Small Town Honeymoon Destinations

1. Friday Harbor, Washington

Nestled on San Juan Island in Washington State, the charming town of Friday Harbor is one of the best places to honeymoon in the U.S. for those who love whales and ocean views. Dotted with turn-of-the-century wooden-frame houses and quaint historic storefronts, this romantic coastal fishing village is small enough to be easily explored on foot.

Friday Harbor has a vibrant art scene, a rich historical background and a diverse choice of excellent restaurants. On your walk through the town, you will find murals and mosaics by local artists.

Galleries are filled with wonderful works of art created on the island. On summer evenings, listen to live music and watch theater productions under the stars.

Plan to stay over a weekend if you are interested in festivals, fairs, shows and the San Juan Island Farmers Market. Rent a bike and explore the Historic District, which is home to many fascinating museums. Learn the history of the Port of Friday Harbor, and watch whales right from the shore.

Where to Stay: Bird Rock Hotel (Phone: 360-378-5848) has European-style guest rooms and whirlpool suites with harbor views.

Where to Eat: Relax with a view of the San Juan Channel at the Bluff at Friday Harbor House while you savor a multi-course dinner prepared with fresh fare caught in the waters around the island.

Don’t Miss: A whale watching cruise.

2. Taos, New Mexico

Surrounded by rugged majestic mountains and the wild Rio Grande River, Taos has a magical quality that has attracted artists and photographers for centuries. Taos Pueblo, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to examples of beautiful adobe architecture and the only living Tiwa Native American community.

The business district is packed with galleries showcasing local art works, quirky cafés and boutique stores. The snow-capped peaks that rise behind the town draw skiers from all over the world, while the sunsets are nothing less than breath-taking. Taos has a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it one of the top honeymoon destinations in USA.

Where to Stay: Check into one of the bright, adobe-style rooms with kiva fireplaces and traditional decor at Casa Gallina .

Don’t Miss: A guided tour of Taos Pueblo.

3. Cambria, California

The relaxed coastal town of Cambria is surrounded by the breath-taking natural beauty of towering pine trees and the Pacific Ocean.

Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria is about a 4-hour drive from each city, making it a great weekend getaway for honeymooners and couples.

The town’s rich history is reflected in the beautiful old homes and museums, including the Cambria Historical Museum and the Historic East Village.

Take a romantic walk along the beach and look for giant elephant seals. There is a network of hiking trails that wind along the coastline and offer spectacular ocean views. Cambria has wonderful galleries displaying local artists’ works, a live theater and music events.

The town hosts several popular festivals such as the Cambria Art and Wine Festival, the Cambria Western Dance Jamboree, and the Cambria Festival of the Trees. If you are looking for honeymoon spots in USA on the coast, Cambria is a great place to visit.

Where to Stay: The 20 renovated guest rooms at the Blue Dolphin Inn (Phone: 800-222-9970) are located just steps from the beach.

Where to Eat: Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant serves dishes prepared with organic produce grown in the lodge gardens, along with a selection of award-winning wines from California’s Central Coast. Before dinner, take a romantic walk through the manicured gardens and fountains.

Don’t Miss: Take a tour of Hearst Castle, a magnificent hilltop estate.

4. Ruidoso, New Mexico

Ruidoso is an idyllic destination for a romantic honeymoon in the Southwest. This mountain resort town is located in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest in Lincoln County, where it offers active vacationers a wide variety of outdoor activities.

The milder climate means that most activities can be enjoyed year-round – choose from golfing, hiking, zip-lining, biking and horse-back riding. The town offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Ruidoso is also home to the most southern US Ski resort at Ski Apache. Couples will also enjoy spending a day at Adventure Mountain where you can have fun on the ropes course or play some mini golf or laser tag.

Where to Stay:. Rent a casita with a full kitchen and whirlpool tub at Escape Resort at Ruidoso.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a romantic dinner with a view at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.

Don’t Miss: Wine tasting at Noisy Water Winery.

5. Fredericksburg, Texas

Texan hospitality meets German tradition in this charming town. Located in the heart of Hill Country and surrounded by verdant patchworks of undulating vineyards, this quaint town is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Texas. Fredericksburg, Texas is famous for its German colonial heritage and culture.

The main street has beautiful Bavarian-themed restaurants, beer gardens and antique stores. Spend a few days exploring the excellent wineries and estates around Fredericksburg, tasting some of the region’s best vintages, or take in the natural wonders of the local landscapes at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lyndon B. Johnston State Park and Historic Site. See a show at the Fredericksburg Theater Company or Rockbox Theater, and stroll through the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market.

6. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a vibrant seaside resort town with miles of beautiful beaches, a bustling oceanfront boardwalk and an array of hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the annual Boardwalk Show, which showcases the best of Virginia Beach’s art scene, or catch a show at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater.

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center offers a variety of exciting exhibits and a 3D theater.

Several manicured parks add a splash of green to the area. Sports fans will delight in excellent golf courses, miles of hiking trails, surfing and sea-kayaking.

Where to Eat: Zoes serves a selection of stakes and seafood in a romantic setting with soft mood lighting. Request one of the intimate booths for more privacy.

Don’t Miss: A romantic walk along the beach at sunset.

7. Wilmington, North Carolina

Combining the best of both worlds - a historic river district and beautiful beaches - the coastal town of Wilmington is the perfect place to get away from it all. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, rich culture, history, and an array of interesting attractions, this vibrant seaside town is full of charm and romance. Resting on the banks of the Cape Fear River, moss-draped oak trees stand between an eclectic mix of Victorian and antebellum architecture that line the city’s historic district.

Fronting this cultural haven is a beautifully scenic Riverwalk where you will find busy restaurants, chic cafés and trendy boutiques - an ideal spot to sip a coffee and watch the world go by.

A short drive takes you to the three sandy beaches: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, where each beach has its own choice of things to see and do, from beach to boardwalk.

Explore the undersea world at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, take surfing lessons, or try stand-up paddle boarding.

Don’t miss: A stroll through the romantic Victorian garden at the Bellamy Mansion.

8. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Home to the University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a warm and welcoming town with a vibrant energy, sophisticated charm, and beautiful natural surroundings. The town is well known for its cultural offerings, with abundant opportunities to enjoy the arts and culture scene, ranging from thought-provoking art exhibits to inspiring performances by jazz legends.

Exclusive galleries with hands-on exhibits and exceptional museums with prestigious collections, including the newly-renovated University of Michigan Museum of Art, are well worth a visit.

The town’s wonderful array of quaint bookshops and literary havens will delight book buffs.

The town has 300 restaurants, ranging from authentic Italian bistros to contemporary-chic American delis, stylish jazz and dance clubs in and around town.

During the warmer months, you will find an array of street festivals and outdoor fairs, such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair. In the winter, holiday light festivals and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival are popular events.

Where to Stay: The Bell Tower Hotel (Phone: 800-562-3559) offers European-style décor and a central location.

Where to Eat: Zingerman's Delicatessen is a popular stop in town.

Don’t Miss: Visit the 335-acre Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum and have a romantic picnic surrounded by nature.

9. Bayfield, Wisconsin

Resting on the shores of Lake Superior at the northern tip of Wisconsin, Bayfield is home to some of the county’s greatest natural treasures – the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a series of pristine islands known as “The Jewels of Lake Superior” and the famous Ice Caves.

Bayfield’s beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, leafy, hilly streets and rows of trees exude a tranquil charm for visitors escaping from the city and local artists whose works are displayed in boutique galleries and workshop all over town.

The town’s biggest draw are the Apostle Islands, 21 rugged islands freckling the coastline that are ideal for hiking, swimming, kayaking and camping.

Enjoy a guided kayaking tour, which takes you through majestic natural arches and caves around the islands or head further afield on a glass-bottom boat to view ancient shipwrecks. Dine on fresh local fish and fare at one of the many welcoming cafés and eateries around town.

Where to Stay: Rittenhouse Cottage at Old Rittenhouse Inn has a living room with a fireplace, wet bar and whirlpool tub.

Don’t Miss: Go on a one-of-a-kind dog sledding day trip with Wolfsong in the winter.

10. Newport, Rhode Island

Home to spectacular natural scenery, magnificent Gilded Age architecture, a bustling downtown waterfront, and beautiful places to stay, Newport is one of the most romantic destinations on the East Coast. Spend an afternoon exploring ornate French cottages, exquisite Elizabethan manor houses and richly decorated Italian palazzos adorned with priceless décor that were built by famous families like the Astors and the Vanderbilts.

Discover the history of the town in its array of museums and beautifully preserved Colonial-era architecture, or head out to one of Newport’s panoramic vineyards for an afternoon of wine-tasting.

Newport’s yachting marina is one of the most active in the country and bustles with the comings and goings of exquisite sailing vessels, while the town offers a wealth of attractions, chic boutiques, romantic inns, trendy cafés and excellent places to eat fresh seafood.

Where to Stay: The Vanderbilt Grace is located in a 1909 Newport mansion built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. The hotel has 33 guest accommodations, a luxurious spa, two gourmet restaurants, and indoor and outdoor pools.

Where to Eat: The Grill at Forty 1 North has an outdoor terrace with views of the marina and serves grilled meats, seafood and organic dishes.

Don’t Miss: Head to Fort Adams State Park for best harbor and Narragansett Bay views.