Honeymoon Destinations: Best States For Newlyweds

which state is the best in honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon? There are plenty of options in the United States, from the beaches of Hawaii to the vineyards of Napa Valley. If you're looking for a tropical paradise, Maui is known for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and natural beauty. Kauai, another Hawaiian island, offers pristine wild landscapes, including the Jurassic Park-like scenery of the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Waimea Canyon. For a more rugged adventure, the Big Island boasts geographic diversity with lush jungles, volcanic craters, and snow-capped mountains. Outside of Hawaii, honeymooners can enjoy the historic charm of Newport, Rhode Island, or the small-town vibe of Block Island, known for its seafood and rosé. Adventure-seekers might prefer glamping in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park, or exploring the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park. For a classic beach honeymoon, look no further than Cape May, New Jersey, or the Florida Keys, including Key West and Islamorada, which offer pristine beaches and aquatic activities. Foodies will delight in the restaurants of Michigan's western coast or Napa Valley's wineries. And for a touch of Southern charm, consider Charleston, South Carolina, or the Hostess City of the South, Savannah, Georgia, where you can stroll through stately garden squares and enjoy romantic bars and restaurants.

Characteristics Values
States in the USA California, Hawaii, Washington, Michigan, Tennessee, Colorado, Arizona, Alaska
Cities Seattle, Nashville, Aspen, Honolulu, Newport, Charleston
Natural Attractions Cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests, geysers, lakes, rivers, canyons
Activities Hiking, snorkelling, scuba diving, skydiving, parasailing, kayaking, sailing, tennis, wine tasting, shopping, dining, spa treatments
Accommodations The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Hotel Bennett, Four Seasons Hotel, Hotel Jerome, The Moorings Village, Hotel Theodore, Alyeska Lodge

shunbridal

Hawaii: Hike the Nāpali Coast, explore Waimea Canyon State Park, and kayak down the Wailua River

Hawaii is a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean, with endless sun, soft sands, ancient culture, and exhilarating natural adventures. It is a serene, restful, exciting, and exotic destination, consistently ranking among the most desired honeymoon spots globally. The state's six major islands offer unique experiences, from untouched beaches to luxurious resorts, and adventurous activities like snorkelling, skydiving, and scuba diving.

One of the must-visit places in Hawaii is the Nāpali Coast on the island of Kauaʻi, famed for its dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and breathtaking scenery. Hiking the Nāpali Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering panoramic views of the azure waters and lush greenery. The trail stretches for 11 miles, winding along the coast and revealing new wonders at every turn.

For a different perspective, explore the Wailua River in Kauai by kayak. Meander two miles upstream, passing an old Hawaiian village, and then continue on foot through the pristine canyons and tropical rainforest of the Wailua River Valley to the Uluwehi Waterfalls. The gentle trade winds make paddling upstream a breeze, and the warm waters, lush rainforest, and opportunity to swim at the waterfall make for an unforgettable experience.

Another natural wonder in Kauai is the Waimea Canyon State Park, which offers a scenic drive, lookouts over the colourful gorge of Waimea Canyon, a viewpoint of Ni‘ihau Island, wildland picnicking, and trails for hiking. The park is a nature lover's paradise, with its deep gorge, vibrant colours, and adjacent forest reserves offering long, strenuous hikes. However, due to a new fungal disease, the native ʻŌhiʻa trees in the park are currently dying, so be sure to check for updates before your visit.

Honeymoon Gifts: What Do They Mean?

You may want to see also

shunbridal

California: Redwood trees in the north, palm trees in the south, and the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1 drive

California is a large state with a diverse range of landscapes, making it a great honeymoon destination for couples with different interests. From the redwood trees in the north to the palm trees in the south, and the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1 drive, California has something for everyone.

For those who enjoy nature and the outdoors, the redwood trees in Northern California are a must-see. The Redwood Highway, also known as US Highway 101, offers a scenic drive through the towering coastal redwoods, with opportunities to drive through the trees themselves at the Avenue of the Giants and other locations. The Humboldt Redwoods, Jedediah Smith State Park, and Howland Hill Road are particularly noteworthy. The redwoods can grow as tall as a 30-story building, and the park smells like Christmas all year round.

If you're looking for a more relaxed and luxurious honeymoon, Palm Springs in Southern California offers a unique mix of lush greenery and mid-century modern design. You can explore Death Valley and play a round of golf on the same day. Santa Barbara, with its vineyards, historic Spanish buildings, and botanical gardens, also exudes a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

For couples seeking a beach getaway, San Diego is a great option. Its close proximity to Mexico allows for day trips across the border to Tijuana for margaritas and shopping. Catalina Island, known for its luxury hotels and water sports, is another great choice for honeymooning couples.

California's wine country is also a popular honeymoon destination. Sonoma, with its beautiful vineyards and nearby coast and Redwood National Forest, offers a combination of natural beauty and the finer things in life.

Whether you're looking for breathtaking nature, luxurious relaxation, or exciting adventures, California's diverse landscapes and attractions will create an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Honeymoon Killers: A True Crime Story

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Washington: Seattle is a great base for whale watching, Snoqualmie Falls, and Mount Rainier National Park

Washington is a great state to visit on your honeymoon, offering a range of activities and sights to enjoy as a couple. Seattle is the perfect base for a romantic getaway, with plenty of luxurious accommodation options. The city provides easy access to some of Washington's most beautiful natural attractions, including Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Rainier National Park, as well as offering the chance to go whale watching.

Snoqualmie Falls is a tranquil and picturesque spot, where you can relax and take in the views. The nearby Salish Lodge offers guest rooms with views of the falls, the Snoqualmie River, and the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape, including the historic hydroelectric power plant. The lodge provides a romantic setting with gas fireplaces, luxurious bedding, and spa-like bathrooms, perfect for a honeymoon. Sit back with a glass of wine and curl up with a book, or take a walk to enjoy the natural surroundings.

For a truly memorable experience, Seattle also offers the opportunity to go whale watching. Island Adventures provides year-round whale-watching tours with convenient departure locations across Washington State. Their tours guarantee whale sightings and offer a range of amenities, including onboard naturalists, indoor heated cabins, and upper and lower viewing decks. You can also opt for a full-day excursion to spend more time on the water and with the whales.

In addition to the natural beauty of Snoqualmie Falls and the thrill of whale watching, Washington also boasts the majestic Mount Rainier National Park. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, with its breathtaking scenery of towering cliffs, serene waters, and lush forests. Explore the park's diverse landscapes, from tranquil lakes to rugged mountain peaks, and discover the abundance of wildlife that calls the park home.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, Washington State has something for every couple on their honeymoon. Seattle provides a great base with its convenient location and array of luxurious accommodations, while the surrounding natural attractions offer romantic and unforgettable experiences. From the majestic Mount Rainier to the tranquil Snoqualmie Falls and the exciting whale-watching excursions, Washington will leave you with cherished memories of your honeymoon.

shunbridal

Arizona: Majestic red rocks, ancient petroglyphs, and cacti

Arizona is a unique and diverse state, offering an array of experiences for honeymooners. The state's natural wonders, vibrant culture, and luxurious accommodations make it an ideal destination for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, and romance.

One of the most distinctive features of Arizona is its majestic red rocks, found in places like Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Sedona, nestled within enchanting red rock mountains and surrounded by beautiful hills, is a popular spot for couples to relax and explore. The town offers lavish restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as must-visit areas like Uptown Sedona and Cathedral Rock. The Grand Canyon, with its awe-inspiring vistas and adventurous activities, provides a breathtaking backdrop for a honeymoon, with its colourful cliffs and deep ravines.

Arizona also boasts ancient petroglyphs and rich cultural heritage. The Heard Museum in Phoenix offers an in-depth exploration of Native American history, while the city itself provides numerous outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, and desert jeep tours. For a blend of cultural and natural experiences, the Sonoran Desert is a perfect choice, where couples can enjoy hot air balloon rides, stargazing, and encounters with cacti.

The state also offers luxurious accommodations and pampering experiences. Scottsdale, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, is known for its world-class resorts and spas, including the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, providing luxurious pampering and the vibrant spirit of the West. Tucson, with its Catalina Mountains backdrop, is home to resorts like Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, offering a magical desert experience. For a blend of luxury and history, the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, awaits newlyweds with its glamorous embrace and architectural brilliance.

Arizona's diverse landscape, majestic red rocks, ancient petroglyphs, and cacti-filled deserts create a romantic and adventurous backdrop for a honeymoon, offering couples unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish.

shunbridal

Alaska: Adventure honeymoons with Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park

If you're looking for adventure and breathtaking natural landscapes for your honeymoon, Alaska is the place to be. The state boasts incredible scenery, from towering cliffs and serene waters to majestic glaciers and rugged coastlines. Among the many natural wonders Alaska has to offer, Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park stand out as must-visit destinations for newlyweds seeking excitement and exploration.

Denali National Park:

Denali National Park is Alaska's most popular land attraction, and for good reason. This vast, unspoiled wilderness offers some of the most famous sights in Alaska, including Mt. Denali and the continent's highest peaks in the Alaska Range. With braided glacial rivers, massive peaks, and tundra, Denali provides a wild and rugged experience. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, and foxes.

To explore Denali, you can choose from various options. Independent travellers often opt for bus tours along the Park Road, while others prefer renting bicycles or utilising the hop-on-hop-off Park Shuttle to hike at their own pace. For a more intimate experience, consider staying at one of the lodges deep inside Denali, where you can hike, bicycle, canoe, and explore away from the crowds. Don't miss the opportunity to go rafting, flightseeing, or even take a rowdy ATV tour or ziplining adventure.

Kenai Fjords National Park:

Located just 130 miles from Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park is famous for its glaciers, wildlife, and adventurous opportunities. The park encompasses over 600,000 acres outside the harbour town of Seward and was established to protect Alaska's glacially carved landscapes. Snow and ice cover 50% of the park, with the vast Harding Icefield stretching over 700 square miles, giving rise to stunning fjords and tidewater glaciers.

At Kenai Fjords, you'll find a range of activities to suit both leisurely and adventurous tastes. Boat tours, kayaking, camping, fishing, beachcombing, biking, hiking, and even dog sledding are all popular choices. For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to black and brown bears, mountain goats, moose, lynx, wolverines, and a variety of marine life, including humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles.

Anchorage:

As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby natural wonders like Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. The city offers a range of activities for couples, from breathtaking views and adventure sports to romantic lodges and candlelit dinners. Don't forget to pack appropriately for the season, as Anchorage is known for its harsh winters.

Other Honeymoon Options in the USA:

If you're considering other states for your honeymoon within the USA, there are plenty of options to choose from:

  • Hawaii, Napa Valley, and Aspen are classic romantic destinations.
  • Block Island in Rhode Island offers a small-town vibe with a modern beach house experience and plenty of dining options.
  • Newport, chosen by JFK and Jackie Kennedy for their nuptials, features sailing, tennis, and tours of historic mansions.
  • Cape May, America's oldest seaside resort town, offers Victorian architecture and a bustling atmosphere for honeymooners.
  • Michigan's western coast provides retro speedboat cruises, white sand beaches, and an under-the-radar food scene.

Frequently asked questions

There are several states in the USA with amazing beaches for honeymooning. Some of the best ones include California, Florida, and Hawaii.

Washington State, Alaska, and Colorado are some of the best states for honeymooning in nature. Washington State offers whale watching, Snoqualmie Falls, Olympic National Park, and Mt. Rainier National Park. Alaska offers Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, with activities like rafting on wild rivers and kayaking on secluded glacial lakes. Colorado offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in Aspen or Vail, as well as hot springs and scenic drives through Rocky Mountain National Park.

For a luxurious honeymoon, Hawaii is a great choice, with Maui being the most luxurious and resort-heavy of all the Hawaiian islands. California is another top choice, with Napa Valley offering luxury resorts, wine tasting, and spa experiences.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment