National Parks Honeymoon | 9 Unforgettable Romantic Getaways

If you’re looking for a unique but romantic getaway, then a national parks honeymoon trip is the perfect idea!

Or, if you want to add a little spice to your relationship, spend Valentine’s Day together, or plan a “just because” trip to cozy up in nature, then now’s the time to start planning a trip to one of these gorgeous parks.

My husband and I have been traveling as a couple for decades and it is just so much fun. We’ve found ourselves in some interesting, sometimes stressful (and later comical) situations.

The memories you create on a national park road trip are priceless, and what better way to start building on those memories than with planning a romantic national park honeymoon?

What’s great about visiting a national park for your honeymoon (or anytime) is its relatively inexpensive.

You can pretty much make it what you want… splurge on a luxury resort located near the park or pitch a tent and cozy up under the stars. There’s such a variety of romantic nature inspired options, so let’s get right to it.

Quick Facts for Planning a National Parks Honeymoon

Romantic National Park Road Trip Ideas

This guide will not only inspire your national park honeymoon destination, but also provide facts about each park, including romantic things to do in the national park as well as the best time to visit.

1. Grand Teton National Park
2. Yellowstone National Park
3. Olympic National Park
4. Joshua Tree National Park
5. Zion National Park
6. Grand Canyon National Park
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
8. Arches National Park
9. Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Grand Teton National Park Honeymoon

In this park, you’ll see jagged mountains and meadows with wild buffalo and, of course, some awesome hiking trails.

What’s also great about visiting the Grand Teton National Park is that the quaint little town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming is nearby so you get the wild nature vibe of a national park combined with luxury boutique shopping, high-end resorts, bars and restaurants.

We love this idea because it’s an excellent compromise for couples who can’t agree on what type of honeymoon they want.

For us, I love to do outdoorsy things, whereas Donte sometimes prefers to check out the bars and nightlife scene.

It’s a WIN-WIN for couples just beginning their marriage journey because the last thing you want to do is fight about where to go on your honeymoon.

You know you’re off to a good start when you can both agree to compromise.

Romantic Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park

Make this your first national park. Rent a car to combine it with a trip to Yellowstone for the full experience. There are plenty of options for couples to make lasting memories at Grand Teton National Park.

1. Scenic drives along the 42-mile Teton Park Road offer stunning vistas of the Teton Range.
2. Shop, eat, and drink in the cute nearby town of Jackson Hole and take a picture with the gigantic antler arch located in the town square.
3. Ride the Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and eat a peanut butter waffle with a view.
4. Horseback riding or guided wildlife tours to spot elk, bison, and bears.
5. Stargazing under the park’s dark night skies.
6. Hiking trails:
   • Inspiration Point Trail (2 miles, moderate, 1-2 hours)
   • Taggart Lake Trail (3.4 miles, moderate, 2-3 hours)
   • Cascade Canyon Trail (9.2 miles, strenuous, 5-7 hours)

Best Time To Visit Grand Teton For Couples

The best time to visit is summer because of the warm days and cool nights where you can enjoy hanging out in the hot tub with a glass of wine overlooking the mountains.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 70s-80s°F	Warm weather, all facilities open, abundant wildlife viewing	Peak crowds and visitation
Spring (April-May)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, overnight lows below freezing	Fewer visitors, wildflowers in bloom	Some trails and facilities may still be closed due to snow
Fall (September-October)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, overnight lows below freezing	Fall foliage, reduced crowds after Labor Day	Services start closing down after mid-September
Winter (November-March)	Daytime highs in 20s°F, overnight lows below 0°F	Fewest visitors, opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing	Most facilities and roads closed, extreme weather conditions

Romantic Hotels Near Grand Teton National Park

No matter what your post-wedding budget is, there are plenty of options to choose from, like the Teton Village, where the restaurants and bars are all within walking distance.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa (Teton Village) – Amangani Resort (Jackson, WY) – Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa (Jackson, WY)
Mid-Range	– Gravity Haus Jackson Hole (Teton Village) – The Alpenhof Lodge (Teton Village) – 49er Inn & Suites (Jackson, WY)
Budget	– Gros Ventre Campground (within Grand Teton) – Colter Bay Campground (within Grand Teton) – Headwaters Campground (Flagg Ranch, WY)

Yellowstone National Park Honeymoon

Yellowstone National Park spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

It will give you that romantic wilderness escape vibe with its geothermal wonders, abundant wildlife, and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal honeymoon destination.

We enjoyed visiting Yellowstone in the summer; however, you should know that the park gets super crowded during that time (like Disney World crowded).

Yellowstone is located in the northern United States so there are TONS of families and tourists exploring the park while the weather is warm.

If your honeymoon is in the summer, it’s probably best to avoid Yellowstone during that time due to the over crowdedness.

I’d suggest combining it with a trip to the Grand Tetons and plan a stop in Yellowstone since the parks are located very close to one another.

Romantic Things To Do in Yellowstone National Park

There are a ton of romantic outdoorsy activities for couples to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

1. Scenic drives along the Grand Loop Road, stopping at iconic sites like Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
2. Take a guided horseback ride through picturesque areas like Hayden Valley.
3. Romantic picnics by pristine lakes or rivers like Yellowstone Lake or the Firehole River.
4. Private guided tours or soaking in natural hot springs like the Boiling River.
5. Hiking trails:
   • Fairy Falls Trail (5 miles, moderate, 3-4 hours)
   • Lone Star Geyser Trail (5 miles, easy, 2-3 hours)
   • Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone South Rim Trail (4.9 miles, moderate, 3-4 hours)

Best Time To Visit Yellowstone For Couples

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park for a honeymoon depends on your preferences and the activities you’d like to do.

Summer offers warm weather and increased accessibility to trails and attractions but also attracts more crowds.

Spring and fall provide milder temperatures and fewer visitors, but some facilities may have limited operations.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 70s°F, occasional 80s°F	Most services and facilities open, all roads accessible	Peak crowds and visitation
Spring (April-May)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, overnight lows below freezing	Fewer visitors, wildlife viewing opportunities	Some roads and facilities may still be closed due to snow
Fall (September-October)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, overnight lows below freezing	Fall foliage, reduced crowds after Labor Day	Services start closing down after mid-September
Winter (November-March)	Daytime highs in 20s-30s°F, overnight lows below 0°F	Fewest visitors, unique winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing	Most facilities and roads closed, extreme weather conditions

Romantic Hotels Near Yellowstone National Park

If you’re planning a romantic getaway near Yellowstone National Park, there are plenty of places to crash in. You can opt for a fancy resort or go for a more budget-friendly option.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– The Aspen Condos (West Yellowstone, MT) – Yellowstone Valley Lodge (Wapiti, WY) – Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa (Jackson, WY)
Mid-Range	– Kelly Inn (West Yellowstone, MT) – Best Western Weston Inn (West Yellowstone, MT) – Headwaters Lodge & Cabins (Moran, WY)
Budget	– Canyon Village Campground (within Yellowstone) – Bridge Bay Campground (within Yellowstone) – Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (West Yellowstone, MT)

Olympic National Park Honeymoon

Olympic National Park is by far one of our most favorite romantic national parks to visit because of its remote location and various landscapes and ecosystems.

You really can get lost in each other and find romance again in this park. I think it’s because there’s very limited cell service which means you can disconnect from the world and reconnect as a couple.

If you both love nature but are indecisive about what type of experience you want, then Olympic National Park is the perfect compromise.

Here, you’ll have options for exploring waterfalls, rainforests and beaches. So, quite literally, there’s something for everyone.

Romantic Things To Do in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park provides a variety of romantic experiences for couples to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty.

1. Scenic drives along the Olympic Peninsula Loop, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Coast.
2. Beachcombing and exploring tide pools off the rugged coastline, such as Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach.
3. Kayaking or canoeing on pristine lakes like Lake Crescent.
4. Stargazing under the park’s dark night skies.
5. Building a campfire and making smore’s or roasting hotdogs.
6. Hiking trails:
   • Hurricane Ridge Trail (3.2 miles, moderate, 2-3 hours)
   • Marymere Falls Trail (1.8 miles, easy, 1-2 hours)
   • Hoh Rainforest Trail (0.8 miles, easy, 1 hour)

Best Time To Visit Olympic For Couples

Late spring or early fall is the best time to visit Olympic National Park because you’ll avoid fighting the summer crowds as well as the brutal winter storms.

We visited in late April when it was still pretty cold at night but the day time temperatures were tolerable enough to wear a light water-resistant puffer jacket.

Summertime would be incredible to spend on the beaches here but the campgrounds get booked up way in advance.

So, if you plan on visiting Olympic in the summer then definitely schedule accommodations way in advance.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 60s-70s°F	Warm weather, all facilities open, ideal for hiking and water activities	Peak crowds and visitation
Spring (April-May)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, occasional rain	Fewer visitors, wildflowers in bloom	Some trails and facilities may still be closed due to snow
Fall (September-October)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, occasional rain	Fall foliage, reduced crowds after Labor Day	Services start closing down after mid-September
Winter (November-March)	Daytime highs in 40s°F, overnight lows below freezing	Fewest visitors, opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing	Many facilities and roads closed, potential for heavy rain and snow

Romantic Hotels & Campgrounds Near Olympic National Park

You wouldn’t think that renting a campervan to explore Olympic National Park would be a romantic idea for a honeymoon but let me tell you, it’s amazing!

We are by no means RV campervan people; in fact, this was our first time renting a campervan.

It was so comfortable and convenient to travel around with all of our belongings in tow in addition to having a bathroom on the go.

Because of the ultra convenience and easy of use, it kept the trip less stressful.

Less stress equals less frustration and potential for getting annoyed with each other. Another WIN for a romantic national park honeymoon idea!

If camping in Olympic doesn’t sound like your idea of a romantic honeymoon, don’t worry, there are a few hotel options within the park that will fit your needs.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Kalaloch Lodge (Olympic National Park) – Quileute Oceanside Resort (Olympic National Park) – Willows Lodge (Woodinville, WA)
Mid-Range	– Lake Crescent Lodge (Olympic National Park) – Lake Quinault Lodge (Olympic National Park) – Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (Olympic National Park)
Budget	– Fairholme Campground (within Olympic National Park) – Mora Campground (within Olympic National Park) – Olympic Lodge (Port Angeles, WA)

Joshua Tree National Park Honeymoon

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and offers a unique and otherworldly landscape with its twisted Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and vast desert vistas.

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park for a romantic couples road trip is awesome because not only is the park conveniently located to Palm Springs and other nearby towns but it’s also very easy to see and do things if you only have a day or two to visit.

This means your honeymoon doesn’t have to be costly or time consuming. Honestly, just spending a long weekend here will give you the satisfaction of a romantic desert honeymoon.

Romantic Things To Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is a desert lovers paradise so there are quite a few romantic activities to explore on your honeymoon vacation to this national park.

Personally, we love Joshua Tree because it’s an International Dark Sky Park so stargazing is the best here especially if you can plan your trip during a new moon phase when the sky is pitch black.

1. Stargazing under the dark night skies, renowned for their clarity and visibility of the Milky Way.
2. Act like a kid again and go bouldering or rock climbing among the unique rock formations (with proper gear and experience).
3. Romantic picnics at scenic viewpoints or in the shade of the iconic Joshua trees.
4. Exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden, a surreal landscape of densely packed cactus plants (the beauty of it will give you chills).
5. Hiking trails:
   • Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile, easy, 1 hour)
   • Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles, strenuous, 2-3 hours)
   • Skull Rock Nature Trail (1.7 miles, easy, 1-2 hours)

Best Time To Visit Joshua Tree For Couples

Late February or early March is the best time to visit because the temperatures are cooler, and the spring break or summer crowds haven’t started gathering in the park yet.

When we visited Joshua Tree National Park in February, the temperatures were warm enough during the day to wear tank tops and shorts but cooler in the evening to throw on a light weight jacket. Just remember, the desert gets pretty chilly at night so check the weather and pack accordingly.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Spring (March-May)	Daytime highs in 70s-80s°F	Mild temperatures, wildflower blooms	Increased crowds, potential for windy conditions
Fall (October-November)	Daytime highs in 70s-80s°F	Mild temperatures, fewer visitors	Potential for rain or flash floods
Winter (December-February)	Daytime highs in 60s°F, overnight lows in 30s-40s°F	Fewest visitors, ideal for hiking and rock climbing	Cooler temperatures, potential for rain or snow
Summer (June-September)	Daytime highs above 100°F	Fewest visitors	Extremely hot temperatures, potential for thunderstorms

Romantic Hotels Near Joshua Tree National Park

Towns near Joshua Tree National Park include Twentynine Palms, Palm Springs, and Palm Desert, to name a few, so there are loads of cheap hotels or luxury resort options to stay at while exploring the park.

It’s another national park that offers compromise when it comes to differences of opinion when planning your honeymoon. Here, you’ll get the best of both worlds… desert nature scenic views and boutique shopping experiences with lots bars and restaurant choices.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs) – JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (Palm Desert) – Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs (Palm Springs)
Mid-Range	– Hilton Garden Inn (Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage) – 29 Palms Inn (Twentynine Palms) – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Yucca Valley (Yucca Valley)
Budget	– Jumbo Rocks Campground (within Joshua Tree National Park) – Black Rock Campground (within Joshua Tree National Park) – Joshua Tree Inn (Joshua Tree)

Zion National Park Honeymoon

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, offers a unique and breathtaking landscape with its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River winding through the main canyon, making it a romantic and adventurous destination for a honeymoon.

Romantic Things To Do in Zion National Park

Build a bond as a couple by conquering challenging trails together! Zion National Park provides a variety of romantic activities for couples to explore and appreciate its natural wonders.

1. Scenic drives along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, offering stunning views of the towering cliffs.
2. Romantic picnics along the Virgin River or at scenic viewpoints like Canyon Overlook Trail.
3. Guided horseback rides through the park’s stunning landscapes.
4. Stargazing under the park’s dark night skies.
5. Hiking trails:
   • Angel’s Landing Trail (5.4 miles, strenuous, 4-5 hours)
   • The Narrows (8-16 miles, strenuous, 6-8 hours)
   • Emerald Pools Trail (3 miles, moderate, 2-3 hours)

Best Time To Visit Zion For Couples

We love visiting Zion National Park in the summer because of the long daylight hours. You can hang out at the pool until 9pm or 10pm with the sun still up! It’s crazy! However, if you plan to visit during this peak season, set your expectations for it to be crowded.

Any season in Zion is special because of it’s interesting landscape so you’ll have a good time regardless of when you plan your visit to one of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Spring (March-May)	Daytime highs in 60s-80s°F	Mild temperatures, fewer visitors	Potential for rain or snow (early spring)
Fall (September-November)	Daytime highs in 60s-80s°F	Mild temperatures, fewer visitors after Labor Day	Potential for rain or flash floods
Winter (December-February)	Daytime highs in 40s-50s°F, overnight lows in 20s°F	Fewest visitors, unique winter scenery	Cooler temperatures, potential for snow and ice on trails
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 90s°F	All facilities open, longer days for hiking	Extreme heat, increased crowds and visitation

Romantic Hotels Near Zion National Park

Springdale is the closest town to Zion and is on the Zion bus shuttle route. This means you’ll have the convenience of not having to drive into the park every day. There’s a range of romantic stays near Zion National Park so you can choose from cozy inns to luxurious resorts.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Desert Pearl Inn (Springdale, UT) – Cable Mountain Lodge (Springdale, UT) – Flanigan’s Inn (Springdale, UT)
Mid-Range	– Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (Orderville, UT) – Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park Area (Springdale, UT) – La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale (Springdale, UT)
Budget	– Watchman Campground (within Zion National Park) – South Campground (within Zion National Park) – Zion Campground & RV Resort (Springdale, UT)

Grand Canyon National Park Honeymoon

Choosing the Grand Canyon for your honeymoon is truly special. Imagine waking up to breathtaking canyon views, hand in hand with your partner, as the sun paints the rocks in warm hues. Sounds pretty corny, right?

Really though, there’s nothing quite like it. I think it’s because of how small you feel standing above the massive canyon or how it gives you this overwhelming sense of gratitude for how incredible mother nature is. Either way, you’re sure to get romantic vibes when visiting.

Romantic Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park

There’s a variety of romantic activities to explore and enjoy the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.

1. Scenic drives along the South Rim or North Rim for breathtaking viewpoints like Mather Point and Pima Point.
2. Holding hands, posing for pictures and just standing together in silence while taking in the grandeur.
3. Enjoying the sunset views from the Visitor Center.
4. Romantic helicopter tours or guided mule rides along the canyon’s rim.
5. Stargazing tours or programs led by park rangers, taking in the stunning night sky.
6. Hiking trails:
   • Rim Trail (13.6 miles, easy, 6-8 hours)
   • Bright Angel Trail (9.3 miles, strenuous, 6-8 hours)
   • South Kaibab Trail (6.3 miles, strenuous, 4-6 hours)

Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon For Couples

You can expect warm temperatures at the Grand Canyon National Park in the summer, but it attracts more visitors. Spring and fall provide milder weather and fewer crowds.

Winter will give you a unique experience but with limited access to the canyon and surrounding businesses. When visiting the Grand Canyon in February, prepare for snow, freezing temperatures, and wind. The cold weather makes things extra romantic and gives you a chance to bundle up with your loved one.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Summer (June-August)	Rim: 70s-80s°F, Canyon: Above 100°F	All services and facilities open, longer days for hiking	Peak crowds, very hot in inner canyon
Spring (April-May)	Rim: 50s-70s°F, Canyon: 70s-80s°F	Mild weather, fewer visitors	Possible rain and snow, some facilities may be closed
Fall (September-October)	Rim: 50s-70s°F, Canyon: 70s-80s°F	Mild weather, reduced crowds after Labor Day	Services start closing down after mid-September
Winter (November-March)	Rim: 30s-50s°F, Canyon: 40s-60s°F	Fewest visitors, unique winter activities like cross-country skiing	Many facilities and roads closed, potential for extreme weather

Romantic Hotels Near Grand Canyon National Park

The Squire Resort (a BW Signature Collection) is a great hotel choice near the Grand Canyon entrance. It has a restaurant with a fireplace, which is a nice, cozy touch for dinner plans, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a wedding anniversary.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– El Tovar Hotel (South Rim) – Kachina Lodge (South Rim) – Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel (Tusayan)
Mid-Range	– Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins (South Rim) – Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon (Tusayan) – Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon (Tusayan)
Budget	– Mather Campground (South Rim) – Trailer Village RV Park (South Rim) – Grand Canyon Camper Village (Tusayan)

Bryce Canyon National Park Honeymoon

Plan an epic national parks honeymoon by visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks which includes Bryce Canyon National Park. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet when you see this landscape of hoodoo rock formations.

I mean, what even is a hoodoo? Find out together as a couple and experience this mind blowing national park with really cool hiking adventures.

Romantic Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park provides a variety of romantic activities for couples to explore and appreciate its natural beauty.

1. Scenic drives along the park’s main road, stopping at viewpoints like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point.
2. Guided horseback rides through the hoodoo rock formations.
3. Romantic sunset dinners at the Stone Hearth Grille.
4. Stargazing under the park’s dark night skies is especially awesome in the summer.
5. Hiking trails:
   • Navajo Loop Trail (1.3 miles, moderate, 1-2 hours)
   • Fairyland Loop Trail (8 miles, strenuous, 4-5 hours)
   • Rim Trail (5.5 miles, moderate, 3-4 hours)

Best Time To Visit Bryce Canyon For Couples

If you’re looking for fewer crowds with comfortable temperatures then visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the spring will be your best option.

Summer time is hot, like really hot but it’s still a blast. If you’re hiking the canyon in the summer, pack A LOT of water, electrolyte tablets and healthy hiking snacks. The lower you hike into the canyon, the hotter it gets. Think of it like an oven pre-heating all day in the summer heat. Trust me, you’ll need to pack and prepare ahead.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Spring (April-May)	Daytime highs in 50s-60s°F, overnight lows in 20s°F	Fewer visitors, wildflowers in bloom	Potential for rain or snow, some facilities may be closed
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 70s-80s°F, overnight lows in 40s-50s°F	All facilities open, longer days for hiking	Increased crowds and visitation
Fall (September-October)	Daytime highs in 60s-70s°F, overnight lows in 30s°F	Fewer visitors after Labor Day, stunning fall colors	Potential for rain or snow, some facilities may start closing
Winter (November-March)	Daytime highs in 30s-40s°F, overnight lows in teens°F	Fewest visitors, unique winter scenery	Cooler temperatures, potential for snow and ice on trails, limited facility operations

Romantic Hotels Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is a bit far from lots of hotel accommodation options so if you’re looking to stay within the park, it’s best to stay at a campground in Bryce. Otherwise, you’ll have to drive out of the park to find a romantic hotel for your honeymoon national park trip.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Entrada at Zion (Hildale, UT) – Best Western Premier Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel (Bryce Canyon City, UT) – The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (Bryce Canyon City, UT)
Mid-Range	– Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (Bryce Canyon City, UT) – Stone Canyon Inn (Tropic, UT) – Bryce View Lodge (Bryce Canyon City, UT)
Budget	– Sunset Campground (within Bryce Canyon National Park) – North Campground (within Bryce Canyon National Park) – Ruby’s Inn Campground & RV Park (Bryce Canyon City, UT)

Arches National Park Honeymoon

Another one of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks is Arches National Park. It’s famous for iconic sandstone arches, towering rock formations, and stunning desert landscapes, making it a unique and romantic destination for a honeymoon.

Romantic Things To Do in Arches National Park

Arches National Park provides a variety of romantic activities for couples to explore and appreciate its natural wonders.

1. Scenic drives along the park’s winding roads, offering breathtaking views of the rock formations and arches.
2. Watch a sunset through the iconic Delicate Arch.
3. Stargazing under the park’s dark night skies, offering excellent visibility of the Milky Way.
4. Romantic picnics among the sandstone formations or at scenic viewpoints.
5. Hiking trails:
   • Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles, strenuous, 2-3 hours)
   • Devil’s Garden Trail (7.2 miles, strenuous, 4-5 hours)
   • Park Avenue Trail (2 miles, moderate, 1-2 hours)

Best Time To Visit Arches For Couples

Late spring or early summer is the best time to visit Arches National Park. Even though it’s brutally hot in the summer in Arches, we think it’s still a great time of year to visit. The park is huge so even though there’s a chane it’ll be crowded, it doesn’t feel that way because there’s plenty of parking and lots of trails to explore without loads of people.

Also, Arches is very easy to navigate, which makes it less stressful to access and maneuver through it. Arrive in the morning to avoid waiting in line at the national park checkpoint.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Spring (March-May)	Daytime highs in 60s-80s°F, overnight lows in 30s-40s°F	Mild temperatures, fewer visitors	Potential for rain or wind, some facilities may be closed
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 90s°F, overnight lows in 60s°F	All facilities open, longer days for hiking	Extreme heat, increased crowds and visitation
Fall (September-October)	Daytime highs in 70s-80s°F, overnight lows in 40s-50s°F	Mild temperatures, fewer visitors after Labor Day	Potential for rain or flash floods
Winter (November-February)	Daytime highs in 40s-50s°F, overnight lows in 20s°F	Fewest visitors, unique winter scenery	Cooler temperatures, potential for snow and ice on trails, limited facility operations

Romantic Hotels Near Arches National Park

Moab, Utah is the perfect homebase to make for your romantic national park road trip. It’s the closest town to Arches National Park which makes it really convenient to go in and out of the park throughout your trip.

Plus, there are tons of romantic hotel choices in Moab and they’re not all super expensive either.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa (Moab, UT) – Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton (Moab, UT) – Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab, UT)
Mid-Range	– Archway Inn (Moab, UT) – Moab Valley Inn (Moab, UT) – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab (Moab, UT)
Budget	– Devil’s Garden Campground (within Arches National Park) – Willow Flat Campground (within Arches National Park) – Moab Rim RV Campark & Campground (Moab, UT)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Honeymoon

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, offers a beautiful and serene setting with its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and iconic mountain vistas, making it a romantic destination for a honeymoon.

Romantic Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a variety of romantic activities for couples to explore and appreciate its natural beauty.

1. Scenic drives along the park’s winding roads, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or the Newfound Gap Road.
2. Romantic picnics at scenic spots like Cades Cove or along the Little Pigeon River.
3. Explore historic sites like Cades Cove, a preserved 19th-century settlement with picturesque cabins and churches.
4. Stargazing in the park’s remote areas, away from light pollution.
5. Hiking trails:
   • Laurel Falls Trail (2.6 miles, moderate, 1-2 hours)
   • Alum Cave Trail (4.6 miles, strenuous, 3-4 hours)
   • Chimney Tops Trail (4 miles, strenuous, 3-4 hours)

Best Time To Visit Great Smoky Mountains For Couples

Fall is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park because of the option for leaf peeping and few crowds. By that time, the temperatures are cooling off and the kids have all gone back to school.

We would suggest avoiding taking a honeymoon trip in the summer to Great Smoky Mountains because it gets extremely overcrowded with kids. The trails are packed with people, Gatlinburg is like Disneyland and Pigeon Forge is nothing but sitting in traffic like you’re arriving or departing from Disney.

So yeah, if you’re looking for romance, don’t visit the Great Smoky Mountains in the summer.

Season	Temperatures	Pros	Cons
Spring (March-May)	Daytime highs in 60s-70s°F, overnight lows in 40s°F	Fewer visitors, wildflowers in bloom	Potential for rain or fog, some facilities may be closed
Summer (June-August)	Daytime highs in 80s°F, overnight lows in 60s°F	All facilities open, longer days for hiking	Increased crowds and visitation, humidity and occasional thunderstorms
Fall (September-November)	Daytime highs in 60s-70s°F, overnight lows in 40s-50s°F	Stunning fall foliage, fewer visitors after Labor Day	Potential for rain or fog, some facilities may start closing
Winter (December-February)	Daytime highs in 40s-50s°F, overnight lows in 20s°F	Fewest visitors, unique winter scenery	Cooler temperatures, potential for snow and ice on trails, limited facility operations

Romantic Hotels Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re looking for a touristy and walkable area then stay in Gatlinburg. If you’re wanting more of a mountainous romantic escape, then book a cabin in Sevierville.

Category	Lodging Options
Luxury	– Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN) – The Highlands at Whitestone (Cashiers, NC) – The Inn at Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC)
Mid-Range	– The Lodge at Buckberry Creek (Gatlinburg, TN) – The Park Vista (Gatlinburg, TN) – Hampton Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge (Pigeon Forge, TN)
Budget	– LeConte Lodge (within Great Smoky Mountains National Park) – Smoky Mountains Premier Glamping (Pigeon Forge, TN) – Townsend KOA Campground (Townsend, TN)

Best Desert Honeymoon National Parks

1. Arches National Park (Utah)
2. Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
3. Zion National Park (Utah)
4. Death Valley National Park (California/Nevada)
5. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

Final Thoughts: Best National Parks Honeymoon Ideas

A national park honeymoon offers so many choices for romance and enjoying each other in the quiet nature. You could even plan an entire honeymoon in the state of Utah and hit up the Big 5! Or, split the honeymoon trip by visiting a national park and a quaint nearby mountain town.

Regardless of which national park you choose to spark the romance, you will definitely have a fun time and create lots of memories! Happy Honeymoon Hiking!

👉 Do you need help with planning your National Park Trip or Honeymoon getaway? Contact us! We provide custom curated and thoroughly researched itineraries catered to individual needs and goals.