Honeymoon to...Quick USA getaways

Honeymoon's don't have to mean travel abroad. There are plenty of wonderful sights and locations to visit right here in the United States. In fact, my husband and I traveled up the California coast on our honeymoon, spending about 4 days in Lake Tahoe. It was so beautiful and a wonderful trip for us! By reader request from Abigail, here are some quick getaways that are affordable and romantic.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming


This beautiful park has countless things to do such as exploring the 900+ miles of back country trails, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, picnicking, viewing natural points of interest such as Old Faithful and the upper and lower falls of Yellowstone River. Besides Yellowstone, any National Park would be a fun choice for a honeymoon, for those looking for a little outdoor adventure.
Where to stay
Camping is always an option, but maybe not as romantic as renting a cabin on beautiful Yellowstone Lake. Rates for cabins start at $125 per day. For more information on where to lodge, click here.
Weather
During the summer, the usual temperature is in the 70's, but it can get a little hotter, reaching the 80's. Nights are typically cool, with some below freezing temperatures in the higher elevations. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.
How to get there
Depending upon where you live, you can either fly into Idaho Falls, Idaho, or Bozeman or Billings, Montana.
For more information on Yellowstone National Park please visit this website.

New Orleans, Louisiana


History abounds in New Orleans, with sumptuous food and a great atmosphere. Visit the French Quarter and view glorious architecture, visit the French Market and take a trip down Bourbon Street. Take one of the many city tours including the culinary tour, riverboat tour, or plantation tour. Trust me, you will never be board in this amazing city.
Where to stay
The possibilities are endless. It really depends on what district interests you most. This website list many hotels and I have found it helpful in narrowing a hotel down.
Weather
The average high temperature during the summer is 90, and the low is around 73.
How to get there
Check with your travel agent for flight arrangements.
For more information on New Orleans, please visit this very in depth website. The website also has a fun little video on the homepage that tells about things to do and see.

Santa Barbara, California


Named the American Riviera, this city is full of romance and beautiful things to see and do. I did not put this location because I am from here, it really is a wonderful place to honeymoon. =) Besides beautiful beaches there are so many other things to do and see. Take a walk down State Street for an amazing shopping experience, visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission or Botanical Gardens, visit the Santa Barbara Zoo or hop on a whale watching excursion to Anacapa Island, eat at one of many divine restaurants in the city. Other attractions outside the city are the Santa Barbara County Wine Country, where beautiful winerys await you, Solvang, a Danish village about 30 minutes away, Lake Cachuma, about 25 minutes away, Summerland, a fun antique shopping town about 15 minutes away. I could really go on and on about what to do here! For more information visit this website.
Where to stay
There are so many choices. If you are willing to splurge, I would recommend the Bacara Resort and Spa or Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort. El Capitan Canyon is about 15 minutes from Santa Barbara and is a very unique and beautiful place to stay. Bath Street Inn is a charming bed and breakfast located near the downtown area.
Weather
Santa Barbara boasts one of the most pleasant year-round climates in the country ranging from mid-60's to mid-70's year round. There is an occasional day when the temperature jumps into the 80's, but it isn't too often.
How to get there
Santa Barbara has a small airport that takes direct flights to select major cities. You can also fly into LAX (Los Angeles) and drive about 2 hours to Santa Barbara, or you can connect at LAX and fly in to Santa Barbara Airport.
For more information please visit this website.

Orlando, Florida


Besides Disney World, Orlando has so many fun things to do and see! Visit The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades on an Orlando air boat adventure, learn to Salsa and Merengue at Latin Quarter and even visit Epcot Center. With so much to do and see, you'll wish you had more time to be there!
Where to stay
Again, there are so many possibilities. Visit this website for more information.
Weather
The average high temperature during the summer is 90, with a humidity of about 60%.
How to get there
Typically, you would fly into Orlando International Airport, but check with your travel agent about this.
For more information please visit this website.

Calistoga, California


Calistoga is located in the beautiful Napa Valley. This romantic location has so many romantic things to do! Go horseback riding, have a picnic at one of the many beautiful winery's, take a hot air balloon ride, go on a custom bike tour through the beautiful Napa Valley or take a dip in the historic hot springs.
Where to stay
The are many wonderful resorts and spas in Calistoga. Some popular resorts would be Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga Village Inn and Spa and Calistoga Spa Hot Springs.
Weather
The average temperature during the summer is 95 degrees, with a low of around 50 degrees.
How to get there
Calistoga is about 75 miles north of San Francisco and 27 miles north of the town of Napa, in the north end of Napa Valley.
For more information visit this site, or this site.

The United States is full of wonderful vacation spots. If you are working with a travel agent, they can also give you some popular places for honeymoons within the United States. I know Hawaii and Alaska are part of the United States, but this post I just focused on locations statewide.
Does anyone have somewhere else to add to my list? Leave me a comment and give your input, I'd love to know what you think!

Picture Credits:
Yellowstone
New Orleans
Santa Barbara
Orlando
Calistoga