Looking to get away from it all with the one you love? You don’t have to go far to have a memorable vacation. Whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary, planning a short mini-moon, or just want to spend some alone time together, these romantic getaways on the East Coast will have you feeling like love birds in no time.
Get swept away by charming New England towns. Get swept up in the passionate city of Miami. Ignite your spark once again in Boston. Wander hand in hand through beautiful Charleston. These dreamy East Coast vacations for couples are just what your relationship was looking for.
Boston, Massachusetts
Discover America’s revolutionary past together in Boston, a culturally diverse city with fascinating landmarks, picturesque parks, and exciting neighborhoods.
Read: Day Trips from Boston
Boston Harbor, Massachusetts
Learn fun historical facts while sailing on a private catamaran sightseeing tour down Boston Harbor, the body of water made famous by the Boston Tea Party revolt. Find out more about this historic moment that helped spark the seeds of the American Revolution, sail past the U.S.S. Constitution, the world’s oldest naval vessel still afloat, and admire the gorgeous city skyline while toasting with a glass of champagne. For an even dreamier time, try and schedule your cruise in the late afternoon, so you and your sweetheart can take in the sunset together.
Read: What Is Boston Known for?
Boston Common, Massachusetts
During a day in Boston, college sweethearts can relive their university days by setting up a picnic for two at Boston Common, America’s oldest park. This lovely green space is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for local students. Grab a picnic basket, pack a bottle of rosé, an assortment of cheese and charcuterie, and a comfortable blanket and have a lazy afternoon under the shade of one of the park’s weeping willows.
Feel like you’re on top of the world at the Skywalk Observatory, the tallest viewpoint in the city. Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, the observation deck offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. If you want to learn more about the Boston cityscape, headsets with audio explanations of the view are available. If not, just relax, take in the spectacular view, and take a picture together.
New York City, New York
New York City
With its busy streets and towering skyscrapers, you might not consider New York City one of the most romantic getaways on the East Coast. However, the Big Apple has long been a city full of love stories—just think of all the love songs and romantic movies that have been inspired by New York. With so much to do in the city that never sleeps, there are plenty of opportunities to have some fun with your significant other.
One of the highlights of New York is its robust cultural scene. Schedule a day of museum hopping and see the iconic works on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the modernist masterpieces at the MoMa, and the contemporary exhibits at the Whitney Museum—the striking building designed by Renzo Piano is a piece of art in and of itself.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Another great date destination is the Museum of Natural History, where you can gaze up at the stars on display at the planetarium or spend some time surrounded by colorful butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory.
If music is more your beat, there are endless options for live entertainment. Watch a popular artist performance at Madison Square Garden or the Bowery Ballroom. Catch a live jazz show at one of the storied bars in the West Village or Harlem, or a matinee performance of an award-winning musical on Broadway.
There are also regular concerts at the New York Philharmonic, and in Lincoln Center, depending on the season, you can buy tickets to the ballet or opera and treat your partner to a lovely night out at the theater.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a green oasis that spans over 52 acres. Stroll around the floral gardens and conservatories, where you’ll see bonsai trees, roses, and lily pools. If you happen to be in New York at the end of April, don’t miss seeing the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s spectacular Cherry Esplanade, an annual event when everything is awash in pretty pink blooms.
Central Park, New York City
Walk hand in hand around Central Park, which is especially beautiful during autumn when the fall foliage is at its best. Stop by Bethesda Fountain and take a couple’s picture in front of this iconic figure in the park. Find some peace and quiet at the Conservatory Garden, or board a rowboat and allow your honey to paddle you around the lake. If you really want to up the romance factor, board a horse-drawn carriage in the evening—a perfect way to end your New York trip for two.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine
New England charm is everywhere you turn in Bar Harbor, Maine, a quiet seaside town full of picturesque landscapes, outdoor adventures, and fresh seafood. Head there in the fall for unforgettable views of the autumn foliage—the perfect background for a couple’s pic—or visit in the summer, when lobster is in season and you can enjoy a dip in the cool Atlantic Ocean under the warm sun.
Visit some of Maine’s historic lighthouses, long a symbol of romance and everlasting love, on a sightseeing journey along the coast of Mount Desert Island, where you’ll spot seaside treasures including Bass Harbor Head Light, one of the most iconic lighthouses in New England.
Read: Best Babymoon Destinations
Cadillac Mountain in Bar Harbor, Maine
Some of the best hikes in New England are found in Acadia National Park, a vast green sanctuary that sprawls 47,000 acres across Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut. At Acadia, there are many natural wonders to discover, including the tranquil Great Long Pond, rocky Sand Beach, and Cadillac Mountain.
One of the most romantic things to do in Bar Harbor is to kayak down Frenchman Bay, where you can enjoy gorgeous coastal views of rocky cliffs, the trees and landscapes of Acadia National Park, and perhaps even spot some of the animals that frequent the waters including harbor seals and porpoises.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Of course, a trip to Maine isn’t complete without a fresh lobster meal. Board a lobster boat and watch as fishermen reel in a fresh catch, and later enjoy the day’s bounty with a lobster bake on land.
Or head to one of the popular lobster pounds or shacks in downtown Bar Harbor and feast on lobster rolls, lobster bakes, and even lobster ice cream.
Newport, Rhode Island
Step back in time to the Gilded Age when visiting Newport, Rhode Island, a beautiful coastal escape in New England known for its storied history and opulent mansions.
The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island
One of the best things to do in Newport is to visit the impressive mansions, which once served as the summer homes to some of America’s most prominent families. Stop by Elms Mansion, a French chateau-style manse owned by coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind and where Harry Houdini once performed at a party. Discover Rough Point, Doris Duke’s sprawling English manor, which houses 105 rooms and still has several of Duke’s original furniture, antiques, and art collection.
Visit two of the Vanderbilt family summer cottages: the Marble House, which features over 500,000 square feet of white marble; and The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo, which is perhaps the most famous property in Newport.
Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island
If you’re looking for a picturesque outing, take a stroll down the 3.5 miles of the Cliff Walk, where you can breathe in the crisp salty air and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean on one side and coastal Newport mansions on the other.
Newport is an incredibly popular East Coast vacation for couples who enjoy sailing. Even if you don’t know your way around a boat, you can sign up for a sailing class with your sweetheart. Put on your boat shoes and cable knit sweater and learn the basics while taking in the beautiful scenery around you.
Portland, Maine
Plan a trip to Portland, one of the most romantic getaways on the East Coast. This coastal town boasts Victorian architecture, maritime history, a growing food scene, and a buzzy arts district.
Portland Head Light, Maine
Take a stroll around the rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth, where you’ll see the Portland Head Light, the oldest and most photographed lighthouse in Maine. Snap a couple’s pic in front of this popular landmark, which dates back to 1791.
Head to the Portland Observatory, built in 1807, and climb the 104 stairs up to the top of the bright red tower, where you’ll find some of the best views of the city.
Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, a lovely waterfront neighborhood where you can spend hours walking in and out of shops, enjoying a meal at a seaside restaurant, and discovering local art galleries.
Bug Light in Portland, Maine
Go on an afternoon bike ride through Portland’s Eastern Promenade Trail, where you’ll pass by Bug Light, the smallest coastal lighthouse in the country; Fort Georges; and Casco Bay, where you can spot the scenic Calendar Islands in the distance—a beautiful view that is best enjoyed at sunset.
Kennebunkport in Portland, Maine
Visit Kennebunkport, a popular summer destination where you and your loved one can spend the day at one of the picturesque beaches or touring the impressive Victorian-style homes that line its rocky coast. In town, go antique shopping at Dock Square and treat yourself to an indulgent lunch with fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and a warm slice of apple pie.
Charleston, South Carolina
Historic District in Charleston, South Carolina
It’s no surprise that Charleston has consistently been touted as one of the most romantic getaway destinations in the United States. With its Old World beauty, stunning mansions, and Southern charm, Charleston has long attracted honeymooners and couples in love.
Start your trip off by touring the Historic District, Charleston’s swoon-worthy downtown neighborhood that is best explored during leisurely hand-in-hand strolls or horse-drawn carriage rides. Stop by the French Quarter, an artsy area with lots of galleries, the historic Dock Street Theater, and the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Read: Best Breweries in Charleston
Battery Park in Charleston, South Carolina
Wander off to Battery Park, a waterfront promenade where you’ll be surrounded by pastel mansions, historic cannons, and gorgeous views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. Not only is it one of the most popular places to sightsee in Charleston, it’s also a lovely place to organize an intimate picnic for two.
If ocean vistas are what you’re after, board a schooner boat and make your way around Charleston Harbor, where you can watch the sunset and the glimmering Holy City in the background.
For a breath of fresh air, go on a seaside walk around Sullivan’s Island, a small harbor island near Charleston’s downtown, where you’ll find pristine beaches, summer cottages, and cozy restaurants near the water.
Cypress Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina
Fall in love with the lush greenery and blooming flowers at Cypress Gardens, a 170-acre property where you can walk around garden trails, visit butterfly habitats, and take endless photos in front of colorful bougainvillea. If you want to go the extra mile, take your sweetheart on a wooden rowboat and paddle across the magnolia trees and lily pads—it will be impossible not to feel like you’re starring in your very own romance movie.
Read: Underrated Honeymoon Destinations
Miami, Florida
South Beach in Miami, Florida
Sleek and sunny Miami has more depth than it initially reveals. While the beaches are a major draw, Miami also has a burgeoning art scene, award-winning restaurants, and a number of diverse neighborhoods that are just as alluring as the city’s more popular areas.
Of course, you can’t go to Miami without visiting South Beach, the fun and funky neighborhood full of Art Deco buildings, bikini-clad tourists, and glamorous hotels. Make yourself comfortable under a beach umbrella, wiggle your toes in the white sand, and dive into the turquoise water for a swim together.
South Beach, Miami
After a day at the beach, explore the lively streets of Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive, where you can window shop boutique stores, have lunch or dinner at a trendy restaurant, and walk through the South Beach Art Deco District, which has over 800 buildings in the area’s signature pastels.
Discover Miami’s growing arts scene with a trip to the Perez Art Museum of Miami (PAMM), a striking contemporary art museum designed by architects Herzog and de Meuron, which overlooks the tranquil Biscayne Bay. Or take a look at the fascinating murals at the Wynwood Arts District, a hip neighborhood with cool cafes, fashionable stores, and funky street art everywhere you turn.
Little Havana in Miami, Florida
For a different side of Miami, head to Little Havana, the heart of Cuban culture in the city. Order a cafe cubano at a walk-up window cafe, try a traditional Cuban sandwich, or wander into one of the live music clubs on Calle Ocho and practice some salsa moves together.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Florida
If you’re looking for a more secluded corner of the city, visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a Mediterranean-style mansion built by industrial entrepreneur James Deering during the Gilded Age. Stroll through its lush Italian Renaissance gardens and jungle forest, wander in and out of its decorated rooms, and climb the highly Instagrammed winding staircase. Once you spend a day there, you’ll soon understand why Vizcaya is one of the most popular wedding venues in Miami.
Riding bikes in Miami Beach
Plan your next escape to one of these romantic getaways on the East Coast with Celebrity Cruises. Explore some of the country’s best destinations while enjoying award-winning dining, endless entertainment, and impeccable service on board. Browse East Coast cruises on our website and book your next vacation today.
