12 Best Honeymoon Destinations Without a Passport

Posted In: Honeymoon Destinations

By Jim Campbell | Updated on February 14, 2024


After the big day has passed, you are going on the most romantic vacation you will ever take. You want it to be a honeymoon to remember. Advertising in travel magazines makes you think you are missing out if you do not board an international flight to some exotic beach vacay. But rest assured honeymooning without a passport is not a problem.

Traveling halfway around the world to get away is not necessary. There are amazing, romantic resorts in the United States. Pack your suitcases and enjoy a honeymoon that is all you hope it will be without a passport.

There are unlimited options for a fabulous honeymoon that do not require a passport. Some are classic destinations, and others are not as renowned. All of them are ideal for romantic recreation and relaxation.

Some are more affordable than others. The most popular honeymoon destinations that do not require a passport are California, Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Many other states in the U.S. have excellent resorts for a honeymoon. Below are suggestions for both the popular and less well-known destinations.

California

Santa Monica is a beachy region that is less than an hour from Los Angeles. It has beautiful views and access to the Pacific Ocean. The small-town vibe of the city is perfect for privacy and canoodling.

The Hotel Casa del Mar is an excellent place to stay. There are 16 luxury suites, an indulgent spa escape and terrace pool for relaxing after all the wedding plans, and an on-site restaurant that is culinary-rich with seasonally fresh food.

Napa is another recommended California destination. Some wineries and vineyards were impacted by fires in the region. Those that are open offer the romance of a just-married getaway.

After sipping wine, you can make a trip to San Francisco to explore the Bay Area. The Cameras Resort and Spa is a luxury spot to spend your honeymoon. The Harvest Cottage there has a private outdoor terrace with some rustic amenities and a soaking tub for two. The Fireside Butler Service includes a free aromatherapy-scented bubble bath.

There is an adult-only Hilltop Pool featuring gorgeous views, cabanas, and an infinity hot tub. Nearby is the Harvest Table in St. Helena where artisans produce farm-to-plate meals that will be a topic of conversation when you tell others about your honeymoon.


Hawaii

Hawaii if among the most popular U.S. honeymoon destinations. You may feel you crossed a border to reach a tropical oasis, but you did not need a passport. The islands, luxury accommodations, and food peppering the land will have you wanting to stay.

Oahu is an excellent place to start. Celebrate a few nights there before exploring the rest of the region. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a wonderful place to stay. Check-in and head for Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach. Whether you are in the Southern Waikiki, or explore the North Shore, this is an excellent honeymoon destination.

Take in the incredible sea and sky. The island takes romance to a new level. A pool on a private elevated terrace, chocolate-flavored massages, and more are offered. Enjoy the ‘suite’ life from one of the two sunset-watching towers, visit the nearby Diamond Head Volcano, or take surfing lessons.


Florida

Newlyweds sometimes shy away from Florida to avoid crowded beaches and crowds at amusement parks. They should check out the Florida Keys. Located off the coast of Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the couple arrives by boat or seaplane on the string of islands.

They feel oceans away from crowds. An excellent place to stay is the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. It is located on a private island with no distractions, such as alarm clocks, electronics, or TVs.

The newlyweds rest easy in a bungalow and relax in a private hot tub. If you like, take a stroll on crushed shells to head to the beach. The trip is all about disconnecting and relaxation.


Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an ideal location for those who want a Caribbean experience. Couples can enjoy the relaxed culture and teal waters without going through a customs line. There are many extravagant resorts in Puerto Rico.

One of the favorites among honeymooners is Dorado Beach. A Ritz Carlton Reserve. You begin with a remote jungle experience. Many of the rooms are ocean or beachfront and have a private plunge pool.

The resort and rooms are integrated into the environment. Couples appreciate nature in a new way. In the secluded paradise, they receive plenty of TLC from the staff, elaborate pools, and great food. If you want to splurge, there is a private oceanfront estate, ‘Su Casa,’ that has a maid’s quarters.


Alaska

An Alaskan honeymoon is the ideal option for outdoorsy couples. There are endless outdoor activities, such as skiing, kayaking, and hiking from which to choose. The weather is most favorable from the middle of May to the middle of August. Temperatures are in the high 70s in the daytime and 60s at night. If you want to brave the cold, plan a trip between December and March.

An Alaskan cruise provides awe-inspiring scenery like snow-capped mountains, lakes, fjords, and glaciers. Wildlife lovers rejoice in spying and photographing bears, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters, whales, and more.

Couples indulge in the luxuries of the cruise ship and take a tour of the land of the interior known as the ‘Last Frontier.’ Exquisite Destination Wedding & Honeymoon is a cruise line that leaves from Roseville, California, to Alaska. The company offers luxury and a budget cruises.

Arizona

Wine tasting and the iconic Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona are parts of a romantic getaway. A personal cottage at L’Auberge de Sedona is an excellent place to enjoy expansive views and take in the natural wonder of nature. Explore the rich wine culture through the Verde Valley Wine Trail during the day and enjoy a candlelit dinner over Oak Creek in the evening.

Phoenix is another gem in Arizona. Many couples choose it as a relaxing spot. You can soak in the sun and spend some rejuvenating time with your spouse. Some of the best spas and resorts are found in Phoenix. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and Heard Museum are attractions of interest there.

Lousiana

New Orleans is a melting pot that bursts at the seams with famously inspired indulgences. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere by taking part in a parade, listening to Rhythm & Blues, and Jazz, and eating and drinking the area specialties.

World-class festivals are held here. Relish in memories made at legendary spots, such as Bourbon Street and Cafe du Monde. Take a paddlewheel bayou swamp trip or a steamboat river trip.

Two excellent places to stay are the Ritz Carlton New Orleans in a historic, elegant Beaux-Arts building or the utterly charming and historic Le Richelieu Hotel located in the French Quarter.


Oregon

There is something enchanting about Oregon that is hard to put into words. It offers a wide range of destinations and adventures to mark the start of a life together as a married couple.

All honeymooners should visit the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach City is a tranquil city on the coast that draws people. There, you find The Haystack Rock. The iconic rock formation offers amazing photo opportunities. It is home to a romantic Haystack Rock marine garden setting.

There are many no-child policy inns and hotels along the coast that are ideal for newlyweds. For an authentic Oregon seafood experience, visit the Doogers Seafood Grill. Oregon has many preserves and mountains. The Oswald State Park and Ecola State Park provide for amazing adventures for honeymooners.


Rhode Island

For those who want to revel in New England elegance, Newport, Rhode Island, is an excellent destination. The seaside scene is the perfect option for an excursion through the harbor to tour elaborate mansions contouring the coastline in Newport or see towering yachts.

When you finish beholding the gorgeous architecture, enjoy a slice of New England charm at the Chandler at Cliff Walk. The hotel encapsulates Newport’s pristine sophistication. It is one of the Historic Hotels in America.

Enjoy a sparkling fire as you reflect on the ocean views. The immaculate service and three-course meals match what only the wealthy were able to enjoy in the past. Inhale Newport summer and stroll the manicured gardens. A Rhode Island honeymoon is both steeped in history and for new beginnings.


South Carolina

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a popular wedding destination and much more. While the island is less than an hour away from Savannah, it feels like you are miles from bustling city streets.

The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa is an excellent place to stay. It is a beachfront resort that sits on shimmering sand that is surrounded by the palmetto trees famous in Hilton Head.

The lush landscape encroaches on three tropical pools overlooking the ocean. You can enjoy the Southern charm, world-class golf, and a top-notch spa or fade away into happily ever after mode.


Utah

Utah is an awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind combination of man-made spectacles and intense natural beauty. With its national parks that include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Dinosaur Land, and Canyonlands; the phenomenal ski resorts; and Salt Lake City metropolitan thrills, Utah presents an experience of the American West like no other state in the region.

Utah has grown in popularity, especially around man-made Powell Lake. Most of the land is High Plains and uninhabited or deserts. People tend to reside in towns and cities that fringe the spectacular and massive Salt Lake.

There is a history of diverse people that includes rugged mountain men, Mormon missionaries, and Native American Utes. It is a paradise in every season. There are seemingly endless phenomenal outdoor activities that include hiking and biking in the warmer months and excellent snowboarding and skiing in the cold weather. As a honeymoon spot, your find as much to appreciate as the people who settled there did.


Vermont

The small state of Vermont is full of romance and an idyllic place for a honeymoon. On this romantic getaway, you can enjoy lovely mountain and lake views on warm summer evenings, hike among gorgeous fall foliage, or ski down pristine peaks in the winter.

The quaint town of Stowe is an excellent place to visit. There you will find incredible breweries, an adorable downtown, charming places to stay, and stunning mountain views.

Edson Hill is a charming restaurant and inn. They have private trails for hiking and snowshoeing. The Mansfield Suite at the Lodge is a rustic two-story Airbnb with ski lodge vibes, a kitchen, and a sugar shack where you can sample and buy maple syrup. At night a fire is lit for the guests to enjoy.

Trapp Family Lodge is an iconic place to visit, whether or not you stay there. It is an Austrian-style lodge built by the renowned von Trapp family. Stowe is a destination you could visit year-round. Plan on a three to four-day stay to take in all it has to offer.


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