12 Best Minimoon Destinations for a Romantic Escape

These destinations were made for love.

hotel exterior

Courtesy of L'Auberge Carmel

Engaged or not, you’ve no doubt encountered the term micro wedding on more than one occasion. But before this intimate ceremony surged in pandemic-induced popularity, its similarly small cousin—the minimoon—was already a beloved tradition.

What Is a Minimoon?

A minimoon is an abbreviated version of the traditional far-flung honeymoon—not quite as long, perhaps closer to home, a bit less expensive but equally relaxing and enjoyable.

Whether you can’t take more time off from work, you want to wait a few months before going on the main honeymoon, or something in between, a minimoon is a perfect way to slow down after the wedding day comes to a close without committing to a week-long (or more) adventure. While the traditional honeymoon typically lasts anywhere from eight days to several weeks, a minimoon is usually an overnight stay or long-weekend trip. The shorter timespan makes it an ideal option for those with limited PTO days, tighter budgets, or couples leaving children and pets behind. Plus, it's a great way to test out a new location without committing to a long stay.

Lindsay Schwimer, senior communications manager at Hopper offers a few helpful hacks for those in the planning stages of a minimoon. "Sunday and Monday night stays are the cheapest check-in days," she says. "Checking in on these days could save you around $30 per night on your minimoon."

Meet the Expert

Lindsay Schwimer is the senior communications manager at online travel agency Hopper,

A few popular minimoon destinations she’s seeing at the moment include mainstays like Miami, San Francisco, San Juan, and San Jose del Cabo. "You can also consider an outdoorsy minimoon in an under-the-radar destination or at a nearby national park," Schwimer says. "Go hiking with your significant other and relax in nature after the wedding." Popular destinations she suggests for doing so include Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Bozeman, Montana, and Jackson, Wyoming. While the world is your oyster when it comes to locations, it's best to stick to destinations that are within a couple hours drive or flight from your wedding venue or home to maximize your abbreviated stay and itinerary.

Ahead, 12 of the best minimoon destinations, perfect for falling in love all over again.

01 of 12

Todos Santos, Mexico

Poolside view at Paradero Todos Santos in Todos Santos, Mexico, a romantic retreat for couples.

Courtesy of Paradero Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a sleepy coastal town on the Pacific coast side of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. It is a nature lover’s paradise with its ocean breezes, cactus-dotted desert landscape, and ample opportunities for activities like surfing, horseback riding, and hiking. Book a stay at Paradero Todos Santos, an adults-only luxury property that magically blends in with its oasis-like surroundings. Might we suggest the garden suite with a soak tub?

02 of 12

Nantucket, Massachussetts

The Wauwinet a luxury waterfront resort, at sunset on Nantucket Island.

Photo by Ellie Nan Storck

Nestled 30 miles out to sea, off the coast of charming Cape Cod, Nantucket Island is equal parts romantic, historic, and downright stunning. This 14-mile-long island is home to two small towns: historic downtown Nantucket and 'Sconset, which sits perched on cliffs over the ocean. On the island, you can spend days biking along the coastline and checking out the cape-style homes, wandering on the white-sand beaches while playing in the waves, eating some of the best fresh seafood in the northeast, and sipping craft cocktails or the island's own beer from Cisco Brewery. You'll find farm stands in the summer, a cheery winter festival during the holidays, the famous Daffodil Festival in the spring, and cool, sunny days perfect for scalloping throughout the fall. Book a room at the iconic Wauwinet resort, which boasts sumptuous accommodations and some of the island's best waterfront views.

03 of 12

Stowe, Vermont

The Lodge at Spruce Peak and Stowe Resort lit up at night in Stowe, Vermont.

Courtesy of The Lodge at Spruce Peak

If you're looking for one of the east coast's premiere skiing destinations, look no further than Stowe. This little mountain town is home to Stowe Resort, where the skiing is top-tier and the apres-ski is just as good. Cozy up in The Lodge at Spruce Peak, which offers striking views of Mount Mansfield and has plenty of on-site activities aside from skiing—think ice skating, sipping whiskey cocktails at Whistlepig Pavillion, and horse-drawn sleigh rides during the holidays. The town itself couldn't be more charming; the epitome of a New England hamlet, Main Street has ample shops, galleries, and coffee spots for days spent off the slopes.

04 of 12

Vancouver, British Columbia

View from the The Lions Gate Bridge in Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Peter Pesta Photography / Getty Images

Vancouver is one of those cities that seems to have it all: art and culture, an incredible restaurant scene, and proximity to mountains, forests, and the ocean. What more could couples want? Check into the luxurious Shangri-La Vancouver, where you can check into a one-bedroom suite with sweeping views of the city below. While there is plenty to do in the city (walk along the famous Seawall or through Stanley Park, check out museums and art galleries, and eat some of the freshest Pacific Northwest seafood), a quick trip one hour north to Squamish offers activities like mountain hikes and bald eagle spotting expeditions.

05 of 12

New Orleans, Louisiana

View of New Orleans, Louisiana, with a tram car and palm trees lining a city street.

Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

NOLA has it all—historic architecture, world-class jazz, and an unparalleled food and beverage scene. If you and your partner want to spend a few days in an immersive city that knows how to have a good time, go to New Orleans. After a day of sightseeing and gumbo-devouring, return to a boutique hotel like The Chloe or Hotel Peter and Paul. For traditional luxury, the Four Seasons on Canal Street is a no-brainer. They even launched a streetcar experience that’s the perfect minimoon activity: a private ride on a historic St. Charles Streetcar accompanied by a brass band and a local historian to guide your ride up the idyllic St. Charles Avenue. Plus, indulge in a wine-paired dinner at Miss River upon your return.

06 of 12

Hudson, New York

A kitchen table in a sunlit room at Zio and Sons in Hudson, New York.

Courtesy of Zio and Sons

Small-town charm hits its stride in Hudson, New York. This upstate respite is the perfect place for minimooners who want to eat well, relax, and stroll around quaint shops and vintage treasure troves. Skip the hotel and book This Old Hudson Maison on Airbnb for a home-away-from-home aesthetic. The French-inspired rental, designed by Zio and Sons, is furnished with picture-perfect antiques and cozy touches like linen upholstery and a cast-iron tub with brass fixtures. It even has a private porch for evening wine and cheese boards.

07 of 12

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Interior view of the Bishop's Lodge hotel room in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection

Santa Fe is where art and nature intersect, with its many galleries and unique selection of Southwestern accommodations. For your minimoon, stay at the Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, a retreat that’s situated on 317 acres bordering Santa Fe’s National Forest (and just a few minutes from downtown). The design direction leans heavily on local artisans and pulls in the colors and textures of the surrounding mountains. Wind down at the end of the day with a craft mezcal cocktail at The Bar followed by a dinner at SkyFire imagined by chef Dean Fearing.

08 of 12

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Scenic view of the beach and Pacific Ocean at Carmel by the Sea in California.

Michael Marfell / Getty Images

This seaside village is the kind of place where couples will thrive. It’s small in size, surrounded by breathtaking beauty, and your days can be spent eating, taking in the landscape, and relaxing. L’Auberge Carmel is a staple stay and is conveniently located downtown. Their romantic getaway package includes a two-night stay, in-room welcome amenities, dinner with wine pairings at Aubergine Restaurant, and a signature breakfast.

09 of 12

Paso Robles, California

paso robles california

Photo by Lucien Mann / EyeEm / Getty Images

For the couple that loves fine wine, head to Paso Robles for your minimoon. This small town, located in California’s breathtaking Central Coast wine country, is an oenophile’s delight with more than 200 wineries peppered throughout the region (a few highlights include Peachy Canyon, Paix Sur Terre, Sans Liege, Broadside, Anarchy Wine Co., and Absolution Cellars). For a Tuscan villa aesthetic, book a room at The Canyon Villa. If you want to stay on a vineyard, head to The Inn at Croad Vineyards.

10 of 12

Mexico City, Mexico

In Mexico City, a woman stands in front of a blue and white tiled wall.

Marco Haberberger / EyeEm / Getty Images

With reasonable flight prices and a central location, this destination is well-suited for minimooners who want to leave the country for a shorter period of time. Stay at one of the city’s original boutique hotels Condesa DF. Housed in a 1920s building, the design is a visual feast with custom furniture by Parisian designer India Mahdavi. Enjoy views of Parque España and Chapultepec Castle from the hotel’s La Terraza and spend your days exploring the surrounding historic neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma.

11 of 12

Savannah, Georgia

The bar and lounge at Thompson Savannah in Savannah, Georgia.

Courtesy of Hyatt

For Gothic architecture and no shortage of elegant Spanish moss, head south to Savannah. It’s the oldest city in Georgia and feels like an otherworldly escape with its historic sites, waterfront location, and ghost tours. Thompson Savannah, ideal for couples in search of an intimate setting, is located along the river’s edge and offers a rooftop bar, pool deck, and onsite dining.

12 of 12

Bozeman, Montana

The Ranch at Rock Creek barn

Courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek

There’s never been a better time to enjoy a slower pace, and in Bozeman, it’s simply the way of life. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant activities in nature (fly fishing, hiking, and rock climbing, to name a few) and the small town’s farmers markets and street festivals are perfect for assimilating to this charming locale. Stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek in one of the property’s many unique accommodations, like their remodeled 19th-century barn.

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