Looking for ways to celebrate romance with your boo within the United States? If you painted a picture of your ideal romantic domestic destination, what would it look like? A weekend at a spa with phones set aside, so you can focus on self-care together? A hike through the majesty of Mother Nature? Maybe you aren’t interested in a getaway and would rather do something simple, like enjoy dinner at a Black-owned restaurant? There are many ways to celebrate the person that loves, supports and inspires you daily.

Here are several romantic domestic destinations for a vacation or day out.

Atlanta, Georgia

Photo by Cameron Venti

If there was a list of the Blackest cities in the US, Atlanta would be in the top three.

For some couples, there’s something romantic about adventure, so in that vein, consider indoor skydiving at iFly Atlanta.

How does it work? Well, it’s a great warm-up for eventually jumping out of a plane. When you arrive, you’ll have to fill out a waiver, and then you’ll be taken into a room with a licensed instructor, who will tell you what to expect.

If you’d rather keep your feet planted on solid ground and do something free, explore Piedmont Park.

If it’s a nice day, you might consider packing your own lunch and doing a picnic by the pond. Just make sure you’re out of view of the ducks and geese-they can get territorial.

 

 

 

New York City, New York

Photo by Mathilde Paret

New York may be fast-paced, but it does have its romantic side.

Bryant Park offers seasonal ice skating for free (except the cost of renting the skates). Enjoy day or night, and there’s always music playing. Skate at your own pace, but make sure you go in the same direction as others.

There are plenty of Black-owned restaurants you can support for all three meals, especially in Harlem. We’ve compiled a list of some of them here.

After lunch or dinner, head over to Harlem Hops for some craft beers.

Washington DC

Photo by Ridwan Meah

Did you know that Washington, DC is home to many Ethiopian restaurants, like family-owned Zenebech? You can enjoy a romantic lunch there.

If the weather permits, and you’re up for a long walk, the Tidal Basin Loop Trail, part of West Potomac Park, is worth a visit.

The walk is especially nice when the Japanese Cherry Blossoms are out. The basin is surrounded by several memorials and monuments, including the statue of Martin Luther King Jr.

At night, consider heading to one of DC’s many speakeasies. If you go to The Gibson, make a reservation and enjoy their signature cocktails such as The Moon Blinked and Ran To the Devil.

 

 

Chicago, Illinois

Photo by Max Bender

Enjoy a late morning or afternoon at the spa. The Windy City has many nice ones offering services for couples.

The Couple’s Spa Day Package at Allyu includes an hour-long massage, side by side reflexology (or hot stone pedicures), access to the meditation tent, and a thirty-minute infrared sauna treatment. You’ll need about four hours to do all of them.

Sure, you could go for a deep-dish pizza. But for a change of pace, why not make a dinner reservation at Soulé, which serves shrimp and grits, jerk wings, fried catfish and much more. And yes, it’s proudly Black-owned.

 

 

 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo by Scott Webb

Why not take a carriage ride through the French Quarter? Each carriage-driver is basically a historian, who can also make suggestions for places to eat and where to listen to live music.

The tour lasts an hour, and there are a few variations, including one dedicated to the city’s haunted history.

If you and your partner dig live jazz, you truly are in the best American city for it. Head to Jazz Playhouse, Preservation Hall and The Spotted Cat.

 

 

 

 

Big Bear, California


Rent one of the moonlight cabins at Big Bear, for the ultimate romantic getaway in the mountains.

Pack everything you need for an ‘off-the-grid’ rendezvous with your significant other. We suggest games, a few bottles of bubbly, and even a few items from this Black-owned list. 

Prices currently range from $299 to $499 per night, though prices vary seasonally and special offers are posted periodically

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

philly
NadineDoerle | Pixabay

What’s more romantic than showing your love in front of one of the most iconic love statues? Get dolled up (or fly) and snap away with your boo— you could even hire a private photographer to really capture the moment.

After, grab dinner at one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the city. Need help with an all-Black itinerary, we got you! Click here. 

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Get snowed in with bae and one of the most picturesque East Coast ski resorts. Don’t think the Poconos are romantic? Well, they have an entire company dedicated to helping you plan an uber romantic getaway— check out Pocono romance here. 

Asheville, North Carolina

Photo by George Rose

Asheville may just take the top spot in romantic domestic destinations. From the Biltmore Estate that has been the backdrop for countless weddings and engagement shoots and proposals, to some of the country’s best restaurants. Did we mention the spas?

Yep, go ahead and book that trip!