Taking your loved one to one of the best national parks for a romantic getaway is bound to be a memorable adventure. After all, being in nature and exploring the country’s most breathtaking landscapes can help you connect and strengthen your bond.
But with over 430 different national parks in the United States, it can be tricky to find one that captures the type of romance you’re after. But don’t worry – we are here to help! In this guide, we’ll be sharing the best national parks to set the scene for your unforgettable adventure.
The Best National Parks for a Romantic Getaway
Yosemite National Park
California’s Yosemite National Park is a dream destination for couples who love beautiful scenery. The granite cliffs, alpine meadows, and mighty waterfalls (like the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls) are the perfect backdrop for your romantic escape.
In the summer, you can go fishing or swimming in the lakes, while more adventurous travelers can go rafting along the Merced River. Winter is also a nice time to visit, especially if you love skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As the most visited national park in the country, Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect place for your special occasion. Famous for its misty peaks and cascading waterfalls, this park is full of scenic drives and peaceful nature trails. If you don’t make waking up early, try to make it to Clingsmans Dome for the most epic sunrise of your life!
Grand Teton National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s no better place to go than to Grand Teton National Park. Lamar Valley is known as a paradise for bison, elk, and moose, who roam freely through the grasslands.
However, the park is also known for its abundance of lake-view hiking trails. One of the most picturesque hikes is the Jenny Lake Loop (where you can also go canoeing or boating). Or you can trek the String Lake Trail, which circles the lake while also giving you dramatic views of Rockchuck Peak and Mount St. John.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park feels like you’re on a different planet. With a sprawling landscape of pristine desert, twisted trees, and larger-than-life boulders, it’s one of the more unique national parks to visit.
There are over 500 campsites located within the park, so don’t forget to bring your tent if you want to spend the night under the stars. But if your sweetie doesn’t want to rough it, you can always spend the night at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Springs.
Acadia National Park
The coastal wonderland of Acadia National Park is a must-see if you find yourself in this part of Maine. With mountains, forests, and sweeping ocean views, it’s the perfect destination for rekindling your seaside romance. Make sure you wake up early to watch the sunset from Cadillac Mountain – it’s the first place in the whole country to see the sun each morning! Then go for a leisurely drive down Park Loop Road or rent bikes to cycle the Carriage Roads gravel trails. If you prefer a trip that isn’t too sports or adventure-heavy, this is one of the best national parks for a romantic getaway
Olympic National Park
If you want a taste of Washington’s diverse landscapes, then make sure to take your loved one to Olympic National Park. You’ll find everything from lush rainforests and misty beaches to wildflower meadows and snow-capped mountains. Rialto Beach is a local favorite, as its unspoiled coastline is dotted with dramatic sea stacks and massive washed-up tree trunks.
For a truly unique experience, make sure you visit the Sul Duc Hot Springs. There are several hot mineral-spring pools where you can relax your aching muscles after a long day of hiking the trails.
Zion National Park
Utah’s Zion National Park contains the best of what the Southwest has to offer. In addition to the iconic red rock cliffs, this national park also has sandstone canyons, flowing rivers, and lush waterfalls. This area is best explored on foot, as there are numerous hiking trails to the different hidden slotted canyons. The most popular is the Narrows, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River between the towering cliff walls.
If you have a car, make sure to visit the Kolob Canyon in the evening. Tucked a bit off the main touristy area, this canyon is the best place to go stargazing at night.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
There are a lot of reasons to visit Hawaii, but the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is definitely one of them! Here, you can actually hike to an active lava flow, as it is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kīlauea and Mauna Loa). But if you prefer something more low-key, a drive around the crater also provides stunning views of the area.
After your volcanic adventure, you can head back to the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo for a relaxing evening. Located right on the water, you’ll be able to enjoy unparalleled ocean views from the pool (or from your room!).
As you can see, there are tons of beautiful national parks in this country to visit. But if you’re going with your special someone, there are some parks that are especially suited for couples. By choosing one of the best national parks for a romantic getaway, you can escape the hustle of everyday life and just enjoy a day in nature. If you’re looking for an alternative to a national park visit, here are 10 other romantic getaway ideas for couples. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just to say “I love you,” she’ll love whatever you decide to plan for her!
