There are many romantic cities in the United States. From the west coast to the east coast, from the south to the north, from tropical islands to desert vistas. There is a huge variety of stunning destinations, each with their own flavor of love and romance.
10 Most Romantic Cities in The U.S.
Here is our guide to the 10 most romantic cities in the US. From laid back to bustling, these cities each offer something special for visitors looking forward to a romantic escape.
Boston
New England’s largest city has all the hallmarks of its charming region. It has incredible seafood, some of the country’s richest history, and four distinctive seasons. What could be more romantic than strolling hand in hand along the Freedom Trail during the fall, when the whole city is ablaze in Autumn colors?
Don’t Miss:
Exploring local museums, wandering the aisles of the Boston Public Library, dining on lobster in one of the many romantic restaurants overlooking Boston Harbor.
Charleston
Southern charm radiates throughout Charleston, its presence thick in the sultry, jasmine-scented air. The cobblestone streets of Old Town are lined with 18th and 19th century buildings, and you can experience this historical corner of the city on foot or on a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Don’t Miss:
Kissing under the 400-year-old Angel Oak Tree, riding through downtown on a private carriage, sitting in the grass for a picnic lunch at White Point Garden.
Chicago
The Windy City combines easygoing midwestern charm with the sophistication that comes with being one of America’s largest cities. Towering high rises line the Chicago River as it winds through downtown, past exceptional museums and elegant restaurants serving perfectly executed dishes from across the globe. The beaches of Lake Michigan, meanwhile, have stunning views and are the most relaxed place in the city to people watch.
Don’t Miss:
Riding a tandem bike along the lakefront, taking some fun pictures at “The Bean” in Millennium Park, eating an intimate dinner by candlelight in the historical Little Italy neighborhood.
Honolulu
Honeymooners, holiday makers, and lovers both young and old adore Honolulu. It is an extravagantly romantic destination, with postcard sunsets and irresistibly warm turquoise waters lapping against the sun-soaked Waikiki Beach year-round. The best shopping and restaurants in Hawaii are within walking distance of the sand. Slip on a pair of sandals, grab your partner’s hand, and enjoy this paradise that truly does have it all.
Don’t Miss:
Snorkeling in the warm waters of Queen Beach, attending a luau, taking a late-night moonlit walk along the sand.
New Orleans
A bit spooky, a bit mischievous, and all colorful, flamboyant fun, New Orleans is a romantic place to let loose. The food and drinks are, of course, without competition. Spicy and flavorful creole and Cajun cuisines are washed down easy with a Sazerac or daiquiri. Put on your Mardi gras beads and start and end each day with a beignet, the puffy donut-adjacent treats served fresh and hot under a dusting (avalanche, really) of powdered sugar.
Don’t Miss:
Holding on tight to your special someone on a creepy ghost tour, enjoying great music and delicious food on a live jazz brunch, soaking in the atmosphere of the always poppin’ French Quarter.
New York City
Could NYC be the most romantic place in the country? Good chance. The electric energy of the city pulsates from every borough, a mixture of ambition, tradition, and constant busyness. This really is the city that never sleeps.
The buzz of Wall Street, the clamor of Times Square, the peace of Central Park, and the endless possibilities of Grand Central Station are only-in-New-York sensations that just might make you stop for a spontaneous kiss. The sailor and the white-clad young lady who famously kissed in the middle of Times Square on VJ Day had the right idea.
Don’t Miss:
Watching a live show on Broadway, crossing New York Harbor to see the Statue of Liberty, traveling to the top of 30 Rock for breathtaking views of the city
San Francisco
When you think of San Francisco, you can imagine the ring of a trolley, the smell of the sea, and the sight of the thick mist uncurling itself across the bay. What’s more romantic than wandering through this breathtaking landscape? Dazzling vistas from the Golden Gate Bridge, eye-catching architecture like Coit Tower and the Victorian Painted Ladies, magnificent museums and public artworks, cultural icons like Chinatown, the Haight, and the Castro are all set amongst the hills of this gorgeous city.
Don’t Miss:
Riding a trolley across the city, looking out at the lagoon from the elegant Roman-style Palace of Fine Arts, rowing a boat on Stow Lake.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara might be the chicest, most romantic beach town in America. This sun soaked resort town has a gorgeous pier and miles of bike paths running parallel to white sand beaches. The city itself is as beautiful as it is posh. Its Mediterranean-style architecture—picture terracotta tiles, red roofs, and flowering vines winding up whitewashed walls—is home to trendy boutiques and restaurants. Santa Barbara’s extraordinary food pairs perfectly with the exceptional local wines from the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley found just above the city. Is it any wonder Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera? Saint-Tropez, eat your heart out.
Don’t Miss:
Watching the sunset at Butterfly Beach, touring the Santa Barbara Mission, shopping ‘til you drop on State Street.
Seattle
From its perch on Puget Sound, Seattle proudly combines the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, mountain and coastal views, a vibrant culture, and the world’s best coffee into one emerald package. Sightseeing in Seattle is a fun activity you can’t help but love. Enjoy miles of views from the top of the Space Needle, look out for flying fish at Pike’s Place, and warm your bones in one of the countless intimate coffee shops around the city.
Don’t Miss:
Taking in the endless views from the top of the Space Needle, riding the Great Wheel on the Seattle Waterfront, sampling local favorites on a chef guided food tour of Pike’s Place Market
Taos
This artist’s haven in the high desert of New Mexico is as dreamily beautiful as any painting. The city’s ancient adobe pueblos look out at the waters of the Rio Pueblo, and beyond to the Sangre de Cristo mountains and Carson National Forest. In the town of Taos, you can wander from art gallery to art gallery. Area photographers, painters, sculptors, and architects were influenced by the wonderful scenery and Puebloan culture, the echoes of which are unmissable in their works.
Don’t Miss:
Soaking in the views at the naturally occurring hot springs above Taos, seeing the D.H. Lawrence Forbidden Art collection at the Hotel La Fonda, enjoying authentic New Mexico cuisine at charming local restaurants .
Visit the Most Romantic Cities in the U.S. with YMT Vacations!
If you want to fall in love, celebrate your love, or just be in love—we have amazing tours through the most romantic cities in the U.S. that you can’t help but love! Join us for incredible tours across the country. Call your travel consultant or or YMT Vacations at 1-888-756-9072 to book!
