Last Updated: May 24, 2024May 24, 2024
Every couple wants the honeymoon of their dreams—but those dreams can be very different. For some, lying on a tropical beach for days sounds idyllic, while for others, it’s a recipe for extreme boredom.
From outdoorsy adventures to urban exploration, here are seven destinations to suit every couple’s travel tastes.
Scuba Diving: Roatan, Honduras
Home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Roatan is perfect for couples who like to dive together. Its warm water and mild currents make it an ideal destination year-round, while an array of dive shops and guides serve everyone from beginners to the most advanced divers.
You might see rays, seahorses, turtles, and even hammerhead sharks as well as stunning coral walls and rock formations. There’s even a shipwreck you can explore. Be sure to schedule a night dive to glimpse the famous “String of Pearls,” trails of light emitted by tiny bioluminescent sea creatures.
The Urban Experience: New Orleans
The Big Easy draws all kinds of travelers, but the way the city’s Spanish and French settlers imbued European style into the architecture and culture makes it especially attractive as a honeymoon. It offers everything city lovers could want: beautiful architecture, fun bars, good music, friendly locals, and walkable neighborhoods, many home to eye-catching street art.
The city’s stately parks, dotted with live oaks, offer pleasant strolls, as do the above-ground cemeteries steeped in history. And then there’s the food. From traditional Creole cuisine to humble po’boys to innovative takes on everything from Vietnamese to Middle Eastern, finding something you both want to eat won’t be a problem.
For Art Lovers: Mexico City
When you think of cities known for great art, Mexico City may not immediately come to mind, but this underrated destination can hold its own alongside Paris and New York.
Among the many museums to choose from, there’s the Museo Frida Kahlo, also known as Casa Azul. The artist lived and worked in the building most of her life, including during her marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera. The permanent exhibit highlights her personal artifacts, including her jewelry, clothes, and easel, as well as her paintings and works by fellow artists.
For modern art, don’t miss the Museo Jumex, a private art collection with works by Cy Twombly, Andy Warhol, and Marcel Duchamp, while the National Museum of Art focuses on Mexican artists. You’ll also enjoy lots of street art as you explore the city, including some charmingly weird sculptures by the British artist and expat Leonora Carrington.
Outdoor Adventure: Glacier National Park, Montana
This public treasure combines raw natural beauty with the mystique of the American West. There are enough sleeping options to suit every kind of camping couple, from hardcore back-country hike-in wilderness sites to convenient car camping.
Not into tents and outhouses? No worries: indulge in rustic luxury at one of the historic lodges. Your only challenge will be figuring out what to do in the one-million-acre park: there are over 700 miles of hiking trails, numerous alpine lakes, and even cycling paths. It’s not called the Crown of the Continent for nothing.
Food Lovers’ Delight: Bologna, Italy
Florence, Venice, and Rome are at the top of most honeymooners’ lists, but as the gastronomic capital of Italy, Bologna is a worthy choice for anyone who loves to eat. From classics like tortellini in brodo to creative takes on beloved dishes, the only question is how to narrow down the choices.
Work some of those calories off by ascending the 498 steps to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli, one of the city’s two medieval “skyscrapers.” Or you could just admire sights like the expansive Piazza Maggiore and the famous porticoes, a series of sheltered walkways that are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bologna also makes a great base for exploring northern Italy, with cities and towns like Verona, Modena, and even Venice just a manageable car or train ride away.
Whale Watching and More: San Juan Islands, WA
Just about an hour and a half by car and a short ferry ride away from Seattle, the San Juan Islands are a great place to for honeymooners to view marine life like orcas and humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as seals and sea lions bobbing in the water or basking in the sun. While there are plenty of whale-watching boat tours, you can also take your chances of getting really up close and personal on a kayak. The islands draw a lot of small producers and farmers, so there’s plenty to keep you busy on land as well, from sampling local wines and brews to petting alpacas at a local farm. And of course, there’s plentiful seafood, including local oysters and crab.
A Bit of Everything: Mallorca, Spain
Don’t be scared off by its largely outdated reputation as a hotspot for rowdy bachelors’ weekends and hen parties: this island just a short plane ride from Barcelona is perfect for couples who want to do a lot of different things on their honeymoon. Mallorca’s got something for everyone: picture-perfect small towns, excellent restaurants, good wine, nature parks, and stunning beaches.
The mountainous terrain makes it a top training site for the Tour de France, although you may prefer just to hike on one of the many trails. The main city, Palma, is a bustling urban center with lots of art galleries, boutiques, and markets as well as the stunning cathedral known as Le Seu, which dates back to the 13th century. Best of all, the island is only about 45 miles long and 60 miles wide, making it possible to see and do a lot even on a shorter honeymoon.
Planning the perfect honeymoon starts with identifying a destination that offers sights and activities you both enjoy. Taking some time to think and talk about the kind of trip you want is essential to making sure your trip is as romantic, exciting, peaceful, or challenging as you want it to be. After all the stress of wedding planning, you deserve it.
Written by Heather Kenny
