12 Romantic Spring Break Destinations

most romantic spring break destinations san miguel de allende — Getty Images / Marco Bottigelli

Whether you’ve only got time for a quick weekend within driving distance or are prepared to devote a full week to a far-flung destination, spring break is a wonderful opportunity for a romantic getaway. “The stretch between the holidays and summer is a challenging time, especially in parts of the country where the weather maybe isn’t as lovely as we would like it to be,” says travel expert Lilian Rafson. “It’s nice to break up that time with something to look forward to, even if it’s not a huge vacation. For couples, this is a great way to recharge and connect.”

While spring break is perhaps most often associated with kid-friendly family trips and college students partying all night, couples can also use the time for a romantic, adult-focused getaway—provided you tweak your approach. “Put more emphasis on your accommodations,” suggests travel advisor Mary Cropper. “Make it more about higher-end amenities and less about activities so that you can enjoy the property, and [spend] more time with one another.”

Meet the Expert

Lilian Rafson is the founder of Pack Up + Go, a travel planning outfit that specializes in surprise curated vacations in destinations throughout the United States.
A U.S. Southwest specialist with Audley Travel, Mary Cropper was named an A-List Top Travel Advisor by Travel & Leisure in 2022.

Ready to start planning your vacation? Read on for 12 favorite romantic spring break destinations in North America.

01 of 12

Sedona, Arizona

“Spring is a beautiful time of year to travel to the Southwest because you won’t get the heat of mid-summer when you’re out in the desert,” says Cropper. Her top destination in the region right now? Sedona, Arizona, which she loves for both its own unique focus on energy healing (and excellent star-gazing opportunities!) as well as its close proximity to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff. “In Sedona, my all-time favorite property is Enchantment,” she says. “It’s higher-end, with great amenities, and a stunning backdrop of the Red Rock Canyon. There’s also an incredible spa—a lot of athletes will go during their off-season.”

02 of 12

Los Olivos, California

The small town at the heart of Central California’s up-and-coming wine region is the perfect place to spend a few days swirling your glasses while hopping from tasting room to tasting room. (Added bonus: they’re mostly all walkable, so no DD needed!) For a splurge, book a private cottage at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern and a multi-course tasting meal at the French-inspired, Michelin-rated Bell’s in nearby Los Alamos.

03 of 12

Vieques, Puerto Rico

open air bedroom at finca victoria hotel in puerto rico — Via Finca Victoria

While the main island of this tropical U.S. territory is dotted with plenty of honeymoon-worthy mega-resorts, a romantic spring break trip is the perfect excuse to try something more boutique on Vieques, a smaller island off its east coast. Embrace the rainforest with a wellness-oriented retreat at Finca Victoria (pictured) or a few zen days at Hix Island House, a sustainably-minded grouping of minimalist accommodations set on 13 secluded acres.

04 of 12

Burlington, Vermont

Prefer the coziness of a cold-weather getaway? Head to the most populous city in the Green Mountain state. “Burlington is really walkable, with a great food and beverage scene, and it leans into the winter season,” says Rafson. Book a Romance or a Cross-Country Ski package at Hotel Vermont, and be sure to get reservations in advance at Hen of the Wood, a celebrated seasonally-inspired fine dining establishment.

05 of 12

30A, Florida

white buildings in alys beach florida — Getty Images / Wirestock

Located 30 minutes west of Panama City, a set of smaller, quieter beach towns kissed with white sand and turquoise waters offer both family fun and opportunities for romance. (Perfect if you’re looking for a bit of both this spring break!) Make The Pearl, an upscale oceanside hotel in Rosemary Beach, your home base, then spend any time you’re not relaxing in a beach chair strolling the quaint downtowns of nearby Alys Beach, Grayton, and Seaside.

06 of 12

Asheville, North Carolina

aerial view of Omni Grove Park inn — Via Omni Grove Park Inn

This western North Carolina city is Rafson’s top choice for an active and romantic spring break destination. “It has a really charming downtown area, but you can still go hiking and be outdoors,” she says. For more traditional romance, book a suite—and couples massages in the spa’s outdoor pagoda!—at The Omni Grove Park Inn (pictured). Spend the rest of your time brewery-hopping, shopping for souvenirs in the funky River Arts District, and taking in the views from Chimney Rock.

07 of 12

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

colorful stucco buildings on cobblestone street in san miguel de allende — Getty Images / Marco Bottigelli

Nestled in the Balio Mountains of central Mexico, this 16th-century Spanish colonial city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. A popular spot for destination weddings, it’s not uncommon to see couples parading through the winding cobblestone streets, which are lined with vibrantly colored stucco buildings, on the weekends. And while it’s all Old World charm on the outside, a buzzy mix of modern art, food, and fashion awaits at Dôce 18 Concept House, and the rich interiors of Belmond hotel Casa de Sierra Nevada are perfectly complemented with upscale amenities.

08 of 12

Moab, Utah

Set in between the two lesser-known—but no less stunning—national parks Arches and Canyonlands, this more remote desert destination is, per Cropper, “absolutely packed with adventure.” It's an especially good fit for adrenaline junkies who enjoy canyoneering and white-water rafting. That said, you’ll also find romantic, high-end accommodations at Sorrel River Ranch (pictured), where the friendly staff will happily book you an air balloon ride or hot stone massage for two.

09 of 12

Savannah, Georgia

“Savannah is oftentimes overlooked for Charleston, but it has so much character,” says Rafson. “And it’s in close proximity to the beach, so on a warm spring day you can go to the coast.” Romantic hotel options abound downtown, but for all-inclusive luxury, you’ll want a room at the nearby resort Montage Palmetto Bluff. Embrace your alone time with nights out listening to live music and days spent strolling through town squares dotted with live oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.

10 of 12

Antigua, Guatemala

The one-time capital of Guatemala is now one of the most Central American beautiful destinations for architecture buffs. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, ornate Baroque Antigueño-style buildings sprout up along Antigua’s historic streets, with the majestic Santa Catalina Arch (pictured) being a must-visit. While you’re there, bond over a romantic chocolate-making class (options abound in the city), and, if you’ve booked a suite at the luxury-minded El Convento, dedicate at least one afternoon to lounging poolside.

11 of 12

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

monument valley sandstone butte — Getty Images / lucky-photographer

The sandstone buttes of this breathtaking region along the Utah-Arizona state border are situated along a 17-mile loop within the Navajo Nation. (With little else to do besides enjoy the sites, it’s a great way to experience the American Southwest in a short timeframe.) “This is an opportunity to not just see a beautiful location but to also gain a new perspective,” says Cropper. “When you’re there, book a tour through Goulding’s lodge or The View Hotel. Your tour guide is going to be from the Navajo Nation, and they'll take you to areas you wouldn’t be able to get to if you were exploring independently,” says Cropper.

12 of 12

Belize

Tropical vacation lovers often turn to the Bahamas and Caribbean islands for their beach getaways, but this small Central American country isn’t difficult to get to (just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Houston!) and offers plenty of the same amenities—including some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving—and often at a lower cost. Swim with whale sharks during your stay at Turtle Inn, relax in an overwater bungalow on the luxe private island of Cayo Espanto, or, for a more off-grid jungle adventure, plan a stay at Ka’ana Resort, which can begin with a helicopter transfer direct from the airport.

16 Amazing Places to Honeymoon in the Spring