Small Town Honeymoon Destinations
Searching for the best small town honeymoon destinations? I understand that picking the perfect spot for your honeymoon can be a big decision because you want to make happy memories that last.
After exploring, living locally and revisiting many of these hidden gems on a recent four week road trip, here are the destinations that I recommend to you. In a hurry? If you want a honeymoon on the water, my top choices are Friday Harbor, Cambria, Virginia Beach, Wilmington, Bayfield, Ann Arbor and Newport. If you are feeling adventurous, head to Taos, Ruidoso, or Fredericksburg, TX. Some of it depends on the season too, so be sure that it's not too hot or too cold. If you don't want to spend a lot, driving to a romantic small town near you is always a good option!
1. Friday Harbor
I thought that this was an excellent choice for our romantic trip because the island immediately felt romantic and inviting as soon as we checked into the 3-star Bird Rock Hotel (around $185/night), our cozy retreat just steps from the waterfront.
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.
- Location: San Juan Island, Washington, accessible by ferry or seaplane from the mainland
- Map & Directions
- Good to know: Whale-watching season runs from spring through fall
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.
2. Taos
I found this high-desert arts haven to be the perfect romantic mountain escape in April. We flew into Albuquerque and drove the scenic two-hour route north through red canyons and pine forests and the journey itself felt cinematic.
We stayed three nights in a King Room at 3-star Hotel La Fonda de Taos ($313) and 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.
- Location: Northern New Mexico, about 1.5 hours from Santa Fe
- Map & Directions
- Good to know: The elevation is over 7,000 feet so take it slow to adjust to the altitude.
What I loved best:
I loved being able to taste so many different cuisines in this relatively small town, 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.
3. Cambria
This town on the California coast immediately felt like the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon this month. Why? For me, Cambria was the perfect blend of quiet, romantic, and a little wild. We flew into San Luis Obispo and reached Cambria in under an hour, driving along the scenic Highway 1 with its famous ocean views. 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 which was stylishly decorated and very comfortable.
I loved that in Cambria you can be as relaxed or as active as the mood strikes, with so many activities to choose from, including walking along Moonstone Beach Drive, hiking at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and visiting the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center. 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.
- Location: Central California coast, right off Highway 1
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
We enjoyed venturing into wine country on our honeymoon, sampling local vintages in small, intimate tasting rooms, and taking a slow afternoon stroll through the fragrant Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.
4. Ruidoso
This place, tucked away in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, it immediately felt like such a coll underrated romantic mountain escape, surrounded by pine forests and crisp alpine air!
Flying into El Paso, the scenic two-hour drive through desert and forest felt like a cinematic transition, from golden plains to emerald peaks. Days in "Little Texas" were filled with blissful little adventures: shopping at the boutiques and art galleries of Midtown, hiking in Lincoln National Forest, admiring Grindstone Lake, and we also tried our luck at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino, adding a playful edge to our getaway.
Romantic dinner was at Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden where we lingered next to the huge outdoor fire pits roasting smores until the stars came out.
- Location: Sierra Blanca mountains, south-central New Mexico
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
We enjoyed a romantic evening at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, a building with super cool architecture and a great selection of performances (we watched a dance performance, but you can choose from vintage Rock & Roll, comedy and even acrobatics!)
5. Wilmington, NC
We were looking for a mix of history, charm, and coastal beauty, and this city gave us exactly that. Tucked along the Cape Fear River with beautiful beaches just minutes away, it felt like the best of both worlds in one trip.
We spent five days at the 3-star Front Street Inn, a historic bed-and-breakfast downtown where we picked the Kipling guest room (around $224/night) with exposed brick, Hypo-allergenic bedding, Private bathroom and large windows.
We flew into Wilmington International Airport and were strolling the Riverwalk within 20 minutes. Days were spent wandering through the historic district’s grand antebellum houses, and sunbathing at Wrightsville Beach, of course!
We also enjoyed touring the graceful Bellamy Mansion ($15 Adult admission), exploring the Battleship North Carolina, and getting lost in the dreamy Airlie Gardens, with its moss-draped oaks and blooming flowers.
- Location: Southeastern North Carolina
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Exploring the thriving local food scene — the coastal-inspired Seabird Restaurant and the intimate Manna Ave 123 were absolute standouts.
6. Bayfield
Tucked along the shores of Lake Superior, this place immediately won us over with its quiet charm and breathtaking water views. Known as the gateway to the Apostle Islands, Bayfield felt both adventurous and intimate — exactly the kind of place that's perfect for a honeymoon where you want plenty of options to spend your time.
In wintertime, don't miss Wolfsong Adventures, a family friendly Wisconsin dog sledding adventure!
We flew into Duluth and drove just over an hour along scenic Highway 13, passing rolling orchards and glimpses of the Apostle Islands. 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.
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.
- Location: Northern Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
After dinner, we loved strolling along the harbor, wrapped in the crisp northern air, with the quiet sound of the waves nearby.
7. Newport, RI
If you are into Gilded Age romance and old-world luxury, you can't do better than this city where 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, Furnished balcony and was individually decorated (in fact, no two rooms are alike in the mansion!)
Days were spent wandering the Cliff Walk and admiring Newport’s Gilded Age mansions, from the opulence of The Breakers to the elegance of Marble House. We also explored Thames Street, with its boutiques and cafés, and took a harbor cruise to see the coastline from the water, sails dotting the horizon. I enjoyed Fort Adams State Park for best harbor and Narragansett Bay views.
One evening, we had a romantic dinner at The Grill at Forty 1 North, where the modern waterfront setting and incredible seafood, especially the oysters, made the night unforgettable.
What I loved best:
Back at The Chanler, we ended evenings with wine on the terrace, watching the moonlight shimmer across the Atlantic. Waking up to the sound of waves and stepping straight onto the Cliff Walk each morning made our stay feel magical.
8. Ann Arbor
We were instantly charmed by its mix of college-town energy and small-city intimacy. The streets were lined with bookstores, cafés, and colorful murals, and it felt like the kind of place where every corner held a surprise.
We spent two nights at the Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor, a stylish hotel that reflected the town’s character while giving us a cozy retreat. From there, we wandered through the Kerrytown district, explored the bustling farmers market, and found ourselves lingering in independent shops and coffeehouses.
Highlights of our trip included the University of Michigan Museum of Art, a romantic walk through the Nichols Arboretum with its river trails and gardens, and an evening at the historic Michigan Theater, where the glowing marquee set the perfect backdrop for a night out.
- Location: Southeastern Michigan, about 45 minutes west of Detroit
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Meals were memorable — inventive farm-to-table dinners, cozy bistros, and cocktails in dimly lit lounges that made the nights feel especially romantic.
9. Fredericksburg, TX
Living in Austin, we didn’t have to travel far for our romantic getaway to feel worlds away. 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.
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.
- Location: Texas Hill Country, about 1.5 hours from Austin or San Antonio
- Map & Directions
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.
10. Virginia Beach
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.
- Location: Southeastern Virginia
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Climbing to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse for sweeping views of the shoreline!
Conclusion
What makes these small towns so special for a honeymoon is the way they invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
Each one offers its own unique blend of charm, from historic streets and hidden cafés to scenic trails and waterfront sunsets, yet they all share an intimacy that makes time together feel even more meaningful. Far from the rush of big cities, these destinations create space for romance, discovery, and memories that last a lifetime.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
