Small Town Honeymoon Vacations in the USA
I've been there... I understand that picking the perfect spot for your honeymoon seems like an overwhelming decision because you want to make happy memories that last forever. Whether you have time to get away for a weekend or for weeks, here are my favorite honeymoon ideas from my personal romantic vacations with my husband, and I hope you'll love them too.
Cambria
My favorite honeymoon vacation in California? If you love romantic sunsets and great California beaches, you have to go 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
Ever since I first visited New Mexico three decades ago, I've loved its landscapes and history. Since we've moved to Texas, it's been even easier to explore.
One town that especially stands out is 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!
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
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 is 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 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. 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
Loved the idea of a Midwest getaway but want a larger city with more to do? With a population of approximately 121,000, Ann Arbor is one of my favorites for a honeymoon because of its college-town energy and unique attractions.
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).
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
