The Best Domestic Honeymoon Destinations [2025 Data Study]

The dream of whisking away to a storybook honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast or in Bali sounds great — but for many newlyweds, budget realities bring things closer to home. Fortunately, a romantic and memorable honeymoon doesn’t have to require a passport or a 5-figure budget.

In this post-wedding study, we analyzed 75+ of the most vacation-worthy towns and cities in the U.S. to uncover the very best domestic honeymoon destinations. Using 15 ranking factors across categories like romantic lodging, affordability, and couple-friendly experiences, we found which places deliver maximum magic for minimal spend.

The 15 Best U.S. Cities for a Domestic Honeymoon 

From wine-country weekends to beachside strolls at sunset, the top domestic honeymoon destinations in the U.S. offer unforgettable romance without needing long-haul flights.

To find the best places for a summer honeymoon, we analyzed over 75 popular U.S. destinations — ranging from charming small towns to vibrant cities — using 15 factors tied to romance appeal, affordability, and experience. These included the number of romantic restaurants and hotels, couple-friendly attractions, honeymoon-specific experiences, spa density, hiking trails, wineries, average summer weather, and more. Each destination was scored and ranked to highlight the top spots offering love and adventure.

Our data revealed that Miami Beach, Florida, tops the list for newlyweds in 2025, with 3 other Florida destinations also securing spots in the top 20 — proof that the Sunshine State is having a serious honeymoon moment. Along with its high number of romantic hotels and restaurants, Miami Beach also offers 147 couple-friendly attractions and 31 honeymoon-specific highlights — all at an average romantic stay cost of just $64 per night, far below the national average of $158. Couples can unwind at the spa inside The Miami Beach EDITION or book a sunset catamaran cruise off Biscayne Bay for a romantic night on the water.

Lake Tahoe, California, takes second place with serene lake views, alpine scenery, and endless outdoor adventures. It’s home to 32 honeymoon activities and 111 couple-friendly spots — including iconic experiences like a ride on the Gondola at Heavenly, hiking and sightseeing at Emerald Bay State Park, and scenic strolls along Eagle Lake Trail. The region also boasts a surprising 21 spas per 10,000 residents, including couples massages at Everline Resort & Spa. While romantic stays here average $102 per night, it still comes in under the national average — and offers one of the best luxury-to-nature balances in the country. 

Orlando, Florida, lands third, with its wealth of couple-friendly attractions (224) and honeymoon-specific experiences (52). Romantic stays average just $70 a night, and flights into Orlando are among the cheapest nationwide ($270). It’s the perfect choice for newlyweds who want nonstop entertainment with their romance — whether that’s theme park magic or a relaxing spa escape. Highlights include couples spa treatments at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Bonnet Creek, fine dining at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or a quiet afternoon exploring the Harry P. Leu Gardens.

The rest of the top 10 showcase a diverse range of romantic getaways. Napa, California (#4) ranks high for its iconic wine country appeal, home to 415 wineries per 10,000 residents, while Palm Springs, California (#5) offers quieter crowd levels during peak season, ideal for honeymooners seeking serenity. Savannah, Georgia (#6) brings timeless Southern charm with cobblestone streets and historic architecture, while Key West, Florida (#7) offers a tropical, offbeat escape packed with waterfront romance and vibrant island culture. Las Vegas (#8) adds its signature flair with a whopping 137 honeymoon attractions.

Rounding out the list, Monterey, California (#9) ranks high for its coastal romance and culinary scene, boasting 26.47 romantic restaurants per 10,000 people. And Austin, Texas (#10), the only major city in the top 10 from the South Central region, stands out for its affordability, with romantic stays averaging just $63 per night — a rare deal in the honeymoon world.

Want to see how the top 3 stack up? Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Miami Beach, Lake Tahoe, and Orlando the ultimate honeymoon hotspots.

The Top Domestic Locations by Each Honeymoon Category: Romance, Affordability, and Experience

Not every couple is looking for the same kind of honeymoon. Some prioritize wine and candlelit dinners, others look to get the most value for their money, and many chase the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. To help couples find their ideal match, we divided our rankings into 3 major honeymoon categories: romance appeal, affordability, and experience.

Romance Appeal
Cities with the most romantic atmosphere, based on per-capita access to romantic lodging, restaurants, and honeymoon-specific attractions:

• Miami Beach, Florida – Leads with 32+ romantic restaurants and 7.72 romantic stays per 10,000 residents
• Lake Tahoe, California – Strong contender with lakeside lodging and 32 honeymoon-specific attractions
• Key West, Florida – High density of romantic accommodations and beachside dining
• Jackson, Wyoming – Intimate mountain charm with cozy stays and dining options
• Monterey, California – Rounds out the list with its coastal views and standout culinary scene

Affordability
Destinations that deliver romantic experiences at below-average costs for lodging, food, and travel:

• Provo, Utah – Most affordable overall, with an average flight cost of $126 and  romantic stays at $73 per night
• Orlando, Florida – Budget-friendly with low lodging and airfare prices
• Las Vegas, Nevada – Good deals on food, entertainment, and accommodations
• Cincinnati, Ohio – Affordable lodging and dining options for couples
• Memphis, Tennessee – Romantic stays average just $64 per night — one of the lowest in the country

Experience
Cities with the best overall offerings for attractions, wellness, outdoor activities, and weather:

• San Francisco – 307 couple-friendly attractions, a walk score of 89, and mild summer temps
• Fredericksburg, Texas – Spa-rich and close to scenic wine country and trails
• Honolulu – High access to spas, outdoor adventures, and beachside relaxation
• Napa, California – Home to 415 wineries and just 0.25 average rainy days per month
• Palm Springs, California – Known for its spa resorts, desert hikes, and sunny skies
  

Methodology

This study identifies the best domestic honeymoon destinations across the U.S., focusing on romantic summer getaways. We analyzed over 75 popular vacation spots — ranging from charming small towns to major cities and scenic coastal escapes — known for their romantic appeal and travel popularity. To reflect the typical honeymoon season, we evaluated each destination based on conditions during the summer months (June through September).

Each destination was scored across 15 unique ranking factors organized into 3 key categories: romance appeal, affordability, and experience. 

• Romance appeal included factors such as the number of romantic lodging options and restaurants per 10,000 residents (using “romantic” filters on booking platforms),  and the number of honeymoon-specific attractions based on traveler sentiment and attraction tags.
• To evaluate affordability, we included the average cost of romantic stays, the price of a 5-night Airbnb stay with a view, flight costs to the nearest major airport, and the average cost of a 3-course dinner for 2. 
• Experience factors focused on the number of couple-friendly attractions, spas, wineries, and hiking trails, along with each destination’s walk score, average summer temperature, days of rain, and crowd levels during peak travel months.

Each ranking factor was normalized on a scale from 0 to 5, with a score of 5 representing the most favorable honeymoon conditions. Final scores were determined by combining weighted factor scores to calculate a total score out of 100. Higher scores indicate destinations that offer the ideal blend of romance, affordability, and unforgettable experiences.

A full list of the ranking factors, their data sources, and assigned weights can be found below.

Final Thoughts

For newlyweds planning a honeymoon stateside, there’s no shortage of destinations that deliver both romance and value. Domestic travel offers the chance to celebrate together without the stress of international logistics — and often at a lower cost.

Summer honeymoons can come with peak-season challenges, but with the right timing, flexibility, and a few smart strategies to cut costs and navigate summer travel more smoothly, couples can still enjoy a trip that feels effortless and unforgettable.

Whether your idea of the perfect honeymoon includes city strolls, mountain air, or days by the beach, the data shows there’s a destination that fits — no passport required.