After the Big Day has passed, you will experience the most romantic vacation you will ever take — your honeymoon. And for most couples, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to splurge. You want it to be a honeymoon to remember. So bear this in mind: Advertising in travel magazines makes you think you will miss out if you don’t board an international flight to some exotic beach destination. 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 thrilling honeymoon without a passport.
Unlimited options exist for a fabulous honeymoon without a required passport. Some are classic destinations, and others are not as renowned. All 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.
12 Most Popular Destinations For A Honeymoon Without A Passport
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. It features 16 luxury suites, a terrace pool for relaxing (especially after all that exhausting wedding planning), and an on-site restaurant that is culinary-rich with seasonally fresh food. Its Sea Wellness Spa specializes in anti-aging treatments and melt-away massages.
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. Besides sipping the day away, you can experience hiking, hot-air balloons, Michelin-rated restaurants, and a wealth of gorgeous spas.
After that, you can visit 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.
It also features 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 lively topic of conversation when you tell others about your honeymoon!
Hawaii
Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the most popular U.S. honeymoon destinations. It feels like you crossed a border to reach such a tropical oasis, but there is no passport required! The charm of the Hawaiian islands, their luxury accommodations, natural beauty, and gourmet cuisine make for a spectacular honeymoon filled with the warm spirit of aloha. Personally, I married my wonderful husband Bill on Oahu in 2000, at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. On our honeymoon, we had so much fun! We took surfing lessons, took an outrigger canoe ride, shopped till we dropped, spent days lolling on the beach (and sitting in my pink tube in the water), climbed Diamond Head, and dined at world-class restaurants.
Oahu is one of my favorite Hawaiian islands. Celebrate a few nights there before exploring the rest of the region such as Pearl Harbor. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is also a wonderful place to stay. (We stayed there for a week over Christmas a few years back, and it was magical.) Onsite at the hotel there is a famous local ice cream shop called Lappert’s. By far their best flavor is called Kauai Pie — a dee-lish creation of Kona coffee ice cream with coconut flakes, dark chocolate fudge, macadamia nuts, and vanilla cake crunch. It’s the “aloha shirt” of Hawaiian desserts!
After you check into the Hilton Hawaiian Village, head for Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach — and make sure to wear your most beautiful bikini. Whether you visit Southern Waikiki, or explore the North Shore (a famous surfers paradise), this is an excellent honeymoon destination that takes romance to a new level. Make sure to sample shave ice too — it’s delicious!
Florida
Newlyweds sometimes shy away from Florida to avoid crowded beaches and crowds at amusement parks. But you definitely should not overlook the Florida Keys. Located off the coast of Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll arrive by boat or seaplane on the string of islands.
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. It’s just four lush acres — and you. This resort is an award-winner — Travel & Leisure magazine named it the Number One Top Resort Hotel in Florida in 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, it is a member of the acclaimed Relais & Chateaux group, which is a prestigious collection of the world’s best high-end hotels offering unique and unparalleled experiences. Take it from me — at a Relais & Chateaux hotel, you are assured of spectacular dining that will take your breath away!
As newlyweds, you can 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. This honeymoon will be filled with picture-postcard-beautiful moments.
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 Customs and Immigration! There are many extravagant resorts in Puerto Rico.
One of the favorites among honeymooners is Dorado Beach. A Ritz Carlton Reserve. Situated on 50 acres of the Rockefeller estate, this luxury oceanfront resort offers a serene coastline and private residences. The property is famous for offering a harmonious sense of place that blends masterfully into the natural surroundings. Everything about it was designed to attract the world’s most discerning travelers. Many of the rooms are ocean or beachfront and have a private plunge pool.
Spa-lovers are also in for a treat. A fragrant apothecary filled with herbs and flowers is the portal to the Spa Botanico, a hidden sanctuary where treatments are performed amid lush gardens and shaded treetops. Get ready for a melt-away massage!
Alaska
An Alaskan honeymoon is the ideal option for outdoorsy couples. Alaska offers endless outdoor activities, such as skiing, kayaking, and hiking. 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 such as snow-capped mountains, lakes, fjords, and glaciers. (My husband Bill and I have taken an Alaska cruise, and the scenery was breathtaking. We also took an excursion and went ziplining.) Wildlife lovers rejoice in spying and photographing bears, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters, whales, and more. I personally will never forget our excursion to see the otters in their natural setting in the water — they are completely adorable, especially as they groom themselves.
Couples can indulge in the luxuries of a cruise ship and tour of the land of the interior known as the “‘Last Frontier.” Seeking a special cruise line? Exquisite Destination Wedding & Honeymoon is a cruise line that departs from Roseville, California, to Alaska, offering luxury and budget cruises.
Arizona
Wine tasting and the iconic Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona are great ideas for a romantic getaway. A personal cottage at the award-winning, five-star rated 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 — you will experience redefined Arizonan cuisine, infused with French techniques, European influence and local ingredients.
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 (the architect’s beloved winter home) and Heard Museum (12 galleries of American Indian art) are attractions of interest there too.
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 five-star-rated Ritz Carlton New Orleans in a historic, elegant Beaux-Arts building. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans suites, adorned with exquisite furnishings and plush bedding, offer breathtaking views of the city, creating an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the Crescent City. Or book yourselves at the utterly charming and historic Le Richelieu Hotel located in the French Quarter. While its hotel rooms and suites are embellished with vintage New Orleans furnishings and artwork, they also provide all the modern amenities for your utmost comfort.
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 your life together as a married couple.
All honeymooners should visit the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach City is a tranquil city on the coast with many attractions. Cannon Beach is a small coastal city in northwest Oregon. It’s known for its long, sandy shore that is an award-winner and has a famous sandcastle contest. Standing tall in the ocean, Haystack Rock is a seasonal haven for tufted puffins. On a headland to the north, trails in Ecola State Park offer sweeping views of the ocean, coves and a lighthouse. South is Arcadia Beach, with tide pools and a picnic area. Amazing photo opportunities are everywhere. Nature, and art, are the features that always draw travelers here.
Oregon has 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. With so many dining options to choose in Cannon Beach, eating out is a great pleasure! You can select patio seating with an ocean view, a multicourse meal at an upscale restaurant, a casual takeout feast-for-two, or visiting a local brewery that creates savor-worthy microbrews.
Rhode Island
Want to revel in New England elegance? Newport, Rhode Island, is an excellent destination. The seaside scene is the perfect option — you can take an excursion through the harbor, 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 four-star-rated Chanler at Cliff Walk. The hotel encapsulates Newport’s pristine sophistication. It is one of the Historic Hotels in America. Here, Gilded Age elegance and gracious hospitality provide a tailored experience that is quintessentially Newport.
Enjoy a sparkling fire as you reflect on the ocean views. The immaculate service and three-course meals match what only the wealthy could enjoy in the past. Inhale Newport summer and stroll the manicured gardens. Later, take advantage of complimentary fitness passes to the International Tennis Hall of Fame fitness center for the duration of your stay. Enjoy state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines, free weights, a stretching area, and remodeled locker rooms with shower facilities. Or try a Tokyobike! Rooted in the concept of “Tokyo Slow,” these consummately curated bicycles are designed with discovery in mind and outfitted from stylish helmets and bells to Nantucket baskets that can hold a Chanler picnic lunch.
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.
Located on a vibrant stretch of the Atlantc Ocean, the Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa (a member of Marriott Bonvoy) 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. You are steps away from the beach, not to mention Hilton Head Island’s world-famous golf courses. Feel renewed after a fun, full and fulfilling day with your sun-filled guest room with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and private balcony.
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. Nine treatment rooms, a full-service salon, wellness and beauty retail, and a variety of pampering amenities make up the 8,000-square-foot Heavenly Spa by Westin. Afterwards, you can dreamily fade away into happily-ever-after mode. And you will love the complimentary yoga on the beach!
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.
