Choosing the perfect destination for your romantic getaway can be an overwhelming task with such a wide array of options available. To get you started, we examined cities across America in ten different categories to create a perfectly curated list of romantic destinations ideal for first dates, proposals, wedding anniversaries or Valentine’s Days.
As we understand that there are as many preferences as there are couples, we have included a searchable list of cities at the bottom of this article to help you compare the destinations based on the categories that you find the most important.
To help you choose, we took into account the following factors in our scoring:
?? Average Price for a Meal for Two People
?? Average Price for a Bottle of Wine
??? Average Price for Movie Tickets for Two People
??? Number of Romantic Restaurants (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Bars and Pubs (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (Per 10,000 People)
???????? Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Romantic Hotels (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Spas (Per 10,000 People)
1. Sarasota, Florida (87.7 Out of 100)
Nestled along the picturesque Gulf Coast, Sarasota sets the stage for a captivating romantic retreat with its coastal beauty and charming cultural attractions. With over 250 days of sunshine, the city provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities.
Whether strolling through the magical Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, embarking on a scenic cruise along Sarasota Bay to admire marine life, or simply enjoying the beautiful sunsets, Sarasota offers couples a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural indulgences, making it a delightful destination for a sun-soaked, romantic getaway.
Tip: Start your date night with a sunset stroll along the powdery white sands of Siesta Key Beach and follow it up with a visit to the Ringling Museum of Art or the Sarasota Opera. Complete the evening with a waterfront dinner, savoring fresh seafood with a stunning view of Sarasota Bay.
Sarasota scored in the top 10 in the following categories:
??? #1 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (15.7 per 10,000)
?? #1 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (15 per 10,000)
?? #1 for the Number of Spas (20.2 per 10,000)
???????? #1 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (18.1 per 10,000)
?? #3 for the Number of Bars and Pubs (2.1 per 10,000)
?? #3 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (1.7 per 10,000)
?? #6 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (1.7 per 10,000)
2. Atlantic City, New Jersey (79.5 Out of 100)
Situated along the vibrant Jersey Shore, Atlantic City beckons couples to a thrilling and romantic escape. Famous for its iconic boardwalk and lively casinos, the city boasts a unique blend of seaside charm and entertainment.
The city’s dynamic nightlife offers unbeatable excitement, from live shows to gourmet dining experiences. Whether exploring the beach, trying your luck at the casinos, or indulging in culinary delights, Atlantic City provides a captivating blend of entertainment and seaside romance, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a mix of thrill and relaxation.
Tip: Take a romantic stroll along the Boardwalk, enjoy a thrilling show or concert at one of the city’s casinos, and try your luck at the gaming tables. For a unique dining experience, explore the culinary delights of the Atlantic City Food Truck Park or savor a seafood feast at one of the city’s romantic waterfront restaurants.
Atlantic City scored in the top 10 in the following categories:
?? #1 for the Number of Bars and Pubs (3.1 per 10,000)
?? #1 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (3.4 per 10,000)
??? #2 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (7.8 per 10,000)
???????? #4 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (9.9 per 10,000)
?? #8 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (5.7 per 10,000)
?? #9 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (1.3 per 10,000)
3. Savannah, Georgia (76.1 Out of 100)
Embraced by the charm of the Deep South, Savannah creates an enchanting setting for a romantic night. With its historic allure and Southern hospitality, the city invites couples to wander through cobblestone streets and squares, immersing themselves in the rich antebellum architecture.
The scenic Savannah River adds a touch of romance, providing opportunities for leisurely boat cruises and intimate riverside dining. Whether exploring the vibrant arts scene or delving into the mystical allure of ghost tours, Savannah’s warm climate ensures year-round outdoor enjoyment, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic escapade steeped in history and Southern grace.
Tip: Begin your date night with a carriage ride through the city’s historic district, exploring its charming squares and moss-draped oak trees. Conclude the evening with a moonlit stroll along the Savannah Riverwalk after enjoying the rich flavors of the Southern cuisine.
Savannah scored in the top 10 in the following categories:
???????? #3 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (11.1 per 10,000)
?? #3 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (3.2 per 10,000)
?? #7 for the Number of Bars and Pubs (1.6 per 10,000)
??? #7 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (4.3 per 10,000)
?? #10 for Average Price of a Bottle of Wine ($9.49)
4. Charleston, South Carolina (75 Out of 100)
Steeped in Southern elegance and Lowcountry charm, Charleston creates a timeless and unique ambiance for couples. The city’s cobblestone streets, magical gardens, and pastel-hued architecture are a perfect setting for a romantic stroll. The gentle flow of the Ashley River adds a touch of serenity, offering opportunities for romantic boat cruises and waterfront dining.
Charleston’s renowned culinary scene, influenced by Southern flavors, adds a delicious dimension to the romantic experience. Whether savoring the historic charm, exploring the city’s multiple gardens, or enjoying a ride on a horse drawn carriage, Charleston offers couples a romantic escape filled with Southern charm.
Tip: Start with a romantic walk along the Battery promenade, taking in views of historic mansions and the harbor. Dive into the city’s culinary scene with a candlelit dinner in one of the city’s romantic restaurants. Wrap up the night with a moonlit horse drawn carriage tour through the city’s enchanting streets.
Charleston scored in the top 10 in the following categories:
?? #1 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (3.7 per 10,000)
???????? #2 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (12.9 per 10,000)
??? #3 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (5.4 per 10,000)
?? #5 for the Number of Bars and Pubs (1.8 per 10,000)
?? #8 for the Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (0.6 per 10,000)
5. Portland, Maine (74.7 Out of 100)
Nestled on the rugged coastline of Maine, Portland is an idyllic destination for couples seeking a coastal escape in the heart of New England. Known for its maritime charm and vibrant arts scene, the city invites couples to explore its quaint streets and scenic waterfront.
Casco Bay, with its lighthouses and island views, provides a romantic setting for boat excursions and seaside walks while Portland’s culinary scene shines with renowned seafood offerings and farm-to-table delights, creating a delectable experience for couples.
Tip: Begin your date night by exploring the Old Port district, known for its cobblestone streets and boutique shops and indulge in a seafood feast to savor the flavors of the Atlantic. Conclude the evening with a scenic stroll along the Eastern Promenade, where the Portland Head Light provides a romantic backdrop to the night sky.
Portland scored in the top 10 in the following categories:
?? #2 for the Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (15 per 10,000)
?? #2 for the Number of Bars and Pubs (2.2 per 10,000)
?? #5 for the Number of Romantic Hotels (2.2 per 10,000)
???????? #6 for the Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (8.3 per 10,000)
??? #6 for the Number of Romantic Restaurants (4.7 per 10,000)
?? #9 for the Number of Spas (4.4 per 10,000)
Top 10 Date Night Cities in the US
Whether it’s a quiet evening by the coast or a lively night in the heart of a bustling city, the best date night is the one that resonates with your unique connection. Cheers to love and unforgettable experiences in the best date night cities across America.
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Here’s How Each of the 160 Cities Ranked in Each Category
Methodology
To determine the best date night cities in the US, BonusFinder.com analyzed 160 cities across the country in the following factors:
?? Average Price for Meal for Two People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
?? Average Price for a Bottle of Wine
??? Average Price for Movie Tickets for Two People
??? Number of Romantic Restaurants (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert Shops (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Bars and Pubs (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Fun Date Night Activities and Games (Per 10,000 People)
???????? Number of Couple-Friendly Attractions (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Romantic Hotels (Per 10,000 People)
?? Number of Spas (Per 10,000 People)
Sources
? Population figures for US cities were sourced from US Census Bureau.
? The average price of a meal for two, the average price for a bottle of wine and the average price of two movie tickets were sourced from Numbeo.
? The number of romantic restaurants, the number of cafes, bakeries and dessert shops, the number of bars and pubs, the number of fun date night activities and games, the number of couple-friendly attractions, the number of romantic hotels and the number of spas were sourced from Tripadvisor.
