13 Romantic Anniversary Weekend Getaways

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Celebrations look a little different these days. Birthdays, retirements, and even anniversaries can’t be observed with the typical festivities of guest-filled parties and trips with your loved ones. You may have to press pause on taking a romantic vacation with your spouse for the time being, but that doesn’t mean planning for the future and gathering inspiration is off the table. Bookmark our guide (and decision tree below) to the top 13 romantic destinations, and when the day to celebrate returns you can get ready to fall in love all over again!

Denver, Colorado

With more than 200 visible mountain peaks and access to over 20 flower gardens, Denver sets the scene for a hopelessly romantic trip to Colorado.

Dine: The Zen gardens at Domo Restaurant in Denver offer the perfect place to toast your love.

Stay: The ART, a hotel, embodies its name, offering installations, creative design, and two galleries on-site.

Play: The best Denver anniversary ideas include winery hopping at local spots such as Balistreri Vineyards, and strolling hand-in-hand through the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Explore Now: Visit Virtually Denver to for more couples weekend getaway ideas in the Mile High City from home.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Dip into scenic romance in South Carolina’s second-oldest town.

Dine: Cheers to many more years of love at nearby 10 Market a Chef’s Kitchen, where only 10 guests dine at a time.

Stay: Treat yourselves to a stay at Cuthbert House Inn, an antebellum mansion that exudes charm on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway.

Play: Bring on the nostalgia with a date at Highway 21 Drive-In movie theater! Continue celebrating your love in Beaufort with a Beaufort Kayak Tours excursion, where you may catch sight of bottlenose dolphins and shrimp boats in action. Afterward, take a spin around town and learn about the local history.

Explore Now: Make a DIY version of locals’ favorite Scout’s Sweet Tea Float (it’s two scoops of sorbet topped with sweetened iced tea) until you can make it to Beaumont to try one for yourself.

Idyllwild, California

If you’re considering anniversary ideas on a budget, experience the allure of a mountain retreat in Idyllwild.

Dine: Order dinner for two with a front-row view of Tahquitz Peak on the deck at Restaurant Gastrognome.

Stay: You’ll be glad you picked the rustic Idyllwild Bunkhouse to ring in another year of marriage.

Play: Your spouse will swoon at the views when you plan a surprise picnic in Mount San Jacinto State Park. After soaking up the surrounding nature, indulge in some divine art and wine at the Middle Ridge Winery.

Explore Now: Before you can sip at a tasting, take a virtual look at the local winery.

Tampa, Florida

The best anniversary celebrations include dreamy views of ocean sunsets. You and your partner will find just that in Tampa.

Dine: Your anniversary calls for something special, and Rusty Pelican in Tampa has you covered.

Stay: You and your sweetheart will find all the pampering you deserve at The Westin Tampa Bay, where the water views and amenities are spectacular.  

Play: Mosey along oceanfront Bayshore Boulevard (the country’s longest continuous sidewalk), and play on nearby Clearwater Beach. Looking for some adventure? Try out the Tampa Bay Water Bike Company rentals!

Explore Now: Take 360-degree tours of area adventures like Indycar racing in downtown St. Pete and virtual sailing excursions in Clearwater.

Franklin, Tennessee

Whether you’re looking for 10-year anniversary trip ideas or a way to celebrate 40 years together, Franklin is your perfect match.

Dine: Make reservations for two at Cork & Cow for a whimsical evening. Top it off with a house cocktail and the crème brulee!

Stay: Settle in at Aloft Nashville-Cool Springs, where you’ll find yourselves near all the action.

Play: Surprise your spouse with tickets to a show at the historic Franklin Theatre, and reach new heights from the basket of a hot air balloon with Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures. Lose track of time exploring Downtown Franklin, or even venture to nearby Nashville for a night out on the town.

Explore Now: Before you can soak in the views from the Natchez Trace Parkway, take a look at some stunning photos from recent visitors.

Stowe, Vermont

When you imagine a romantic New England escape, chances are it looks a lot like Stowe.

Dine: Receive the New England treatment at The Dining Room at Edson Hill, where your anniversary dinner may rival the sweeping views of the pristine property.

Stay: Looking for a place that exudes romance? The historical Green Mountain Inn won’t disappoint.

Play: If there’s snow on the ground, ski at the Stowe Mountain Resort or cozy up on a Trapp Family Lodge sleigh ride. But if the weather is warm, act like kids again as you visit the nearby Ben and Jerry Factory and chow down on your favorite ice cream.

Explore Now: Take a peek at the breathtaking photos from the Stowe, VT Instagram account to see what’s in store for your future visit.

Ely, Minnesota

Your relationship has always been about experiencing new things together, and Ely is the perfect place to do just that.

Dine: Who says you need a fancy dinner to celebrate? Knock back a few local beers and burgers at the BoatHouse Brewpub & Restaurant for a good time.

Stay: Wake up to serene views of Shagawa Lake when you book a room for two at the Grand Ely Lodge Resort and Conference Center.

Play: Honor your anniversary with a visit to the North American Bear Center, where you’ll meet a gang of resident black bears. And if it’s wintertime, go on a dog sledding adventure at the Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge. That’s what we call an adventure!

Explore Now: Check in on ambassador bear “Ted,” one of the residents of the North American Bear Center, on his live cam.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Looking for anniversary trip ideas in the USA that feel like you’re getting away from it all? Nantucket is the answer.

Dine: Go all out with a romantic dinner at Afterhouse, where you’ll dine on the deck of a whaling ship.

Stay: Nothing says “I love you” more than a stay at the seaside. Choose The Wauwinet for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Play: This picturesque island was made for couples, and you’ll fall in love again as you take a sunset stroll on Cisco Beach. Rent bicycles from the Nantucket Bike Shop and happily get lost together, cycling along the coast.

Explore Now: Follow the Nantucket Photos Instagram account for seaside sunset inspiration and dream of which lighthouses you’ll tour.

Mystic, Connecticut

The enchanting village of Mystic is enough to make you swoon.

Dine: Find out if oysters really are aphrodisiacs when you book a lovely anniversary dinner at SP Oyster Co.

Stay: Experience New England charm at the Inn at Mystic, which overlooks Mystic Harbor and Fishers Island Sound.

Play: Huddle close as you saunter around the cobblestone streets of Olde Mistick Village and admire the boats docked along Mystic Seaport. For an unforgettable evening, set sail at sunset on the Argia—the views are amazing!

Explore Now: Get inspired for future trips to New England by digging into the digital content from the Mystic Seaport Museum.

Alexandria, Virginia

You and your honey will feel like newlyweds as you settle into Old Town Alexandria.

Dine: You can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine and locally sourced meat and cheese platter from La Fromagerie.

Stay: Experience the area that George Washington called home when you book a stay at The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection, a lovely hotel located in the heart of Old Town.

Play: Find a quiet bench with a good view of the Potomac or climb aboard Potomac Riverboat Company’s Cherry Blossom sternwheeler for a different angle. Stroll along the historical cobblestone streets and pop into the Torpedo Factory Art Center at the end of King Street.

Explore Now: Take an immersive look into the best of Alexandria with this virtual tour, from the picturesque waterfront to well-known historical sites.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Get swept away in desert romance in Albuquerque on a getaway for two with your sweetie.

Dine: Celebrate your special day with Oysters Rockefeller and sumptuous steaks at Antiquity Restaurant.

Stay: Once the tallest building in downtown ABQ, the Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque’s sophisticated décor and location in the heart of the city will have you feeling the love.

Play: When it comes to romantic things to do in Albuquerque, picturesque Old Town Albuquerque is the top spot in town. Admire the adobe-walled San Felipe de Neri church, or rent bikes and hit the paved 16-mile Paseo del Bosque Trail, adjacent to the Rio Grande River. Take in a view from 10,000 feet when you hop on the 2.7-mile tram to the top of the Sandia Mountains, where sunsets are nothing short of magical.

Explore Now: Admire the scenery from the peak of the Sandia Mountains or virtually soar in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on this 360-degree virtual tour of the city.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With big brew names like Pabst and Miller in town, beer is king in Milwaukee, but romance is a close second!

Dine: Nearly three-quarters of the romantic restaurants in Milwaukee are locally owned and sourced. We say eat local and schedule a romantic night at Braise, where ingredients come from more than 40 Wisconsin farms, as well as the restaurant’s rooftop garden.

Stay: Just blocks from Lake Michigan, The Pfister Hotel, built in 1893, is an iconic staple in downtown Milwaukee.

Play: Tour the city on foot and check out Wisconsin attractions waterside on a stroll at Milwaukee RiverWalk. Beer lovers can embark on tastings at local breweries like Good City Brewing and Third Space Brewing, or one of the several beer gardens in town.

Explore Now: Get a sneak peek of the city’s art scene with a virtual tour of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Providence, Rhode Island

With a riverfront modeled after Venice, Italy, you’ll find romance around every turn in Providence.

Dine: Just outside of town you’ll find the best place for a date night—Tree House Tavern and Bistro, touted as the most romantic outdoor dining in Rhode Island.

Stay: Known for its New England charm with a dash of European elegance, Hotel Providence will leave you perfectly situated and enthralled with downtown Providence’s theater district.

Play: When it comes to romantic things to do in Providence, a stroll along the lovely walkways and bridges of Waterplace Park, nestled alongside the river, is at the top of the list. Then stop for drinks with a view at sunset at Hot Club, a neighborhood staple. Book buffs will enjoy the architecture-themed tour of the Providence Public Library’s historic structure.

Explore Now: Enjoy Providence’s greenspaces from home with this virtual tour of the city’s parks.

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