Romantic Adventures
Home / Articles / Romantic AdventuresIf watching a sunset from a mountain top, hiking a steep slope to a spectacular waterfall, playing “Marco Polo” in stunning blue waters, or cozying up in a historic lodge is your idea of romantic, then you’ll fall for this list of outdoor adventures. Some of these locations often inspire proposals and are also popular picks for wedding sites. Keep in mind for those who are seeking a matrimonial destination, you will want to check with local managers for special permit requirements for wedding events.
Discover special places to create memories with your loved ones.
The Majestic Yosemite "Ahwahnee" Hotel
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park, California (National Park Service)
The grandeur of the surrounding Yosemite Valley are reflected in this luxurious and historic hotel nestled among two main attractions, Half Dome and Glacier Point. A stay at the Ahwahnee Hotel sets the right tone for a romantic retreat in this California gem. Built in 1927, the story of this hotel adds to its charm and allure.
After a day of exploring the many sites of Yosemite National Park – and there are plenty – accommodations at the hotel will envelope you in luxury and comfort.
Fall in Love at Sandstone Falls
New River Gorge National Park and Reserve, West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park and Reserve, West Virginia (National Park Service)
Scenic drives, rock climbing, spots suited for relaxation and reflection—there are plenty of things to do at New River Gorge National Park and Reserve in West Virginia. The park offers excitement and opportunities to learn about the rich cultural history of the park while visiting historic sites. Enjoy views that take your breath away.
Created by a powerful flow of soft conglomerate rock layers, Sandstone Falls is the largest river on New River Gorge at 1500 feet wide and divided by a series of islands as it drops 10 to 25 feet.
Enchantment at Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park, Washington (Thomas Sikora, Share the Experience)
What better place to escape with your true love than at one of the most remote, least visited yet inspiring national parks in the continental U.S.? At Great Basin National Park lovers can gaze up at the stars through one of the clearest night skies anywhere on earth. During the day you can easily reach 10,000 feet (3,038 m) via Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive then follow the summit trail to reach the 13,063 foot (3,981 m) peak, home to the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, or take an easy walk to a forest of bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living things on earth. A ranger guided-tour of Lehman Caves offers another magical experience for vacationing couples.
Love is in the Air at Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Haleakala National Park (Share the Experience, Jeff Nigro)
Just about anywhere in Hawaii inspires romance. It is the perfect backdrop for proposals and weddings, as well as a destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways! Known as the “land of the love-snatching wind,” the Kipahulu District, located within the Haleakala National Park, offers views of waterfalls, sweeping ocean vistas, and Hawaiian cultural experiences. Awe-inspiring scenery, adventurous treks to an active volcano and the clichéd—but oh so wonderful—sunsets on the beach provide just the right setting for your romantic outdoor adventures.
I Lava You
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen National Park (National Park Service)
Steaming fumaroles, pastures covered with wildflowers, translucent mountain lakes, and multiple volcanoes, Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is a great place to say, “I Lava You.”
Enjoy a camping adventure in Butte Lake, which is opened year-round. Located in the northeastern section of the park, Butte Lake Campground is remote and has a pleasant atmosphere surrounded by Ponderosa Pines.
Although a reservation is not required for entry into Lassen Volcanic National Park, a pass is required. Please visit the park’s page for more information.
Capture Those Special Moments
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, Maine (National Park Service)
Cruise through Acadia National Park with the purchase of a Site Pass. Enjoy a scenic drive of Ocean Drive or Jordan Pond Road. For charming hotels or bed and breakfasts, check area chambers of commerce sites on this list of nearby attractions.
Lost in Paradise
Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands (National Park Service)
Welcome to paradise. Celebrate love with stunning white sand beaches surrounding by meadows of wildflowers and schools of exotic wildlife. Virgin Islands National Park, in the Virgin Islands, offers many wonders whether hiking, boating, snorkeling, or just getting lost in the mesmerizing views.