Best Anniversary Trip Ideas to Celebrate Your Long-Lasting Love

If flying to another country isn't in the budget, road-trip to The Crystal Coast—an 85-mile stretch of shore south of the Outer Banks. "We enjoyed the beachy vibe," said a Good Housekeeping editor who visited with her spouse last year. "It's quieter and less touristy than Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head."

Follow our editor's itinerary: Take a long walk on Cape Lookout National Seashore, hop on a ferry to Bodie Island lighthouse, and geek out on history at Fort Macon State Park, a restored pre-Civil War fort.

Where to Stay: "The Inn on Turner in Beaufort is both romantic and centrally located," Cicero says. "Daily breakfast, made with locally-grown, organic ingredients, is included in your rate."

This autumn, you'll fall in love with Kohler, Wisconsin—a serene destination about an hour north of Milwaukee. That's where Kohler (yes, the company that makes shower heads) has its own village with three stunning properties and, of course, a spa with innovative hydrotherapy services, an ice cave and relaxation pool with a waterfall.

Fall ushers special experiences like Flora Fields, where you can meander among rare sunflowers, as well as the annual Kohler Food & Wine Festival.

Where to Stay: "For anniversary celebrations, The American Club with its in-room fireplaces and historic details provides the best backdrop for romance," says Cicero.

La Romana, a province and city in the Dominican Republic’s Southeastern coast about an hour from the Punta Cana airport, is an exciting choice for couples.

Set aside one morning to explore Altos de Chavon, a charming reconstruction of a 16th-century Spanish village. Another day, you might want to hop on a catamaran or yacht to nearby smaller islands Isla Saona or Isla Catalina; guided tours are also available. Nature lovers may be drawn to Isla Saona in particular for its national park and bird-watching opportunities.

Where to Stay: "My favorite resort in this area is Casa de Campo Resort and Villas," says Cicero. "The all-inclusive has a stunning private beach, wide variety of restaurants, and championship golf course."

Selena Gomez knew what she was doing when she picked Santa Barbara to tie the knot. This charming city off California’s central coast wows with its Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, top-tier restaurant scene and variety of places to stay that fits every vibe.

Iconic (and romantic) sight-seeing spots include the Old Mission, a beautiful Spanish 1700s church; Casa del Herrero, an example of Spanish revival architecture from the 1920s; and Stearns Wharf, a wooden pier with restaurants, shops and boat rides. Hold hands as you stroll down State Street—the heart of the city's shopping downtown district, browsing vintage stores and jewelry shops. While State Street also offers several wine tasting rooms, like Institution Ale and M. Special Brew Co, dozens of dreamy vineyards where you can make an anniversary toast dot the city and surrounding area.

Where to Stay: Cicero and her husband recently spent a weekend at San Ysidro Ranch (pictured), which features 38 cottages that look like they've been plucked of a fairytale. "Our cottage, The Citrus, had a lemon tree in the front yard and boho chic decor that felt homey yet elevated," says Cicero. "We also sat for a long time in the property's rose garden." She notes that the resort is an all-inclusive (one of the few in the U.S.) so you know how much your stay is going to cost upfront. "The food and drink options, like a fresh seafood tower, felt special," she says.

Did you honeymoon on Maui? Then return to the second-largest Hawaiian island for your milestone anniversary. "Every island is the state is dreamy, but Maui offers the best blend of adventure and romance," says Cicero. For instance, one day you can hike the Haleakala volcano crater together and watch the sunset from the peak while the next might involve an oceanfront couples massage and sunset dinner cruise.

Where to Stay: "The Hotel Wailea is the only adults-only resort on island, and the beaches in this area are wide and unspoiled," Cicero says. "If you're bringing the kids on an anniversary trip—I have done that a few times—look into family-friendly spots like the Wailea Beach Resort, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort that have adult-only pools and fantastic kids' clubs that will give you some alone time."

City lovers and foodies, look no further than Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, where art and food are baked into the culture.
Stroll through the Palermo Soho neighborhood for a relaxing afternoon of admiring local art and trying delicious local food like asado (slow-cooked meat) and choripan (grilled chorizo sandwich). "Tripadvisor just named Fogón Asado in this neighborhood the top fine dining restaurant in the world," Cicero says.

San Telmo is another can't-miss locale, dating back to the 17th century. Besides historic mansions and more great food, you may be able to catch a free tango performance. After all, you don’t want to visit the birthplace of tango without seeing a show!

Where to Stay: The Intercontinental Buenos Aires by IHG embraces historical Buenos Aires and it's a convenient home base for sight-seeing.

It's almost always sunny in San Diego, where you and your sweetheart will can soak up both beach culture and big city life. "Coronado is like a beach town within San Diego," says Cicero. "It offers wide, well-maintained public beaches and a cute downtown dotted with independent shops and restaurants."

Top-tier attractions are just a short drive away. "Balboa Park is home to museums for virtually every interest, from cars to comic books," says Cicero. "My husband and I also enjoy the outdoor Shakespeare performances at the The Old Globe theatre."

Where to Stay: "If you're leaning more beach than city, consider one of the newly renovated historic rooms at the oceanfront Hotel del Coronado," says Cicero. "Otherwise, zero in on a spot like the Pendry in downtown's Gaslamp District, where you'll find lots of nightlife."

Cabarete, a vibrant town in the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, is known for its laid-back, water sport-enthusiast culture. Head to Cabarete Beach and try kitesurfing, or go to Encuentro Beach for surfing.

Where to Stay: Unwind from your high-adrenaline adventures at Greenland Bubble Glamping, where you can comfortably sleep under the stars. The oceanfront property features seven heated "bubble" (igloo-like) suites with a plush King bed and Bluetooth speakers for mood music. A gourmet restaurant and a spa are also on-site, so you're most certainly not roughing it.

Saint-Tropez, located on the French Riviera, is an excellent destination for couples looking for romantic, small-town vibes. Visit Chateau des Marres for a wonderful evening of wine tasting, enjoy a beautiful sunset view on a boat cruise, explore the charming Vieux Port (Old Port) together, and go shopping at the historic La Ponche district.

Where to Stay: For an intimate and elegant experience, stay at Hôtel La Ponche. Rooted in local spirit, La Ponche’s interior design features modern Mediterranean artwork and furniture, creating a warm, cozy environment. Their rooms include views of the sea or the village, and its location at the heart of Saint-Tropez makes it the perfect place to come back to after a long day of enjoying this Southern French paradise.

The city with reportedly the best climate in all of Canada wowed a Good Housekeeping editor and her spouse when they visited last year. "Victoria's Butchart Gardens are some of the best I've ever seen even in Europe and it's mind-blowing to think that the Sunken Garden was actually once a quarry!" she said.

The editor additionally recommends the afternoon tea experience at the Empress Hotel and a whale-watching tour. You could also take sunset carriage tour through Beacon Hill Park for a romantic evening. and walk through Victoria’s Chinatown, which was established in 1858.

Where to Stay: A tutor-style bed and breakfast near the downtown attractions, Abigail’s Hotel has a romantic and cozy historic home feel. For a luxe yet friendly vibe, consider Parkside Hotel and Spa, where our editor stayed. "For special celebrations, they prepare the rooftop roasting area and provide handmade crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate from the town's chocolatier, plus skewers and wipes," she says. "I would certainly love to stay at this hotel again!"

Seychelles is an archipelago of more than 100 islands in East Africa, known for stunning beaches, diverse ecosystems and luxury resorts. Our top three island picks: La Digue Island (for Anse Source D’Argent Beach), Praslin Island (for dynamic activities like snorkeling and dinner cruises), and Mahé (for botanical gardens, national parks and historical parks). Fortunately, there are ferries in between each of the islands.

Where to Stay: Kick off your trip in Mahé, the biggest island and where most flights land. At the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, you can book your own villa with a plunge pool and views of the Indian Ocean. If you'd like to hotel-hop during your time in Seychelles, consider Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel La Digue and Praslin Island's Acajou Beach Resort 2.

Desert meets beach in Los Cabos, a popular spot on Mexico's Baja Peninsula. "You can celebrate your anniversary with a private boat ride to the region's legendary arch and Lover's Beach, one of the few spots where the water isn't too rough for swimming," says Cicero. If you like cooking together, Cicero suggests taking a Mexican cooking class held outdoors at Flora Farms. "Afterwards, book a guided tour of the organic farm and pamper yourselves with a treatment at the on-site spa." Of course, the nightlife in Los Cabos is also legendary! "Some places even stay open until 5am," says Cicero.

Where to Stay: Book a room at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos to take advantage of their anniversary package, which includes a $200 credit for food and beverages and a complimentary room upgrade.

Kennebunkport oozes New England charm. In the beautiful coastal location, couples can book a boat tour, eat delicious seafood in Dock Square and spend a sunny afternoon in Goose Rocks Beach. "The town also has great shopping for antiques and other treasures," says Cicero.

Where to Stay: Having a soaking tub or fireplace in your room immediately makes it more romantic so consider Kennebunkport Captains Collection. Its variety of rooms and suites, located in four historic Maine homes, offer both options.

A tear-drop-shaped island in the Philippine Sea, Siargao is a known as the surf capital of the Philippines, and it totally lives up to its reputation. When you're not hanging ten, stroll down the iconic Cloud 9 Boardwalk to watch the sunrise and snorkel in the calm waters of Sugba Lagoon.

Where to Stay: Lucky for you, Siargao Blu Resort and Spa, one the area's most romantic resorts, happens to be just five minutes away from Cloud 9. Guests rave about the seafood and hospitality.

Want to visit some San Francisco attractions but aren't sure about staying in the city? Get the best of both worlds by making your home base Sausalito and taking the ferry into San Francisco as desired. "Sausalito is a memorable beach town with lots of great shops and art galleries," says Cicero.

Where to Stay: At Cavallo Point, you can select a room that matches your design preferences. "The resort offers a choice of Colonial Revival rooms with fireplaces and suites with modern styling," says Cicero. There's a cooking school on-site and, not surprisingly, two delicious restaurants.