You may not be jet-setting honeymooners, and your budget may not include a honeymoon trip to a tropical destination of your choice, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t have the honeymoon that dreams are made of right here in the US. It’s important to research the season. You don’t want to have envisioned lounging around on a beach in your bikini and end up surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Here are 7 affordable and desirable honeymoon destinations in the US:
Lake Tahoe, California/ Nevada
Pop off to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and watch a romantic sunset from the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. It’s the perfect honeymoon destination through all the seasons, and it won’t break the bank. You can spend your days on the sunny beaches or hiking up the mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities at your fingertips. If you’re getting married in the winter. If you’re looking for a cozy cabin setting, there is fabulous skiing and snowboarding here too. Accommodation options also include luxury villas. You can find world-class dining and vibrant night-time entertainment.
Mendocino
Instead of flying off to Ireland to experience the luck of the Irish, head out to this Ireland-like village. Mendocino is on the Pacific coastline, and is only a hop, skip and a jump from San Francisco. This charming community is surrounded by alluring coves, delicate wildflowers and lush green hills. There are also wineries to visit and the area is known for its Pinot Noir. Accommodation is affordable off-season, anytime outside of summer.
San Juan Islands, Washington
This honeymoon option is peaceful and romantic. You could stay in a cabin on Orcas Island and paddle out on a kayak, or wander along Crescent Beach. On San Juan Island stop by the farmers’ market, or take a walk along South Beach. On Lopez Island there are plenty of hiking and cycling tracks to enjoy. The quaint Lopez village has a lot of cultural charm. With plenty of wildlife and picturesque views of the harbor, this is a fantastic honeymoon option.
Colorado
In the winter head to the mountains and spend some time on the slopes. It’s a top skiing destination and there are also lots of other unique winter experiences to enjoy here. Some couples prefer to miss the busy winter season. A summer honeymoon in Colorado is perfect for outdoorsy couples. The scenery is superb with waterfalls, canyons, and meadows. Couples can go hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, horse riding or ziplining. There are many wonderful ways to enjoy the area. It’s cheaper to spend time in central Denver, where the cost is much lower than in the resort towns. There are also self-catering accommodation options to choose from.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
For a more secluded honeymoon you could snuggle up in a log cabin in Blue Ridge. This friendly little town is tucked away in the North Georgia mountains. Make the most the Georgia Mountain Parkway which is also accessible to the area. There are food tours, farm wineries and breweries, orchards, and galleries. Explore the Chattahoochee National Forest, go on waterfall hikes, go whitewater rafting, or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Upmarket shopping and dining melded together with downtown charm would be the cherry on top of your Blue Ridge honeymoon.
Key West, Florida
How does an exotic beach honeymoon in Key West sound? If you’re looking for warm, turquoise waters, ocean vistas and palm trees, Key West could be your spot. Sip cocktails while watching the sun set over the vast ocean vista. Go on a snorkeling excursion, a catamaran trip, or an eco-tour on a glass-bottom boat. There are plenty of ways to spend your time in the Conch Republic.
Wine country, California
Perhaps you can’t afford an overseas trip to Bordeaux in the French wine country, but you love gourmet food and fine wine. The Northern California Wine Country in Napa Valley is a romantic place to celebrate the fruit of your love. The area is bursting with activities to be enjoyed. If you’re avid golfers, aim for a hole in one at a Napa golf course, or simply unwind at a spa in the area. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options. Fall is the most popular time to visit this area, which means that August through to October is the most expensive time to stay there. If you’re on a tighter budget, the off-peak seasons, of December through to March, still offer the brilliant yellow wild mustard blooms of winter and spring.
