18 Best Places to Celebrate an Anniversary, From Beach Retreats to Historic Cities

For couples looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there’s Bocas del Toro, Panama, an archipelago just off the country’s coast. Ask any Panamanian local, and they’ll tell you it’s the kind of place residents escape to on vacation.

It’s a laid-back destination where most visitors are locals, backpackers, or surfers—it’s even said to have some of the best waves in the Caribbean. Bocas also has the lively nightlife you’d expect from a Latin American locale, with rum and tequila often at the center of the action. Franke, who visited last December, recommends taking a boat to the Zapatillas Islands, one of the best beaches in the world, thanks to its quiet nature, white sand, and lack of overcrowding.

Where to stay: For a touch of luxury in this relaxed oasis, book a stay at La Coralina Island House. “Tucked into the edge of the rainforest, the property feels both secluded and immersive,” says Franke. Villas overlook the ocean, while walks around the grounds often come with sightings of local creatures like monkeys and sloths. The retreat is deeply wellness-focused, offering spa treatments and experiences inspired by the region’s native culture.

Want to experience San Francisco’s top attractions without staying in the middle of the city? Make Sausalito your home base and take the scenic ferry into San Francisco whenever you’d like. "Sausalito is a memorable beach town with lots of great shops and art galleries," says Cicero.

Where to stay: At Cavallo Point, guests can choose accommodations that suit their personal style. "The resort offers a choice of Colonial Revival rooms with fireplaces and suites with modern styling," says Cicero. The property also features an on-site cooking school and, fittingly, two excellent restaurants.

Seychelles, an archipelago of more than 100 islands off the coast of East Africa, is celebrated for its pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and luxurious resorts. Among the top islands to visit are La Digue, home to the iconic Anse Source d’Argent Beach; Praslin, known for activities like snorkeling and sunset dinner cruises; and Mahé, where you’ll find botanical gardens, national parks, and historic landmarks. Even better, ferries make it easy to island-hop between them.

Where to stay: Start your trip in Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles and the arrival point for most international flights. At the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, guests can book private villas complete with plunge pools and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. If you're planning to island-hop during your stay, consider spending a few nights at Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel on La Digue and Acajou Beach Resort on Praslin Island.

If flying to another country isn't in the budget, try roadtripping 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 in 2024. "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 Cape Lookout 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."

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

Where to stay: For an upscale, intimate experience, stay at Hôtel La Ponche, where the interior design features modern Mediterranean artwork and furniture, creating a warm, coastal environment. Rooms overlook either the sparkling sea or the charming village, and with its prime location in the center of Saint-Tropez, the hotel is an ideal home base after a sun-soaked day on the Riviera.

It's almost always sunny in San Diego, where you and your sweetheart 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 Old Globe theatre."

Where to stay: "If you're leaning more [toward the] 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 Pendry San Diego in downtown's Gaslamp District, where you'll find lots of nightlife."

Known for having one of the best climates in Canada, Victoria left a lasting impression on a Good Housekeeping editor and her spouse during their visit in 2024. "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 also recommends booking a whale-watching excursion and indulging in afternoon tea at the iconic Empress Hotel. For a romantic evening, take a sunset carriage ride through Beacon Hill Park, then stroll through Victoria’s historic Chinatown, established in 1858.

Where to stay: Located near downtown, Abigail’s Hotel is a Tudor-style bed-and-breakfast with the cozy charm of a historic home. For a more elevated yet welcoming stay, consider the Parkside Hotel and Spa, where our editor stayed during her visit. "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!"

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"-like suites with a plush King bed and Bluetooth speakers to set the mood. A gourmet restaurant and a spa are also on-site, so you're most certainly not roughing it.

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 accommodations.

Iconic (and romantic) sightseeing spots include the Old Mission, a beautiful 1700s Spanish 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 downtown shopping district—browsing vintage stores and jewelry shops. This area also features several wine tasting rooms at Institution Ale and M. Special Brew Co, and dozens of dreamy vineyards, perfect for an anniversary toast.

Where to stay: Cicero and her husband spent a weekend at San Ysidro Ranch (pictured) last year, which features 38 cottages that look like they've been handpicked from 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, [also] felt special," she says.

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, a wide variety of restaurants, and a championship golf course."

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 5 A.M.," 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.

If you didn't visit Maui on your honeymoon, now is the time. "Every island in the state is dreamy, but Maui offers the best blend of adventure and romance," says Cicero. For instance, one day you can hike the Haleakalā Crater and watch the sunset from the volcano's 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 the 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 with adult-only pools and fantastic kids' clubs will give you some alone time."

City lovers and foodies, look no further than Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, 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 dance performance. After all, you can't visit the birthplace of tango without seeing a show!

Where to stay: The InterContinental Buenos Aires by IHG embraces the historic Buenos Aires, and it's a convenient home base for sightseeing.

Kennebunkport exudes classic New England charm. In this picturesque coastal town, couples can book a scenic boat tour, enjoy fresh seafood in Dock Square, and relax on Goose Rocks Beach on a sunny afternoon. "The town also has great shopping for antiques and other treasures," says Cicero.

Where to stay: A soaking tub or in-room fireplace instantly adds to the romance, which is why Kennebunkport Captains Collection is such a great choice. Spread across four historic Maine homes, the property offers a variety of rooms and suites featuring both cozy fireplaces and luxurious soaking tubs.

A lush island paradise in the Philippine Sea, Siargao has become a favorite destination for surfers and beach lovers alike. Famous for its world-class waves, the island also offers quieter moments—from watching the sunrise at the Cloud 9 Boardwalk to snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Sugba Lagoon.

Where to stay: Just five minutes from Cloud 9, Siargao Blu Resort and Spa is one of the island's most romantic retreats. In addition to its prime location, guests rave about the fresh seafood and warm hospitality.

An ideal autumn locale, Kohler, Wisconsin, is 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 a 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.