Minimoon Destinations in the United States

Location:

Napa Valley, CA

Highlights:

If you’re daydreaming about rolling vineyards, world-class wine, and unforgettable sunsets, Napa Valley should be at the top of your list. Just north of San Francisco, this region is the perfect blend of romance, nature, and luxury.

We Recommend This For:

Wine lovers, couples planning a minimoon, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone craving a romantic escape with a touch of indulgence.

What we Love:

Scenic hot-air balloon rides, iconic vineyard views, and wine experiences that feel straight out of a movie.

• Explore hillside vineyards that produce world-renowned varietal wines, ideal for tastings and romantic strolls.
• Soar above the valley at sunrise in a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride—perfect for couples.
• Hike or Bike through the valley’s scenic trails, or take vineyard tours on foot, by bike, or by car.
• Relax with spa treatments and fine dining after a day of adventuring through the wine country.

Address:

Napa Valley, California

Location:

Yosemite National Park, CA

Highlights:

If you and your partner are craving jaw-dropping views and fresh mountain air, Yosemite is the place. Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s a nature-lover’s dream and a seriously unforgettable minimoon destination.

We Recommend This For:

Adventure-loving couples, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to dramatic natural landscapes and historic wonders.

What we Love:

Iconic granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, and magical waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall that feel straight out of a fairytale.

• Explore Yosemite Valley’s legendary sights including Half Dome and El Capitan—massive granite formations that define the park’s skyline.
• Marvel at Bridalveil Fall, where misty cascades create the illusion of a bridal veil—perfect for a minimoon photo op.
• Reconnect with nature among ancient, giant sequoia trees that helped make Yosemite a national park back in 1890.
• Hike through the park’s countless scenic trails or simply relax and take in the views from one of its peaceful overlooks.

Address:

Yosemite National Park, California

Location:

Big Sur, CA

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of dramatic cliffs, ocean breezes, and a road trip you’ll never forget, Big Sur is calling your name. Tucked along California’s Central Coast between San Simeon and Carmel Highlands, it’s the ultimate blend of rugged and romantic.

We Recommend This For:

Road trippers, nature-loving couples, glamping fans, and anyone craving coastal solitude with unforgettable views.

What we Love:

The iconic Bixby Bridge on Scenic Highway 1, majestic redwoods in Limekiln State Park, and views that stretch endlessly over the Pacific.

• Drive the world-famous Scenic Highway 1, where the Bixby Bridge—known as the “Golden Gate of Big Sur”—offers jaw-dropping ocean views.
• Camp in Limekiln State Park, where you can pitch a tent or park your RV steps away from coastal cliffs and towering redwoods.
• Hike through lush trails leading to swimming holes, waterfalls, and unforgettable forest scenery.
• Relax with your partner under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the surf and trees.

Address:

Big Sur, California

Location:

Charlottesville, VA

Highlights:

If you and your partner are into history, mountain views, and cozy charm, Charlottesville is a minimoon treasure. This artsy town is surrounded by breathtaking Blue Ridge beauty and filled with presidential landmarks and cultural depth.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, culture lovers, romantic getaway seekers, and couples wanting a thoughtful, enriching escape.

What we Love:

Monticello’s mountaintop elegance, a trio of presidential estates, and a deep legacy of African American heritage that adds meaningful context to every visit.

• Tour Monticello, the iconic home of Thomas Jefferson, perched on a scenic hill with sweeping views.
• Visit James Madison’s Montpelier and James Monroe’s Highland—both beautifully preserved and rich in early American history.
• Experience Charlottesville’s vibrant culture scene and its powerful connection to African American history.
• Unwind among the mountains with wine, local art, and charming downtown strolls made for slow mornings and sunset dinners.

Address:

Charlottesville, Virginia

Unique Minimoon Destinations:

Location:

Crater Lake National Park, OR

Highlights:

If you’re craving wild beauty and a landscape like no other, Crater Lake will totally deliver. Tucked in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, it’s home to America’s deepest lake—formed inside a collapsed volcano—and offers an epic minimoon for adventurous hearts.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoorsy couples, nature lovers, volcano geeks (in the best way), and anyone who wants serene views with a touch of the extraordinary.

What we Love:

Electric-blue water, surreal volcanic scenery, and summer activities that let you dive right into nature—literally.

• Discover the park’s volcanic roots—formed over 7,000 years ago when a 12,000-foot volcano collapsed, creating the massive lake and its central island.
• Explore on foot with scenic hiking trails, or take a dip with swimming and scuba diving options during the summer months.
• Fish for trout in what many consider some of the finest fly fishing waters around.
• Visit any time of year, but head here in summer for the best weather and full access to activities and views.

Address:

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Location:

Furnace Creek, CA (along California Highway 190)

Highlights:

If you and your partner want to feel like you’ve landed on another planet—minus the space travel—Death Valley is your go-to. With surreal landscapes, epic heat, and wide-open skies, it’s a bucket list minimoon for couples who crave the extraordinary.

We Recommend This For:

Adventure seekers, desert dreamers, off-the-beaten-path travelers, and couples who don’t mind the heat (or love it!).

What we Love:

Otherworldly terrain, stargazing for days, and the rare but breathtaking Superbloom that turns the desert into a floral wonderland.

• Experience the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere—282 feet below sea level—and marvel at a place so extreme it’s beautiful.
• Travel anytime of year thanks to consistently warm weather, with summer temps reaching an average of 110°F (and yes, people still visit then!).
• Watch for the rare Superbloom—a once-in-a-decade explosion of wildflowers that paints the desert in vivid color after just enough rainfall.
• Explore the park’s stunning canyons, sand dunes, and salt flats, or stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country.

Address:

California Highway 190, Furnace Creek, CA
Phone: 760-786-3200

Location:

Galena, IL

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect escape with serious small-town charm, Galena delivers in every season. Tucked in Northwest Illinois, this award-winning gem is ideal for couples who want scenic beauty, sweet vibes, and year-round activities.

We Recommend This For:

Couples who love history, vintage charm, seasonal adventures, and towns that feel like they belong in a Hallmark movie.

What we Love:

Wholesome charm, Mississippi River views from a hot air balloon, and snowy slopes in winter at Chestnut Mountain Resort.

• Wander the streets of a town once named the “Prettiest in Illinois” by *The Daily Mail* and *MSN* in 2017—think Norman Rockwell vibes, but real.
• Soar above the Mississippi River in a hot air balloon ride that fits up to 14 people and captures unbeatable views of the countryside.
• Play in the snow at Chestnut Mountain Resort, where honeymooners can enjoy a true winter wonderland getaway.
• Relax into the pace of a town known for its cleanliness, hospitality, and homespun atmosphere—it’s easy to feel at home here.

Address:

Galena, Illinois

Location:

Geneva Lake, WI

Highlights:

If you’re after a serene lake escape with outdoor charm and cozy year-round activities, Geneva Lake is a hidden gem. Nestled in Southeastern Wisconsin, this 5,400-acre freshwater lake is a perfect spot for nature-loving newlyweds.

We Recommend This For:

Couples looking for lakeside tranquility, year-round adventure, and scenic hikes through rich Midwestern history.

What we Love:

The 21-mile lakeshore path, scenic views from snowy slopes, and that fresh, peaceful vibe that only a Wisconsin lake town can deliver.

• Stroll the Geneva Lake Shore Path—a 21-mile trail designed for romantic walks, weaving past historic mansions and lakeside estates.
• Experience nature in all its forms, from gentle waters in summer to snowy thrills in winter at nearby Wilmot Mountain.
• Ski and Snow Tube your way through winter adventures that add fun and excitement to your minimoon memories.
• Take in scenic beauty year-round, with crisp lake air, sparkling views, and peaceful vibes perfect for reconnecting after the big day.

Address:

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin