8 Places to Go for an Anniversary Trip
Searching for the best places to visit for your anniversary? Well, you are in the right place! Personally, I think that an anniversary should feel like more than just another holiday since it’s a celebration that you want to turn into a memory. Over the 25 years of our marriage, Chris and I have sought out the best destinations and experiences for romance. I hope you'll love these vacation ideas for your next anniversary getaway too.
- My Favorite Places to Visit for Anniversary in the U.S.
- - #1. Jacksonville, Florida - #2. Las Vegas - #3. Walpole, New Hampshire - #4. Lake Havasu City - #5. Oklahoma City - #6. New York City - #7. Breckenridge, Colorado - #8. Eatwith for Foodies
- Best Romantic Anniversary Vacation Ideas Abroad
- - #9. Verve Rally - #10. Queenstown, New Zealand - #11. Scottish Vacation - #12. Shop Hop, Buenos Aires - #13. Toronto - #14. Loen Skylift, Norway
- Best Anniversary Mindfulness Retreats
Best Places to Visit for Anniversary in the U.S.
Our anniversaries have been some of the best trips we've taken in the U.S., whether we had time for just a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaways. Here are my favorites and I hope you enjoy them too.
Las Vegas
We absolutely love Las Vegas, and have been many times. This was easily one my coolest anniversary places to visit because it offers heaps of amazing things to do. You'll find world-class dining, big-name entertainment, and stunning resorts. In addition, being based here makes it easy for us to access desert landscapes nearby.
Chances are that unless you are driving in from a neighboring state like California, you will land at Las Vegas airport so I recommend a two day stay in Las Vegas first to get to know this unique city. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
One of the most amazing gems we discovered first in "Sin City" was the Neon Museum near Downtown and walking through the glowing collection of vintage casino and motel signs felt unusual, exciting, and completely magical.
For breakfast, we made our way to EAT, close to Fremont Street, and it was the perfect start to my day with fresh, affordable food in the relaxed atmosphere which made it one of the coolest breakfast spots I’ve ever been to.
The Mob Museum right after also near Fremont Street turned out to be a very unique place too, with immersive exhibits and dramatic stories of organized crime that made it unforgettable (but I thought $34.95 General admission was expensive).
Another must-see spot tucked right inside Circus Circus, the Adventuredome ($25) is packed with roller coasters, carnival-style games, bumper cars, and even a mini golf course.
Further down the Strip, Bellagio Fountains are not to be missed with a new dancing water show starting every 15-30 minutes!
Check availability or prices at the Venetian where we had a cool four day stay with great Italian-inspired dining, 5-star Caesars Palace (my photo is below) or the Bellagio, another favorite of mine because of the dancing fountain show every 15-30 minute throughout the day. b
What I loved best:
Our suite at the Venetian for four days had incredible views of the Strip, especially at night. I found it super convenient to take the elevator down to the spa level and treat myself to a 60-minute massage, my personal highlight.
Oklahoma City
This is one of my favorite cities to visit for anniversary because it offers a bit of everything: diverse neighborhoods, art, and fantastic food.
We weren't in a hurry so Chris and I drove about 6 hours north from Austin TX. When we arrived in "The Big Friendly", we stopped for a late lunch at Paseo Grill. I ordered the filet and deviled eggs. The steak was buttery and seared to perfection.
Afterwards we explored the Paseo Arts District where we admired unique murals, a hidden garden, cozy courtyards and art galleries. I stopped in a shop with one-of-a-kind pottery and textured canvases.
Later, one of our favorite stops was the American Banjo Museum ($8) which felt like walking through America’s musical heartbeat.
Next day, explored the powerful exhibits at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, walked along the Oklahoma River trails, admired the striking architecture of the Civic Center and Scissortail Park, and got a taste of cowboy culture at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Later, we ended the night where you’re supposed to: Edna’s. It was loud and easy and alive.
What I loved best:
After checking into our base for the 2-day weekend, Hyatt Place Oklahoma City / Bricktown, we headed to Mickey Mantel's, just steps from the canal. There, I had the Chilean sea bass, crisp on the outside, soft as clouds inside, plated with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
A downside? The summer heat pressed down hard in the afternoons. I found myself darting between shady spots downtown, wishing for cooler air sooner in the day.
Breckenridge, Colorado
This is one of my favorite cold-weather anniversary destinations and one of my favorite places to visit in Colorado! To me, Breckenridge feels tailor-made for romance which gave me an idea for our anniversary trip this month.
After checking into Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge for two romantic days, we took the gondola up the mountain, then we looked for Isak Heartstone the Troll (Breckenridge’s whimsical wooden sculpture in the woods) which we didn't find but that's ok.
What I loved best:
Next day breakfast at Columbine Café with fried eggs and housemade toast was my personal highlight. It smelled like sage and maple, and the potatoes were crisp and caramelized. We lingered over mugs of strong coffee.
Culinary Adventure with Eatwith
Ready for an anniversary trip where food feels like an adventure in itself? Eatwith wasn’t a restaurant. It was an open door. A seat at a local’s table, where the best flavors came with stories, and dessert always came with laughter.
You don't have to travel to Florence either. Eatwith offers hosts all around the world so chances are you can easily plan a local, affordable anniversary experience.
What I loved best:
Delicious flavors close to home, without having to do extensive travel planning was my personal highlight.
Best Romantic Anniversary Vacation Ideas Abroad
For us, celebrating an anniversary is the best excuse to treat ourselves to a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and, yes, I love tropical islands and beaches, but there were other cool trips we've enjoyed that I'm sharing with you today.
Verve Rally, Europe
Ready for an anniversary trip that feels like it belongs in a movie? I also wanted to include a trip that I haven't done myself but have been planning on it. I think you will love it if you can make it happen. Verve Rally is about seeing Europe’s most iconic roads from behind the wheel of a dream car, with just enough glamour to make every pit stop feel like a film set.
This truly is one of a kind anniversary journey that I've been dreaming about for years!
What I loved best:
Visiting many towns in a short time is what I like best.
Shop Hop, Buenos Aires
This is one of our favorite things to do in Buenos Aires because it makes the city’s style scene feel completely accessible! Shop Hop takes you through the best independent designers, hidden ateliers, and concept stores. Basically, you'll get to shop at places you’d never find on your own—and the whole experience is relaxed and beautifully paced.
What I loved best:
We sipped tea, bags at our feet, feeling like locals for an afternoon was my favorite highlight.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is one of my favorite cities to visit for romance in North America.
First, we browsed vintage shops and street art in Kensington Market, then stopped for al fresco lunch at Italian hotspot Terroni on Queen Street West.
After lunch, we strolled along the Martin Goodman Trail.
In the afternoon, I booked a 60-minute massage at Elmwood Spa which offers four floors of services and treatments, especially water therapy treatments.
Dinner Auberge du Pommier was incredible and romantic - I had delicious Atlantic salmon with celeriac rémoulade & kale.
My favorite highlight:
One of the absolute best ways I’ve explored Toronto is through Tasty Tours Toronto. I joined one of their guided food adventures, and it was pure joy from start to finish. We walked through neighborhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown, sampling everything from decadent chocolates to unusual international treats. In fact, since Toronto is so spread out, I recommend taking a tour with a local guide if this is your first time visiting.
Chris and I flew into Pearson Airport and spent four lively days in a Corner guest room with a King bed at the 4-star Anndore House which was spacious and elegant.
Loen Skylift, Norway
This is one of my favorite places to visit because it combines jaw-dropping scenery with almost zero effort. It was such a cool adventure for my anniversary trip with my husband. We loved gliding from the edge of the fjord straight up into the mountains in just a few minutes! Then, suddenly we were standing in crisp alpine air with sweeping views of emerald water and snow-dusted peaks. Loen Skylift's incredibly easy to get to, yet the reward feels like something that should require hours of hiking.
- Location: In western Norway in the village of Loen, rising from the Nordfjord to the top of Mount Hoven in the Vestland region
- Best Airport: Ålesund (AES) or Bergen (BGO)
- Cost: Round-trip skylift ~NOK 600 (~$55 USD) or consider a tour
What I loved best:
Lunch at Hoven Restaurant, right at the summit really stood out! I had stew with root vegetables and cloudberry compote. The stew was rich and savory, the meat tender, the broth filled with thyme and something smoky. It smelled like pine, pepper, and the cold. We ate slowly, every bite a warm answer to the wind outside.
We based ourselves in Hotel Alexandra in Loen for three romantic days and took Loen Skylift up two morning in a row. It truly was a spectacular way to celebrate our anniversary.
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.
