The Best Anniversary Trips for a Romantic Getaway

From cozy romantic hotels in the US to dreamy beach towns in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, there are many romantic places for the best anniversary trips. The main thing is that you and your partner have time together to enjoy pampering and shared interests on a romantic getaway.

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines. However, it’s important to make time to reconnect and rekindle that spark with our partner. A couples getaway is the perfect solution! It can be simple or extravagant. Everyone’s got their own vision for the best anniversary trip.

For some couples, outdoor activities like horseback riding and kayaking together constitute the ideal romantic weekend. For others, romantic bliss means wine tasting, fine dining and art galleries. Maybe it’s the urban energy of San Francisco, waterfalls in a national park, soaking in hot springs or a beachfront resort in Hawaii or at one of these romantic US vacation destinations for couples. You may want to splurge a tad for pampering or head to one of these awesome adults-only all-inclusive resorts where you won’t have to worry about other people’s kids disrupting the romance vibes. 

According to one SheBuysTravel contributor, no matter where you stay, a proper couples getaway requires a lovely guest room. Also, the food should be great. If you’re staying at a larger hotel or resort that caters to families, speak to the staff at the restaurants about saving you a secluded table away from others.

Whether you choose to fly or take a scenic road trip, here are some ideas for best anniversary trips for a romantic getaway.

Aloha Seductive Hawaii

While any Hawaiian island is an excellent choice for a romantic vacation, Maui and Kauai seem especially appropriate for honeymoons and anniversaries. Walk along sandy beaches, go snorkeling and enjoy fine dining and spa treatments at a beautiful beachfront resort.  And there’s just something soothing yet romantic about Hawaiian music.

In Maui, cuddle and watch a sunrise or sunset from the Haleakala summit. Pack a picnic and see waterfalls and black sand beaches on the Road to Hana (aka Hana Highway). Kauai’s rivers are perfect for SUP, kayaking and other outdoor adventures with your sweetie.

These are our favorite resorts in Hawaii.

Experience California’s Wine and Natural Beauty

From sunny beaches in Southern California to redwoods and wineries in Northern California, the Golden State has miles of romantic places. No matter where you visit, there’s no shortage of romantic hotels. Stay in an intimate boutique hotel or cozy bed and breakfast at the beach or wine country. There are many options in Santa Barbara, Sonoma and Napa Valley that are in or near wineries, state parks and preserves.

Or take a road trip along the Central Coast. Stop along the way in Big Sur for stunning vistas of cliffs and the Pacific. Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has the best of both worlds – beaches and ski resorts. Stay in a secluded cozy cabin or an upscale resort.

These are our favorite hotels and resorts in southern California, these are our favorite Lake Tahoe resorts and these are our favorite Mendocino hotels. 

Enjoy an Intimate Trip in Sonoma

Sonoma is a lesser known wine region compared to Napa. However, it’s equally scenic. In addition, it’s home to more than 90 producers, and is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Stay in a cozy riverfront cabin or lodge in the rustic town of Guerneville.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, you’ll find river activities like canoeing and swimming. Or pack a picnic and explore hiking trails in nearby state parks and preserves. Situated about three miles north of Guerneville, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is an 800-acre park and natural preserve. Holding hands as you walk along the reserve’s secluded nature trails can be very romantic.

Toast to Napa Valley

The small town of Calistoga is home to thermal hot springs and boutique hotels. Plus, see the Old Faithful Geyser of California erupt at regular intervals. Calistoga is an ideal home base for a visit to local wineries. It’s also near the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Spend the Night on a Deserted Island, Ventura

If sleeping under the stars on a deserted island sounds appealing, consider Channel Islands National Park in Ventura County. The National Park Service operates primitive-yet-stunning campgrounds on each of the five Channel Islands. Known for their natural beauty, the islands are referred to as “North America’s Galapagos.”

Note that spending the night on the islands is for hard-core campers who don’t miss modern amenities. Not your style? Book a hotel in Ventura and visit the islands on a day trip. Boats depart to Channel Islands National Park from Ventura and Oxnard. (There are lots of fun things to do in Oxnard and Ventura, too!)

Cruise to Catalina Island

Sail to a tropical island just 22 miles off the shores of Los Angeles. Catalina Island is close to L.A. but feels miles away. And it’s one of L.A.’s best kept secrets. The one-hour boat ride via Catalina Express is relaxing and brings you to the island. Stay in Avalon, a pedestrian-friendly small town – or rustic Two Harbors.

The laid-back island has been a romantic getaway for many celebrities over the years. In fact, Clark Gable was a regular guest at the historic Glenmore Plaza Hotel. Catalina is the kind of place where you can dine at a beachfront restaurant and sip a Mai Tai with your toes in the sand. Afterwards, take a walk along the waterfront and see boats bobbing in the pretty marina.

The unique mom and pop eateries and shops are part of Catalina’s charm. In addition, Catalina is home to boutique hotels and cottage rentals – not big resorts or chain hotels.

In addition to the many land and water activities, check out the island’s historic sites. History buffs will be interested to know that chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr., acquired most of the island in 1919.

Splurge on a Luxury Getaway to Deer Valley, Utah

Talk about pampering! Nestled amid the alpine serenity of Deer Valley, the five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge oozes romance. The year-round European lodge consists of 39 opulent condos and private homes. Enjoy the luxurious modern amenities, crackling fireplaces and exquisite service. The heated infinity pool has expansive mountain views. For the ultimate pampering experience, be sure to book a couples massage at The Spa.

The lodge offers ski-in/ski-out in winter and  bike-in/bike-out access the rest of the year.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Plan a hiking trip. Order a picnic basket filled with goodies from the lodge to enjoy at the top of Bald Mountain.

Escape to the Desert

Arizona is famous for the Grand Canyon. But it also has a history as a romantic getaway.

Established in 1929 as a couples’ desert getaway, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a Spanish Colonial Revival villa. Enchanting guest rooms are decorated with European furnishings. Villas feature lush courtyards, fireplaces, and private patios. Romance is in the air as you enjoy spa treatments, delicious cuisine and stunning desert landscapes.

Pampering at Adults Only Resort in Florida

Florida has several all-inclusive resorts that will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a Caribbean oasis. However, for a romantic getaway, consider the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo.

This oasis in the Florida Keys is home to 135 private waterfront or garden bungalows with private verandas outfitted with outdoor rain showers and soaking tubs. Plus, each bungalow comes with two cruiser bikes to explore the beautiful property. Enjoy floating tiki boats and the resort’s infinity pool. Be sure to reserve a cabana for napping in the shade.

The property’s spa is surrounded by stands of black bamboo and with a private pool and hot tub. The spa offers couples massages, facials, aromatherapy and other treatments.

Read More: Love Puerto Vallarta? Check Out the Adults-Only All-Suites Casa Velas

Cozy Snowy Getaway in Colorado

A romantic getaway in the snow with your partner can be very cozy. SheBuysTravel contributor Terry Ward and her husband thoroughly enjoyed their four-night escape to Visit Verde Ranch near Steamboat Springs in Colorado.

The winter lovebirds spent their mornings on backcountry ski tours with a resort guide or working on their equestrian skills in the arena. She recommends horseback riding in the snow followed by a warm soak in a hot tub.

Caribbean’s Sexy Sandy Beaches

There’s a reason couples escape to the Caribbean for a romantic vacation. The Caribbean has many diverse islands with the best beaches. Imagine staying at one of these adults-only all-inclusive luxury resorts on a sandy beach with a private hot tub and ocean views. Sleep in, order room service and enjoy spa treatments. You’ll never have to leave the property! That is, unless you want to take a day trip for some sightseeing.

The island you choose depends on what type of romantic Caribbean vacation you want. Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic have tons of all-inclusive resorts. Or perhaps the lush and peaceful island of Grenada is calling to you. Situated outside the hurricane belt, Aruba has some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and snorkeling. In addition, consider the Cayman Islands and Barbados.