Get in the mood by strolling hand-in-hand on one of the romantic walks in the U.S. Here are some to choose from:
Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
We all know this landmark from Alfred Hitchcock’s hit film, “Vertigo.” And the grounds around the Palace of Fine Arts are just as glamorous in reality as they are in the Hollywood flick. Explore the gorgeous Greco-Roman rotundas and colonnades surrounded by a swan-filled lagoon. Just don’t be surprised to see lovers popping the question or posing for wedding portraits.
Museum Mile, NYC
Sure, carriage rides in Central Park are cute and all, but we’d prefer a romantic walk down this strip parallel to the park. Spanning Fifth Ave from 82nd to 105th, Museum Mile is best started up north, so you can meander downtown, passing palatial museums like The Met, the Guggenheim and the Neue Galerie. For date-night dinner, Sant Ambroeus (79th and Madison) is a solid choice—order the homemade lasagna verde, spinach pasta layered with veal ragù and besciamella. Just make sure to save room for dessert at La Maison Du Chocolat, where you and your boo can taste savory truffles, including the toffee caramel with fleur de sel.
Griffith Park, Los Angeles
If you’re more of a daring duo, then these Griffith Park hikes are for you. Spend an afternoon trekking up the 6.5-mile Mount Lee trail to the iconic Hollywood Sign, or walk the 1.3-mile Firebreak Trail to the observatory. It’s the most challenging route, but the sweeping LA views at the top are worth the workout.
Lincoln Park, Chicago
While visiting the Windy City, save time to wander through its charming northern neighborhoods. Take Lakeview, which has a handful of one-off artisanal shops, bars and restaurants lining North Broadway. Stop in Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine to pick up a fresh baguette, a bottle of red and some delicious cheese, then head east three blocks along tree-lined streets until you hit Lincoln Park. Set along the waterfront of Lake Michigan, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city skyline.
Charles River Esplanade, Boston
Make it a sunset stroll along Boston’s Charles River. (Photo: Alamy)
Ask any Bostonian, and they’ll tell you this one-mile waterfront stretch is one of the sweetest in the city. Shady meadows, stone bridges, and cozy wooden benches dot the walkway, and there are plenty of secluded spots to snuggle up. We love the boathouse and the deck with Adirondack chairs, where you can kick back and watch the sailboats. In the summer, don’t miss a free orchestra performance at the open-air amphitheater.
Mount Vernon Trail, Washington D.C.
For a longer stroll, look no further than the Mount Vernon Trail. This 18-mile path winds through Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, so you may want to go by bike. Start off in the National Mall and loop by the Capitol building, the museums and the memorials, before crossing the Arlington Bridge and picking up the trail in Potomac Park. From here, pedal south past Arlington Cemetery along the river to George Washington’s historic estate. Or, cut the trip short and cycle seven miles to Alexandria, the unofficial halfway point, to explore Old Town and its quaint, cobblestoned streets.
This article was published through a partnership with Marriott Traveler and Jetsetter magazine. Read the original story: America’s Most Romantic Walks by Chelsea Bangier, a regular contributor to Jetsetter.
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