10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Honeymoon Destinations for Outdoorsy Couples
During your honeymoon, you may want to share your love for nature with each other rather than with what feels like a million other tourists. We have compiled our top five destinations for a romantic getaway that will let you enjoy stunning and uncrowded nature in the U.S. – no matter if you love beaches, lake sides, desert vibes, white-water thrills, or arctic adventures.
Dry Tortugas Islands, FL
You can only access Dry Tortugas Island, off the coast of Key West, by boat, sea plane, or on the park’s ferry service – which makes it a perfect option for a secluded honeymoon. The island has no hotels and you’ll be staying in one of the islands small-scale campsites. You also have to bring your food and water for the duration of the trip. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen. Great for couples who love snorkeling, birding, and observing sea turtles by the beach during the summer months.
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Canoe Bay, WI
While Wisconsin may sound like an unusual honeymoon choice, you will not regret discovering this hidden gem. Canoe Bay is an adult-only, small-scale retreat whose cabins are specifically designed for two – including a private patio, fire place, hot tub, and in-room massage service. Wake up with a lake view, start your morning with a romantic breakfast on the porch, and spend the day exploring everything this outdoors paradise has to offer. Beyond canoeing, you can choose from miles of nearby hiking and biking trails, explore wildlife, use their on-site gym, or go fishing – including ice fishing during the winter months.
Taos, NM
Taos offers a simple way of life, stunning views, and pioneering eco architecture away from the crowds of nearby Santa Fe. Your opportunities for hiking, skiing and white-water rafting are endless, including in the Sangre de Christo mountains, Frazer mountain, and Brazos, Conejos, and Chama rivers. To top off this outdoor paradise, Taos is a great destination for lovers of simple, clean, and local food, and offers plenty of cultural opportunities after your hikes. Go on a balloon ride across the Río Grande Gorge or explore UNESCO world heritage sites that trace back to the regions’ earliest residents.
Gates of the Arctic National Park, AK
If you are looking for an experience – very literally – in wilderness, this is the place for you. Gates of the Arctic spans more than 8 million acres and is a true adventure, without established roads, trails, or campsites. If you and your partner are ready to bring and rely on your own equipment, exploring this park will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will not regret.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA
While California destinations such as Palm Springs or Coachella Valley quickly get crowded, the Anza-Borrego Desert Park is a treasure that is overlooked by many. Make a reservation on one of the park’s campgrounds and you have all you need for this romantic adventure. Anza-Borrego offers hiking, biking, and even horseback riding trails, including many off-road options that are a bit more secluded. Don’t miss out on amazing sunrise views – the breathtaking desert surroundings will make it seem like you two are alone on Earth.
Chebeague Island, ME
While increasing numbers of tourists spend the summer months in Maine destinations such as Bar Harbor or Portland, few have discovered the beauty of the Maine islands. Experience true togetherness and time with each other on a New England porch, watching the Maine sunset. You can reach Chebeague Island by ferry ride or private boat only but making the trip is worth it. The island offers great opportunities for the water-loving couple, including fishing, sand beaches, and biking with a view all over the island. Pick out the honeymoon suite at a small-scale inn for a personal yet luxurious experience that will truly reflect New England’s charm.
Carova Beach, NC
As the Outer Bank’s last frontier, Carova Beach has no hotels or motels but breathtaking ocean views instead. Visitors stay in vacation homes that are accessibly by 4×4 only. While that might shy some honeymooners away, the Beach offers diverse activities and is particularly well-known for spotting and photographing wild horses. Those looking for a simple stay close to nature will find all that they want in this beautiful and remote spot.
Montana de Oro, CA
Montana de Oro, or Mountain of Gold, caters to lovers of sand beaches and rugged cliffs alike, while offering some of the privacy that other popular California parks are lacking. Alongside nearby Morro Bay State Park, Montana de Oro was shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. The limited camping opportunities in the Park will guarantee that you aren’t joined by too many fellow explorers, so book early to save your spot and explore some of Montana de Oro’s secluded beaches.
Stowe, VT
The adorable Vermont town of Stowe is a perfect pick for couples looking for luxury accommodations right in the midst of nature. You will have a number of high-end mountain lodges – and their honeymoon suites – available to choose from. Just quip yourself with a rental car and you can use Stowe’s strategic location to dive into the very best of Vermont’s hiking, fishing, paddling, and – of course – craft beer, while not giving up on the comforts you might be looking for on a honeymoon.
Treehouse Point, WT
For the couple who wants to stay in the heart of the forest but prefers not to camp during their honeymoon, a treehouse hotel can be an out-of-the-box way to find privacy and the comfort of a hotel stay in the middle of the woods. Treehouse Point, just 30 minutes outside of Seattle, offers only 6 one-of-a-kind treehouses. If one of them becomes yours for your getaway, Treehouse Point is an excellent base to venture out for day hikes, explore nearby waterfalls, and enjoy a private massage when you make your way back at night.