8 Unique Places to Visit in Vermont
Vermont is for you if you are like me and love the outdoors! From my four week road trip through The Green Mountain State, here are the best places to visit and experiences you won’t want to miss.
Best Places to Visit in Northern Vermont
Northern Vermont is my favorite region for a romantic vacation because it's where classic New England charm meets dramatic mountain and lake scenery.
Friday Harbor
I thought this small town of around 2,700 residents felt like stepping straight into a storybook! Friday Harbor (and the entire island!) immediately felt romantic and inviting as soon as we arrived.
Highlights of our stay included a whale-watching cruise (from $135/person), where we spotted orcas gliding through the water, and a sunset walk that felt like pure magic.
We also popped into the Whale Museum ($12 General admission), which gave us a fascinating look at the region’s marine life, and loved the panoramic views at Lime Kiln Point State Park, known as one of the best places in the world to spot whales right from the shore.
Each evening ended with fresh seafood and crisp Washington wine at harbor-view restaurants like The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House. Friday Harbor gave us exactly what we wanted and what most people crave on their honeymoon: a mix of adventure, culture, and romance.
What I loved best:
Our King Room with Spa Bath at Bird Rock Hotel made it all feel even more intimate and special, the perfect home base for three unforgettable romantic days.
Taos
Taos is one of the most magical places I've ever been to! This is one of my favorite honeymoon ideas because Taos offers heaps of unique things to do here : soulful desert scenery, rich culture, cozy adobe inns, and that unmistakable New Mexico light. We flew into Albuquerque and drove the scenic two-hour route north through red canyons and pine forests and the journey itself felt cinematic. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
We spent our days wandering through the Taos Plaza, exploring art galleries and cozy cafés, and visiting the ancient Taos Pueblo, where centuries-old adobe homes and traditions brought history to life. A stop at the Millicent Rogers Museum gave us a deeper look at the art and culture of the Southwest, while a drive out to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge left us breathless with its sweeping canyon views.
One afternoon we escaped to the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, soaking in warm pools beneath the open desert sky.
What I loved best:
I loved being able to taste so many different cuisines in this relatively small town was a real standout, including New Mexican restaurants like La Cueva Cafe for traditional dishes and chiles, while Lambert's of Taos which offers Contemporary American cuisine, romantic Italian like Pizanos, and and French restaurants like The Love Apple and Gutiz.
Cambria
This was one of my favorite honeymoon vacations in California. If you love romantic sunsets and great California beaches, you absolutely have to get to know to Cambria!
I love that it's about mid-way from San Francisco and from Los Angeles so it's easy to get to from both directions.
We flew into San Luis Obispo from Austin, TX and reached Cambria in under an hour. Driving along the scenic Highway 1 and enjoying its famous ocean views was already very romantic.
Once you get there, the town itself is made for romance. What I loved best was that in Cambria you can be as relaxed or as active as the mood strikes.
You can enjoy walking along Moonstone Beach Drive on your honeymoon, hiking at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and visiting the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center in nearby San Simeon.
There is also the famous Hearst Castle which let us step into another world of grandeur, exploring the Cambria Historical Museum, and experiencing the unique art at Nitwit Ridge.
What I loved best:
We enjoyed venturing into wine country and returning for a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants in town.
We based ourselves in a Standard Room King Room with a romantic fireplace at the Windrush Inn on Moonstone Beach (around $300/night) for two days, and then at a vacation rental for ten days.
Ruidoso
This town of about 7,800 people especially stood out to me was Ruidoso in the Sierra Blanca Mountains because this part of New Mexico is still very much under the radar.
You'll be surrounded by pine forests and crisp alpine air on your honeymoon here. I learned that Ruidoso is nicknamed "Little Texas". You'll even find Texas-style cuisine in Ruidoso! Ever since I first visited New Mexico three decades ago, I've loved its landscapes and history.
You can enjoy shopping at the boutiques of Midtown, hiking in Lincoln National Forest, and admire romantic Grindstone Lake. We also tried our luck at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino, about half an hour south of downtown.
For a romantic dinner, head to Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden. They have live music and huge outdoor fire pits where you can enjoy roasting smores and look at stars on your honeymoon.
What I loved best:
Another romantic evening idea is seeing a performance at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. We watched a dance performance, but you can choose from vintage Rock & Roll, comedy and even acrobatics on your honeymoon.
Wilmington, NC
Wondering around was Wilmington, NC was pure nostalgia! Ready for an East Coast honeymoon near great beaches? Check out Wilmington, a real standout!
What I love about Wilmington, NC is the number of diverse activities on offer. You can relax on the beach, visit historic attractions, and find many great restaurants for your romantic meals (of course!).
We especially enjoyed touring the Bellamy Mansion ($15 Adult admission), exploring the Battleship North Carolina, and visiting dreamy Airlie Gardens.
What I loved best:
Exploring the local food scene — the coastal-inspired Seabird Restaurant and the intimate Manna Ave 123 were absolute standouts.
Bayfield
If you want an affordable honeymoon vacation idea, head to Bayfield, Wisconsin. This place was naturally romantic and immediately won us over with its views.
In wintertime, don't miss Wolfsong Adventures, the coolest dog sledding adventure!
We flew into Duluth and drove just over an hour along scenic Highway 13, passing orchards and the Apostle Islands over the water.
First, our visit to the Bayfield Maritime Museum was short but super cool to get a sense of the area’s nautical history.
Food was a highlight too, and especially enjoyed the casual Manypenny Bistro which even offers a dog-friendly patio if you are brining your furry friend along on your honeymoon.
What I loved best:
After dinner, we loved strolling along the harbor, my personal highlight. We stayed three nights at the 4-star St. James Social (around $240/night) in a Soundproofed King Suite with Hydromassage showerhead and eco-friendly toiletries.
Newport, RI
I think this was one of the absolute best coastal towns in the Northeast for a honeymoon. Why? If you are into Gilded Age romance and old-world luxury, you can't do better than this city.
In fact, you can actually spend your honeymoon in a historic mansion turned boutique hotel, The Chanler at Cliff Walk. Our Greek Revival room for two days had a romantic Fireplace, balcony and was individually decorated (in fact, no two rooms are alike in the mansion!)
Days were spent enjoying ocean views from the Cliff Walk and admiring Newport’s Gilded Age mansions (don't miss the opulent Breakers, and Marble House).
You can enjoy exploring Thames Street, with its boutiques and cafés. A harbor cruise is a must on a honeymoon to see the coastline from the water. I enjoyed Fort Adams State Park for best Narragansett Bay views.
We had a superb romantic dinner at The Grill at Forty 1 North. The modern waterfront setting and incredible seafood, especially the oysters, made the night unforgettable.
What I loved best:
At The Chanler, we ended evenings with wine on the terrace, watching the moonlight on the water! In addition, waking up to the sound of waves and stepping straight onto the Cliff Walk each morning made our stay feel magical.
Ann Arbor
With a population of approximately 121,000, Ann Arbor was one of my favorites for a honeymoon because of its college-town energy and unique attractions. Loved the idea of a Midwest getaway but want a larger city with more to do? Head to Ann Arbor, a real standout!
We spent two nights at the Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor. From there, we wandered through the Kerrytown district, explored the farmers market, and and enjoyed great coffee.
Highlights of our trip included the University of Michigan Museum of Art, romantic walks through the Nichols Arboretum with its river trails and gardens, and an evening at the historic Michigan Theater.
What I loved best:
For me, Ann Arbor is one of the best honeymoon vacations because it's unique with plenty to do!
Meals were my favorite highlight — inventive farm-to-table dinners, cozy bistros, and dimly lit lounges made the nights feel especially romantic (perfect for a honeymoon in the USA).
Fredericksburg
One of the best towns for immersing myself in German culture was Fredericksburg, Texas.
In fact, living in Austin, we didn’t have to travel far for our romantic getaway to feel worlds away on our road trip. Just a short drive into the Hill Country brought us to Fredericksburg, Texas, a town that instantly swept us up with its rolling vineyards, German heritage, and wide open skies.
From the very start, it felt like the perfect mix of charm, romance, and ease, a dream honeymoon destination.
We stayed for three nights at the Inn on Barons Creek, where our suite overlooked the water and gave us a peaceful retreat just steps from Main Street. Mornings began with quiet walks and coffee together, while days were spent exploring the shops, art galleries, and cafés that lined the historic downtown.
Wine tasting quickly became a highlight. With so many Hill Country wineries nearby, we spent lazy afternoons sipping local vintages and toasting to our new adventure together. We also explored the Pioneer Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War, both of which added depth and history to our trip. For nature, nothing compared to Enchanted Rock.
What I loved best:
Evenings were for indulgence (hearty German fare, farm-to-table dinners, and Texas wines enjoyed in intimate restaurants), followed by stargazing under endless Hill Country skies, my personal highlight.
Virginia Beach
This was one of my favorite beach towns for a relaxing break! Ready for a classic East Coast beach honeymoon? Check out Virginia Beach, a real standout! For our romantic trip, we chose this beach town, where the Atlantic shoreline gave us the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm.
From our first evening, with the sound of waves rolling in and the ocean breeze on our faces, we knew we’d picked the right place to celebrate the start of our life together.
We stayed three nights at The Cavalier, an elegant historic hotel that felt both timeless and luxurious. Our room overlooked the coast, mornings began with coffee and sunrise walks on the sand, and afternoons often found us walking on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, stopping at cafés and shops along the way. The energy of the boardwalk kept things fun, while the quiet stretches of beach gave us time to slow down and savor the moment.
Some of our favorite experiences were exploring the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and heading out on a dolphin-watching cruise, and hiking the trails at First Landing State Park. Each day gave us something new to discover together.
Evenings were made for fresh seafood, often paired with ocean views or live music. Back at The Cavalier, we ended the nights with a glass of wine in its stylish lounge, feeling completely swept up in the romance of the setting.
What I loved best:
For me, Virginia Beach was one of the best small town honeymoon destinations because it's relaxing and unique! Climbing to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse for sweeping views of the shoreline was my personal highlight!
