The 17 best romantic getaways in the USA to fall in love with

Savannah wears its charms in the open: classic homes, historic squares and impossibly photogenic moss-covered trees. But there's more to this Southern belle than gawking at her sights. Go for a stroll on Tybee Island, then dig into expertly crafted Cajun and low-country cooking at Alligator Soul (where, yes, there's gator on the menu). Finish things off at Lulu's Chocolate Bar and share of slice of the rum-brushed strawberry suspension cake.

This Puget Sound escape—where the most populated town is just one square mile—is about getting away from it all. Island life means lighthouse strolls, coastal kayaking, visits to alpaca or lavender farms, and fresh seafood. Book a summer whale watch session and spot one of three local orca pods before then bed down at the Bird Rock Hotel where loaner bikes let you explore at just the right pace.

The Berkshires aren't just one town but a collection of several that are quaint and charming in their own way. Start with Lenox, a scenic and lush town that was once the home of writer Edith Wharton, and Stockbridge, a town that’s bursting with Norman Rockwell-inspired streets. There’s also North Adams, replete with picturesque churches, and Williamstown, a town surrounded by mountains and farmland. Stroll together hand-in-hand along the historic downtown streets, hit a hiking trail, and relax together in a B&B: there's romance here no matter where your days (and nights) take you.

Mohonk Mountain House is a gorgeous retreat located two hours from NYC that dates back to 1869. Since then, Mohonk has grown enormously, evident in varying styles of the main building as well as through the scattered wooden “summer houses” that dot the landscape. Head here for romantic Victorian rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, outstanding views from surrounding trails and live music and events. The resort also hosts occasional "Romantic Couples' Weekends" with love-themed activities for you and your beau.

It’s easy to swoon over Sonoma. The farms, the wines, the ubiquitous loveliness—this place has it all. Hop between vineyards and indulge in some local juice and fun (don’t miss the pool at Francis Ford Coppola, or the flourishing acres of spring tulips at Ferrari-Carano), then book a cedar bath for two at Osmosis day spa. Complete your stay at the posh Farmhouse Inn, where Michelin-starred dinners end with s’mores around the fire pit (or a dip in the heated pool).

There’s no wrong time to book a trip to this Rocky Mountain town where romantic enticements beckon all year long. From luxury hotels and sophisticated dining to hot air ballooning and legendary slopes, there’s a reason Aspen has a reputation for over-the-top thrills. Whether you’re here to ski with your partner, take on some rapids, or just settle into a couple’s massage at the extravagant St. Regis (don’t miss the hotel's nightly champagne sabering, either), you’ll leave Aspen more in love than ever.

If your version of paradise includes rugged cliffs and sunny sand, emerald hills and epic hikes, fire up your laptop and book a trip to Kauai. The 'Garden Isle' is a verdant wonderland where you can take a helicopter ride past the Jurassic Park waterfall, kayak Hawaii's only navigable river or walk the wild Na Pali Coast—though no one will blame you for kicking back with a cocktail on the beach.

With mountain lakes surrounded by rocky peaks, 600ft waterfalls and glaciers (expected to melt in the next 30 years), this park deserves a place on your to-do list. Hike, horseback ride, hop a boat and spot a grizzly bear or mountain goat, then cozy up over a fire or hearty meal. Given the range of accommodations offered—from lodges to campsites to backcountry chalets well worth the walk—this is the ideal destination to combine adventure and affection.

With its relentless bustle, New York romance is all about connecting with your partner amid the chaos. Go classic: Rent a rowboat in Central Park and get gussied up for dinner at La Grenouille, serving time-honored French delicacies in a flower-arrangement-filled space. Or throw tradition to the wind: Get into frisky business at the Museum of Sex or take the tram to Roosevelt Island for lofty, 360-degree views of the city.

With rolling redwood forests and cliffs jutting over turquoise water, this stretch of California coast is idyllic in the extreme. Splurge at the Post Ranch Inn, where your luxury bungalow is TV- and telephone-free, or snuggle up inside a yurt at Treebones. Come during the summer when you can kayak with sea otters, take a moonlit tour of the Point Sur lighthouse or stay up late for a dip in the Esalen Hot Springs.

Although Harpers Ferry played a role in igniting the Civil War, the vibe today leans far more romantic than revolutionary. The core of Harpers Ferry—which sits at the edge of the Shenandoah River, the Potomac River, and the Blue Ridge Mountains—is a national historic park with forts, museums, cobbled streets, and charm a plenty. You’ll also find 22 miles of hiking trails outside the city center, and in the warmer months the town is an ideal launch point for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and tubing. It won't take long to understand why locals call West Virginia 'almost heaven.'

Free your spiritual side at this desert enclave where natural vortexes emit a mystical energy. Even if communing with the Earth isn't your thing, it's worth visiting for the spectacular slot-canyon hiking and world-class accommodations. Spoil yourself in a L'Auberge de Sedona cottage complete with outdoor shower or stay at Enchantment Resort and book a couple’s treatment at the acclaimed Mii Amo spa.

The Obamas' go-to summer getaway has always charmed visitors with its windswept beaches and sweet towns. Rent a home or base yourself at Hob Knob in Edgartown, the island’s picture-perfect, oldest settlement with narrow streets, red-brick pavements and white clapboard homes. Hit the beach, browse local shops, marvel over the sunset and stuff yourself with fresh seafood—it’s not a Vineyard visit without lobster from Larsen’s Fish Market, after all.

This picturesque Southern city doesn’t just feel like a romantic movie set; Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook was actually filmed around Charleston. Turn it into the background of your own love story as you roam the historic district, explore the vibrant dining scene and wander through the gardens at Boone Hall.

Dubbed 'Island of the Little God' by the Narragansett tribe, this petite isle 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island is a world apart from the mainland. Rent a bike or moped, grab a sandwich from Three Sisters and set about the business of discovering your favorite beach or scenic trail.

With 322 days of annual sunshine, San Diego begs you to get outside and explore. Hit the waves at Pacific Beach, ride bikes along the boardwalk, charter a boat or just grab a patch of sand and snuggle up with your partner. The zoo is rightfully renowned and, when you've worked up an appetite, head to the Marine Room for dinner at high-tide when the Pacific crashes against the windows.

Barely inside the Florida border, this Atlantic Coast barrier island hits the spot for a luxury weekend or low-key retreat. Book a room at a historic B&B or bed down overlooking the beach at the Ritz-Carlton. Then spend your days soaking up sun, riding horses along the shoreline or out on the water on a fishing charter or sightseeing tour. Keep the camera ready for sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins.