“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.
- 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 but 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.
I enjoyed our 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.
I had brunch at Secret Garden Café. I ordered 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, enjoying our time together.
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
My cultural highlight? “This square feels like a pause button in the middle of the city,” I thought as I stepped onto the brick paths of James Weldon Johnson Park. When we learned the park was a nationally recognized landmark on the African American Civil Rights Network, the space carried even more weight. I wasn’t just standing in a park. I was standing in a place where voices had gathered for change. Tall oaks spread their shade across benches, and the sound of a fountain mingled with the hum of buses rolling past nearby streets. I felt both surrounded and stilled, as if downtown had loosened its grip for a moment.
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. I had 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. I had 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. I admired its 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. I had 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. I had 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 was 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. I had 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) or consider a tour; restaurant prices moderate-high
- Hours: Skylift runs 10am–4pm; extended hours seasonally
Scottish Walking Vacation: Miles Together, One Step at a Time
“This is the kind of quiet we needed,” I said as we walked side by side through a green so deep it almost hummed. For our anniversary, we didn’t want fanfare. Instead, we wanted space, and time, and something to share without filling it with too many words. Country Walkers led us along trails that curved through the Scottish Borders, past lochs and old stone fences, where every footstep felt like a shared promise, newly made.
What I Loved Most: That feeling of walking together, in sync but silent, letting the hills do the talking for us.
My highlights? One afternoon, the mist rolled in low and soft, and our group stopped for lunch at a countryside inn. We ate lentil soup. It was hot, peppery, and thick, with oatcakes that crumbled just right. The room smelled of thyme, wet wool, and fresh bread. Later, we followed a trail through purple heather to a view that stretched for miles. I remember squeezing his hand and thinking, “This is exactly how I wanted to spend this year.”
Plan your walk:
- Tour Provider: Country Walkers
- Regions Covered: Scottish Borders, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Highlands (routes may vary)
- Vibe: Intimate, unhurried, quietly profound
- Best For: Couples marking something special, travelers seeking meaning over mileage
- Don’t Miss: Local stories from the guides, countryside inns, shared tea in the rain
- When to Go: Late spring through early fall for wildflowers, long days, and gentle weather
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. I loved the 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. I had 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, including 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 was 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. I had 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
Queenstown Sparkle & Glenorchy Stillness
“This feels like a painting I can walk into.” That was the thought that caught me as we stood at the edge of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, the water glassy under the Remarkables. The town hummed with energy. I saw cafés spilling out onto streets, jet boats skimming the lake, laughter drifting through the crisp alpine air. And yet, just a short drive north, Glenorchy waited: quiet, raw, the mountains folding in close like a secret shared only with us.
What I Loved Most: Holding hands on the Glenorchy jetty at dusk. The lake mirrored the last streaks of pink and gold, and it felt like time pressed pause just for us.
My highlights? In Queenstown, dinner at Rata. I had a lamb shoulder braised until it fell apart with the touch of a fork, served with earthy root vegetables and a red wine reduction that lingered on the palate. The air smelled of rosemary and warmth, the kind of meal meant to be shared slowly. In Glenorchy, a simple picnic by the lake: local cheese, fresh bread, and crisp pears, eaten on a blanket while the mountains kept their quiet watch.
A downside? Queenstown’s popularity meant lines, especially for activities and restaurants. The bustle sometimes pulled me out of the sense of retreat I wanted for an anniversary escape.
Plan your Queenstown & Glenorchy anniversary trip:
- Drive Time: Queenstown to Glenorchy ~45 minutes along Lake Wakatipu
- Vibe: Queenstown: adventurous, lively; Glenorchy: serene, intimate
- Highlights: Skyline gondola views, Milford Sound day trips, Glenorchy jetty, nearby hiking trails (Routeburn Track)
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early autumn for clear skies and comfortable temperatures
- Cost: Free to explore landscapes; gondola ~$50; fine dining varies ($$$)
- Hours: Queenstown restaurants ~11am–10pm; outdoor attractions open daily
New York City Anniversary Carriage Ride in Spring
The trees had just begun to bloom, branches bursting with pink and white blossoms that drifted like confetti in the breeze. As the carriage wheels turned softly along Central Park’s winding paths, I thought, “This is how the city remembers to be gentle.” The horse’s steady pace matched the rhythm of the season, unhurried, full of promise, and everywhere we looked, spring wrapped the park in color and light.
What I Loved Most: Passing under flowering cherry trees while the city skyline peeked through. The ride felt private and timeless, even with the hum of New York just beyond the park’s stone walls.
My highlights? After the ride, we paused at Bow Bridge where the lake reflected willows and blossoms, a scene that felt painted just for us. Dinner followed at One if by Land, Two if by Sea, where spring flavors carried through. I had a roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, the aroma bright and citrusy, and a strawberry tart that tasted like the season itself.
A downside? Spring weekends drew many visitors, and popular paths sometimes filled with walkers and cyclists. The romance stayed intact, but the quietest rides were earlier in the day or near dusk.
Plan your NYC anniversary carriage ride in spring:
- Location: Carriages line up along Central Park South (near 59th Street)
- Vibe: Romantic, floral, timeless
- Highlights: Blooming cherry trees, Bow Bridge, carriage ride through Central Park, candlelit dinner nearby
- Best Time to Visit: April–May for peak blossoms; evenings for a softer glow
- Cost: Standard rides ~$60–80 for 20 minutes; longer routes available
- Hours: Daily, 10am–midnight; blossoms best mid-morning and late afternoon light
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
- • Scottish Walking Vacation: Miles Together, One Step at a Time
- • Castle Rock, Colorado: Cliffs, Coffee & Time That Lingers
- • Eatwith: At Home Around the World
- • Shop Hop, Buenos Aires: Style, Stories & Strolling Side by Side
- • Queenstown Sparkle & Glenorchy Stillness
- • New York City Anniversary Carriage Ride in Spring
- • I saw some of the most incredible floral displays along the way. Here is my photo.
- • Anniversary Wrap-Up: Places Made for Two