocolate-themed desserts and Fisherman's Wharf is great for a stroll.
5. Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you want a beach vacation but are not keen on Florida, check out the Outer Banks, which is a grouping of islands off the coast of North Carolina. While there are enough attractions, shopping, and food to satisfy, it's a quieter beach experience than some others. Many love the natural beauty of the waterway between the Outer Banks and the mainland, as well as the beautiful oceanfront.
6. Portland, Oregon
This city of "hipsters" is nonetheless a wonderful spot for a Pacific Northwest honeymoon. The Hawthorne District provides great vegetarian and vegan food as well as beautiful architecture, and Forest Park offers a glimpse into the past of this wild and mossy climate. A public transit system and biking are both available, so it's easy to get around the city all day without having to spend a lot of time in a car.
7. Traverse City, Michigan
The Midwest boasts a lovely waterfront town in the form of Traverse City. Romantic and charming, this small city on Lake Michigan offers opera, beaches, and the National Cherry Festival (if your honeymoon happens to be at that time). A well-known destination in Michigan, this city has less of a reputation around the country and thus is a bit of a hidden gem.
8. St. Louis, Missouri
The Gateway Arch isn't the only thing to visit in St. Louis. If your honeymoon takes you to this historical city, you'll find a vibrant foodie scene, the amazing City Museum, and plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. Central to many states and having a large airport, St. Louis is an affordable option.
9. Savannah, Georgia
Known for its many beautiful parks in the form of town squares, this Southern city is beautifully walkable and historic. Enjoying the excellent comfort food and the architecture of many historic homes and buildings makes for a lovely, slow-paced honeymoon where you can really take in the whole city.
10. Madison, Wisconsin
A hub for arts and culture, Madison offers a lovely college town vibe while still being a substantially sized city. Its mild summers make it a great option for people who don't like the tropical heat of beach honeymoons. The temperate days are still great for an outing on the lake or a stroll through the center of town, where the large college population supports an amazing variety of world cuisine restaurants.
