Travel is one of the best ways to mark an anniversary. Whether you and your partner have officially hit the one-year mark or you’ve been by each other’s side for decades.
When you get away from your daily life stresses and tasks, you can find the bandwidth to reflect on your time together, all while doing something new that enriches and grows your relationship.
If you’re trying to narrow down your list of places to go for your anniversary, you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ve compiled the 15 best anniversary trip ideas for your romantic celebration, from a charming retreat in the Virginia countryside to a secluded beach in the Bahamas.
Best anniversary trip ideas in the US
You don’t have to travel far for a romantic anniversary getaway. The US is filled with all sorts of incredible vacations for couples, including dude ranches, city escapes, and small-town adventures.
Greenough, Montana
Channel Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton from “Yellowstone” by heading to the Wild West, specifically, to Greenough, Montana. Just east of Missoula, this part of the Treasure State is home to the Resort at Paws Up. Spread across 37,000 acres, the ranch and all-inclusive resort provides the ideal balance of activity, seclusion, and relaxation.
Spend your days riding horses, fly fishing, or kayaking down the Clearwater River, and retreat to your cozy log cabin each night. The resort is so spread out (read: you’ll have plenty of privacy) that each accommodation comes with its own complimentary Lexus SUV for getting around the property.
Charleston, South Carolina
Few cities do romantic anniversary getaways quite as well as Charleston, South Carolina. The Holy City wholeheartedly embraces a slower pace of life; residents and visitors alike enjoy sunny beach days on Sullivan’s Island, leisurely strolls down King St., and unforgettable meals at the likes of Lowland, Vern’s, and Leon’s Oyster Shop.
While there is no shortage of charming places to stay in Charleston to round out your anniversary trip, there’s one hotel that’s stylish, comfortable, and incredibly convenient for all of downtown Charleston’s activities and restaurants: The Dewberry. With an on-property spa, fitness center, and rooftop cocktail bar, the Citrus Club, the hotel has all the amenities you’ll need.
Palm Beach, Florida
If you and your partner envision toasting your anniversary under the warm Florida sun, start looking at flights to Palm Beach, Florida. The iconic destination is perfect for couples who want to golf, ride bikes along the waterfront, and explore an exciting culinary scene together. Whether you’re interested in fine dining or fresh seafood.
After staying in most of the town’s top hotels, I can confidently say The Brazilian Court Hotel is by far and away the best suited for an extra-special anniversary. The 80-room Spanish Colonial-style property is elegant, quiet, and designed to feel private and secluded.
While you may initially be inclined to stuff your itinerary, I’d recommend leaving plenty of downtime to sip cocktails in the lush courtyards or read books by my favorite hotel pool of all time.
St. Michaels, Maryland
Within driving distance of major East Coast cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, St. Michaels, Maryland, is a low-key coastal town that’s perfect for a quick anniversary getaway.
Located on the Miles River, a tributary of the Eastern Bay, this highly walkable destination has all of the features and amenities you’d want for a romantic weekend, including amazing restaurants, gorgeous sunsets, and charming boutique hotels.
While the historic town boasts a few different accommodation options, the most luxurious choice has to be the Inn at Perry Cabin. The nautical waterfront hotel has an elegant spa, tennis courts, and chairs overlooking the marina that basically beg you and your partner to sit for hours on end, watching the boats go by.
Austin, Texas
Austin is one of those cities that’s best experienced with a friend or, in this case, a partner by your side. Together, you can ride Bird scooters down South Congress, rent paddleboards to take out on Lake Austin, grab tacos from Veracruz, and line-dance at The White Horse.
Austin also has more than its fair share of personality-filled, highly-rated hotels that will make any anniversary trip feel even more special. The Austin Proper Hotel, for instance, balances the elevated amenities and design synonymous with the Proper brand with a true sense of place.
Situated right in the heart of the Second Street District, the luxury property also has a rooftop pool and a spa outfitted with a dry sauna, cold plunge, and red light therapy.
New York, New York
Anniversary trips come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re hoping to explore a bustling city with your partner rather than fly somewhere tropical, add New York City to your shortlist.
And it doesn’t matter if one or both of you have been before; there’s always something new to do in the Big Apple. Maybe this time you can see “Chicago” on Broadway, ride the Skylift at Rockefeller Center, or take a pizza-making class at Taste Buds Kitchen.
No matter how you want to fill your trip, I’d suggest kicking off your weekend by checking into The Marlton Hotel, a “baby grand” property with a roaring fireplace, exceptionally soft bedding, and an unbeatable location in Greenwich Village. The hotel also has an intimate cocktail bar and restaurant, Margaux, where complimentary breakfast is served each morning.
Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg, Virginia, is right out of a storybook. The walkable main street is lined with boutiques and local restaurants and cafes (fuel up on coffee at Cuppa Giddy Up), and the small town is surrounded by rolling hills, wineries, and all manner of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you want to spend your anniversary trip hiking, wine tasting, or pursuing various antique stores in town, you’ll need somewhere to get some shuteye. The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is a stalwart character on the corner of East Washington and North Madison Streets, and its roots date back to the 1700s.
For a particularly cozy night, indulge in the four-course dinner experience or some Champagne and caviar at The Tavern.
San Diego, California
Couples who want both active adventure and complete and utter relaxation on their anniversary trip should consider San Diego. The California city is brimming with all sorts of ways to enjoy quality time together. Take a walk through Balboa Park, board a cruise around San Diego Bay, or attend a concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
To up the romance ante, stay at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Located in La Jolla, just north of downtown San Diego, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a fleet of electric bikes, and a full-service spa.
Best anniversary trip ideas abroad
Get your passports ready. A milestone anniversary deserves a trip to that bucket-list destination both of you have always wanted to visit.
Milan, Italy
Paris might be the “City of Love,” but Milan is equally as romantic. Instead of snapping photos in front of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll take selfies at the Duomo di Milano. Instead of shopping for anniversary gifts along the Champs-Élysées, you’ll head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Instead of escargot and duck confit, you’ll tuck into fresh Italian pasta, saving room for after-dinner gelato, of course.
To be in the center of it all, just steps from the aforementioned attractions, there’s no better place to stay than the Park Hyatt Milan. The opulent hotel recently completed a multi-year renovation, updating 25 ultra-luxe suites with panoramic terraces overlooking the city.
London, England
There’s never a bad time to head across the pond; London is always calling. For an anniversary trip you’ll look back fondly on for years to come, plan to spend at least four days in the Big Smoke.
Wander around Hampstead Heath together, maybe even braving the wild swimming ponds (though you’ll need to reserve a spot early), and pop into The Spaniards Inn for a pub lunch. Get tickets for a show in the West End, and take a turn around the London Eye, even if it’s just for the photo opp.
As far as where to stay, you’ll want to look somewhere central. The Hari in Belgravia puts you within walking distance of some of London’s most beautiful architecture and must-see tourist spots, including Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.
Antigua
Nothing says “anniversary trip” quite like an overwater suite, and you don’t have to fly all the way to the Maldives or Bora Bora to find one. The Royalton CHIC Antigua, located in Dickenson Bay, announced the opening of 12 new overwater bungalows in late 2024.
Each of the bungalows is designed with glass floors, a private terrace, an overwater hammock, and a swim-out infinity plunge pool. Plus, you’ll be able to order from a 24-room service menu; you won’t have to leave the comfort of your bungalow at all. It’s romance at its finest.
St. Andrews, Scotland
If golf is an activity you’ve bonded over throughout your time together, then you’ll be familiar with St. Andrews. Home to the famed Old Course Links, the Scottish seaside town is known as “the home of golf,” and it’s been frequented by the sport’s top names for decades.
To fully immerse yourself in the history and culture surrounding the sport, stay at Rusacks St Andrews. Upon entering the lobby, you’ll immediately get a sense of what makes the property so special.
The nods of golf are apparent (the rooftop restaurant is named 18, after all), but they’re accompanied by a healthy mix of Scottish pride and luxury touches. Expect touches of tartan, bold wallpaper, oil paintings, and a roaring fireplace to warm up by after you’ve played your first round.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
In terms of a picture-perfect island vacation, Harbour Island has everything. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, plenty of sun, and a landscape dotted with lush greenery and hibiscus blooms. Part of its magic also lies in its remoteness: Most travelers fly into nearby Eleuthera and then reach Harbour Island via boat.
For the ultimate anniversary weekend, book the Desert Rose Suite at Rock House Harbour Island, where you can enjoy coffee on your private balcony every morning. The rest of your day can be spent by the pool or on nearby Pink Sands Beach, Goombay Smash in hand.
Sumba, Indonesia
Sumba is an underrated alternative to Bali. While it’s a trek to reach the Indonesian island, especially if you’re flying from the US, the waterfalls, jungles, and incredible beaches are worth the multi-stop journey.
Nihi Sumba, in particular, is a pure slice of paradise tailor-made for a couple’s trip. All of the accommodations at the beachfront luxury hotel are villas. Each one even has its own plunge pool, and most are even designed with outdoor bathrooms.
If you’re not the type of people to embrace the art of doing nothing, the hotel has an exciting lineup of activities for guests, everything from horseback riding and pickleball to surfing and a “spa safari.”
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Skip Playa del Carmen and Tulum for your anniversary trip. Instead, venture to Isla Holbox, a laid-back tropical destination with Caribbean blue waters and some of the best beaches in Mexico.
There are a handful of great places to stay on the island, but there’s only one where you can sleep in a treehouse. At Nômade Holbox, guests have the option to book a beachfront or jungle adults-only treehouse.
Both come with 360-degree views, a private terrace with a daybed, and an indoor/outdoor shower. The only problem is you may not want to leave when it’s time to check out.
