7 of the Top Honeymoon Destinations in the US

Weddings can be stressful, but honeymoons shouldn’t have to be! These top honeymoon destinations in the U.S. may not be as popular as others, but they are no-brainers. Whether you are looking for an adventure with your spouse or if you just want to kick back and relax, this list has a secret escape to please any couple.

San Juan Islands, Wash.

You can’t go wrong honeymooning on an island. Being surrounded by sand and water instantly gives you that mellow feeling, like you’re the only one in some far-off place.

Just a short seaplane or ferry ride from Seattle will land you in the San Juan Islands, where there is something new to discover around every bend – from an alpaca ranch to a lavender farm and a winery with a historic tasting room.

Friday Harbor House – a romantic AAA Three Diamond-Designated boutique hotel – is perched on the bluff above San Juan Island’s iconic marina with stunning views of the harbor, ferry landing and San Juan Channel. Sit back and relax with your sweetie. Hopefully you’ll get a glimpse of a whale!

Book now with AAA.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Start your fairytale adventure in the coastal town of Kennebunkport. The off-the-beaten-path area is a top honeymoon destination in the U.S. for beach-loving couples.

Whether you want to stare at the ocean from the miles of coastline or book a scenic stand-up paddleboard or kayak tour, Kennebunkport is the place for you.

Hidden Pond is home to a collection of eye-catching eclectic cottages and bungalows with “rustic-luxe” decor inspired by the surrounding woods and nearby beach. It also has an 800-square-foot organic farm, two pools and the farm-to-fork restaurant, Earth. Did we mention the Tree Spa? It’s not to be missed!

Indian Wells, Calif.

In the heart of Southern California’s desert, Indian Wells is a romantic oasis and the perfect place to relax and renew after the big day. Idyllic Indian Wells is home of the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond-Designated hotel located in the heart of town.

Surrounded by the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains and located less than an hour from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, Miramonte is a serene escape for a nature-loving duo. The wild at heart can spend mornings hiking the weaving trails and rugged rock formations of the Mojave Desert before cooling off poolside in a private cabana. Do-not-disturb placards included!

Book now with AAA.

Sun Valley, Idaho

With sweeping views of the majestic mountains and the warmth and charm of a historic ski town, Sun Valley is an idyllic place to begin your happily ever after. This top honeymoon destination in the U.S. is a four-season resort with luxury accommodations and breathtaking scenery.

Take advantage of the hot springs in the area, couples’ spa treatments and dreamy horseback rides through the mountains. You’ll have time to bond with your new love through exciting activities and quiet moments that will make memories that will last for the rest of your lives.

Kiawah Island, S.C.

Twenty-five miles from the ever-popular town of Charleston is an off-the-radar isle called Kiawah Island. This top honeymoon destination in the U.S. offers shelling excursions by boat to an uninhabited island, 30 miles of biking and hiking trails and 10 miles of pristine beach.

Many couples tie the knot at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and stay for a relaxing honeymoon at the AAA Five Diamond Sanctuary Hotel. For the ultimate in luxury, book the 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Active couples can take advantage of kayaking in the tidal creeks to spot river dolphins or take a turn at a tennis or golf lesson, and then wind down in an adults-only pool overlooking the ocean.

Book now with AAA.

Finger Lakes, N.Y.

Comprised of 11 lakes bookended by Rochester and Syracuse, the Finger Lakes region offers an array of urban cultural hotspots juxtaposed with nature-filled experiences and awe-inducing vistas.

For a relaxing honeymoon, indulge in wine tasting at some of the region’s 120 wineries or beer flights along the Finger Lakes Beer Trail, luxurious spa treatments, museum tours at the Corning Museum of Glass and private cooking classes at New York Kitchen.

Active honeymooners can try boating the lakes, hot air ballooning (you must try this!), swimming under waterfalls or hiking the famous gorges in Ithaca, Watkins Glen State Park or Letchworth State Park.

Charlotte, N.C.

Watch out Asheville – Charlotte is quickly becoming another popular destination for honeymooners in North Carolina. From the thriving food scene to moving artistic performances and magnetic nightlife, the Queen City offers plenty of exciting opportunities for couples celebrating new nuptials.

The city’s neighborhoods are comprised of lush parks and greenways, cozy restaurants, world-class museums, lively breweries and quirky boutiques. Discover the beautiful boroughs for yourself and stay at a charming bed-and-breakfast or a pampering resort.

Plan your honeymoon with a AAA travel advisor.

Have you visited any of these top honeymoon destinations? Share with us in the comments.

Featured image: San Juan Islands, Washington