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Portland, Oregon
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The most romantic cities in the USA

Get those hearts-a-swoonin', 'cause it is time to pay a visit to the most romantic cities in the United States.

Written by
Stacey Lastoe
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When it comes to romance, there is no one-size-fits-all. What stirs romantic vibes and elicits romance differs from couple to couple. While some people equate romance with upscale, multi-course dinners complete with champagne and caviar, others want a beach resort that promises to pamper, and others seek out shared adventures, like rock-climbing in the desert or trekking miles to jaw-dropping views to get in the mood.

Whether you're after steamy action—a nightlife scene where cozy snuggling in a leather banquette is all but mandatory—or spa-induced bliss—couples massage, anyone?—the most romantic cities in the US will get hearts singing in no time.

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Most romantic cities in the US

In the city that never sleeps, there is a bevy of romantic hotel options from The William Vale in Brooklyn to The Pierre overlooking Central Park, gorgeous spots to rest and recharge after a day gallivanting around the Greatest City in the World. Take in a Broadway show, enjoy a leisurely dinner at Le Bernardin, or an afternoon visiting The Guggenheim. Whatever your inclination—bagels in the park or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge—you’ll find no shortage of romantic options.

Considered by many to be the OG of the spa vacation, this Arizona city is the place to be when life and all its stressors start to feel unwieldy. But it’s not all body scrubs and deep tissue massages (actually, at CIVANA, you don’t want to miss the hydrotherapy thermal circuit); take turns scaling gigantic rocks—and rooting for your partner to keep climbing—at Boulders Resort & Spa, after which you can tuck into an atmospheric dinner under the stars, having earned every delicious morsel.

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Aspen, CO
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3. Aspen, CO

No matter the season, Aspen delights travelers looking for some luxe, mountain fun—though to be sure, no skiing and/or mountain biking is required for maximum enjoyment of this artsy enclave, home to five-star hotels like The St. Regis and restaurants like French Alpine Bistro, oozing romance (and fondue!). The city is removed enough to feel like a true escape from chaos but bustling enough to radiate big-city energy.

Marfa, TX
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4. Marfa, TX

Although it rose to fame and became a destination in its own right thanks to a thriving art scene, Marfa is much more than an art lover’s paradise. This West Texas city is home to the state’s highest golf course, a boutique winery offering private tastings for two, and the Lost Horse Saloon, a true Western bar with live music. Get back to basics with your person via a stay at El Cosmico, where yurts, trailers, and tepees encourage off-grid intimacy.

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Yes, that Will Smith song is now stuck in our heads. This Floridian city is an ideal choice for couples who eschew the generic. Spend time people-watching as you walk along South Beach or meander the grounds of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens before retreating to the tranquil confines of the splurge-worthy Setai, where gracious staff sees to it that you and yours bask in the lap of luxury.

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New Orleans, LA
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7. New Orleans, LA

Who says a city famous for its parties and raucous open streets can’t be romantic? Certainly not us. New Orleans is the place to get silly and buzzed with your other half, sure, but it’s also a culturally-rich city with sultry appeal beyond its beignets. Creole-style architecture, an evolving cocktail scene, live music every night of the week, and festivals galore provide NOLA’s visiting couples with ample opportunity to spice things up.

8. Greenville, SC

While certain other Southern cities have bogarted the love in recent years, it’s high time this little South Carolina gem takes center stage. The romance in this cosmopolitan city with a fierce hold of its roots is evidenced in its sparkling clean, eminently walkable downtown bursting with restaurants (Camp is the ultimate date night spot), art galleries, adorable gift shops, and inviting cafes—all the fixings for a lovely, low-key respite.

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Kitschy wedding chapels aside (or not?), there’s far more to Sin City than an impromptu elopement. Thanks to an unbeatable high-end hotel scene, dining rooms brought to you by such bold-faced restauranteurs as Michael Mina and Giada De Laurentiis, and exciting musical residences from Katy Perry and Adele, Las Vegas is always uber-glamorous. And if the casinos don’t stoke the fire (or your bank account), head off-strip to enjoy the nearby hiking in glorious Red Rock Canyon, the perfect selfie spot.

Oregon state's largest city has long been considered cool, but the buzz about this PNW city shows no sign of dimming any time soon. Portland is packed with walkable or bikeable neighborhoods, depending on your mileage, incredibly diverse cuisine, a growing hotel scene, and some of the finest dispensaries in the state. Portland's exploratory appeal is clear for all to see, and its love affair with donuts is truly inspiring stuff.

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