9 Top Romantic Getaways

Borrego Springs, Calif.

You’ll have stars in your eyes at this International Dark Sky Community, where conditions are right for seeing constellations clearly. During the day, you can drive or picnic together in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park — beautiful when wildflowers start blooming in late winter — or cruise by more than 130 of the park's whimsical outdoor metal sculptures of animals. The friendly town of about 3,000 is just a two-hour drive northeast of San Diego.

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head

It doesn't get much more romantic that donning fragrant frangipani leis and strolling barefoot on the sand with your honey in a storied island paradise. But you don’t have to shell out a lot to stay near the iconic Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Two resorts that can cost less than $150 a night are the Aqua Bamboo and the Aston Waikiki Beach. Or splurge on perfect mai tai sundowners overlooking the ocean at the five-star Halekulani hotel.

Fredericksburg, Texas

This Texas Hill Country charmer was named one of “6 of America’s Most Romantic Small Towns” by CNN. Stay at adults-only Fredericksburg Herb Farm (pictured above) in a high-end replica of the tiny “Sunday Haus” cottages once used by German farmers when they came to town to trade and attend church. Get back to the basics of love by dancing to country music in nearby Luckenbach or savoring a delicious dish with wine at Fischer & Wieser Culinary Adventure Cooking School.

Park City, Utah

About 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City Mountain boasts a chairlift that starts right by Main Street. Use senior discounts to save significantly on lift tickets. But you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy the former mining town’s art galleries and eateries. Snuggle under a blanket on a sleigh ride and toast each other with local craft beer at the No Name Saloon & Grill.

AARP Offer: Explore Your World

Explore the ends of the earth with expert advice, tips for vacations and fantastic images.
Sign up for the Travel Newsletter today. Help save for your next dream trip by joining AARP.

Sedona, Ariz.

Balance your energy and center your relationship in mystical, magical Red Rock country, north of Phoenix. Spend the day marveling at the surreal sienna-colored sandstone formations, then cocoon in a cabin with a kitchen at a romantic spot such as the Butterfly Garden Inn. You can get couples' massages at places all over town or indulge in a three- to seven-day getaway at the luxurious Mii Amo Spa. 

Callaway Resort & Gardens, Georgia

On more than 2,500 acres in Pine Mountain, an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, this resort is home to a variety of accommodations, two golf courses, bike trails and about 20,000 colorful azaleas that bloom in spring. New this year: “Sip & Savor Spring” wine and culinary weekends that include admission to the resort’s famed gardens. The most affordable lodging is Callaway’s Mountain Creek Inn, starting at about $100.

M Resort Spa Casino, Nevada

Escape the bright-lights-big-city razzmatazz of Las Vegas on a serene gaming-and-dining getaway in nearby Henderson. A 15-minute drive from the Vegas Strip, but in another world, this elegant 390-room resort can be booked for less than $100 a night and offers free airport shuttles, weekend dancing and a more sophisticated atmosphere than the mega hotels in Vegas. The buffet ($24.99 at dinner and popular with locals) includes wine and beer.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

This increasingly popular wine destination, less than an hour's drive west of Portland, is home to fabulous pinot noirs. With hundreds of wineries lining country roads, the valley was named 2016 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg seduces with rooms outfitted with a comfy window seat, gas fireplace andsoaking tub. Splash in the indoor pool and sip the best vintages at its farm-to-table restaurant. Budgeting? There are lots of local B&Bs and chain hotels.

Stockbridge, Mass.

Escape to Norman Rockwell country, where you can visit the museum honoring the Saturday Evening Post illustrator who depicted a kinder, gentler America, and satisfy your sentimental side. Then retire to the romantic 18th-century Red Lion Inn, complete with creaky floorboards and individually decorated rooms. After dinner in the white-tablecloth restaurant, cozy up in the Lion’s Den lounge for live music and a nightcap before slipping off to your lovely bedchamber.

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head

• 10 romantic getaways
• 10 super second honeymoons