Big Sur, California
Located on the central California coast, Big Sur offers breathtaking mountain and ocean views, and sparkling starry nights. The main attraction is all the beauty nature has to offer. Surrounded by the Ventana Wilderness and offering romantic attractions such as the Esalen Hot Springs and Point Sur Lighthouse, Big Sur becomes a top pick for a relaxing vacation. The weather in Big Sur is best in the spring and fall months. If you vacation here during mid summer you shouldn't be surprised to find the coast covered with fog. Don't choose Big Sur as a spur of the moment trip thinking you can go into town and find a place to stay, hotels and bed and breakfast rooms stay booked, so reserve a room early. While you are there don't miss out on the opportunity to visit Pfeiffer Beach. This beach is little known to tourists. Hidden off Highway 1, on a street with no sign, lies a beach that should be one of the wonders of the world. With dramatic off shore rock formations and purple sand, you will never see another beach quite like this. Make sure to go early, once the parking lot is full, the rangers will turn you away.
Savannah, Georgia
For a romantic, laid back getaway you can't go wrong with Savannah Georgia. Travel back in time to a place where horse drawn carriage rides happen every day. Located just miles from the Atlantic coast, this town has much to offer. Think about lazy afternoons swinging on a porch swing with ice cold lemonade and large fans twirling overhead. The historic district offers shops, cafes, and many restaurants. For a romantic evening, travel to nearby Tybee Island and climb to the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse or take a cruise down the Savannah River.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage Alaska has just about everything a person could want. Every season has something different to offer. Winter, spring and fall months offer breathtaking views of the amazing Aurora Borealis, while the Summer Solstice offers straight sunlight for a never-ending day of fun. Charter a boat and go Beluga Whale watching, visit the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge to see many varieties of birds or take a drive along Turnagain Arm and watch the animals grazing along the hillside.
Aspen, Colorado
When I think of Aspen Colorado my mind automatically drifts towards thoughts of a quiet snowy night wrapped in a blanket in front of a roaring fire. While that is great, why don't you try visiting Aspen during the summer? Still a romantic destination, Aspen offers many things to do during the summer months at a much lower price range. With high temperatures between 75 and 80F, I can't think of a better time to ride the Silver Queen gondolas to the top of the Ajax Mountains. For a wonderful hotel check out the Hotel Jerome, and ask the about romance packages to make your stay even more memorable.
Amelia Island, Florida
Picture the beauty of a huge oak tree hugging the warm white sand of a Florida beach. Now think of the warm sea air caressing your face as you watch the sun set over the water. You can have all of this and more on Amelia Island. This little island has much to offer a couple taking a romantic vacation. Take a narrated tour of scenic waterways or ride horses on the beach at sunset. Add in the small bed and breakfast cottages or luxury resorts and you will feel like you are on your honeymoon all over again. There is no bad time to visit the island, as the island always has something to offer.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
With the motto, "The Sweetest Place on Earth," no list of romantic vacation destinations would be complete without Hershey, Pennsylvania. The summer months find Hershey bustling with families visiting Hersheypark, complete with children in tow. But head on up in the off season and you will find a different experience. The Hotel Hershey is geared towards romantic adult getaways. From the time you check in, till the time you leave everything is about the chocolate. Don't forget to visit the spa and get wrapped in chocolate, how very decadent! Also remember to take a stroll through Hershey Gardens and see the loving tribute Milton Hershey made for his wife.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Great Smokey Mountains embody all that is romance. Rent a chalet on the mountain and enjoy your first night by a warm fire in front of a wall of windows overlooking the city. Rise in the morning to see the light fog settled over the valley below. Gatlinburg offers a crafty town with shops tending to sell more handmade items than not. Take a romantic drive on the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail. This is a six mile one way paved road that twists and turns while revealing many secluded spots to stop and picnic. The trail ends back in downtown where you do not want to miss the lights of the city. This is my number one choice for a romantic getaway. Oh and did I mention, most of the rooms in Gatlinburg have two person jacuzzi tubs in them, who could beat that!
Wherever you decide to travel, make sure not to jam pack your time with activities. Don't underestimate the fun that can come from a morning of sleeping in and cuddling.
