25 best vacation spots for couples in 2023 - Pacaso

Vacations can be the perfect way to reset from the daily stress of life and reconnect with your significant other. Where you plan to take your next getaway plays a big role in making that happen. We’ve collected the best vacation spots for couples to make it easy to find a destination that can deliver on your romantic goals. Whether you want your days filled with beachside lounging or seclusion in nature, these 25 places have you covered: Now let’s find your next vacation!

A map identifies the 25 best vacation spots for couples around the world.

1. Maui, Hawai’i

The sun sets at a Maui beach, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Hawai’i is a popular honeymoon and couples destination for good reason, and Maui offers the best of everything. Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures that bring the greatest satisfaction, and there’s nothing simpler than enjoying an island sunrise or sunset together. For a more indulgent experience, grab a snorkel and flippers to swim with the sea turtles at Turtle Town. Or share a shave ice before spending the day sailing around neighboring Lana’i.

2. Palm Springs, California

The tram line leads up the canyon at Palm Springs, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Palm Springs has all the charm and style to deliver a great couples vacation. It has unique restaurants that provide hard-to-beat dining experiences. Take the aerial tram for a scenic ride through Chino Canyon to dine at the cliffside Peaks restaurant. Spencer’s Restaurant provides al fresco dining under the desert sky.You can also pamper yourselves with a couples spa day. The Parker Palm Springs Yacht Club delivers luxurious amenities with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. PS Air is a bar housed in a grounded 737, complete with authentic seats and floor lighting, plus a vintage bar cart.

3. Napa Valley, California

A hot air balloon rises above a Napa Valley grape field, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Whether for a weekend or a week, Napa Valley has plenty of couples vacation options. Get an unbeatable view of the area from the basket of a hot air balloon with an optional champagne toast at the end. Spend a day at the Carneros Spa where you can participate in yoga, receive skin treatments or enjoy a soothing massage. The French Laundry is a Michelin 3-star restaurant that’s sure to please your inner foodie. Of course, you’ll want to squeeze in a winery visit — or three. The wine trolley is a perfect solution that offers a 5-hour open-air tour of the area’s best wineries.

4. Scottsdale, Arizona

The red rocks of Scottsdale are visible from a green golf course, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Whether you’re looking to lounge poolside or spend your days on the golf course, Scottsdale has all the amenities for couples fun. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is a one-stop shop for all of your vacation needs. Rest under a cabana at the pool, test your drive at the exclusive Gainey Ranch Golf Club, and refresh your body and mind at the on-site Spa Avania. For entertainment around the city, head to the Desert Botanical Garden and stroll under towering cacti. Taste the local wine at Carlson Creek Vineyard or explore exhibits at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

5. Sedona, Arizona

The night sky over Sedona is lit up with stars, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Sedona is the perfect place to break free from distractions and reconnect with your significant other. The desert is ideal for stargazing, and there are plenty of guides in the area who can lead you to the best locations and explain what you’re seeing. Alternatively, you can go it alone with just a constellation phone app as your guide. Hiking through the red rocks of Sedona is the biggest draw to the area, with sites like Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross and Devil’s Bridge Trail serving as standouts. After a day of hiking, enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by live music on the patio at Vino Di Sedona.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

A river boat leaves the dock in New Orleans, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

New Orleans is one of the best couples destinations thanks to its vibrant culture, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s overflowing with entertainment. Let the street musicians determine your playlist as you walk through the French Quarter, observing the unique architecture until you stop at a local cafe to enjoy a beignet. Hitch a ride on a steamboat cruise for an authentic creole dinner accompanied by live jazz. Take a romantic walk through the New Orleans Botanical Garden to see for yourself how the city’s humid climate cultivates lush foliage.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

A sailboat sits against the dock in Charleston,one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Charleston is a distinctly Southern town offering all the charm one would hope for in a vacation spot for couples. Catch a performance at the Charles Gaillard Center, where the Charleston Symphony Orchestra performs, then hop in a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the city.Get in a rowboat at Cypress Gardens for a romantic experience straight out of “The Notebook.” Have a three-course meal at the Zero George where you’ll be treated to fine dining in an intimate environment.

8. Savannah, Georgia

Cozy houses line the streets of Savannah, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Savannah emanates old-school Victorian vibes, with ornate buildings and Spanish moss-covered trees lining the streets — perfect for a stroll with your beloved. Jump on a riverboat for a tour of the area in old-fashioned luxury, or head to nearby Tybee Island to look for dolphins and have a fresh seafood lunch. For a spooky adventure, spend a night searching for the supernatural on a candlelit ghost tour of one of the most “haunted” cities in the country.

9. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Horses graze in a field at Jackson Hole, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

For idyllic mountain meadows, look no further than Jackson Hole. Unleash your inner cowpoke with a horseback ride through Grand Teton National Park and bask in its natural beauty. Dance at the local saloons to live music with cold drinks in hand, then recover with a spa day at Amangani, which specializes in ancient healing practices. Snap pictures in the town square under Jackson’s famous antler arch. Test your aim on the shooting range for a friendly competition with your significant other.

10. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

A lighthouse stands at the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Martha’s Vineyard has been a longtime favorite retreat for people looking to relax to the sound of crashing waves — that’s why it's built a reputation as a great vacation spot for couples. Take the bus to Gay Head Light, a historic lighthouse, and follow the trail down to the Aquinnah Cliffs for sweeping views. Take your pick of one of the island’s many public beaches for a day in the sand, or spend the day on the water by chartering a sailboat. Finally, quench your thirst with a cold beer at Bad Martha craft brewery.

11. Montreal, Canada

A brightly lit cathedral is visible from a snow-covered square in Montreal, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

French is undoubtedly a romantic language, but you don’t have to travel all the way to France to be immersed in it. Montreal’s official language is French, and that’s just the beginning of what makes this city one of the best vacation spots for couples. Established in the 1700s, Montreal has retained its old-world feel with cozy streets begging to be meandered through. The Montreal Botanical Garden covers 200 acres and is filled with gorgeous trails of varying themes and Art Deco-style pavilions. Tour the ornate cathedrals of Marie-Reine-du-Monde or St. Patrick’s Basilica. Afterward, make sure to treat yourself to the local delicacy: poutine, a mixture of fries, cheese curds and gravy. Or try your luck at the Casino de Montreal before enjoying a live performance at the concert venue.

12. Uvita, Costa Rica

The waterfall feeds into a river in Uvita, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Costa Rica is the idyllic tropical paradise, and Uvita is in the perfect location to experience the best of what it has to offer. Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of ways to explore the environment, including horseback riding on the beach, nocturnal hikes through the jungle and birdwatching of more than 300 species. There are also endless opportunities for water-based fun. Go on a whale watching expedition to search for humpbacks and the chance to see dolphins, turtles and other sea life. Explore the Uvita Waterfall, which creates a natural waterslide for travelers to ride down into the pool below. Get your scuba certification and get a view of the coral reefs that can’t be beat.

13. Los Cabos, Mexico

Unique rock formations rest off the coast of Los Cabos, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Travelers to Los Cabos benefit from its year-round sunshine and miles of beautiful coastline. If your ideal couples getaway revolves around getting pampered and returning home with a tan, Los Cabos can’t be ignored. Have your meals on the beach or opt for terraced seating at Esperanza to overlook the Sea of Cortez. If you have your sea legs, go for a sunset cruise on a sailboat accompanied by live music while you eat dinner. Or rent glass-bottomed kayaks for up-close views of the nearby rock formations and colorful fish.

14. Patagonia, Argentina

A train tours the Tierra del Fuego National Park in Patagonia, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Patagonia covers the southern part of South America and delivers an abundance of sought-after destinations for couples. Ride the End of the World Train, the southernmost train in the world, in a heated coach for a tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.Take a cruise around Beagle Channel and learn about the local penguins and seals. Trek through Los Glaciares National Park to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier. Other activities within the park include mountain climbing and sport fishing. While you’re in the country, you won’t want to miss the chance to eat Argentina’s delicious beef and drink its award-winning wine.

15. Reykjavik, Iceland

A large waterfall fills a remote pool near Reykjavik, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Touring Iceland is one of the best trips for couples who love to connect with nature. Soak in the Blue Lagoon whose mineral-rich, geothermal heated waters are said to have soothing qualities. The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the most beautiful you’ll come across, with a path leading behind the cascading water during warmer months. Snorkeling isn’t just for the tropics. Throw on a thermal wetsuit and swim in the Silfra Fissure, a gap between the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. Visit between October and March for the best chance at seeing the northern lights. Stay in a specialized rental in the wilderness for a truly unforgettable sight.

16. Dublin, Ireland

Couples cross a bridge in Dublin, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Dublin is loaded with ideas for fun trips for couples. As the home of Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey, factory tours often top visitor to-do lists. Expect each tour to last roughly four hours and come with generous tastings. Or skip the tours and create your own self-guided pub crawl to experience the local drinks, food and people. The River Liffey runs down the middle of the city and can be navigated in rented kayaks for a unique view of your surroundings. Attend an enchanting Irish music and dance show at the Irish House Party and receive a three-course meal from an award-winning kitchen.

17. Marbella, Spain

Whitewashed homes line narrow alleys in Marbella, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Marbella is a wonderful city on Spain’s southern coast that caters to your inner romantic. The beaches are the big draw, with plenty of food and drink served at beach clubs. Rent jet skis for added excitement, or simply wade into the blue water to cool off. The old town district is filled with boutiques and quaint restaurants. The scene offers a great opportunity to walk around with your loved one. Marbella also has a lively nightlife, complete with rooftop bars that host renowned DJs.

18. Helsinki, Finland

Lush gardens soak in the midnight sun of Helsinki, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

It’s almost like Helsinki and the sun are in cahoots to give you as much time as possible to enjoy your summer vacation. The sun is visible nearly around the clock in June and July — venture further north and that time stretches from May to August. Here are some ideas for what to do with that extra daylight.Go to the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden where you can walk through 10 glasshouses and see over 1,300 plant species from around the world. Explore the Ateneum Art Museum housing Finnish works dating back to the early 19th century. Saunas are deeply embedded in Finland’s culture, so you might want to spring for a private experience with your significant other at the luxurious Loyly Complex. Or hop in the SkySauna for a sauna gondola in a ferris wheel, with views of the city.

19. Bruges, Belgium

Stone buildings sit at the edge of a canal in Bruges, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

No town embodies the term “fairytale” quite like Bruges. The medieval city is so well preserved that it’s a protected World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Like Venice, canals running through the city are perfect for a romantic boat cruise. The Minnewater Bridge is said to create eternal love when a couple crosses it together. Bruges, like the rest of Belgium, takes its beer seriously, so don’t hesitate to stop into one of its many breweries to sample the local offerings.

20. Lausanne, Switzerland

The steeple of a cathedral sticks out among the other medieval buildings in Lausanne, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Lausanne sits on the north shore of Lake Geneva with a stunning view of the Alps. If the natural scenery alone isn’t enough to make you buy a plane ticket, the rest of the city’s offerings surely will. Lausanne’s old town is filled with preserved gothic architecture that needs to be seen to be believed. Tour the Chateau Saint-Maire or the Lausanne Cathedral to take a step back in time and marvel at these medieval wonders. The Hotel Royal Savoy is another aesthetic attraction, and while you’re there you may as well take advantage of its world-class spa. The city’s burgeoning art district is home to three major museums. Take your pick between spending your day in the mountains — where cable cars take you to restaurants that rotate to provide perfect views — or walking around the lakefront.

21. Venice, Italy

A loan gondola floats in the canal of Venice, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

The gondolas of Venice need no introduction, but there’s more to this city of canals. Walk to the Rialto Bridge at sunset to watch the Grand Canal light up for the night. Watch a ballet or opera at the Theatre La Fenice — just don’t get too distracted by its elegantly golden interior. Share a bottle of wine at the Cantina Do Spade and dine on authentic Venetian cuisine. Tour the Doge’s Palace to get a taste of just how decadent the 11th century could be. Finally, appreciate the craftsmanship of St. Mark’s Basilica with its domes and turrets.

22. Santorini, Greece

Tightly packed white buildings cover the cliff of Santorini, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

The scenic cliffs of Santorini draw couples to the area like moths to a flame. The Santorini Cable Car at Fira transports you down the cliffside in comfort. At the bottom, charter a boat in the Old Port area to reach the caldera hot springs. Most tours allow the opportunity to take a quick dip in the warm water.Enjoy fine Mediterranean cuisine with a glass of local wine at La Maison. Then head to Kamari to watch an outdoor movie surrounded by trees. Rent an ATV to quickly get to sites like the Akrotiri Lighthouse.

23. Kyoto, Japan

A cherry blossom tree shades the street in Kyoto, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Kyoto is known for its temples, shrines, gardens and palaces — so much so that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strolling its streets is both romantic and inspiring. Walk down Sannenzaka Slope and gaze at the traditional wooden buildings with their tiled roofs. The Golden Pavilion, aptly named for its gilded exterior, is the stuff of Instagram dreams, with ideal photo spots near the lake. The Yasaka Shrine, founded in 1350, has hundreds of lanterns that are lit each night. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in April, visit Maruyama Park to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Partake in a Japanese tea ceremony, learning the philosophy behind the tradition from a local expert. For dinner, take a food tour that sprawls across two districts and includes a 10-course meal.

24. Singapore

The skyline of Singapore is visible from the water, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia on the cutting edge of technology. The Gardens by the Bay are a perfect example, blending architectural ingenuity with nature to make visitors feel like they’ve entered a new world. Take your partner to the top of the Supertree Observatory for an unforgettable sight. The Singapore Zoo gives visitors the chance to have breakfast while surrounded by animals in their habitats and even have the chance to meet them. The ArtScience Museum puts on an array of exhibitions that will dazzle you, including the VR Gallery for a thoroughly immersive experience.

25. Bali, Indonesia

Ancient shrines draw visitors to Bali, one of the best vacation spots for couples.

If long flights don’t intimidate you, head to the infinitely photogenic island of Bali. A top spot for honeymooners, Bali provides all the romance two people can handle. Couples vacation ideas include touring Bedugul and Ubud, which contain landmarks of Bali history. Guides can pick you up right from your hotel and explain the sites you pass on the way. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but handmade jewelry gives them a run for their money. Craft your own gold or silver rings at a workshop led by master craftspeople. Then satisfy your appetite in a Paon Bali Cooking Class, where you can learn to cook traditional Indonesian food.

Tips for traveling as a couple

An image shares six tips couples can use when they travel to one of the best vacation spots for couples in the world.

Experiencing new things with your partner is a great way to grow closer as a couple and make memories that will last a lifetime. However, travel can also be a stressful experience and strain a relationship. Here are some tips on how to make your next vacation run smoothly:

Make the essentials easy to reach: Fill a bag with items like phone chargers, water bottles, snacks and neck pillows. Keep it easily accessible when you’re in transit to make the experience a little more pleasant when times get tough.
Review your plans every day: Make sure you’re both on the same page about where you’ll go and what you’ll do. Good communication can prevent blowups down the road. Try to prioritize something special for each of you.
Remember to be patient: Whether you’re tired, hungry or annoyed, there’s a good chance the other person is experiencing the same thing. Patience will keep you from reacting negatively and help preserve the spirit of the trip.
Alone time is healthy: Constantly being around the same person for days on end can be draining, even when it’s someone you love. Stepping away to collect yourself shouldn’t be taken as an insult.
Surprise each other along the way: Stick to the plan, but don’t be afraid to do something unexpected for your significant other. Surprise them with a local trinket or a meal at an undisclosed spot to make them feel special.
Manage your expectations: Destinations won’t always deliver on the promises in the brochure. There will be crowds, it might be dirty and it can get expensive. It’s no one person’s fault, and it can be a great opportunity to make the most of it together.

The best vacation spots for couples are found around the world, and each one has something uniquely romantic to offer. Find your next relaxing getaway and keep your passion alive.

25 best vacation spots for couples around the world in 2023