10 Romantic Cities in the United States
Filled with vibrant energy and endless attractions, cities make great destinations for romantic getaways. If you're considering an urban adventure with that special someone, plan a trip to one of the following ten cities. Each of them offers a uniquely romantic atmosphere and plenty of date-worthy activities.
1. New Orleans
From the quaint, old-world ambiance of the French Quarter to the joyful festivities of Mardi Gras, New Orleans overflows with romantic joie de vivre. To begin your romantic getaway in the Big Easy, take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, or go on a carriage tour through the city's historic neighborhoods. When you're ready to refuel, dine on traditional New Orleans treats such as pralines and jambalaya. Finish the evening by unwinding at an intimate jazz club.
2. Las Vegas
If you favor the kitschy over the quaint, Las Vegas is the perfect romantic vacation destination. Vegas is justly famous for spur-of-the-moment weddings and budget honeymoons, but you don't have to be tying the knot there to partake of its romantic offerings. Not only are there hotels to fit every taste and budget, but there are also limitless entertainment options, from Elvis impersonators to world-famous performers, so you'll never have a boring date night. Some Las Vegas hotels are even casino-free, so you can still enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas without listening to clanging slot machines.
3. San Antonio
The Riverwalk, a verdant, 15-mile collection of pedestrian pathways winding along the San Antonio River through the heart of the city, seems tailor-made for romantic strolls. When you get hungry, stop for a meal at a sidewalk cafe, perhaps sampling the city's renowned Tex-Mex cuisine, or enjoy a mellow dinner on the water, on a riverboat tour.
Time your visit to San Antonio to take in one of the city's annual festivals, many of which celebrate the region's colorful Latino heritage. Soak up San Antonio's historic atmosphere at the Alamo or at the Missions National Historic Park, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
4. Charleston
With cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and a good helping of Southern charm, South Carolina's oldest city makes a romantic and genteel getaway. To best experience the romance of Charleston, stay at an inn located in one of the city's refurbished mansions and then dig into some rich and delectable Southern cuisine at an elegant restaurant or casual soul food cafe. Dive into the area's fascinating and often complicated history with a visit to an old plantation or Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began.
5. Boulder
If you and your partner can't decide on an outdoor adventure or an urban getaway, consider coming to Boulder, where you won't have to compromise. Laid-back Boulder is a gateway to outdoor activities, with easy access to hiking trails and ski slopes, but it also features urban delights such as restaurants to satisfy every palette, live-music venues, and a range of shopping options from funky to upscale. Strolling along the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder's pedestrian-only street is a pleasant way to pass a summer afternoon. As the home of the University of Colorado, Boulder enjoys a lively student population and many cultural events.
6. San Francisco
Spread out among steep hills between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the city of San Francisco blends a quirky counter-cultural sensibility with world-class attractions in a stunning setting. As an introduction to the city, catch a cable car ride past brightly painted Victorian townhouses. Take in the vibrant hustle of Chinatown, which makes a good stop for lunch, or eat a bowl of the city's famous clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf. Climb up to Coit Tower to enjoy sunset views of the city.
7. San Diego
Year-round pleasant weather and great beaches make San Diego the perfect destination for a romantic beach vacation. Plus, with 70 miles of coastline, San Diego offers a variety of beaches to suit your interests, from the lively party atmosphere of Pacific Beach to windswept San Onofre, which is popular with surfers. Stay in picturesque La Jolla, with its plethora of restaurants and boutique hotels, many of which are right on the ocean. Or, to experience a vintage piece of California history, check in at the stately Victorian-era Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark.
8. Providence
Rhode Island's capital is a small city, with a population of around 180,000, but it packs in a lot of culture, as the home of the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University. Providence is an excellent place to explore on foot, with historic architecture and distinct neighborhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere.
For a peaceful escape, visit Roger Williams Park, which contains picturesque bridges, lakes and a rose garden. Providence enjoys a rich mix of festivals, nightlife and performing arts events throughout the year, and it's also regularly ranked as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States.
9. Santa Fe
The adobe buildings in this high-desert city in New Mexico blend with the colors of the earth, giving the "City Different" a dreamy and organic feeling. The oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe offers plenty of attractions for history lovers, but its status as an art mecca is what draws many visitors.
Peruse the outdoor sculpture galleries of Canyon Road, or check out one of Santa Fe's top-notch museums. In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains outside of the city, nature lovers will find hiking and skiing opportunities. On chilly nights, curl up with your partner next to a traditional "kiva" fireplace, found in many of Santa Fe's lodgings.
10. New York City
The bustling energy of America's largest city can be exhilarating, as can the thrill of seeing many of the country's most iconic sights, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, up close. To experience a slice of New York life, immerse yourself in the chaos by joining the jostling masses on the sidewalk. Chill out with a walk through Central Park, where in the winter, the ice skating rink offers an affordable and scenic location for a date, surrounded by the soaring city skyline.
Enjoy the view from a penthouse restaurant, or hit the clubs to party until dawn in the so-called "city that never sleeps." From the nightlife of New York City to the laid-back beaches of San Diego, these cities offer many opportunities for fun and adventure. Book a weekend getaway to one of these cities, or visit a few of them on your next road trip.
