Best couple vacation destinations in North America
Best couple vacation destinations in North America
North America might not trade on romance the way some continents do, but couples who look past the clichés will find an almost unfair amount of variety waiting for them here.
Pairs who thrive on energy can lose themselves in big cities with world-class restaurants, live music and late nights. Those who would rather share silence can head for national parks, mountain lodges or long coastal drives where the scenery does the talking. The Caribbean side of the continent adds classic beach romance, while colder regions offer cabins, hot springs and the occasional display of northern lights. Road trips deserve a special mention, since few things test and strengthen a relationship quite like one.
The North American destinations on our list cover that whole spread, from urban city breaks to quiet corners of wilderness, so the hardest part will be agreeing on which mood to book first.
Lists by region
Country
Curaçao
Vibrant Caribbean with Dutch flair
Locals eat stoba, a slow cooked meat stew, in small family restaurants near Willemstad harbour, where pink, yellow and blue Dutch style buildings stand along the water. Couples then take a short drive to Playa Kenepa, a small cove with clear turquoise water that is good for snorkelling.
Village in United States
Carmel-by-the-Sea
European-style charm meets coastal beauty
Charming and walkable, this seaside village has art galleries, wine tasting rooms and small cottages with gardens. Many homes have names instead of street numbers. Carmel Beach has white sand and cypress trees. Couples can stroll to the mission, have a long lunch and watch the sunset.
Island in United States
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
Seas on the north shore are calm from about May to September. The south shore is sunny for most of the year. Couples can hike part of the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast or see the coast by boat. Waimea Canyon has wide views.
Nature Reserve in Costa Rica
Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves
Mist, Wildlife and Cloudy Magic
Above 4,000 feet in the Tilaran Mountains, the cloud forest is damp and green with mist drifting among the trees. Couples cross hanging bridges at treetop level and walk at dawn along quiet trails to look for the resplendent quetzal, a bird with a long green tail.
Town in Canada
Tofino
Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves
November to February is storm watching season. Couples often stay in cosy oceanfront inns to watch big Pacific waves. Summer is the time for surf lessons, kayaking and boat trips to Hot Springs Cove. Grey whales are seen along this coast from March to October.
City in United States
Savannah
Southern Charm, Moss-Draped Squares
Spanish moss sways from live oak trees over the 22 historic squares, where couples sit on benches in the shade as horse drawn carriages pass. In the evening cobblestone River Street has live music and pecan pralines, a sweet candy made with pecans and brown sugar.
City in United States
Charleston (South Carolina)
Southern Charm, History and Coastline
March and April have mild days and blooming azaleas, so couples ride in horse drawn carriages past Rainbow Row, a line of pastel houses on East Bay Street. Dinner is often shrimp and grits, a Lowcountry dish of shrimp over creamy cornmeal, in a historic building.
Country
Dominica
Nature island with pristine rainforests
Like a rainforest spa, the island has hot springs at Wotten Waven where couples soak in warm mineral pools under tall trees after a day of hiking. Nearby Trafalgar Falls is a pair of waterfalls known as Father and Mother, a short walk from a viewing platform.
City in Mexico
Oaxaca
Colonial Charm and Rich Traditions
In southern Mexico, this region has mountain valleys, a Pacific coast and a historic colonial city. Oaxaca is known for mole sauces, mezcal and colourful markets. Couples can visit the ancient ruins of Monte Albán and take a cooking class together. Guelaguetza, a folk dance festival, takes place each July.
State/Prefecture in United States
New Hampshire
Mountains, lakes and coastal charm
Compared with busier parts of New England, this state has quiet mountain towns, lakes and covered bridges. Drives along the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains are popular for autumn foliage. There is no general sales tax, which helps when shopping for crafts and antiques.
City in United States
Sedona
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies
In the high desert of northern Arizona at about 4,300 feet, the town is ringed by red sandstone buttes such as Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Couples watch sunset from Airport Mesa while hikers walk to Cathedral Rock for views of red cliffs glowing orange.
Town in Canada
Banff
Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure
At Lake Louise couples rent red canoes to paddle across turquoise water below the Victoria Glacier. Later in the evening the Banff Upper Hot Springs, at about 5,200 feet in the Rockies, are a warm place to soak while stars come out above the mountains.
State/Prefecture in United States
Vermont
Green Mountains, Maple Syrup, Pure Charm
Compared with many states, this one looks more rural, with no billboards, covered bridges and small farms. Maple syrup, local cheese and craft beer are part of the food scene. Couples can stay in country inns, hike in the Green Mountains or ski at Stowe. Foliage often peaks in early October.
Region in United States
Big Sur
Coastal cliffs and luminous sunsets
Along about 90 miles of California's central coast, the Santa Lucia Mountains drop steeply to the Pacific Ocean. Highway 1 passes redwood groves and high cliffs. Couples can stay in forest cabins and walk to McWay Falls, a waterfall that spills onto a beach. Mobile signal is limited, so it is easy to disconnect.
City in Canada
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
With cobbled streets, stone walls and French speaking cafes, this city has a strong European feel. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Couples can walk the boardwalk by the Château Frontenac, ride the funicular and eat in candlelit bistros. The Winter Carnival in February has ice sculptures and parades.
Region in United States
Finger Lakes
Waterfalls, wine and pristine lakes
Eleven long, narrow lakes lie across upstate New York, with more than 100 wineries nearby. Riesling is a well known wine here. Seneca Lake is a popular base. Couples can follow a wine trail, hike to waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park or stay in a lakeside inn.
City in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
Colonial Charm with Artistic Soul
The historic centre of this small colonial city is compact and walkable, with cobbled lanes and colourful buildings. The pink stone Parroquia church stands beside the main square. Rooftop bars and art galleries are close together. Many couples stay in boutique hotels with courtyards. The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
City in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
A fishing village at the tip of Baja California developed into a resort town in the late 20th century. Couples can take sunset boat trips to El Arco, the rock arch at land's end. Beaches, spa resorts and seafood restaurants are close together. Whale watching trips run from December to April.
State/Prefecture in United States
Maine
Lobsters, Lighthouses and Lush Landscapes
A lobster dinner at a seaside shack, eaten at picnic tables with a bib, is a classic Maine custom. Couples can visit lighthouses and walk the coast in Acadia National Park. Small inns in towns such as Camden and Kennebunkport suit a quiet stay. Autumn foliage is bright in October.
City in Mexico
Tulum
Ruins, reefs and boho beaches
Like a beach town hidden in a jungle, the area has Mayan ruins on a cliff above turquoise Caribbean water where cyclists ride along a quiet road between the ruins and the beach. Couples swim in Gran Cenote, a freshwater sinkhole with clear water, then eat tacos at beachfront restaurants.
Country
Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean twin-islands of tropical contrasts
Locals eat doubles, soft flatbread filled with curried chickpeas, at street stands in Port of Spain while Tobago has Pigeon Point, a white sand beach with a thatched jetty. Snorkellers swim over the coral gardens of Buccoo Reef nearby. Couples end the day with rum punch on a quiet beach.
Valley in Canada
Okanagan Valley
Vibrant vineyards and crystal‑clear lakes
In the southern interior of British Columbia, this valley has a chain of long lakes and dry, sunny hills. More than 150 wineries are found along the shores. Couples can cycle wine trails, swim from sandy beaches and stay in lakeside resorts. Orchards of cherries and peaches bloom in spring.
Island in Canada
Vancouver Island
Untamed Beauty and Coastal Charm
Afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria is a long standing tradition on this island. Couples can walk through Butchart Gardens, taste wine in the Cowichan Valley and take whale watching trips from Victoria. Beaches and rainforest trails are found on the west coast.
Island in Canada
Prince Edward Island
Coastal charm and serene wilderness
Leaders met in Charlottetown in 1864 in talks that led to Canadian confederation. Lucy Maud Montgomery set Anne of Green Gables on this island. Couples can cycle the Confederation Trail, eat fresh lobster and relax on red sand beaches. Lighthouses and small fishing villages dot the coast.
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