While we love the balmy breeze of summer, there is something inherently romantic about autumn and its rich hues. Indeed, fall is one of the most popular seasons to get married and go on a post-wedding holiday. But where to go? Surprise! You don’t need to go on a jet-setting adventure halfway around the world for the perfect honeymoon.
Soaking up the sun on a tropical beach is delightful. But walking in the woods in autumn, when the foliage turns to gold, orange, purple, red, and brown, is a uniquely magical experience. And the weather is perfect, too – not cold like winter, stifling in summer, or unpredictable in spring. Just pack an extra sweater and you can enjoy all the crisp fall air.
So, are you looking for the best fall honeymoon destinations in USA yet? If you still have doubts, let us point this out. There is more to a fall honeymoon than the beautiful backdrop and warm weather. Most vacation packages during this season are relatively cheaper, and most tourist spots are less crowded. You will save money, enjoy affordable off-season options, while experiencing ultimate privacy, seclusion, and quiet.
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or an alternative to the typical tropical beach getaway, here are the top 12 fall honeymoon destinations in the USA.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Find rejuvenation and reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your wedding day in Boothbay Harbor. Lovely and laidback, this charming coastal town is a favorite go-to for sailing, kayaking, and hiking. Go on a boat tour, and you might spot the whales before they migrate south.
Boothbay Harbor boasts quaint boutiques, specialty shops, tapas bars, art galleries, and world-class seafood restaurants. Watch a show at the historic Pythian Opera House, stroll on the iconic Boothbay Footbridge, visit the Maine State Aquarium, cruise to the surrounding islands, and watch the sunset in Ocean Point.
You can discover the nooks and crannies of Maine’s rocky coastline by sail, power, or paddle. Enjoy a round of golf or tennis, or pack a picnic by the shore. The area offers miles of hiking trails offering everything from relaxed strolls to challenging hikes. Spend a peaceful afternoon at stunning gardens or at a tranquil park, where the scents of pine trees and salt air are sure to invigorate you.
Boothbay Harbor boasts more than 200 artists in the region, so you will discover a wonderful wealth of studios and galleries. Local performance venues feature Broadway shows, classical concerts and performances by Grammy-Award-winning artists.
North Coast, California
From windswept cliffside trails to remote sandy coves to dense ancient woodlands, California’s North Coast is one of the most stunning fall honeymoon destinations in the USA. Find secluded beaches along Humboldt Bay and the Mendocino Coast, hike through giant trees in Redwood National Park, and splash in Clear Lake.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit the North Coast’s Wine Country as the quiet vineyards bustle with harvest activity. Sample the best blends and witness the wine-making process. For a romantic stay, check out Sonoma’s The Gables Wine Country Inn, an elegant Gothic Victorian bed-and-breakfast with an exclusive stand-alone cottage for couples.
Along more than 100 miles of coast, you will view artists who have set up their easels to paint scenes of pounding surf and whitewashed cottages in towns like Mendocino and Eureka. A new generation of farmers and winemakers craft amazing food and wine—you’ll love every hyper-local specialty. One of the greatest times to visit is from December through May, when about 20,000 gray whales travel the coast on their annual migration.
Stowe, Vermont
Known as a premier skiing and hiking destination, Stowe is one of Vermont’s most scenic small towns. While it offers gorgeous sceneries year-round, it is more beautiful in autumn as it bursts into intense fall hues. Hike up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, ramble down the picturesque Recreation Path, explore Smugglers Notch State Park, tour the village on a horse-drawn carriage, and drop by the Vermont Ski and Snowboarding Museum.
Indulge in some local gastronomic treats – including traditional, award-winning hand-tossed pizza at Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge, gourmet sweets at the Laughing Moon Chocolates, quality food and curated, craft beer at the Idletyme Brewing Company, and tasty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the Stowe Cider testing room. Nothing says “Fall in New England” like apple cider!
Amelia Island, Florida
On Amelia Island, Florida — just a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville — you can add a unique twist to the conventional beach honeymoon. There is more than just lazing by the ocean on this vibrant island. Enjoy the tempting eateries, golf courses, luxurious spas, and unique wildlife. It becomes even more boisterously alive in fall with the onset of the three-day Rendezvous Film Festival in late September and the week-long Jazz Festival in October.
Amelia Island is the southernmost jewel of the Sea Island chain of barrier islands off the southeastern coast of the United States. Pristine, uncrowded beaches envelop the island’s east side, while salt-marsh estuaries are located on the west. Due to its unique charms, both locals and visitors on this 13 mile-long, two mile-wide island often feel as though they’re a world away from everyone else.
If you love to stay active on your honeymoon, paddle along the coast on a kayak, cycle the island trails or go horseback riding on the beach. End your day with a nightcap at the Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar, in the historic downtown Fernandina. Try a Berry Margarita!
Arizona
Ideal for thrill-seeking couples who love the great outdoors, Arizona boasts an array of adventures and incredible natural wonders, including Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and the majestic Grand Canyon. Escape to Sedona with your spouse for an action-packed desert holiday full of hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and horseback riding. The town’s iconic red-rock buttes are a must-see.
For a more affordable but just as exciting option, head to Tucson. Visit its 98-acre Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features an aquarium, an art gallery, a botanical garden, and a zoo. Climb up Tumamoc Hill, discover giant cacti at Saguaro National Park, and stargaze at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. For the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation — along with fantastic healthy cuisine — head to the award-winning Canyon Ranch Spa for a gorgeous getaway filled with exercise classes and lectures to lift your spirit.I’ve been there about 20 times over the past 25 years, and it certainly is one of the world’s best spas – with some of the most to-die-for delicious spa cuisine you’ve ever tasted!
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nicknamed the Grey Lady, Nantucket is notorious for its thick blanket of mist that often covers its shores in the early mornings and evenings. Still, this small and remote island off Cape Cod lures visitors with its pristine dune-backed beaches, mesmerizing sunsets, historic lighthouses, and the iconic cobblestoned Main Street with its line of posh boutiques and restaurants. It is certainly the premier American playground of the rich and famous — in summer, when rows and rows of private jets are lined up at the local airport.
Nantucket is popular with tourists, but it is typically crowd-free after the summer months, when the cost of accommodations is lower than June or July. The weather in fall is delightfully warm, and the coveted, super-delicious Nantucket Bay scallops are in season. All these make the island one of the most relaxing fall honeymoon destinations in the USA. Don’t forget to visit the Cisco Brewers for its refreshing brews, live music, and sumptuous local fare.
Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1670, Charleston is a fascinating collection of bustling cobblestone lanes, dramatic waterfront views, oak tree-lined avenues, and old neighborhoods clustered with colorful antebellum houses. Charleston’s small-town vibes and incomparable southern charm make it rife for romance. Enjoy a memorable moonlight sail aboard the Schooner Pride, a tall ship powered solely by wind.
Hike the Morris Island Lighthouse trails or drive to Sullivan Island for a beautiful sunset. Explore the manicured lawns and historic houses of the old Charleston plantations. Tour the city in style with a traditional carriage ride, admire the spectacular greenery and mystic swamps of the Cypress Gardens and learn to whip up a three-course, New-American-cuisine gourmet meal at the Zero George Cooking School. Splurge and stay in one of the best hotels, The Charleston Place.
San Juan Island, Washington
What makes San Juan Island one of the most romantic fall honeymoon destinations in the USA? It’s the simple pleasures: Sunset picnic at Lime Kiln State Park, wine tasting at the San Juan Island Vineyards, bioluminescence kayaking trips, and relaxing walks around Friday Harbor.
If you visit in November, you might catch a glimpse of elegant orcas gliding through the Salish Sea on a whale-watching tour. How fabulous is that? Stargaze at the Lavender Farm, have a fancy dinner in Roche Harbor — try the popular Boathouse Bistro — and sit by the evening fire at South Beach. Take in breathtaking views from Mount Young, treat yourselves to a couples massage, meander through the Sculpture Park, and book a scenic flight for two over the islands. You can stay in a cozy country B&B downtown or head to Lakedale Resort’s glamping site for its luxurious but lowkey canvas cottages. You’ll be charmed in every way.
Santa Barbara, California
Want to enjoy Mediterranean architecture, beautiful beaches, majestic mountain backdrops, delectable dishes, and excellent wines? Santa Barbara — often termed as “The American Riviera” — has it all and more. Heading to the beach is a must-do while you are in this captivating coastal city, and so is taking a trip to the Winelands, with their dreamy vineyards and award-winning wineries. Wander around the 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. Just off the shore is Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago where you can kayak through caves, snorkel in pristine waters, and hike among wildlife.
Immerse in the city’s dynamic food culture and join a tasting tour down State Street, where you can sample local delicacies, cheeses, gourmet chocolates, full reds, and crisp whites in five different restaurants and shops. Don’t forget to explore the Funk Zone, the famed waterfront lined with trendy cafés, boutique wineries, and first-rate restaurants. It’s a hub for arts, dining, wine and spirits, retail and business, hotels, gorgeous scenery, and unique culture.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Get your dose of crisp autumn air, strikingly gorgeous vegetation, rich cultural heritage, outstanding wildlife, and loads of right-out-your-door adventures. Gaitlinburg offers miles of hiking trails in the mountains and a wealth of fabulous dining options, attractions, shopping, and arts and crafts in town — and excellent adventures in every season. You can easily access the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg. In fall, bright yellows and deep oranges blanket the mountains, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly, sight. Soak up this fascinating show of colors by hiking its scenic trails.
Drive up to Clingman’s Dome to witness the sunset, then stay on for a starlit evening. Ride the SkyLift to the SkyBridge, where you can cuddle by the fire pits and marvel at the beauty of the Smokies. The area is home to several cascades, so pack your bathing suits and hiking clothes and chase waterfalls. For something heart-pumping, go ziplining over treetops. But if you prefer a more relaxing outing, book a flatwater kayak and paddle along the Tennessee River.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is never short of secluded spots to spend quality time with your loved one. Hiking is the top activity here, but you can also enjoy boating, biking, rafting, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. Visit in early September to have one of the best-ever romantic experiences.
Established as a National Park in 1910, it is a land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers. Glacier National Park features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes. The vistas seen from Going-To-The-Sun Road are breathtaking, and is a popoular photographer’s paradise. Relatively few miles of road exist in the park’s 1,600 square miles of picturesque landscape, thus preserving its unspoiled beauty.
If you favor solitude and golden foliage, head to the park in October. Spend a peaceful afternoon gliding down uncrowded rivers, explore quiet lower elevation hiking trails or have a picnic at the tranquil Two Medicine Lake. For romantic accommodations, book a room at a dreamy backcountry chalet. Try the four-star-rated Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Finger Lakes, New York
There are plenty of reasons the Finger Lakes region is one of the most sought-after fall honeymoon destinations in the USA, and one of these is wine. It is, after all, home to more than 100 wineries, some of which produce world-class Rieslings. Whether you’re a vino connoisseur or simply interested in excellent blends, exploring the Seneca Wine Trail is an entertaining outing. If you’re more into something casual like beer, try the Finger Lakes Beer Trail instead, with its breweries, meaderies, bars, and pubs. The area is also famous for its maple syrup.
But there’s more to Lake Fingers than its wines and spirits. It’s renowned for the 11 crystalline lakes spread like fingers across the area. It is also home to striking nature parks, including Watkins Glen State Park — for hiking, swimming and camping — and Taughannock Falls State Park, with more than 40 waterfalls, luxurious glamping sites, and countless trekking routes ideal for long romantic strolls.
FAQ
What is the cheapest place for a fall honeymoon in USA?
According to a survey, US couples who traveled by plane spent an average of $4,800 in 2021 for their honeymoon. Those who traveled by car shelled out only $2,200. Generally, Americans who choose to spend their honeymoon within the country pay less than those who travel abroad. But cheap is relative. You can honeymoon in the US and still spend up to $7,500 if you stay in a 5-star resort or hotel with all the luxurious trimmings.
The best way to save on your honeymoon is to keep it simple by ditching all the unnecessary frills. Some of the most budget-friendly yet unforgettable fall honeymoon destinations in the USA are national parks, secluded beaches, and historic but unpretentious cities. Glacier National Park and San Juan Islands have been consistently on the list of incredible but inexpensive destinations. If you’re seeking a laidback small-town vibe, check out classy Charlestown or the spectacular Santa Barbara.
What are the best things to do on a fall honeymoon in the USA?
Soaking up the great outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy your honeymoon. Go hiking, biking, boating, or horseback riding. If you crave some thrill, try ziplining. Get closer to nature with glamping, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. Immerse in the local culinary culture with a food or wine tour. Visit a museum, see famous landmarks and explore your destination’s art scene.
Do not forget that the main goals of your honeymoon are relaxation and bonding with each other. Indulge in fine dining, book a day at the spa, or lounge all day in your room. Fortunately, the top fall honeymoon destinations in USA provide most if not all of these luxuries.
And, since you will be soaking up the sun outdoors — don’t forget your SPF!
And you can keep your passport locked up in the file cabinet!
