The Most Romantic Views In America

Are you looking to make your couples getaway truly special? One thing that enhances any itinerary is a beautiful view. While every city has their quintessential not-to-miss vista they advertise to tourists, there are a few across the country that are truly worth the trip. To help you plan an ambient vacation, here is a guide to the USA's most romantic views.

1. From Atop The Palm Springs Tramway, California

It's hard to choose just one beautiful view in California, especially with its many wine regions, state and national parks, beaches, and countryside settings; however, one that stands out is from atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The experience begins when you board what's touted as the world's largest rotating tramcar, with a 360-degree rotating floor allowing for multi-vantage points. The ascent is steep, a 10-minute, 2.5-mile journey that brings you to an elevation of 8,516 feet. Here you'll be in Mount San Jacinto State Park - full of hiking trails and camping opportunities - where lookout points offer panoramic views of the mountain- and woodland-filled Coachella Valley, the tram cars, and Johnson Falls. There's also a restaurant and bar at the top for those who want to pair their experience with beers and bites. Sunrise and sunset are recommended times for making this trip.

2. County Road 12 Scenic Overlook, New York

New York's Finger Lakes Region is blessed with beautiful views all over its landscape, from its crystalline bodies of water to its scenic hiking trails in Watkins Glen State Park to endless rows of Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes. That being said, there's one view that's extra special: the County Road 12 Scenic Overlook. Located along the Canandaigua Wine Trail, those who look are awarded vistas all the way north of Canandaigua Lake surrounded by rolling green hills, country homes, and tall trees, especially beautiful during fall when the colors are changing. Bringing a picnic as you take in the view is highly recommended.

3. The Grand Canyon From Yaki Point, Arizona

While there are many hikes and lookout points offering beautiful views of the Grand Canyon, one of the most romantic is Yaki Point. What's interesting about Yaki Point is that while it's near to the popular Grandeur, Yavapai, and Mather Points, it offers stunning views that are completely different. To reach this vista - which is not accessible to personal vehicles - you'll take the Kaibab Trail Route to its easternmost lookout point or the Orange Route shuttle bus, where you'll be privy to a scene unlike any other in the park. Along with seeing popular trails like Bright Angel and Tonto and the mesmerizing switchbacks of the South Kabib Trail, you'll also spy Cremation Creek and colorful buttes and mesas. It's also possibly the most colorful sunset view in the entire park, with the sky taking on a pinkish hue even after dark.

For an active way to see the viewpoint, try a Yaki Road Tour with Bike Grand Canyon, which also allows you to learn about the history, culture and geology of the Canyon, and to see other scenic areas nearby. For this and every trip, be sure to get the appropriate travel insurance policy to make sure your trip of a lifetime isn't ruined.

4. Denali National Park Reflection Pond, Alaska

Alaska's most spectacular attraction is undoubtedly Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak at 20,237 feet. One romantic spot to visit with your special someone is Reflection Pond in Denali National Park, where you can take a photo of the Mount McKinley in the background - as well as a mirror image on the water. Here, you'll also be at your closest vantage point to the mountain within Denali National Park. Another option is taking a flight-seeing tour above Mount McKinley for aerial views - as well as the option to land on a glacier.

5. Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington

Don't let the name fool you. Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington is the perfect place for couples to take in whimsical views. One of the best spots in the park is North Jetty, where the Pacific surf and Columbia River come together with the Cape Disappointment headlands. Nearby you can view art installations or relax at picnic tables, or, if it's summer, drive half a mile for delicious wood-fired Serious Pizza. That being said, winter storms offer the perfect time to enjoy the view, as seawater sprays cliffs reaching 300 feet in height and the Cape D Lighthouse provides a beautiful lit backdrop.

6. Elk Park Overlook, Colorado

Located on the Colorado Trail, Elk Park Overlook makes you feel like you're on top of the world, offering beautiful 360-degree views of golden First Aspen leafs, the Grenadier Mountains, and the Animas River running through the valley below. In the distance, you'll hear the whistle of the steam train, as hawks fly through the sky and elk graze in the meadow. Best of all, it's not accessible to cars, so it's truly a serene setting.

One romantic way to experience the viewpoint is through a horseback ride through the San Juan National Forest with San Juan Sky Outfitters, a 2-hour trip that passes a beautiful waterfall and is full of outdoor ambience. 

7. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, Ohio

Located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio on South Bass Island, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is not only a must-visit attraction for history buffs, but is also the perfect place for an amazing aerial view. Standing 352 feet above Lake Erie, it's the 3rd tallest memorial structure in the country. From above, couples can gaze at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands - including parts of Canada and the world's longest undefended border. You can reach Put-In-Bay via Miller Ferry, an especially romantic ride at sunset. Moreover, once on the island it's recommended to ask the Park Rangers questions about the Memorial, as most love telling humorous and interesting stories. Tip: Visit the Memorial on weekdays, as you'll have a greater chance of having the viewpoint all to yourself.

Where are your favorite views in the country?

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.