There are plenty of reasons why the summer months are popular among honeymooners. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, ice-cream has become a main food group, and it’s easier to take time off from your busy work. Honeymooning during the months of June, July, and August, are especially preferred by those who have the summer off at their work or college.
But the best thing about honeymooning in the summer is that you don’t need to go far to experience warm waters and sunshine. Many vacation destinations in the USA can provide newlyweds with a romantic, outdoorsy honeymoon.
Plus, visiting certain states in the summer can be cheaper than visiting in the colder winter or spring months. For example, flights and accommodation in Hawaii tend to be less expensive as fewer tourists are rushing to the islands. So if you have your heart set on Hawaii but are trying to abide by a strict budget, going in the summer is a great option.
If you’re considering a summer honeymoon, check out these 12 much-loved holiday spots.
Seattle, Washington
Planning a summer trip to Seattle, Washington, is a smart way to avoid the rainy weather that it’s so infamously known for. The city, which is surrounded by water and forests, is filled with things to do. On the top of every newlyweds list should be a visit to Pike Place Market—it’s the best place to buy freshly cut flowers, sweet treats, and cool knick knacks.
Seattle also has a noteworthy aquarium, tons of breweries, and is home to the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners. Sports enthusiasts should most definitely catch one of the high-action games before heading home.
New York City, New York
While New York City makes a superb destination to visit during the Christmas season, the weather is much more pleasant for your summer honeymoon. Honeymooners who consider themselves to be “foodies” will quickly fall in love with all of the quaint cafes and fine-dining restaurants nestled within New York City’s neighborhoods.
Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art should be on every visitor’s list of things to explore. For a day trip, newlyweds can take a ferry ride to Staten Island, an unexpected culinary paradise with several drool-worthy Italian restaurants.
Chicago, Illinois
Honeymooners eager to explore a busy city with lots to see and do should definitely visit Chicago, Illinois for your summer honeymoon. The windy city near Lake Michigan is full of world-class museums, picturesque parks and green spaces, restaurants that serve delicious food, and much more. One of Chicago’s main draws is that it’s famous for deep-dish pizza, making it a must-visit for those who consider pizza to be their favorite food.
There are also tons of gorgeous, modern hotels where couples can relax and unwind after a long day of walking. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago makes a wonderful home base for honeymooners.
Nashville, Tennessee
Since Nashville, Tennessee, is the country music mecca of the USA, a summer honeymoon is the best time to visit as you can wear your cut-off denim shorts and cowboy boots without catching a chill. Honeymooners should be sure to check out the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Honky Tonk Highway.
During the day, couples should spend time walking the city and at night, they should head to a nearby honky tonk to enjoy some live music. When it comes to restaurants, Nashville is known for its signature hot chicken and barbeque. It’s truly heaven for biscuit and gravy fanatics.
Tennessee is also famous for its honeymoon cabins.
Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska really checks all the boxes for those looking for an outdoorsy summer honeymoon filled with adventure and activities. In addition to its awe-inspiring landscape, Anchorage boasts tons of trails that will make nature lovers swoon, like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.
Denali National Park And Reserve and the Mendenhall Glacier And Ice Caves are two must-visit spots. At night, newlyweds can take advantage of Anchorage’s foodie scene, which includes highly rated grills, pizzerias, and wine bars. And at the end of the honeymoon, a trip to one of Anchorage’s spas is the perfect way to unwind before catching a flight home.
Santa Barbara, California
Calling all beach babes and beach bums—Santa Barbara, California, is the ultimate summer honeymoon spot for those who love that laid back, beachy vibe. When honeymooners aren’t posted up on a beach with cold beverages and snacks, there are tons of other things to do like kayaking through the Channel Islands or exploring nearby salt caves.
Shoreline Park and Arroyo Burro Beach County Park also make gorgeous picnic locations when you’re feeling ready to take a quick break from the sandy beaches. In terms of food, Santa Barbara is best known for fresh seafood like oysters, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.
Busy couples should check out these California honeymoon packages if they are looking to save time.
West Hollywood, California
While this is a rather non traditional honeymoon destination, it’s extremely fun for those who love celebrity sightings, shopping, and fine-dining. Popular reality television shows like Vanderpump Rules, Vanderpump Dogs, and Selling Sunset all take place in West Hollywood. When shopping at The Grove, newlyweds will most definitely spot a celebrity or two.
The Sunset Strip, Melrose Avenue, and downtown Hollywood will provide honeymooners with optimal people-watching and entertainment. Couples looking to break a sweat will also enjoy a hike or walk around Runyon Canyon, a 160-acre park that’s considered one of the best hikes in Los Angeles.
Portland, Oregon
In Portland, Oregon, everything is wonderfully weird. It’s an easy-to-navigate city and honeymooners won’t need to rent a car—Ubers and rental bikes can get them everywhere they’ll need to go. Between arcade bars, strip clubs, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, tattoo shops, thrift stores, breweries, and pop-up food pods, newlyweds will be incredibly busy.
The city is also home to several donut shops where visitors can get their sugar fix, such as Angel’s, Blue Star Donuts, and VooDoo’s.
Napa Valley, California
On honeymoons, it’s important that couples fully immerse themselves in activities that bring them joy. So for wine lovers, Napa Valley is an obvious destination choice. In Napa Valley, California, newlyweds can spend their days sipping on wine and noshing on cheese boards at some of California’s top wineries.
Once they grow sick of drinking wine, they can explore the outdoors by kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. It will be one heck of a romantic trip.
The Hamptons, New York
In the summer, the sand and surf are the biggest attractions in the Hamptons. Honeymooners can spend the day at beaches like Ocean Road, Mecox, and Sagg Main, and then venture out on the town in the evenings. At most of the beaches, visitors can rent surfboards, kayaks, and paddleboards for the day.
If the beach isn’t your thing, there are tons of art galleries and shopping boutiques that will keep you both busy. Like Santa Barbara, California, fresh seafood dominates all of the menus at restaurants in the Hamptons.
Aspen, Colorado
In the winter, Aspen is known to be a luxury ski destination for celebrities and other rich folk. But in the summer, it transforms into a nature-filled mountain oasis where visitors can hike, bike, golf, climb, kayak, and even parasail.
Many of the gorgeous resorts in Aspen, Colorado, offer honeymoon packages, helping couples save while making the most of their trip. Newlyweds who love hitting the trails should check out Government Trail, Difficult Creek Trail, and Sunnyside Trail before filling their bellies at lunch or dinner time. As for food, you’ll find several steakhouses, French bistros, wine bars, and taverns.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, Montana, is bursting with honeymoon-worthy resorts and ranches. In the winter, the city is popular among skiers and snowboarders but in the summer, it’s a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The forests, lakes, and rivers that weave throughout Big Sky are great for fishing, boating, kayaking, and rafting. Newlyweds who like to get their adrenaline pumping can also go zip-lining through the lush forests. The majestic scenery paired with the crisp air makes it a haven for those who love spending time outside. Hikers will also enjoy the Ousel Falls Trail but be sure to pack bear spray and a bear bell if you plan on doing much hiking.
In the mountain town, honeymooners will find quaint coffee houses, bakeries, breweries, and barbeque restaurants that serve locally sourced meats. The Solace Spa, among many other wellness spas, offers relaxation packages that will melt away any of the stress that’s still lingering from months of wedding planning.
