“We don’t need big plans—we just need the right place,” I thought while scrolling late one night, looking for a trip that felt like us. Not a crowded resort. Not a marathon itinerary. Just something that marked the moment. Something a little special, a little quiet, and filled with space to slow down together.
Every anniversary trip we’ve taken has been different—mountains one year, coastal breeze the next—but they all shared the same feeling: this is time we gave ourselves, not just a trip we took. These places made room for conversation, for quiet joy, for meals that lingered a little longer than usual.
What I Loved Most: Finding spots where everything else faded—just the two of us and something beautiful unfolding. Whether it was a chairlift view or a dock at sunset, the memory stayed warm long after we left.
My highlights? One dinner stands out: blackened fish tacos eaten on a patio overlooking the water. The tortillas were soft and smoky, the pineapple salsa bright and sweet, and we didn’t talk much—we just listened to the waves and let the moment do the work.
Plan your perfect anniversary trip:
- When to Go: Around your anniversary or during shoulder seasons for better rates and fewer crowds
- Who It’s For: Couples who want meaning over flash
- What to Pack: One nice outfit, your favorite old photos, and time to just be together
- Best Tip: Choose a place with just enough to do—leave space for spontaneity
Best Anniversary Vacation Ideas
Jacksonville, Florida: Ocean Light & River Calm
“Let’s not rush anything,” I thought as we walked along the St. Johns River at golden hour, the water catching pinks and golds from the sinking sun. Jacksonville gave us beaches and skyline, oak trees and art—and space to just drift through it all together, no pressure to check a box.
What I Loved Most: Morning walks on Neptune Beach, where the sand was cool and firm, and the waves just loud enough to fill the quiet without crowding it.
My highlights? Brunch at Secret Garden Café—shrimp and grits with creole butter and a warm biscuit on the side. The shrimp were tender and smoky, the grits creamy and rich, and everything smelled like garlic and bay leaf and sunshine through a window. We ate slow, talked even slower.
Plan your anniversary getaway:
- Drive Time from Orlando: ~2.5 hours north
- Vibe: Relaxed coastal city with a quiet spark
- Highlights: Riverside Arts Market, Cummer Museum gardens, Atlantic and Neptune Beaches, walking trails in Timucuan Preserve
- Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–early November for breezy days and fewer crowds
- Cost: Beaches and parks free; dining and activities vary ($10–$30 per person)
- Hours: Most museums 10am–5pm; markets and trails vary
Breckenridge, Colorado: High Altitude & Slow Mornings
“This air feels like a reset,” I thought as we stepped onto the trail behind our cabin, frost still clinging to the edges of the pine needles. Breckenridge in fall was all gold aspens and woodsmoke, with mountain peaks wrapped in early snow and shops tucked into the kind of downtown that looks like it belongs in a snow globe—even when there’s no snow yet.
What I Loved Most: The stillness between the busy seasons. It was easy to find a trail to ourselves, or a cafe corner where no one cared how long we stayed.
My highlights? Breakfast at Columbine Café—sweet potato and bacon hash with fried eggs and housemade toast. It smelled like sage and maple, and the potatoes were crisp and caramelized. We lingered over mugs of strong coffee, boots warming by the fire before heading back out into the mountain light.
Plan your anniversary getaway:
- Drive Time from Denver: ~2 hours west
- Vibe: Cozy alpine with just the right amount of bustle
- Highlights: Boreas Pass Road for scenic drives, downtown boutiques and bakeries, Carter Park trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late September–early October for golden aspens and crisp air
- Cost: Hiking and town wandering free; lodging and meals vary mid-to-high
- Hours: Most cafés 7am–2pm; trails and drives open daily
Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Desert Light & Waterfront Wandering
“How does a place this warm feel this calm?” I thought as we stood on the footpath beneath the London Bridge, the Colorado River slipping by in glassy green. Lake Havasu surprised me—desert heat balanced by cool water, palm-lined beaches edged by red rock, and just enough retro charm to make the whole town feel like a laid-back time capsule.
What I Loved Most: Strolling along the bridge at sunset, where the sky turned lavender and the river reflected every pastel shade like it was holding onto the day for just a little longer.
My highlights? Lunch at Cha-Bones—filet medallions with garlic butter and a side of risotto that smelled like parmesan and roasted shallots. The meat was tender and perfectly seared, and the risotto creamy with just the right bite. We ate slow, under twinkle lights on the patio, the air still warm even as the sky dimmed.
Plan your anniversary getaway:
- Drive Time from Phoenix: ~3.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Sun-washed, retro, relaxed
- Highlights: London Bridge, riverwalk, paddleboard rentals, boat tours on Lake Havasu
- Best Time to Visit: October–April for cooler temps and fewer crowds
- Cost: Bridge and waterfront free; meals mid-range; boat rentals available by hour
- Hours: Waterfront open daily; restaurants 11am–9pm
Walpole, New Hampshire: Hills, Cider & Hand-Held Quiet
“This is the kind of place you don’t just visit—you settle into,” I thought as we drove down a two-lane road lined with sugar maples, their leaves spinning gold in the breeze. Walpole felt untouched—white church steeples, country stores with creaky doors, and the hush of fields just beginning to frost.
What I Loved Most: The stillness of it all. We took a slow walk through Alyson’s Orchard, our hands brushing as we picked apples and listened to the leaves whisper above us.
My highlights? Lunch at Walpole Valley Farms’ The Barn—a grass-fed burger with cheddar, caramelized onions, and a side of crisp apple slaw. The bun was warm and soft, the beef rich and flavorful, and the slaw bright with cider vinegar and fresh herbs. I could still smell the woodsmoke from the fireplace inside as we stepped back into the chill.
Plan your anniversary getaway:
- Drive Time from Boston: ~2 hours northwest
- Vibe: Bucolic, timeless, soft-spoken
- Highlights: Alyson’s Orchard, L.A. Burdick handmade chocolates, Walpole Creamery, Main Street strolls
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak foliage and orchard season
- Cost: Outdoor activities mostly free; local meals modest
- Hours: Most shops and cafés open 10am–5pm; orchards open daily in season
Verve Rally, Europe: Scenic Roads & Soulful Speeds
“This isn’t just a drive—it’s a celebration in motion,” I thought as we curved through the Alps, sun bouncing off polished hoods and laughter trailing behind us like exhaust. Verve Rally wasn’t about racing—it was about joy. About seeing Europe’s most iconic roads from behind the wheel of a dream car, with just enough glamour to make every pit stop feel like a film set.
What I Loved Most: The rhythm of the journey. Mornings starting with strong espresso and a map briefing, then engines humming through countryside curves, past vineyards, lakes, and cliffside roads with names that made my heart speed up.
My highlights? A lakeside lunch in Switzerland—grilled sea bass with lemon, served on a terrace that smelled of rosemary and crisp mountain air. The fish was delicate and smoky, the olive oil herbaceous, and I lingered with my plate, sun on my arms, supercars glittering in the lot below like oversized jewelry.
Plan your Verve Rally adventure:
- Route: Various curated routes across Europe—past editions included London to Venice, Geneva to Monaco, and more
- Vibe: Luxury, camaraderie, open-road exhilaration
- Highlights: Scenic routes, luxury hotels, curated dining, photo ops, and a non-competitive spirit
- Best Time to Join: Summer (June–September); exact dates vary by route
- Cost: Packages typically range from £6,000–£15,000 per car (based on itinerary and accommodation tier)
- Who It’s For: Car lovers, couples, adventure seekers—no racing experience required
Loen Skylift, Norway: Height, Silence & Holding Hands Above It All
“The world just got quieter,” I thought as we rose above the fjord, our gondola climbing toward the clouds. The Loen Skylift lifted us from green valley to snowy mountaintop in minutes, but time stretched at the summit—air thin and cold, views endless, and everything below looking smaller, softer, quieter.
What I Loved Most: Standing together at the edge of Mount Hoven, wind tugging at our jackets, no sound but breath and wind and the subtle click of the camera. We didn’t say much—it felt like we didn’t need to.
My highlights? Lunch at Hoven Restaurant, right at the summit—reindeer stew with root vegetables and cloudberry compote. The stew was rich and savory, the meat tender, the broth filled with thyme and something smoky. It smelled like pine, pepper, and the cold. We ate slowly, every bite a warm answer to the wind outside.
Plan your anniversary getaway:
- Nearest Town: Loen, Norway
- Vibe: Majestic, reflective, quietly epic
- Highlights: Loen Skylift ride, Mount Hoven hiking trails, glacial fjord views, summit dining
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for greenery; October for snowy edges and fewer crowds
- Cost: Round-trip skylift ~NOK 600 (~$55 USD); restaurant prices moderate-high
- Hours: Skylift runs 10am–4pm; extended hours seasonally
Castle Rock, Colorado: Cliffs, Coffee & Time That Lingers
“It feels like the kind of place where the sky knows your name,” I thought as we reached the top of Rock Park, wind moving through scrub oaks and distant peaks sharpening in the afternoon light. Castle Rock had room to breathe—red rock trails, cozy corners downtown, and a rhythm that made us slow down without even realizing it.
What I Loved Most: Wandering downtown hand in hand, dipping into bookstores and boutiques, then sitting quietly on a bench with no agenda but warmth and stillness.
My highlights? Brunch at Crave Real Burgers—a bison burger with roasted poblanos, smoked gouda, and chipotle aioli on a housemade bun. It smelled like char and spice, the meat tender and rich. We split a side of truffle fries and lingered by the window, watching leaves spin down the sidewalk.
Plan your anniversary getaway:
- Drive Time from Denver: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Laid-back, outdoorsy, with just enough polish
- Highlights: Rock Park hiking, downtown cafés and shops, Philip S. Miller Park trails and zipline
- Best Time to Visit: September–October for mild weather and fall color
- Cost: Trails free; dining mid-range
- Hours: Most restaurants and shops open 10am–8pm; parks open daily
Eatwith: At Home Around the World
“This feels like the dinner party I always hoped to be invited to,” I thought, sitting at a long wooden table in a stranger’s Parisian apartment, warm light bouncing off wine glasses and the smell of something slow-cooked drifting from the kitchen. Eatwith wasn’t a restaurant—it was an open door. A seat at a local’s table, where the best flavors came with stories, and dessert always came with laughter.
What I Loved Most: The intimacy. It didn’t matter if we were in Barcelona, Lisbon, or Rome—every host made me feel like an old friend they just hadn’t met yet. The food was homemade, the conversations real, and every dish came with a memory.
My highlights? In Florence, I joined a pasta-making dinner where we rolled out fresh tagliatelle and topped it with a truffle butter sauce. It smelled like earth and cream, the noodles silky and warm. We sat out on a tiny balcony under string lights, plates clinking, the host’s dog curled at our feet.
Plan your Eatwith experience:
- Where: Major cities across Europe and beyond—Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Barcelona, Athens, NYC, and more
- Vibe: Warm, interactive, truly local
- Highlights: Homemade meals, market tours, hands-on cooking classes, cultural exchange
- Best Time to Book: A few weeks in advance; evenings and weekends fill up quickly
- Cost: Typically $40–$100 per person depending on city, course, and experience
- How to Book: Visit eatwith.com and choose your host by city, menu, and vibe
Shop Hop, Buenos Aires: Style, Stories & Strolling Side by Side
“This feels like a love letter dressed in linen,” I thought as we stepped into a sunlit boutique tucked behind ivy-covered walls. With Shop Hop, shopping in Buenos Aires wasn’t about bags or brands—it was about discovery. We wandered with a local guide who knew every secret showroom, artisan studio, and quiet alley humming with design.
What I Loved Most: How personalized it felt—each stop tailored to our taste, each conversation layered with history and warmth. It wasn’t just retail therapy—it was cultural connection with a stylish edge.
My highlights? After trying on handmade leather loafers, we stopped at Café Rivas for a quiet lunch—grilled provoleta cheese with roasted tomatoes and fresh sourdough. The cheese crackled at the edges, the bread was soft and smoky, and it all smelled like basil and warm wood. We sipped tea, bags at our feet, feeling like locals for an afternoon.
Plan your anniversary experience:
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Vibe: Elegant, curated, deeply local
- Highlights: Private shopping with an expert guide, access to independent designers, personalized route based on style and budget
- Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November for mild weather
- Cost: Tours start around $150–$200 USD per couple; purchases vary
- Hours: Typically 3–4 hour sessions; mornings and afternoons available
Anniversary Wrap-Up: Places Made for Two
By the end of it all—the mountain mornings, seaside meals, quiet drives—I thought, “It doesn’t matter where we go, as long as we go like this.” Each destination held something different: a view, a flavor, a pace that fit the moment. But the feeling was the same everywhere—time we made for each other, marked by something lovely and a little unforgettable.
What I Loved Most: How these places made space for us. We weren’t swept into crowds or buried in plans. We were walking, watching, tasting—together. And whether it was a fjord in Norway or a biscuit in New Hampshire, the memory came back warm.
My highlights? The meals, always—the quiet table for two, the surprise flavor, the smell that lingered longer than the conversation. A moment paused between one bite and the next, where the day turned just a little sweeter.
Plan your perfect anniversary escape:
- Ideal Timing: Around your anniversary or during shoulder seasons for quieter travel
- How to Choose: Think about the kind of silence you want—mountains, water, city corners, or garden paths
- What to Bring: A shared playlist, a favorite old photo, and no rush at all
- What You’ll Keep: A memory that feels like it’s still happening, even after you’ve unpacked
Jump to a Spot...
- • Jacksonville, Florida: Ocean Light & River Calm
- • Breckenridge, Colorado: High Altitude & Slow Mornings
- • Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Desert Light & Waterfront Wandering
- • Walpole, New Hampshire: Hills, Cider & Hand-Held Quiet
- • Verve Rally, Europe: Scenic Roads & Soulful Speeds
- • Loen Skylift, Norway: Height, Silence & Holding Hands Above It All
- • Castle Rock, Colorado: Cliffs, Coffee & Time That Lingers
- • Eatwith: At Home Around the World
- • Shop Hop, Buenos Aires: Style, Stories & Strolling Side by Side