Spring is slowly starting to melt into summer and with that comes fantastic vacation opportunities. Do you and your partner have a vacation in the U.S. planned? If not, some romantic places are more suited for couples, offering some quiet, beautiful scenery and time with your loved one. Summer also gives access to many of the places that were closed, snowed-in, or had restricted access due to severe weather. Many National Parks, romantic mountain hotels, historic cities and much more can be easily reached during the summer months. Consider some of these summer vacation ideas for couples and spend some quality time in some fantastic places!
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Cape Cod
The charming island of Cape Cod, Massachusetts has been attracting visitors from all over the country. It is considered an island, separated from the mainland of Massachusetts by a single canal and also has several accompanying smaller islands. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island are also very popular, and visitors can reach them by ferry. Romantic seaside dining options are the perfect way to celebrate time together with a loved one. Cape Cod has beautiful beaches, wonderful shopping options, as well as biking and trails. See one of the many lighthouses, an art gallery, or sip on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the water. Make sure to try some fresh lobster or a bowl of New England’s most excellent clam chowder. Explore the quaint towns complete with whaling museums, whaling vacation’s mansions, the weather shingles of the area’s specific architecture. This is the perfect place for a romantic getaway along the famous beaches of Cape Cod.
Grand Canyon
The winter snow that has covered the Flagstaff area, as well as the Grand Canyon, has melted and given way to spring and soon summer. The summer months may be a bit more crowded, but it is the perfect time to visit one of the most beautiful sights in the world. There are camping options as well as luxe resorts like the Enchantment Resort where you can try a prickly pear margarita. Stand on the canyon rim and watch the sunset or sunrise, or take a helicopter tour for the best views, or even a mule ride to the bottom. The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for weddings as the scenery is unbeatable. Tie the knot, renew your vows or just spend time with the one you love in one of the most astounding places in the world.
Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge
For another couples option, visit the scenic Smokey Mountains to the famous towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for fun, views, and romance. The towns are connected by a road that is only 5 miles long, so both cities can easily be seen and visited. There are tons to see and do, and many of it is by walking around. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just around the corner, where the happy couple can take the Blue Ridge Parkway Drive to see the amazing mountains that draw millions of people a year as one of the most visited National Parks. Try a couple’s massage in Gatlinburg at the Spa at Pine Mountain, or how about some delicious wine tasting at one of the several different wineries all located within a few miles of each other. Visit the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge for some fun rides, shows, and festivals. There are lots of restaurants with a more romantic feel to them, and there are hundreds of cozy cabins made for two (or more) to rent for your stay. Try a hike through the gorgeous forests and have a picnic in a beautiful setting prepared for two. The options are endless in the Smoky Mountains!
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of California’s largest and most popular cities and the night lights attract thousands of couples to see and explore this amazing “city by the bay.” The city is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, which a couple can stroll across using the walkways. San Francisco is a culinary delight, with trendy and new foods, concoctions and amazing recipes at high-end restaurants. There are lovely nature hikes like the Lands End Trail that leads down to the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Baker Beach is a mile-long stretch of sand, and the view of the bridge from here is fantastic. Experience the lovely and fragrant Conservatory of Flowers with exotic plants and have dinner with panoramic views at the Top of the Mark restaurant located atop Nob Hill. Evening cocktails can be had at any of the lounges or trendy local bars, or experience a night at the theater featuring a comedian or perhaps a drama-filled play. The city is full of things to see and do and don’t forget to stop and gaze at the romantic evening lights of San Francisco.
Napa Valley
The infamous Napa Valley in California is wine tasting heaven and the perfect getaway for couples. The experiences in Napa Valley are geared more towards adults, and many fantastic tours are offered to different wineries around the valley. Try a meal at the intimate French bistro known as the Bistro Jeanty, or sip wine from the grand terrace at Domaine Carneros. Spas are littered throughout the romantic hotels tucked away in the valley. Most hotels offer transportation for the tours or getting around Napa. Golf, tennis, trails, hiking, and biking are all available throughout the gorgeous valley surrounded by picturesque mountains and rolling hills. Try some of the favorite local wines and experience the Capp Heritage center that features musicians and artists as well as wine tastings. Many more art galleries, museums, and theaters are available for entertainment for the perfect date night in Napa Valley as well. Warm, romantic restaurants and hotels are scattered across Napa, all presenting an adult atmosphere of peace, quiet, and beauty. Swim in one of the infinity pools at one of the resorts and then catch your tour to see all the wineries and do some delicious wine sampling with your partner.
Romance is in the Air
All couples need to get away now and then. Summer is the perfect season to see many of the National Parks up north, as well as lakes and beautiful resorts that would usually be covered in snow. From coast to coast there are tons of things to do and see. Find that perfect hotel at the ocean or lake, or rent a cozy cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Sample fine wine, or eat some delicious cuisine out under the stars. Whatever you desire, there is a place for you and your partner to get some quality alone time while enjoying the sights and sounds of some of the best summer vacation ideas for couples.
