Reignite That Spark — The Best Weekend Getaways For Couples

A romantic stroll at sunset on a seemingly never-ending white sand beach in the Caribbean. A waterfall exploration with your love amid the lush, thick greenery of a tropical island. A long weekend road trip to a stunning national park in the U.S. These are just a few of the best weekend getaways ideas we have for couples, and you’re long overdue for just such a romantic interlude.

If you’ve been thinking of planning a vacation for two, we’ve got some amazing options in and out of the U.S. Our list includes some amazing all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, as well as popular U.S. destinations that’ll be perfect for creating new memories together.

Ready to go? Let’s dive in…

Visit a romantic oceanfront couples-only resort in the Caribbean

The best couples' vacations often include beautiful ocean vistas and luxurious inclusions at an oceanfront resort in the Caribbean. Not only will you two be able to have a blast in the Caribbean, but the region is just a short plane ride away from the U.S., so you’ll be there in no time! Here are some of our favorite island options:

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Want to take your romance to the islands? If so, Jamaica might be just what you need. On this gem of an island that also happens to be the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley, you’ll be able to have a vacation that’s as event-filled or laid back as you desire. Even better is the fact that it’ll take just 1.5 hours to get to Jamaica from Miami, Florida, and under 4 hours to get there from New York.

You can find lots of romantic activities to enjoy on this island including simply relaxing on the beach cabana-style, visiting some of the best waterfalls in the Caribbean, settling in for an outdoor couples massage, and even horseback riding at sunset. You can also stay at an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay where you can try all the included watersports for couples, set up tours to explore nearby areas like Ocho Rios, and check out nearby attractions like the Doctor’s Cave Beach, and the Montego Bay Hip Strip. Whatever you do in Montego Bay during your couples vacation, it's bound to be super memorable!

Insider tip: Planning a Montego Bay vacation and want to see the reef? Here are the best locations for snorkeling in Montego Bay!

Turks & Caicos

The Turks & Caicos Islands are another close and convenient destination for travelers from the United States looking to spend less time flying, and more time in paradise. From Miami, it’ll take about an hour and 40 minutes to get to Turks & Caicos. It takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to get there from New York City, and about 8 hours (with one stop) from Los Angeles.

Turks & Caicos is made up of 40 islands and cays, so there are lots of beautiful beaches and incredible diving opportunities you’ll be able to enjoy while there. While in the Turks & Caicos Islands, you can also stay in one of the incredible beachfront resorts on Providenciales, also referred to as “Provo” by the locals. As Provo is the most populated island in this territory, you’ll be perfectly positioned for romantic strolls at sunset, quick access to some of the best attractions in the islands, and an overall luxurious experience.

Expert tip: The Turks & Caicos Islands are home to one of the most famous beaches in the world. Learn more about the magic of Grace Bay Beach right here.

Nassau, Bahamas

A vacation in paradise may be closer than you think. If Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, is the tropical paradise you desire, you could be there in just under an hour if you’re flying from Miami. The Bahamas is close enough to New York by plane as well (3 hours), and it’ll take 6.5 hours to get there from Los Angeles (with one-stop).

You’ll love vacationing here because of the many opportunities for adventure and exceptional all-inclusive resorts in Nassau. You’ll be able to spend hours on end at some of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean and explore some of the other islands in this territory outside of New Providence where Nassau is located.

Some of the amazing things you’ll be able to get up to while in Nassau include scuba diving, which The Bahamas is quite famous for. You can also embark on deep-sea fishing tours, sailing adventures, and visit places like the charming Versailles Gardens on Paradise Island With the love of your life. These options are just the beginning of the list of amazing things to do in Nassau, Bahamas during a couple’s vacation!

Insider tip: If the idea of an all-inclusive vacation in the Caribbean seems tempting, check out our couple’s guide to Caribbean all-inclusives to discover even more about them!

Explore some of America’s natural wonders

National history and natural beauty can be appreciated within America’s state and national parks, which are among the most diverse in the world. Within many of these parks, adventurous couples can enjoy amazing scenery, hiking, and other amazing outdoor activities, which can be perfect for an off-the-beaten-path romantic escape. Here are some of our favorite American national parks:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Couples looking for some adventure will love the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is on the border of Tennessee and Louisiana. This park offers the appealing opportunity to see nature at its most spectacular, and to witness some of the highest peaks in the eastern U.S. up close.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has over 150 official hiking trails. If you’re an active couple, you’ll be in your element as you explore the best of these trails while spotting elk, black bears, and even spectacular waterfalls. While at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, be sure to stop by Cade’s Cove where you’ll be able to see well-preserved homesteads that date back to the 1800s.

Cape Cod National Seashore

More than just a seaside escape, Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) draws millions of visitors every year from around the world. This protected national park spans 43,607 acres and it is located in Massachusetts, just 2 hours from Boston and 2.5 hours from Newport, Rhode Island.

While at the CCNS, you can enjoy 40 miles of sandy shoreline, and visit any of the six beaches inside the park. You can also spend time together near the pond, explore lighthouses, bike along the many trails, hike, go horseback riding, and even shop in the nearby boutiques. On the nature side of things, there’s a chance you might catch a glimpse of whales, turtles, coyotes, red foxes, and owls as you explore this wild and wonderful summer escape with someone special.

Golden Gate National Recreational Area

Near San Francisco Bay, you can visit the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, which is among the largest urban parks in the world. This area consists of 82,027 acres of protected landscape, and it gets about 15 million visitors every year.

Within the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, you can find several historical points of interest including Alcatraz, a former federal prison that is now a tourist attraction. There are also beautiful views from this park and, at certain times of the year, you may also see migrating whales (December to February). At the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, noteworthy couples activities can include biking on the waterfront, fishing, camping, swimming, or just unwinding by the beach next to a fire pit at Muir Beach or Ocean Beach.

Good to know: Keep in mind that Stinson’s Beach is the only beach where you can find lifeguards in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Take a wine tour in California’s Napa Valley

Romantic weekend vacations are definitely possible in America, and California’s Napa Valley is proof of that. As Napa Valley is world-famous for award-winning wines, wineries, and its romantic ambiance, this can certainly be a worthwhile destination for couples. Sign up for a wine tasting tour, enjoy stellar al fresco dining, and even visit hot springs while there! Whatever you do, be sure to indulge in lots of togetherness.

In Napa Valley, you can also go biking, whether self-guided or with a tour guide. Making time to see the Victorian architecture in downtown Napa can also be fascinating as it’ll give you a true taste of the history and lifestyle of this place.

Engage your adventurous side

Get in touch with your more adventurous side during a romantic getaway and watch your partner do the same. You can both let loose in some of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Spend your long weekend enjoying a new place, and rediscovering each other as well. These are our top picks for adventure:

The Exumas

A vacation for two in the Exumas, a district of The Bahamas that consists of hundreds of islands and cays, can be the breath of fresh air every relationship needs. This destination is pure beauty, and it doesn’t take long to get there from the U.S. either. A flight of just around one hour and 40 minutes will get you to Exuma from Miami, while in around 5.5 hours you can make your arrival from New York (with one-stop).

In the Exumas, you can experience some of the most glorious beaches of The Bahamas, including Coco Plum Beach, Tropic of Cancer Beach, and Three Sisters Beach. There’s also the possibility of diving into the perfectly turquoise and clear waters around these islands and going snorkeling or scuba diving. This will be just the start of fun things to do in Exuma for couples. Before you return home, you should definitely plan to meet the famous swimming pigs of Pig Island, visit nearby islands like Staniel Cay and Halls Pond Cay, and experience at least one of the amazing all-inclusive resorts in the Exumas.

Mountain Village, Colorado

Mountain Village in Colorado appeals to couples looking for a wintery getaway. If you love the cold, and cold-weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, and riding a snowmobile down mountain trails, you’ll love this adventurous spot that can make for a great couples’ trip, no matter what time of year you go.

If you’re lucky enough to visit this spot during the winter, you’ll definitely experience it at the height of its beauty. Settle into a log cabin and enjoy the peace and serenity of being away from it all. While at Mountain Village, take some time to try the mineral hot springs in Telluride, indulge in the hot tubs at your resort, and enjoy lots of nights by the fireplaces with the one you love.

Experience America’s most vibrant art & music scenes

Looking to try a new cultural experience together? Here are some of the most interesting locations for you two to enjoy the art and music scene together:

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville in North Carolina somehow manages to keep its small-town feel, even though the city itself has grown leaps and bounds over the years. In this city, you can find a thriving art community complete with lots of art galleries, studios, and more.

One of the standout artsy areas of this city is the River Arts District, which has a plethora of galleries and studios featuring the work of local and visiting artists. Near the River Arts District (about 20 minutes away), you’ll also find the Asheville Art Museum in downtown Asheville. This museum features artwork connected to the southeastern U.S. and Appalachia region. In addition to the many galleries, studios, and museums, there are lots of murals and public artwork around the city that is worth checking out too.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is often fondly referred to as ‘Music City’, and this is fitting because of how all-embracing the entertainment culture of this city really is. Here you’ll be able to find all sorts of live music events, big and small, and also get introduced to the work of up-and-coming singers and artists. If this sounds like your idea of a good time, you might just want to plan a trip here with your significant other.

While in Nashville, the Honky Tonk Highway is one of the areas you might want to visit for some entertainment. This is located in downtown Nashville, and it’s home to lots of bars featuring live music, including ‘Honky Tonk’, and country tunes that are always flowing. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will also be worth a visit while there.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Good ol’ New Orleans, famous for its southern cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and captivating, historical architecture. This is one city that will suck you into the lifestyle right away, especially if you’ll be taking in the food and entertainment scene with the one you love.

Some of the areas you’ll want to visit while in New Orleans include The French Quarter, which is an area that seems to exude romance, and Bourbon Street where you can get a taste of southern entertainment while visiting the bars and taking in the live music. Once the party is over, wake up to a brunch event where you can try southern favorites like gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, po-boys, and beignets.

Austin, Texas

The art scene in Austin, Texas continues to grow, and as it does, it attracts artists of all platforms whose work you can enjoy while in this city. In Austin, couples can visit studios and art galleries, as well as take in live music events and theatre performances. The bulk of these experiences can be found in downtown Austin, where there’s always something exciting happening. You’ll appreciate the Mexican flair of this city as well, which makes it quite unique.

Get creative about your next romantic weekend away

There are so many ways to take your love to new places and spaces. You can unwind in each other’s arms on a spectacular white-sand beach in the tropics or dance the night away with a live band in the South. From the best weekend getaways for couples in the Caribbean to artsy explorations on U.S. shores, all it takes is a little bit of planning to find some fun, adventure, and romance.

And speaking of romance … it is totally possible to spice up your long weekend vacation at one of the couples-only all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. These resorts offer amenities and services created just for couples, including multiple options for gourmet dining, day and night entertainment, bars including swim-up bars, and so much more. During your resort getaway, you’ll truly be able to see how a couple’s vacation can rekindle your relationship, and this reality will make way for some truly blissful moments in paradise!