Planning a honeymoon often comes second to the big day for couples. It’s common to take the easy route when planning – meaning choosing the most popular destinations among other newlyweds.
The benefit of picking a popular destination means less stress for couples drowning in wedding planning, but the downside is you can expect larger crowds. More people in iconic honeymoon countries, such as Greece and Italy, also means the honeymoon can get expensive.
Of course, there are ways to avoid crowds and an expensive honeymoon. You can travel during shoulder season or choose a destination not widely known for such an occasion.
Here’s a list of 7 underrated honeymoon spots that offer couples the chance to connect, embark on adventures, and relax after the big day.
Roadtrip from Charleston, South Carolina To Seabrook, South Carolina
Charleston is a romantic city that has everything for couples looking for a cultural experience mixed with some adventure.
A food tour should be on the couple’s to-do list, as Charleston’s culinary scene is known for a unique blend of European, African, and Native American flair. It’s all served with the Southern hospitality and love newlyweds deserve.
For more romance, take a road trip to Seabrook Island. Seabrook Island is a private barrier island open to the public with a visitor’s pass. The charming coastal paradise is home to breathtaking beaches and oceanfront amenities. Couples can enjoy a picnic or a romantic stroll on the beach.
Islamorada, Florida
When it comes to the Florida Keys, Key West gets a lot of love from honeymooners. However, its neighbor, Islamorada, is just as good of a honeymoon destination. Located in the Upper Keys, Islamorada offers paradise with its stunning white sand beaches and beautiful crystal-clear waters.
It’s one of the most romantic places in the Florida Keys, where couples can unwind and connect. Couples can take scenic walks to enjoy the beautiful views or take on some adventure by scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
Kauai, Hawaii
It may seem odd to have Hawaii on an underrated list, but compared to Oahu, Kauai only gets a fraction of Oahu’s visitors.
Pre-pandemic, more than 6 million people visited Oahu compared to the more than 1 million people that visited Kauai during the same time.
Kauai is nicknamed “the Garden Isle” because the tropical rainforest covers much of its surface, so expect outdoor adventure. Couples can hike the waterfalls, snorkel the Nāpali Coast, and find quieter beach spots for a romantic getaway.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is the perfect stateside alternative for wine-loving couples if you don’t have the time to travel to Italy or France.
Newlyweds will get a European vibe with California weather in Napa Valley. There are a ton of boutique inns, hotels, and resorts to choose from for every budget type. The main attraction is the wineries, with many offering tastings with a beautiful backdrop of the region’s landscape. Theorem is a favorite winery among couples, as the property sits on Diamond Mountain. Mumm Napa is another favorite, as the outdoor patio offers beautiful expansive views of the Rutherford section of the Napa Valley.
Aside from wineries, there are other attractions to enjoy. Nimbus Arts offers art classes for couples, and the Napa Valley Gondola is a romantic experience down a waterway, serenaded by a gondolier.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Not all island destinations are filled with palm trees, but that doesn’t make them any less memorable.
Comprised of more than 170 islands off Washington State’s coast, the San Juan Islands are filled with cafes, a unique culinary scene, a prominent local art culture, and the chance for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for whale watching.
A ferry service takes visitors to the four main islands, including San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw. San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is a highlight on the island, home to more than 150 unique pieces across the 20-acre park.
Moran State Park is spread across more than 5,400 acres, where couples can embark on hiking trails, camping, or boating adventures with beautiful views of Mt. Constitution.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Couples looking for a Caribbean experience without a passport should have San Juan, Puerto Rico at the top of the list. San Juan has beautiful beaches, restaurants, bars, and historic sites for couples who want the best of both worlds: city fun and connecting with nature.
The island is easily accessible, so visiting top attractions such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, and Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is pretty straightforward.
Nature lovers shouldn’t leave without visiting the El Yunque Rainforest. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest systems.
San Diego and Southern California
San Diego offers a lot to do for honeymooners that range from budget-friendly to luxurious activities. No matter what couples choose, this Southern California city has no shortage of romance.
Couples who love adventure can windsurf, hang glide, skydive, or take a helicopter tour to explore the city from above. Some of the best museums in the United States can be found in San Diego, including the San Diego Art Institute, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Photographic Arts.
San Diego has several fantastic beaches, including Coronado Beach, Torrey Pines State Beach, La Jolla Shores, Silver Strand State Beach, Mission Beach, and Bonita Cove.