13 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the U.S.

What do you truly want out of your honeymoon? That's the first question you need to ask yourself and your partner when looking into honeymoon destinations in the U.S. or abroad. Some couples want adventure, others want pure luxury, but one theme remains constant: Every couple wants theirs to be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the trip you've been waiting for and saving for, and for some travelers, it's their first big splurge vacation.

Couples choose to take a domestic honeymoon for any number of reasons. Some are simply so exhausted by the wedding planning process that they'd prefer to skip the long-haul flight, while others have to stay in the country as they work out immigration and visa logistics. There are also plenty of couples who have traveled the world and realized how much they still have to see of their home country.

Whether finding a honeymoon destination in the U.S. was your last choice or your first, we're here to tell you that you are going to be blown away by the five-star domestic honeymoon options. Here are the 13 absolute best places to honeymoon in the U.S. for romance and adventure — and to bring you and your partner closer than ever.

Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

If your idea of paradise is utter seclusion, standalone suites outfitted with enormous alfresco bathtubs, and indulgent farm-to-table meals, then Castle Hot Springs is the romantic sanctuary of your honeymoon dreams. The name doesn't lie: The 1,100-acre property boasts three gorgeous hot springs, including the hottest natural (non-sulfuric) hot spring in the world, ranging from 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Hosting no more than 63 guests at a time, this all-inclusive resort is the pinnacle of desert opulence, from the indoor and outdoor fireplaces next to which you can enjoy your morning coffee to the exceptional five-course meals with produce sourced from the on-site farm and greenhouse.

If you want to add an unforgettable adventure element to your honeymoon, sign up for Castle Hot Springs' Via Ferrata, a harnessed rock climbing experience inspired by alpine climbing in Europe. Adventurous souls can scale the sheer Arizona desert cliffs without ever being at risk of falling — kind of an accessible free solo situation — to the top of 400-foot Castle Peak.

The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons get ritzier and more idyllic every year, but they have always had an air of romance. From the days of Gatsby to today's Montauk scene, the Hamptons remains a couples' escape, where city stressors fall by the wayside to make way for fabulous parties, charming wineries, and lavender fields reminiscent of the south of France. Whether you're coming to the Hamptons from lower Manhattan or flying in from Chicago, let yourself and your spouse sink into the seaside bliss of this extravagant area by checking into the Hamptons' first wellness resort, Shou Sugi Ban House, a Japanese-inspired enclave of health and serenity in Water Mill with 13 picturesque cottages.

Napa and Sonoma, California

Napa sells itself as a honeymoon hot spot and is one of the most romantic destinations in the U.S., hands-down. The real beauty of Napa is there's so much to see and do in every town in the valley. From farm-to-table dining at Acacia House in St. Helena, to spending the afternoon at Tank Garage Winery in Calistoga, to lounging at Archer Hotel Napa's rooftop in downtown Napa, this honeymoon is for the classy, food- and wine-loving couple. For perfect accommodations — and more wine — stay at the Montage Healdsburg, which opened in late 2020 and offers opulent standalone bungalow-style suites and an adjacent vineyard, Aperture Cellars, steps away from the property.

Ogunquit, Maine

Maine is an oft-unsung vacation hero of New England, with enough seafood, wilderness, and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean to characterize it not only as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the U.S., but also as an essential couples' vacation spot. Honeymooners should set their sights on Ogunquit, a charming beach town with a thriving art scene. Reserve a week at Cliff House Maine, a seaside retreat on the southern coast known for The Spa at Cliff House's healing, restorative treatments. Between pampering sessions, stroll along Marginal Way (a three-mile waterfront path) and nosh on chowder and lobster rolls at Lobster Shack in Perkins Cove.

Nashville, Tennessee

For the fun-loving couple looking for a hearty dose of culture on their honeymoon, Nashville is a city of good food, art, and music. Your honeymoon here will have architectural elements — Nashville is known for the Parthenon, made in the image of the original Athens structure — and music inspiration from the studios on Music Row, as well as some truly memorable barbecue from Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. Whether you're hitting the Honky Tonk Highway (a collection of bars along Broadway) or listening to live music in Lower Broadway, Printer's Alley, SoBro, The Gulch, Music Row, or Midtown, you're in for a good time. For over-the-top accommodations, book the Thompson Nashville's penthouse suite, which features midcentury modern decor and a freestanding titanium tub that design dreams are made of.

Seattle and the San Juan Islands, Washington

If you're from the East Coast, a trip to the Pacific Northwest feels like visiting another continent. The natural beauty of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the coastal islands will sweep you both away, wooing you with live music, Douglas-fir trees, and West Coast oysters. Start your honeymoon in Seattle and check into the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, known for its unrivaled infinity pool looking out over Elliott Bay. Then, make your way up to the San Juan Islands, the best kept travel secret in the U.S. and a sleeper hit romantic honeymoon. In the San Juans, rent a luxe Airbnb on a remote island and revel in the peace and exquisite scenery that comes with this far-flung Pacific island vacation.

Big Sur, California

Yes, California makes the list twice, but in our defense, it's the perfect honeymoon state. If you have not driven the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, you have not experienced the full beauty of this country. Truly, there is no drive more romantic — not to mention iconic — for a domestic honeymoon. We recommend breaking up a PCH road trip with a few luxury hotel stays for the perfect combination of adventure and romance. Start in the mountain-framed city of Santa Barbara, about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, and drive all the way to the Alila Ventana Big Sur. The five-star glamping destination, perched on the cliffs overlooking the dramatic Pacific Ocean waves, is truly unforgettable. From Big Sur, move through Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can stop for lunch, a wine tasting, or an overnight stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa. If you're game to continue all the way up to San Francisco, make sure to book the last few nights of your honeymoon at the opulent Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.

Islamorada, Florida

If you're longing for the Caribbean or the Thai islands, the Florida Keys deliver. Islamorada is one of our favorite keys, not only for its sugar-sand beaches and glittering water, but also because it's home to Moorings Village. At this beachfront spot, you can enjoy your own slice of the island — rent one of several gorgeous one-bedroom cottages with white-washed walls, luxury island-inspired decor, and just enough room for two. Enjoy romantic strolls in the tropical garden, mornings lounging in the hammocks, and sunsets you'll never forget.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

A Northeast gem, The Berkshires are romantic in all four seasons, from blustery winter weather and spring blooms to vivid foliage-filled Octobers. The key to treating it as a five-star honeymoon destination, rather than just a spontaneous weekend away, is to go all-out enjoying the fast-growing luxury resort scene. Start at Miraval Berkshires, the first East Coast outpost for this Arizona wellness haven, where you and your partner can practice yoga and meditation, and begin your marriage with a deep sense of serenity and inner peace. Then, slide over to Canyon Ranch Lenox, an all-inclusive resort with an out-of-this-world Berkshires spa.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

There are few honeymoons more over-the-top — in the U.S. or abroad — than an Aman vacation. These hotels are not just the gold standard of five-star retreats, they are tailor-made for honeymooners. For a veritable winter paradise at the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, book your honeymoon at Amangani in Jackson Hole. From Amangani's private ski lounge, dog sledding, and wellness treatments for two in the winter, to a western hiking and wildlife haven with unadulterated remote beauty in the summer, this is a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon in any season.

Charleston, South Carolina

Whether you've just seen the occasional pastel photo of Charleston grace your Instagram feed, or you've been visiting the area since you were young, it doesn't take much to realize how special this Southern city really is. From strolling hand-in-hand through White Point Garden or Waterfront Park, to taking a catamaran out on Charleston Harbor at sunset, the Holy City will make marital bliss even sweeter. Stay at The Charleston Place, where reflexology and deep tissue massage await you and your new spouse at The Spa and you can enjoy Lowcountry fare at the hotel's high-end Charleston Grill while tapping your foot to live Southern jazz.

Aspen, Colorado

Looking for the best winter honeymoons in the U.S.? Aspen has to be at the top of your list, with world-class skiing and winter activities as well as luxurious après-ski and endless cold-weather spa opportunities. Book a suite at Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, where the spa features "natural elements and botanicals found in the Rocky Mountains." This is a honeymoon for couples who want to cozy up by a roaring fire with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and hide from the world together, but also challenge each other on the slopes and try new adventures, from snowmobiling to tubing.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The national parks make perfect honeymoon destinations for couples seeking a U.S. getaway. You may as well go for the pièce de résistance — the Grand Canyon is a suitably awe-inspiring spot after your wedding. Spend your days hiking the magnificent cliffs and your nights under the stars at Under Canvas Grand Canyon. A glamping honeymoon is made especially romantic thanks to Under Canvas' en suite tents, many with private decks and wood-burning stoves to keep you toasty after the sun goes down.