Celebration has always been part of the Southern USA’s identity, reflected in its exceptional cuisine, vibrant music, and warm southern hospitality. For honeymoon couples embarking on a new journey together, the region offers beautiful destinations that inspire romance, deeper connections and unforgettable shared experiences.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is truly one of the most romantic cities in the United States and will captivate honeymooners with its beautifully preserved historic district and storied past. The Holy City’s cobblestone streets, century-old buildings, and moss-draped oak trees drip Southern charm and romance at every turn. Travellers have walked the historic streets of Charleton, dotted with beautiful architecture and specialty shops, since 1680.
History loving visitors can take the ferry through Charleston Harbor to explore the historic brick ruins and cannons on the grounds of Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the U.S. Civil War were fired in 1861, or join a walking tour to snap pictures in front of Rainbow Row’s 13 historic homes painted in vibrant pastel colours for an iconic Charleston photo moment.
Couples can explore a quiet island retreat with lighthouses, sandy beaches, ocean access, and wildlife on Morris Island, or enjoy Charleston’s harborside promenade lined with historic mansions, lush gardens, and public parks at The Battery. The sandy shores and uncrowded beaches of Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Island, Kiawah Island are a short drive from the city.
Charleston offers food lovers unforgettable culinary experiences as well, where locally sourced seafood, authentic Lowcountry flavors and contemporary Southern cuisine are served in elegant waterfront restaurants, charming cafés and scenic rooftop bars.
How to reach: The city can be accessed from major destinations across the USA via regular flights to Charleston International Airport.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
There are more than 50 kilometers of sugar-white sand coastline that make up Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Gulf State Park, Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island all offer picturesque sunsets and plenty of natural wonders to explore.
Adventure lovers can try their hands at parasailing, kayaking, or hiking and biking on paved trails in Gulf State Park. Fishing charters or a dolphin cruise makes for a romantic day on the water while soaking up the sun and beauty of the bay, lakes and the Gulf. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is 7,000 acres of coastal land and a natural habitat for birds, sea turtles, alligators, and other endangered species. Visitors can hike, fish from the beach, or rent canoes to explore the water.
After an eventful day, there are plenty of local food joints to explore, including the Flora-Bama Yacht Club, a legendary beach bar serving fresh seafood on the Alabama-Florida border. Live music and great food can also be found at The Hangout, a beachfront Gulf Shores restaurant. And finally, drop by The Wharf, a lively all-day shopping, dining, and entertainment complex right on the coast that features exquisite restaurants, local shops and live music.
How to reach: With roads connecting Gulf Shores to other destinations and commercial passenger services at Gulf Shores International Airport, this city in Alabama is a great choice for honeymoon couples.
Nashville, Tennessee
In Nashville, music isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of the city’s heartbeat. From legendary honky-tonks to intimate listening rooms, couples can experience unforgettable performances together while creating memories of their own.
Music lovers must experience Nashville’s “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium. The Victorian performance hall hosts live shows and also offers a daily backstage tour that features behind-the-scenes artifacts and stories about the performances and legendary artists who’ve graced the Ryman stage. If something more intimate is preferred, book ahead for songwriter nights and stripped-down performances at the legendary Bluebird Café.
The history of Southern music is told throughout the city: At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, trace the genre’s musical heritage among rare artifacts, costumes, and instruments; learn about gospel, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop through interactive exhibits at the National Museum of African American Music; celebrate musicians and see the instruments used to record some of music’s greatest hits at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
The city’s musical heritage, combined with a vibrant nightlife, great food, and a fast-paced social scene, makes Nashville a honeymooner’s dream destination.
How to reach: Nashville is one of the best-connected cities among the USA’s Southern states through the Nashville International Airport.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Over in New Orleans, there is live music at every corner, more food than you could ever eat, and a festive spirit unlike anywhere else in the world. Named a Creative City for Music by UNESCO, New Orleans celebrates music and so much more 24 hours a day.
Start your honeymoon in style and discover New Orleans’ rich musical heritage with a show at Preservation Hall, an intimate performance space renowned worldwide for showcasing traditional New Orleans jazz. Take a walk on Frenchman Street, a corridor of jazz, blues, and reggae and see a show at The Blue Nile, one of the best live music clubs in the city.
No visit to New Orleans is complete without exploring the historic French Quarter, where centuries-old architecture, vibrant street performers, and the lively energy of Bourbon Street come together to create one of America’s most iconic neighborhoods.
The architecture and art in New Orleans are worth seeing, so plan to hop on a streetcar for an iconic ride around the city and don’t miss the New Orleans Museum of Art to browse photographs, antiques, sculptures, paintings.
Almost more than music, New Orleans is famous for its distinct Creole and Cajun foods like gumbo, po’boys, and jambalaya. The list of MICHELIN-recommended restaurants in New Orleans is long and worth exploring. Try modern Creole cuisine at Emeril’s, a tasting menu at Saint-Germain, or fried oysters at the casual Domilise’s Restaurant & Bar. Dozens of local neighborhood joints like Molly’s Rise and Shine, Café du Monde, and Killer Po-Boys serve both classic New Orleans dishes and American favorites.
Being one of the most unique cities in the world, New Orleans is a place that makes a dream honeymoon come true.
How to reach: The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport serves as a major hub
connecting numerous destinations across the country and internationally, serving as a seamless gateway for travellers.
