I remember the first time my husband and I actually took a few days away from the kids and indulged in a relaxing, calming vacation. It. Was. Amazing. That’s right. Two days without messy, demanding kids can feel like a journey to paradise.
We live in Brooklyn, New York, so we headed upstate for spa treatments, romantic dinners, and to see the fall foliage. The best part? We went during the week and in the off-season, so we had restaurants to ourselves and didn’t have to deal with crowds in town or sky-high price tags either.
If you’re ready for a few days to unwind and reconnect with your partner, here are fifteen dreamy destinations that will help put a spring back in your step—and some peace back into your couple’s routine.
Relaxing Places to Visit in the Off-Season
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1) St. Petersburg, Florida
The other side of Florida is a little lesser known, unless of course you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom (read: Disney!) with your kids. But when it’s just you and your partner, the beaches on the westernmost coast of Florida cannot be beat. Picture pure white sand that’s soft to the touch---You won’t even want a beach towel or a chaise!---and sunsets that sparkle. A few days during the off-season here can be just what the doctor ordered for busy, frazzled parents. Bonus: For some inspiration, visit one of two Salvador Dali museums in the world, located in St. Pete’s!
Off-peak: Summertime through October
Photo: Getty/Anne Rippy/The Image Bank
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2) Yosemite National Park, California
Magical: There is probably no other word to describe this natural paradise during the off-peak, more wintry and snowier times. Without the crowds that gather at Yosemite for hiking during the beloved warm spring and summer months, you can almost imagine what the place was like before anyone even set foot here. Make sure you snow shoe across seemingly endless landscapes. (Did someone say “calming”?)
Off-peak: Late autumn through winter
Photo: Getty/JoSon/Stone
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3) Highlands, North Carolina (Blue Ridge Mountains)
The land of the Blue Ridge Mountains boasts breathtaking views, peaceful hikes, and some of the best spas this side of the Mississippi. In the autumn, the fall foliage is in full bloom. In winter, you can ski here, too. Whatever you and your partner choose, you’ll feel recharged after spending a few tranquil days reconnecting here.
Off-peak: October through March
Photo: Getty/Brett Maurer/Moment
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4) Woodstock, New York
You probably know Woodstock as the place where that notorious concert took place in 1969. It’s long been known as a sacred space for artists and musicians who are also looking for a break that’s just a short jaunt from the more intense Big Apple. My husband and I enjoy heading here once a year for some must-have relaxation and to daydream about the future. We visit the antique stores, check out the general store downtown, and eat yummy local food. Woodstock also has the Center for Photography and lots of hiking and nature trails. If you go off-peak, you can ski or snow tube.
Off-peak: Winter months
Photo: Getty/Joakim Sundstrom/Moment
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5) Boston, Massachusetts
Most people think about New York or D.C. when they consider the best art museums in one city, but Boston is often overlooked. My husband and I spent a whole day wandering the Isabella Stewart Gardener Collection in central Boston. The backstory of this place is fascinating and screen-worthy in and of itself. But then it’s the art that will make your knees go weak. That’s right: Awe-inspiring paintings and sculptures by John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt, and Degas will render you breathless. A walk through Harvard Square, now that you’re not a student and can just enjoy the scenery, should prove calming, too.
Off-peak: Winter months
Photo: Getty/GalloImages/Danita Dellmont
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6) Mackinac Island, Michigan
Years ago, I attended a wedding here and swooned at the fairy-tale-ness of it all. The bride was brought to the church in a horse-drawn carriage a la Cinderella. I vowed to go back one day with my own true love. Keep in mind there are no cars allowed on the island, so you park and ride a ferry over. Something about this instantaneously makes you unwind.
Off-peak: November to February
Photo: Getty/Danita Dellmont/Gallo Images
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7) North Fork, Long Island, New York
Love wine country, but don’t want to go all the way to California---or across the ocean to France or Italy---and want to steer clear of tourists and bachelorette parties? Check out Long Island’s North Fork---a favorite spot just outside of New York City---for couples looking to “get away from it all.” There are plenty of charming wineries and great food. Plus, the carousel in Greenport runs almost every day all year round.
Off-peak: Late fall through winter
Photo: Getty/John Cardasis/Photographer's Choice RF
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8) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Recently, I’ve heard people call Philly the sixth borough of New York City, but if you live in the Midwest or even down south, it’s an easy flight to the land of the Rocky steps and the Liberty Bell. After you have your requisite Philly cheesesteak, you can get down to the business of rejuvenating. The city offers sensory deprivation spas where you float weightless in a tank filled with water and tune out the outside world for a while. The city also has spas to rival other US cities, art museums, and a river walk with boathouses, arboretums, and observatories. And don’t forget one of the coolest gardens, Bartram’s Garden, where you can even take yoga classes.
Off-peak: Late fall to mid-winter
Photo: Getty/Travelif/The Image Bank
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9) Kapaa, Hawaii (Kauai Wailua Bay)
For some, a trip to Hawaii can seem like a pipe dream. But prices drop in the off-season, when you can still experience everything the islands have on tap. The Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay is a winner in my book. It has great rates, and the beach is literally at your footsteps. Relax, order some room service, then take in a sunset. And don’t forget to check out the nearby waterfalls. Serenity now!
Off-peak: Mid January through March & September through November
Photo: Getty/Matthew Micah Wright/Lonely Planet Images
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10) Vail, Colorado
I’m not what you would call a good skier; I’m much more of a snow bunny, actually. But, when I think Vail, I am all about going during the less populous off-peak times of year---especially if I’m going to practice my best pizza slice down the slope.
Whether you and your partner like to hike or ski, off-season is a fantastic time to head to Vail. Seriously, I dare you to try and feel uninspired or less than positive amid this scenery or while visiting the famous hot springs. Oh, and they have beer breweries. Bonus about off-peak times? Lift tickets and packages are cheaper.
Off-peak (for skiers): Late January through early March
Off-peak (for hikers): Spring through late April to early May
Photo: Getty/Andrew Rowat/The Image Bank
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11) Outer Banks, North Carolina
During the summer, the Outer Banks is chockablock with tourists and sun-worshiping families. Off-peak, when kids are in school and the weather is just so-so, the Outer Banks can be a welcome respite for a couple in need of romance and rejuvenation. If you’re more adventurous, plenty of couples love to kite surf over in Cape Hatteras.
During a rainy week in March, my husband and I had restaurants---and beaches---all to ourselves. We even tried to find the famous wild horses (to no avail), but in the process we explored the beauty and mystery that is the edge of the Carolinas.
Off-peak: Late fall to early spring
Photo: Getty/John Greim/Photolibrary
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12) Savannah, Georgia
Ah, Savannah, with its horse-drawn carriages and pre Civil War architecture. It really is a place that can transport you and your partner. Get this: If you need a break from the everyday, Savannah-in-the-off-season may be just the place. The beach at Tybee Island, just a short distance from the center of town, is clear of tourists when it’s off-peak. And the historic downtown is always open for business no matter what time of year. If you’re really feeling the vibe, stay the night on Tybee Island, where you’re guaranteed to truly experience peace and tranquility, and clam digging.
Off-peak: January through early March (don’t go at St. Patrick’s Day) & summer
Photo: Getty/Jung-Pang Wu/Moment
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13) Sedona, Arizona
I’ve never been to Sedona, but I’ve dreamed about it for years. I imagine that being utterly surrounded by all those red rocks could have something of an aphrodisiac effect on your psyche. So, for some get-back-to-nature relaxation, I’d suggest a visit here, and to Red Rock State Park. If you’re in a more meditative mood, why not check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a church that’s actually built into the buttes? Friends who have gone during the off-season rave of leisurely hikes and feeling like they’re at the edge of a world of possibility. How can you not think positive with a perspective like that?
Off-peak: Fall and winter
Photo: Getty/Blooserup/iStock
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14) Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s capital is home to the spectacular Georgia O’Keefe museum and countless funky art galleries and shops. Surrounded by foothills, the town also offers picturesque views and delicious, authentic eats.
We went in November and felt like we had all the best views and hot spots to ourselves. Eating yummy Mexican food gave us energy to wander the winding streets and take in all that dreamy art. At night, the stars were out in full force, making it impossible to be stressed out.
Off-peak: Late fall & winter
Photo: Getty/Dohn Johnson/All Canada Photos
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15) Iowa City, Iowa
Long known for establishing the writers who attend the renowned Iowa writer’s workshop here (at the University of Iowa), this city---familiar for its cornfields and quaint, Colonial architecture---moves at a slower pace than most. It feels “off-peak” most of the year.
In 2008, too, UNESCO designated Iowa City as the world’s third “City of Literature,” and world famous authors flock here to give readings and signings all year long. Most notably, the Prairie Lights bookstore reading series garners some coveted talent. And unlike in busier cities, you won’t have to worry about lines around the block for these events.
Off-peak: Summer months & winter
Photo: Getty/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Serice
