The Most Romantic Place in Every State

Alabama: Lookout Mountain

1/50
This fetching region of Dekalb County possesses some of Alabama's most seductive scenery. Seek out waterfalls and search for seasonal fauna all day in DeSoto State Park before getting cozy in a mountain cabin at night.

Alaska: Fairbanks

2/50
Surely, there isn't a more romantic sight in all of America than the aurora borealis dancing overhead. Watch the Northern Lights put on a fantastically show from Fairbanks proper or from one of the many resorts in the region that specializes in spoiling couples. It's not just the Northern Lights that will knock your socks off: due to Fairbanks' far-north location, sunrises and sunsets are spectacular here, too.

Arizona: Sedona

3/50
There's a special brand of desert magic in Sedona that you won't find anywhere else in the Southwest. It might be the striped rocks that shimmer in the sun-seemingly never looking the same way twice-or it might be the special spiritual powers that are said to inhabit the place. Either way, you're in for a starry-eyed stay.

Arkansas: Eureka Springs

4/50
Tucked away in the gorgeous rolling hills of northern Arkansas, Eureka Springs is the epitome of enchanting. Dine and wine in historic downtown before finishing your evening off with a carriage ride past rows of venerable Victorian facades.

California: Carmel-by-the-Sea

5/50
Is this Portofino? Or somewhere on the French Riviera? Nope, it's Carmel-by-the-Sea. This chocolate-box beauty on the California Coast is home to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and rows of restaurants with wonderful wine lists.

Colorado: Breckenridge

6/50
Walking hand-in-hand down Breck's historic main street in winter is to wander straight into a snowy fairytale. Follow that divine experience with dinner at one of the many top-notch restaurants in town.

Connecticut: Stonington

7/50
Even though it's located right on the coast, Stonington still manages to feel like a secret-and that's what makes it so special. Tour the quaint stone town lighthouse and local shops & galleries before settling in by the fire at the iconic Stonington Inn.

Delaware: Rehoboth Beach

8/50
Even though it's known far-and-wide as a family beach town, Rehoboth sure knows how to do romance, too. Go retro on the boardwalk before sitting down for a marvelous modern dining experience and a moonlit stroll on the beach.

Florida: St. Augustine

9/50
The alluring architecture of historic St. Augustine will have both of you swooning and when you view it from a horse-drawn carriage, the romance level will go off the charts. After you've had your history lesson, head to one of Ponte Vedra Beach's luxurious resorts for a bit of pampering.

Georgia: Tybee Island

10/50
Located a stone's throw from Savannah, Tybee offers Southern Charm with an island twist. Rent a bicycle to fully explore this small island's wide beaches and gentle waves before sitting down for sunset cocktails and a dinner full of seafood delights.

Hawaii: Kauai

11/50
Hawaii is arguably the most romantic state in the entire country and this breathtaking island takes the Aloha love up a level. Kauai is stacked with waterfall-filled valleys, golden beaches and colorful, otherworldly cliffs that you'll never forget seeing together.

Idaho: McCall

12/50
Set on the shores of picturesque Payette Lake, McCall makes for a magnificent Gem State escape. Take a cruise on the water before lazing away long evenings inside a local log cabin.

Illinois: Starved Rock State Park

13/50
One of the Land of Lincoln's lesser-known travel rock stars, Starved Rock is a very romantic place indeed. When it rains, the park comes alive with waterfalls pouring over rocks, and after you find your favorite, then head for the Starved Rock Lodge-home to the biggest double-sided fireplace in the state.

Indiana: Indiana Dunes

14/50
Nowhere in the Hoosier State will get your heart racing quite like these sweeping sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan. Take a barefoot walk in the around dusk to achieve peak romance mode.

Iowa: Madison County

15/50
The book (and film) The Bridges of Madison County made this part of Iowa famous, and you are certain to find bliss at all six of its romantic covered bridges. Winterset makes a wonderful base to explore the county, as it is home to several shops and restaurants.

Kansas: Atchison

16/50
Boasting spectacular views of the Missouri River and an impressive collection of classic Victorian houses, Atchison offers small town romance in spades. Take a trolley tour to learn all about the town's storied history before retreating back to one of several romantic inns.

Kentucky: Paducah

17/50
Paducah owes its past success to a location near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, but it's the current creativity flowing here that's making it a modern must-see. With its galleries and foodie finds, Main Street will keep any couple entertained for a long weekend.

Louisiana: The Garden District

18/50
Those who ride the streetcar up St. Charles Avenue from the French Quarter in New Orleans are rewarded by one of America's most beautiful neighborhoods. Simply stroll the streets-admiring the grand homes bedecked in lush greenery-to get into the spirit or feel the love at a local B&B.

Maine: Kennebunkport

19/50
The grand inns of Kennebunkport were made for couples who love to be by the sea. Spend the day out on the water or shopping and your nights making eyes at each other over dinner at one of the many atmospheric seafood restaurants.

Maryland: Annapolis

20/50
Beautiful brick buildings, hanging flowers and cobblestone streets set the mood in Maryland's capital. Bounce between boutiques and bayside parks during the day before dining the night away at one of Annapolis' many acclaimed restaurants.

Massachusetts: Martha's Vineyard

21/50
The laid back island vibe of Martha's Vineyard is sure to get the sparks flying. Gaze at the island's pretty gingerbread houses before sneaking down to the beach to stare up at the sky during sunset.

Michigan: Holland

22/50
The windmills and tulips of this Michigan town will transport you to Old Europe-the most romantic place on the planet. Even the lighthouse here is painted the color of love: bright red.

Minnesota: St. Paul

23/50
Who says big cities aren't romantic places? Certainly not any couple that has been to St. Paul. Take a stroll down Summit Avenue-home to scores of beautiful Victorian buildings-before setting off on a river cruise.

Mississippi: Natchez

24/50
The antebellum mansions and scenic Mississipi River views of Natchez are the perfect backdrop for a romantic Southern escape. To get the full experience, book a B&B located in one of the aforementioned grand homes.

Missouri: Lake of the Ozarks

25/50
There's no better way to spend a day in Missouri than out on the water at the Lake of the Ozarks. Base yourself at one of the many plush resorts on the water, and then spend your days seeking out secluded coves to call your own.

Montana: Bozeman

26/50
Walking hand-in-hand past the beautiful brick buildings of Bozeman is an experience any couple will cherish. After a couple days in this cute college town, head into the hills for the Old West charm of the Lone Mountain Ranch.

Nebraska: Valentine

27/50
Besides the obvious appeal of the town's special name, Valentine is the perfect base for couples who love to explore Nebraska's great outdoors together. Swoon over the serpentine Niobrara River before setting off for an adventure on the Cowboy Trail-one of the country's finest "rails to trails" initiatives.

Nevada: Mt. Charleston

28/50
This gorgeous forested peak lies inside Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and offers a dreamy escape from the city. Yes, the neon lights of nearby Las Vegas will feel a million miles away when you are sipping a spiked hot chocolate by the fire at the Mt. Charleston Lodge.

New Hampshire: Meredith

29/50
Meredith is the best place for couples to base themselves to explore the loveliness that is Lake Winnipesaukee. Take a trip on the local scenic railway or visit a winery to get the romantic vibes rolling.

New Jersey: Cape May

30/50
New Jersey's grand beach town rolls out the red carpet for romance. No matter the time of year, walking hand-in-hand past the historic Victorian buildings here will make it feel like Valentine's Day. This is to say nothing of the idyllic lighthouse and colorful sunsets.

New Mexico: Taos

31/50
Taos will take your breath away. The combination of desert scenery and artistic spirit in the air here combine to create the ultimate romantic experience in the Southwest.

New York: Niagara Falls

32/50
Niagara Falls is one of America's classic honeymoon destinations for a reason. Watching the water race over the cliffs from your hotel room-or from a restaurant with a view-is pure bliss.

North Carolina: The Outer Banks

33/50
Any couple can shuffle to the beach in the evening to watch the sunset, but you'll be richly rewarded if you wake up early for the sunrises in OBX. Combine those beautiful sights with charming seaside outposts like Ocracoke and you have a romantic dream come true.

North Dakota: Turtle Mountains

34/50
This underrated section of the West is home to a romantic landscape loaded with rolling hills and forests. Tour the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway, paying a visit to the lovely International Peace Garden-a celebration of unity between the USA & Canada-along the way.

Ohio: Yellow Springs

35/50
Located on the outskirts of Dayton, Yellow Springs offers couples the chance to explore woods filled with waterfalls and a town alive with an array of art galleries and independent shops. Stay in a local B&B to make the most of this special place.

Oklahoma: Guthrie

36/50
Guthrie owns the largest Historic Preservation District in the country and many of the town's dreamy Victorian-era buildings also double as B&Bs. After a morning spent sleeping in, take to the local trolley to explore downtown and learn more about this captivating place.

Oregon: Willamette Valley

37/50
This scenic stretch of Oregon is a wine-loving couple's dream come true. The valley is alive with vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants-the kind that manages to be the epitome of romantic without even trying. The best way to take in the natural splendor? From above, in a hot air balloon.

Pennsylvania: The Poconos

38/50
The Poconos has always been an enchanting escape for couples on the East Coast and romance is perpetually in the air here. No more so than at Bushkill Falls, a set of beautiful cascades surrounded by woodlands and winding hiking paths.

Rhode Island: Bristol

39/50
Set on a pretty peninsula, this underrated town makes for a great couples escape. Spend your days out on the water and your nights feasting on fresh seafood within earshot of the lapping waves.

South Carolina: Kiawah island

40/50
If you put your mind to it, you might just be able to find your very own undiscovered beach on this sensational island. Kiawah is also an absolute paradise for couples who love to golf as there are several renowned courses located here.

South Dakota: Rapid City

41/50
While the nearby Black Hills and Badlands are both bewitching, Rapid City holds its own in the romance department. Meander around Main Street Square before settling in for a magnificent meal in one of the many local restaurants.

Tennessee: Pigeon Forge

42/50
There are lots of reasons why so many people choose to get married in Pigeon Forge. The sweeping scenery of the Smoky Mountains and the abundance of romantic cabins are only two of them.

Texas: Hill Country

43/50
The breezes of Hill Country feels a million miles away from the buzz of nearby Austin. Here, you will find quiet country roads that meander between wineries and towns with atmospheric town squares.

Utah: Moab

44/50
Both of you are destined to feel the love if you make Moab the base for exploring the grandeur of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks-two of our country's most breathtaking. Stay in a local hotel or sleep under the stars to feel like you have the desert sky all to yourself.

Vermont: Stowe

45/50
When you think of the romance of New England, Stowe is the precise type of place that comes to mind. Spend your day swooshing on the nearby ski slopes or snapping photos of the town's gorgeous white church-complete with storybook steeple-before snuggling up inside a country inn.

Virginia: Richmond

46/50
Richmond is red hot at the moment and this town is sure to stoke embers of romance during your visit. Epicurean couples will be in heaven at the craft breweries with creative food menus and cutting edge restaurants. Outdoor-loving lovers will revel in the fact that Richmond possesses a set of urban rapids.

Washington: San Juan Islands

47/50
Seemingly everyone is singing the praises of the San Juan Islands and you are sure to follow suit after a couples getaway here. Spend your days exploring the wild landscapes or wildlife-watching and your nights curled up in a sea view cabin.

West Virginia: The Greenbrier

48/50
This stately hotel knows how to make couples feel special. No matter the time of year, it will feel like February 14th here as the hotel always offers a full line of services designed to pamper.

Wisconsin: Door County

49/50
Any couple is sure to love exploring the orchards, wineries and lighthouses of Door County together. This is to say nothing of the stunning shoreline, which is the perfect place for a late afternoon picnic in summer or a bundled-up sunset walk in winter.

Wyoming: Jackson Hole

50/50
Whether you decide to wine and dine in the center of town or stay in your cozy backcountry cabin for days on end, you'll leave Jackon Hole with romantic memories to last a lifetime.

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Scott Hartbeck

Scott Hartbeck

Editor true scotthartbeck 9309 14744 Born and raised in the USA but now based in the UK, Scott is a Europe travel expert who has been exploring the continent for over 20 years. He specializes in European rail and discovering underrated destinations & experiences

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me