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8 Romantic Getaways in the Northeast to Share Something Special

Updated: June 30, 2025

Written byAAA Travel Editor, WA

Romantic getaways can be a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship and spend meaningful time together, with a wide variety of options being available throughout the U.S. If you're planning a trip to the Northeast, you'll find plenty of options to suit your style. This region of the United States is known for its historic charm, scenic beauty and variety of romantic experiences. Whether you prefer a quiet coastal town with beachside relaxation or a vibrant city filled with nightlife and culture, the Northeast offers something special for every couple. Below, we detail locations for eight romantic getaways in the Southeast to help you and your loved one plan for a great trip.

1. Chatham, MA

Image of a Streetview in Chatham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
  • Where to stay: Chatham Bars Inn, 297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA, 02633
  • What to do in Chatham: Visit historic lighthouses, go paddleboarding or kayaking, visit a local brewery, visit the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, visit local art galleries, rent a bike, go ice skating, stroll along the beach
  • What's romantic about Chatham? Do you want to watch the sunrise over the ocean, rent a bike with your loved one and stroll in and out of art galleries? You can do all this and more in romantic Chatham, a quaint Cape Cod town.

If you want a charming getaway in a coastal environment, consider Chatham, MA. This small community with seaside charm offers a blend of beautiful scenery, small-town shops, local attractions and a welcoming environment for visitors.

Enjoy outdoor adventure and indoor fun when you visit Chatham. In Chatham, you'll have your choice of cruises, tours, restaurants and beaches. With so many options, the most difficult part of a Chatham visit is often deciding what you want to get done during your trip.

2. Spring Lake, NJ

Image of a woman sitting on a pool inflatable at the shore of Spring Lake, New Jersey.Cavan Images / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
  • Where to stay: Breakers Hotel On The Ocean,1507 Ocean Ave, Spring Lake, NJ, 07762
  • What to do in Spring Lake: Walk the boardwalk, stroll along the beach, visit art galleries, rent bikes in the park, buy sweets from a chocolate shop,
  • What's romantic about Spring Lake? Spring Lake is the perfect quintessential beach town, with a non-commercial boardwalk, beautiful views of the ocean, fashionable boutiques in the shopping district and more. In Spring Lake, it's easy to have fun with your partner without feeling pressure to do more.

Spring Lake offers a lot to do for couples with diverse interests. It's a small town with big possibilities, including shopping opportunities, museums, a non-commercial boardwalk, charming hotels and cultural events throughout the year. Couples come to Spring Lake for the magical atmosphere, beautiful views and charming small-town feel.

3. Stowe, VT

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  • Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Peak, 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT, 05672
  • What to do in Stowe: Walk the scenic trails, take a gondola up Mount Mansfield, ski in a mountain resort, visit the Alchemist Brewery, take a photo op at a covered bridge and visit waterfalls.
  • What's romantic about Stowe? The most romantic thing about Stowe is its setting. The town lies in a fertile valley between Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountains. This picturesque town attracts tourists for hiking, skiing and other outdoor adventures.

Stowe is famous for its skiing opportunities and outdoor adventures. Going to Stowe in summer and spring, you and your loved one can go hiking, visit waterfalls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. If you visit in winter, you'll have endless opportunities for skiing. In autumn, you'll be greeted with the sight of the colorful fall foliage. The right time of year to visit largely hinges on your own personal interests, but there's no real wrong time.

Stowe also has many charming small-town stores selling artisan chocolates, wine, cheese and more. While you're there, pay a visit to the Trapp Family Lodge to see the hotel established by the Von Trapp family.

4. Cape Elizabeth, ME

nullVisit Portland / Serena Folding
  • Where to stay: Inn by the Sea, 40 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME, 04107
  • What to do in Cape Elizabeth: Visit the lighthouses, hike around Goddard mansion, visit the Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society, shop for gourmet foods from William H. Jordon Farm, stroll along the beach, visit Kettle Cove State Park, visit U-pick farms.
  • What's romantic about Cape Elizabeth? This charming New England town is a place of history and outdoor adventure. Visitors can bicycle along shoreside parks, take advantage of romantic photo opportunities at lighthouses, enjoy romantic dinners with their partners and make memories they'll have for years.

Cape Elizabeth has a history dating back to the early 17th century, so if you or your partner is a history buff, this is the place to be. While there, you can view lighthouses, go cycling, stroll along beautiful beaches and enjoy sunrises over the water.

5. New York City, NY

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  • Where to stay: Arlo SoHo, 231 Hudson St, New York, NY, 10013
  • What to do in New York City: visit the thousands of shops, bars, restaurants, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, visit the top of the Empire State Building, view art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ride a carriage in Central Park, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, go ice skating in Central Park, visit Times Square, catch a Broadway Show or a show at Radio City Music Hall.
  • What's romantic about New York City? New York City is a place of fun and adventure, where you and your partner can stay busy while taking in culture and the sights. It's a perfect city to visit for a honeymoon, a weekend getaway or a long vacation.

New York City is a magical place to visit with your loved one. Imagine going out for a romantic dinner, catching a show and then heading out for drinks before coming back to your comfortable hotel room. While you're there, you and your partner can enjoy fine dining at renowned restaurants, explore world-class cultural attractions like museums and theaters, stroll through iconic neighborhoods and take advantage of the city's exceptional shopping from charming boutiques to luxury retailers.

6. Boston, MA

A sailboat in the Boston Harbor with a view of Downtown Boston skyline in the background.Getty Images / DenisTagneyJr

Boston is a small city with big possibilities and endless opportunities for romance. It's one of the premier historic vacation destinations in the U.S., where you can walk the Freedom Trail, visit Paul Revere's house and enjoy romantic dinners with fresh seafood.

7. Litchfield, CT

Image of the river in the Litchfield Hills of ConnecticutDenisTangneyJr / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
  • Where to stay: Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, 118 Woodbury Rd, Washington, CT, 06793
  • What to do in Litchfield: spend a day at the spa, go antiquing and shopping, visit Averill Farm, hike the trails and eat delicious food.
  • What's romantic about Litchfield? One of the most romantic things about Litchfield, in addition to the beautiful scenery, is the quaint small-town life that you experience while you're there. There's a lot to do, but also, not much to do at all. Take your time with your partner and enjoy each other's company while you're there.

Litchfield is a wonderful destination for couples seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills and vibrant foliage, offering a charming setting for a romantic trip. During your visit, you can enjoy fine dining, browse for unique antique finds and take relaxing walks through the beautiful countryside.

8. Mystic, CT

A city street in Mystic, a popular day trip from Boston.Getty Images / DenisTangneyJr
  • Address: Hyatt Place Mystic, 224 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT, 06355
  • What to do in Mystic: visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, participate in a downtown ghost tour, catch a show at the Mystic Dark Room, see Olde Mistick Village, watch the wildlife at the Mystic Aquarium, eat and shop in historic downtown Mystic, ride on a cruise.
  • What's romantic about Mystic? Mystic is a historic coastal community with lots of activities for visitors to do. If you're looking for a New England city with many centers for entertainment, Mystic may be just the right thing for you and your partner.

Mystic offers the best of many worlds. There's a lot to do, but it's a small community on the ocean, with many of the simple pleasures that come from being in a small community. In Mystic, you'll have plenty of options for things to do and see, but with all the charm that comes from a small town.

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