The 10 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways for City, Beach and Countryside Escapes

From Paris to Puerto Rico, here's how to make the most of a 36-hour getaway.

Couple biking on romantic weekend getaway in Mexico

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Updated May 03, 2024

While a milestone birthday or anniversary trip is always a great excuse to plan an over-the-top vacation somewhere that's been high on your bucket list (Bali, anyone?), a long weekend is reason enough. Whether you're timing your couples vacation around a holiday or want to soak up one last sunny locale before winter sets in, we've found 10 of the best romantic weekend getaways that check off plenty of boxes—and can easily be done in 36 hours. If you've been waiting for that destination proposal, now's the time to pop the question on a beach in St. Barts or over a bottle of vino in Oregon's wine country.

The Knot's Top 10 List of the Best Romantic Weekend Getaways

From buzzy cities with vibrant dining and cocktail scenes to more remote locales where nothing but open land and stars surround you, here are 10 dreamy destinations in the US, Canada, Caribbean and Europe for the most romantic weekend getaways. Now it's time to start planning!

The Most Romantic Weekend Getaway: Isla Holbox, Mexico
Most Romantic Place for Adventurous Types: Banff, Canada
Best Destination for Foodies: Puerto Rico
Best Beach Weekend Getaway: St. Barts, Caribbean
Best Glamping Weekend Getaway: Joshua Tree, California
Most Romantic City Weekend Getaway: Montreal, Canada
Best Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaway: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Most Romantic Weekend Getaway for Stargazing: Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Most Affordable Romantic Getaway: New Orleans, Louisiana
Most Romantic International Destination: Paris, France

Bonus: If you're searching for "romantic weekend getaways near me," jump to our travel guides here

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Whether you're timing your trip around Mardi Gras or the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or are just planning a last-minute weekend getaway, couples will find plenty of entertainment in the Big Easy. The swoonworthy city (the horse-drawn carriages! The wrought-iron balconies!) offers a glimpse into some of the best of the South in terms of cuisine, music and art. After admiring the architecture in the historic French Quarter, make your way to the rapidly changing Warehouse Arts District, home to Gallery Row on Julia Street and James Beard Award-winning chefs.

Things to Do: Sip classic cocktails and indulge in beignets in the French Quarter, creating a moveable feast that continues on to jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club and drinks at Jewel of the South, tucked away in an 1830s Creole cottage or Bar Marilou, which feels like you've stumbled into a boudoir-themed speakeasy.

Where to Stay: Ace Hotel New Orleans in the French Quarter; The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans on Canal Street; Maison de la Luz; Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans in the French Quarter; Hotel Saint Vincent in the Lower Garden District; The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in the Warehouse Arts District.

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Puerto Rico

The tiny, four-island archipelago in the Caribbean Sea often flies under the radar when travelers are thinking of an easy beach escape. This is why Puerto Rico is a dream for couples who want sandy shores, cultural attractions, world-class surf and tropical rainforests—all without having to even show a passport. This is the birthplace of the piña colada, after all, so you know you're in for an island getaway that combines the best of the Caribbean with a distinct culture and cuisine all of its own.

Things to Do: Food is a cornerstone of Puerto Rican culture, and you'll find plenty of ways to indulge in local favorites like mofongo (mashed, crispy green plantains seasoned with garlic and pork rinds) at restaurants in Old San Juan, while rustic, open-air chinchorros on the northern coast highlight the island's standout seafood.

Where to Stay: Finca Victoria on Vieques; Hotel El Convento, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, in Old San Juan; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Río Grande.

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Montreal, Canada

After Paris, Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city on the globe. Known for its old-world charm and welcoming spirit, this European-style city is a quick, 90-minute flight from New York or two from Chicago and you'll be strolling arm-in-arm on cobblestone streets, people-watching at sidewalk cafes and bistros, and exploring historic Old Montréal with its Notre-Dame Basilica and riverside pathways. While winter can be harsh, the city really comes to life between May and October, when festivals and live music are in full swing—and picnics pop up practically everywhere.

Things to Do: If you're only going to do one "touristy" thing, make it the Montréal Tower, the world's tallest inclined tower (the vintage London double-decker bus tour comes in as a close second). Another romantic way to soak up views of the city? From La Grande Roue Ferris wheel on the old port.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal, a historic luxury hotel in downtown; Auberge du Vieux-Port in a converted 19th-century warehouse in Old Montreal; Humaniti Hotel Montréal, Autograph Collection or Four Seasons Hotel Montreal in downtown Montreal; Hôtel William Gray in Old Montreal.

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St. Barts, Caribbean

Since St. Barts isn't the easiest to reach, a trip here feels as jetset as the Maldives or Tahiti. If you want to be on the island when it's in full party mode, plan a trip around the holidays and New Year's Eve or around mid-March, when the St. Barths Bucket Regatta is taking place. The French island is about as close as you can get to being in Saint-Tropez (you'll notice a lot of sister restaurants from the French Riviera), with coastlines and hidden natural pools so scenic, you'll find it hard to choose which spot to pick if you're planning a proposal.

Things to Do: Spend your days alternating between basking on a beach bed with rosé and joining the crowd dancing in the open-air restaurant at La Guérite; linger over a long lunch at Shellona; plan a romantic dinner at the lush al fresco Tamarin; or go dancing at late-night cabaret Le Ti.

Where to Stay: Gyp Sea; Rosewood Le Guanahani; Hotel Christopher; Le Barthélemy; Hotel Le Toiny; Eden Rock St Barths; Le Tropical Hotel

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Joshua Tree, California

A road trip definitely tops the list of romantic couples getaways, and a destination that continues to impress is Joshua Tree—the otherworldly national park known for its energy and creative spirit. Drawing artists and musicians, the desert destination is full of unexpected surprises, from an open-air museum and sculpture park to healing hot springs to a domed sound bath that integrates "art, science and magic." If you're more about nature than mysticism, the hikes here are some of the best in the country—and views of the gnarly, namesake Joshua trees never get old.

Things to Do: While you're in the area, make a stop in Pioneertown (an old western set from the 1940s and '50s) at Pappy + Harriet's for pit-fire barbecue and live music. Architecture lovers should add the Invisible House to their itinerary to admire the three-bedroom home made entirely of mirrored glass that, as its name suggests, seems to disappear into the desert landscape.

Where to Stay: AutoCamp Joshua Tree; Mojave Sands; Terracasa; Bubbling Wells Historic Hot Springs Ranch.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

Move over, Tulum! It seems the coastal town's time has passed and now travelers looking to escape the parties (and the crowds) have discovered an island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. The car-free Isla Holbox feels like it hasn't changed much since electricity arrived on the islands in the 1980s—and that's a good thing. You won't find traffic signals, banks or high-rises. This is a place for couples who want toes-in-the-sand dining and days spent lounging on hammocks by the water—making it a super relaxing birthday trip that'll leave you feeling recharged.

Things to Do: Time your trip between June and September, when whale sharks can be spotted swimming through the Gulf. Snorkel with the gentle giants or sail to nearby Isla Pájaros, where more than 150 birds (including flamingos) come to nest.

Where to Stay: Art-filled Ser Casasandra is designed to feel like a gallery overlooking the ocean; at Casa las Tortugas, you can watch the sunset from the private pool on the terrace of your beachfront room.

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

What could be more romantic than a weekend in nature stargazing in a national park that claims one of the darkest skies in the country? The largest national park in Utah—spanning more than 330,000 acres—Canyonlands National Park is filled with rust-red canyons, buttes and natural arches that offer plenty of scenic vantage points for photos (and proposals). Connect with the great outdoors in a very Wes Anderson way, camping or curling up in a classic Americana-style motel on a road trip throughout the eastern edge of the state.

Things to Do: Stargazing is just the start—explore Canyonlands National Park via horseback or 4x4; climb a sandstone tower or, if you're on the more adventurous side, kayak through whitewater rapids; or hike to show-stopping vistas in the most accessible part of the park, the Island in the Sky mesa. You'll hardly miss Netflix when you're camping in the evenings and the ceiling of stars puts on its own show.

Where to Stay: Under Canvas Moab; Canyonlands Lodging; Needles Outpost Campground; River Canyon Lodge Moab; Inca Inn Moab.

Paris, France

If you really want to surprise your other half with a memorable anniversary trip or destination proposal, jet off to Paris for a long weekend. From New York, the flight is a mere 7.5 (practically the same as traveling to the west coast!) and if you time your trip right, you can snag wallet-friendly airfares from more affordable airlines like all-business-class La Compagnie or French Bee. Shoulder season months (spring and fall) are your best bet for lower fares—and avoiding the crowds.

Things to Do: The beauty of Paris is that even if you only have the hotel booked, you're already in for a weekend of romance (especially if you're staying somewhere lavish like Le Bristol). If you're planning to pop the question, consider a terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower at upscale Le Tout-Paris or Girafe.

Where to Stay: Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés; Le Grand Mazarin near Le Marais; Grand Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement; J.K. Place Paris, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, in the 7th arrondissement, near Musée d'Orsay.

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Willamette Valley, Oregon

Perhaps you honeymooned in Napa Valley or planned your bachelorette party there and are looking to explore another side of American wine country. In Oregon, the Willamette Valley still feels like something of a secret—yet there are more than 700 wineries dotting the 150-mile-long stretch. Get ready for small town charm and historic downtowns, rolling hillsides lined with vineyards and scenic road trips through fern-filled forests and covered bridges. And when you're ready to call it a night, there are tons of gorgeous B&Bs and historic hotels to cozy up in.

Things to Do: Wine tastings and craft brewery visits are the highlight here, but you can also tailor-make an itinerary to visit dog-friendly wineries if the pup is coming on the road trip; pick up picnic fare from one of the many farmer's markets; or stroll through local art galleries.

Where to Stay: The 77-room Allison Inn & Spa has long been the lone destination hotel in the region (the spa is worth a visit alone!), but now Tributary Hotel, a Relais & Château property, is drawing much-deserved attention for its design-savvy takeover of a hundred-year-old historic building.

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Banff, Canada

For a scenic way to cruise through Banff National Park, book a two-day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, the luxe train with panoramic glass-dome coaches designed for optimal sightseeing. After indulging in the charm of rail travel (the onboard cuisine is regionally inspired with local ingredients!), explore the national park that truly is a year-round adventure destination. Hike around lakes, get your adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, go snowshoeing or hit the slopes on what's considered some of the best skiing in North America.

Things to Do: Spend a day soaking in the hot, mineral-rich springs; go canoeing around Lake Louise; try stand-up paddle boarding on calm Two Jack Lake; or live out your Yellowstone fantasies horseback riding along wooded trails and riverside paths.

Where to Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs; Fairmont Château Lake Louise; The Rimrock Resort Hotel; Sunshine Mountain Lodge.

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Romantic Weekend Getaways Near You

Are you looking for the best romantic getaways in the US within a three-hour drive or in a particular state? Check out these romantic weekend getaway guides by state for more couple's trip ideas.