Romantic getaways in the USA

Not every romantic trip needs a passport. The United States is so large and so varied that a couple can find a beach, a mountain cabin, a vineyard, a desert canyon or a historic small town without leaving the country, and often without flying. A getaway close to home also has a special advantage: you can go often. A long weekend every few months keeps romance alive in a way that one big trip a year cannot.

Peninsulas and lake shores

Some of the most charming getaways in the country sit along the shores of the Great Lakes, where small harbour towns, orchards, lighthouses and quiet beaches feel a world away from city life. Wikipedia's article on Door County, Wisconsin describes a county on the Door Peninsula, nicknamed the "Cape Cod of the Midwest", that is a popular vacation destination in the Upper Midwest. Places like this are ideal for couples who love long drives along the water, browsing small shops, and eating dinner while the sun sets over the lake.

Lake-shore towns change with the seasons. Summer brings swimming and boating, autumn brings colourful woods and harvest markets, and winter can be quiet and snowy, with fires and hot drinks. Many small towns slow down outside the main season, so check what will be open before you choose your dates.

Mountain towns and national parks

Mountains offer fresh air, forest walks, waterfalls and cosy cabins. The United States is rich in national parks, and many have small towns at their gates where couples can base themselves. Among the best loved is Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the National Park Service's page for the park is the place to check the status of roads, facilities and trails before you go. The Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains feature looks at one mountain town at the park's edge and how to enjoy it as a couple.

A few tips for mountain getaways: book early for the most popular seasons, especially autumn; pick an accommodation with a view or a fireplace if you can; and plan at least one walk to a waterfall or overlook at the start of the day, before the crowds and the afternoon heat arrive.

Wine country

Vineyard regions make natural romantic getaways. The pace is slow, the scenery is rolling, and the days revolve around good food. Stay in a small inn among the vines, take a picnic, and visit only a couple of tasting rooms a day rather than rushing from one to the next. If neither of you wants to drive after a tasting, arrange a car or choose a base you can walk or cycle from. Harvest time is especially lively, while late spring is often quieter and greener.

Desert and canyon country

The desert is surprisingly romantic. Days are bright and clear, evenings bring dramatic colour to the rocks, and nights can be astonishingly dark and full of stars. Desert resorts offer pools, spas and golf, while smaller lodges near canyons and parks offer hiking and silence. Remember that desert heat can be intense in summer, so plan walks for early morning and carry plenty of water.

Coasts

From windswept northern beaches with lighthouses to warm southern shores with palm trees, the American coastline has endless variety. The Pacific coast offers dramatic cliffs and wild surf; the Atlantic has historic seaside towns and long sandy beaches; the Gulf has warm, shallow water. And far out in the Pacific, Hawaii offers a tropical honeymoon without leaving the country, with its own language and culture; see Hawaii for two.

Classic American honeymoon destinations

Some destinations have been drawing couples for generations. Niagara Falls is perhaps the most famous traditional honeymoon spot in North America, shared between the United States and Canada. And for couples who would rather marry quickly and celebrate in style, Las Vegas has long been known as a wedding capital.

Planning a short getaway

• Choose somewhere within a comfortable drive, so that the trip starts the moment you leave home.
• Leave work behind: agree before you go how often, if at all, you will check messages.
• Book one special dinner and keep the rest of the trip loose.
• Go midweek if you can. Prices are often lower and places are quieter.
• Pick one activity each and do both, even if one of you is less enthusiastic.

A romantic getaway does not need to be elaborate. A good bed, a lovely view, time together without distractions and a sense of being somewhere new are the essentials. The rest is a bonus.