Searching the cities of the USA to find the most romantic places, we’ve partnered with adventure, culture, and luxury travel writer Dr. Cacinda Maloney, from the blog PointsandTravel as she interviews other travel experts to find out where they would take their lovers for a romantic date.
Whether you’re dreaming of adrenaline pumping adventure in Orlando, eating your way through New York with its 45,000 restaurants and some of the biggest names in the business or trying to find a seat at the latest open kitchens and communal tables in San Francisco, even the pros secretly dream of romantic places to bring their lovers. You know the trip – the one you would take if everything aligns perfectly – you have money in the bank and a few days off to go on a quick trip. Travelocity chatted with their Travel Ambassadors, known as Gnational Gnomads, to see what cities in the USA that they would take their lovers for a quick getaway.
56% of Couples Agree That Travel Keeps the “Spark” Alive
—According to a Travelocity survey, couples on average spend only 7 minutes of “romantic time” per day–
LET’S CHANGE THAT!
Atlanta, Georgia
“Deep in the good ole’ South of the USA sits the city that never sleeps: Atlanta, Georgia. Keep your New Years’ Resolution by taking a bicycle ride with your lover through town on the BeltLine. I was so impressed with Atlanta’s art and graffiti scene that lines the walls of the BeltLine! While you are riding, go ahead and take a ride through the Oakland Cemetery, too. In Atlanta, there is only ONE hero in town, so be sure and take a ride with tour guide Tom Houck and get to know what it was like to be MLK, Jr’s driver, and his personal friend. You will love the history of this town. I recommend staying at the W Atlanta Downtown, so you are in the heart of everything!”
Cacinda Maloney of PointsandTravel.com
Orlando, Florida
“Many think Orlando is a destination just for kids and family vacations, but there’s a whole other side to the City Beautiful. What could be more romantic than an adrenaline-pumping adventure? You and your sweetie can travel from the Marvel Universe to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to outer space to Jurassic Park – and that’s just at Universal Orlando Resort! In the evening, catch Disney’s legendary fireworks from a thousand vantage points, including from a luxury yacht in the Seven Seas Lagoon. There’s every conceivable option for hotels, too. You can have a romantic night in Italy at Loews Portofino Bay, or luxuriate at the Four Seasons Orlando Resort surrounded by Florida’s natural wilderness.”
Angie Orth of AngieAway.com
San Francisco, California
“My favorite romantic destination is San Francisco. I love escaping there with my husband. We book a room at Loews Regency San Francisco so we’re in the middle of everything—and with all the rooms on the top 11 floors, the views are breathtaking. Take an early morning hike through Golden Gate Park, feed each other chocolate at Ghirardelli Square, and go for an evening stroll along the waterfront. I recommend booking the Mission District Food Tour with Avital Tours for a fun way to experience the heart and soul of San Francisco.”
Susan Lanier-Graham of WanderWithWonder.com
Chicago, Illinois
“Chicago is the perfect choice for a romantic couple escape. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner date or once in a lifetime experience, there is something for all budgets. Book a special stay at a world class hotel where many offer special Valentine’s Day packages. If you prefer soaking in the scenery, try a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan or a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. If you don’t mind heights, head up to the top of the John Hancock Building or Willis Tower for drinks with a sunset view. Whatever you choose, the Windy City provides the ultimate backdrop for romance.”
Kirsten Maxwell of KidsAreATrip.com
Washington, D.C.
“D.C. may be better known for her hot political climate, but there is plenty of romance to be had if you know where to look. Seasonal celebrations like the Cherry Blossom Festival are the perfect date night catalyst. The past decade has seen a major shift in the restaurant scene as new chefs move in to set up shop. Young professionals and families staying in the city instead of moving out to the suburbs are driving the demand for craft coffee, gourmet burgers, and cuisine that pushes past the stuffy classic French food and steak that the District was known for in the past. Like many major cities, D.C. has more than enough tours, museums, and entertainment to build the perfect date night, whether you want to take a nighttime monuments tour or catch a performance at Shakespeare Theatre Company.”
Keryn Means of Walking On Travels
Denver, Colorado
“Denver has an unlimited amount of activities for couples, thus making this mile-high city perfect for a couple’s retreat. I recommend centering your activities around a couple’s massage at the Ritz-Carlton, Denver. Imagine entering the luxurious lobby and letting the elevator whisk you up to the spa level – definitely a romantic escape.”
Ava Stritt of SpaTravelGal.com
Photo by Aimee Heckel
New York City, NY
“We met in New York City and started dating one fateful night at an acoustic show. To celebrate each new month together, we would take in live music at a different venue. From rock to jazz to classical to Latin, NYC has arguably the world’s best music scene and to us, nothing sets the mood like a good rhythm.”
Mike & Anne Howard of HoneyTrek.com
Cacinda Maloney is an official Travelocity Gnational Gnomad. Gnational Gnomads is an exclusive group of high-profile travel and lifestyle experts who offer tips and inspiration on behalf of Travelocity. For more information on the Travelocity Gnomads, visit travelocitygnomads.com.
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
I have been to San Francisco, Chicago is only 4 hours away, we loved DC and Florida was sunny and fun.
These are all great recommendations! A lot of places I’d like to visit – saving for later.
These look like great suggestions! I don’t have someone at this time, to go away with for a romantic weekend, but will consider when/if I get back into a relationship 🙂
My husband and I have done a weekend in Chicago for our 6 month anniversary (before we got married). It was wonderful. Although, I don’t think that I would go for Valentine’s Day because its so cold.
You have some great suggestions here! I would love to go one day to Chicago 😀
These are definitely some great romantic getaway ideas. My husband and I went to San Francisco just the two of us a couple years ago for a getaway like that.
All of these sound like great places to visit. I still have not been to half of these places but hope to someday. Traveling is so much fin and adds to self-discovery which is so important.
I’ve been to Denver, it’s a lot flatter than I imagined because it sits East of the Rockies, but the rockies themselves are spectacular. Definitely a place to kindle some romantic vibes.
I have been to a few of those cities, but not San Francisco yet. I would think that would be a very romantic city to visit.
Hehehe I have been to all of these places!!!!! My favorite would have to be Orlando!!! So much fun
These are all great romantic getaway destinations. I would love to visit any of these places but Denver is the place I think would be the most romantic for me. Thanks for sharing the ideas.
I love this list. I’m seeing a few we’ve already visited along with a few that needs to be added to the list! Thanks so much!
I love seeing others travel lists. I like trying to find new places that we can go to. I have been to a few of these, but it is time to add a few more to my list.