10. Montreal, Canada
Montreal is great for all kinds of reasons. For starters, it's got one of the best restaurant scenes on the continent. The Montreal Biodome provides a taste of every major ecosystem in the Americas, and, with 90 festivals a year, you won't be hurting for things to do in town. Montreal's high walkability rankings also mean that the city's shopping is amazing.
(image via breveglieri, CC)
9. Boston, MA
Boston has a little bit of everything. If you're a history buff, there's the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution, and more. If you're a foodie, there's plenty of seafood at the marina, and the North End has a slew of fantastic Italian places, not to mention two of the country's most renowned bakeries—Mike's and Modern. From the Sam Adams brewery tour to the New England Aquarium, Boston's got something to charm everybody.
(image via rickharris, CC)
8. Napa Valley, CA
Napa Valley is a popular honeymoon destination already, and it's not hard to see why. This is one of the most prolific wine-producing regions in the country. If you're even the slightest bit of an oenophile, you're in heaven. You're also less than two hours from the Pacific Ocean (and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway). Majestic redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve are just a short car ride away. And of course, you're in a place where the hotels and restaurants are geared towards romantic vacationers. Make the most of it.
7. Maui, HI
There's so much to love about Maui. For a start, you can't really beat the scenery. Whether you're taking a cocktail cruise at sunset or enjoying a tropical resort, there's plenty to do and see. Maybe you want to hike volcanoes, go snorkeling, or learn about Polynesian culture. If you're a person who enjoys surfing or mountain walks, all those things are available, but there is also an incredible number of ways to just kick back and relax.
6. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a weird, undeserved reputation as a wild spring break hub, but truth be told, there's a lot more to this island paradise. Sure, there are plenty of nightclubs and casinos in San Juan, and if that's your thing, it's there for you to enjoy. On the other hand, Puerto Rico also hosts some incredible rain forests and beaches, as well as plenty of places from which you can enjoy them responsibly. Now for the best part: you don't need a passport to get there!
5. Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix and Scottsdale offer travelers a wide variety of amusements set against the quiet majesty of the American southwest. Whether you're checking out downtown Scottsdale or hanging out in a resort, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself. This area is a massive hotspot for golf, but most of the resorts here are considerate enough to offer plenty in the way of shopping and spa treatments so that you don't have to be a golfer to enjoy them. And if you are planning your retirement, this is a popular place to do it so you might consider this trip a reconnaissance mission to see if you like it here. Just be wary of jumping on board any business proposals you hear while you're there.
4. Galveston, TX
Galveston is a great place to experience the beach without having to trek out to California or jet off to an island. There's a strong sense of history here giving visitors a great look at some old-fashioned grandeur, particularly the vintage Grand 1894 Opera House and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The beach itself, though, is the main draw, whether you're swimming, taking the Port Bolivar ferry out to see dolphins, or just relaxing in the sun.
(image via laurascudder, CC)
3. Tulum, Mexico
If you want to get out of the country without going too far—or getting too crazy—Tulum is a great option. Home to the famous Mayan ruins and plenty of hotels and resorts that are nice but not too overcrowded, Tulum is a great way to enjoy the beaches of Mexico without having to cope with Cancun. The scenery is romantic, and there's plenty to do, but it's not as overwhelming as other popular party destinations.
2. The American Heartland
Maybe you live in the center of the country and don't feel like going too far away. Maybe you live on a coast and realize you've never taken the time to appreciate everything your country has going for it. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of places for you to kick back in luxury with the person you love. From the rustic trappings of Michigan's Spider Lake Lodge to the more golf-and-casino styled French Lick Resort, there are a lot of places to make a quiet, affordable, and intimate getaway in what often gets dismissed as "flyover country."
(image via martyk74)
1. New Orleans, LA
From the food to the music, New Orleans is one of the strongest examples of uniquely American culture in the country. Jazz musicians either flock here to practice the trade or grow up here learning to love the music. There is a distinct party atmosphere in some sections of the city, but you can always avoid New Year's Eve and Mardi Gras and just appreciate the good life in the Big Easy.
(image via Christian Senger, CC)