Honeymoon planning: 7 best fall honeymoon destinations

The feel of fall in the air inspires all of nature to ready for the winter ahead. Red and gold leaves swirl in the day and the harvest moon glows on your love at night. It’s the perfect time to marry and a beautiful time to honeymoon. Here are some suggestions for memory-making  places to celebrate the beginning of your new life together. Embrace the fall with a trip to Niagara Falls and a “leaf-peeping” excursion up the New England Coast.  Stay in quaint B and B’s as you revel in lakeside walks, ocean clam digging, and reminders of history at every turn. Explore Nova Scotia and venture into Quebec and Montreal where brisk fall days and vibrant nightlife say romance with a French accent.

Niagara Falls on the Canadian SideGo to Europe. Once school starts in September, there are wonderful bargains to be had in airfares and hotels. The added benefit is that the crowds will have gone away. As long as you complete your trip before winter weather moves in, you’ll experience ease in traveling through one of  the world’s most scenic regions. Whether you’re sampling Sacher torte in Vienna, drinking beer in Hamburg, or visiting the Louvre in Paris, a European honeymoon is a wonderful life start.

Ile de la cite, tourist boatsCatalina Island. This small island 26 miles off the coast of Southern California is jam packed in the summer and mostly vacant the rest of the year. Book a room at the Zane Grey Hotel with an overlook of Avalon Bay. Visit the Wrigley Museum, ride horses in the hills, and enjoy shopping and dining in the quaint town of Avalon.

Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Visit this charming pueblo town at the foothills of the Rockies. Take a side trip to Taos where you can shop for silver galore. Visit Indian natives as they sell their artistry in the town square each day. Dine on some of the finest Mexican food anywhere in Santa Fe and hold hands under inspirational moons.

Santa Fe

Aruba – outside of the hurricane belt, this Dutch island off the coast of Venezuela is a safe bet even before the storm season is over in November. You can get low season rates in the fall and enjoy beautiful beaches, fine dining, and casino fun and nightlife. Known for its friendly people, Aruba makes everyone smile and remember what life is supposed to be like.

beach in Aruba

beach in Aruba

San Francisco.  Fall weather in the city on the bay is glorious. With sun-filled days and cool nights, you can explore the hilly city, enjoying fresh seafood on Fisherman’s wharf, bicycling through Golden Gate Park, or listening to jazz in its many clubs. From Ghirardelli Square to China town, San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise. No honeymoon would be complete without a ride on a cable car. Don’t leave your hearts in San Francisco – take them with you so you can visit again and again.

san francisco golden gate bridge

The Grand Canyon.  Go before snowfall and experience an unrivaled grandeur in nature. Hike the Bright Angel Trail, take a Colorado River raft trip, and sit in front of a crackling fire in the lodge. As you gaze out over the huge expanse, talk about your hopes and plans for the future.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

A honeymoon can be as simple as an overnight to the coast or a cabin in the woods. It can be as grand as a world cruise. Whatever your choice, it should include intimate romantic lodging, beautiful daytime scenery, and the feeling of having been somewhere unique as you step into life together. Enjoy every minute and make a note to come back on your anniversary.