The Southwest United States provides beautiful romantic experiences for a couple’s getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary. With mild winter temperatures and amazing resorts, you’ll want to consider one of our five romantic places in the Southwest, all with a wow factor, for your next romantic getaway.

San Antonio’s River Walk

Strolling hand in hand, perhaps with a margarita, down San Antonio’s beautiful River Walk is romantic whether it is an early morning walk or a late evening dining adventure. The River Walk, hidden below the streets of San Antonio, is a lush paradise with tropical plants, romantic bridges, and even an island where your wedding vows can be exchanged. It’s easy to understand why this is one of our top five romantic places in the Southwest.

Strolling along the San Antonio River Walk or relaxing on a boat ride makes for a romantic outing. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

You can walk along and hear the strains of Mariachi music and Peruvian flute ensembles. At night, musicians serenade you from boats floating down the river.

River Walk Mariachis serenade visitors in San Antonio. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When you tire of walking, grab lunch at a riverside bistro or take one of the narrated river cruises.

Enjoy a Margarita at a riverside bistro or hop aboard a riverboat for a narrated cruise. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The River Walk restaurants range from high-end continental cuisines such as Boudro’s Texas Bistro to fun and funky homestyle Mexican at Casa Rio.

Just steps from the River Walk, you’ll find the iconic Casa Rio. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

To complete your romantic getaway, stay at one of the hotels right on the River Walk. The Omni La Mansion del Rio is a very charming historic hotel. Nearby, find the Menger Hotel, a historic hotel across the street from the famed Alamo. Other Wander favorites in San Antonio include Hotel Valencia Riverwalk and The St. Anthony. Want to know more about San Antonio? We have more articles on Wander about our favorite things to do in San Antonio.

Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is full of Romantic B&Bs and Inns, making it another ideal choice for one of our top five romantic places in the Southwest. You’ll find historic homes dotted on the ranch property of Texas Ranch Life. You can rent a historic house and even get married in their little chapel.

The 1869 House at Texas Ranch Life. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Texas Ranch Life is located between Houston and Austin and is a real working ranch that is home to quarter horses, American bison, and one of the country’s largest registered Texas Longhorn herds.

Texas Ranch Life is a world-renowned working ranch-resort. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

If you want to stay where you can dine, shop, and enjoy some small-town atmosphere, I’d suggest Fredericksburg, which was founded by German settlers and retains a European atmosphere. Fredericksburg is close to the Texas Wine Country and the romantic wineries offer tastings and opportunities for romantic picnics. Becker Vineyards is a great stop where you can combine a visit to the lavender fields with a wine luncheon.

The winemaker at Becker Vineyards describes one of their award-winning wines. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Fredericksburg offers many interesting little places to stay in town or in the country. You can find a romantic stay in Fredericksburg that best suits your needs.

The streets of Fredericksburg are filled with country charm, art galleries, antique shops, and casual dining. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

While you are in Fredericksburg, shop their historic main street, visit the world-class WWII museum, or take a trip out to Wildseed Farms to stock up on wildflower seeds and tour the gardens. If you are lucky enough to be in Fredericksburg during the wildflower season, you’ll be amazed at the show of flowers. The nearby wildflower drive, Willow City Loop,  can be bumper to bumper as it is one of the most noted places for wildflowers in the state of Texas.

Hill Country is popping with Texas Bluebonnets in the spring. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Another fun place to stay in the Hill Country is The Trois Estate near Enchanted Rock Park. It’s fun to wander the grounds which will remind you of a Tuscan village. Breakfasts are provided in a basket for your room. After breakfast, consider hiking Enchanted Rock in the state park which is just across the road. Be sure to check out more great Texas destinations on Wander.

The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas draws visitors year-round who like to hike to the top. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Sedona, Arizona

The red rocks of Sedona are made for lovers, so it definitely is one of our top five romantic places in the Southwest. With majestic rock formations, mystical vortexes, fine dining, upscale resorts, and quaint shopping areas, you’ll enjoy a getaway to remember.

The romance of Sedona begins with the mysterious red rocks. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

There are some very nice resorts in Sedona that, coupled with their spa services, ensure a romantic retreat. Try L’Auberge de Sedona Resort and Spa right on Oak Creek. L’Auberge has a fine dining restaurant and on warm days, you can be seated right next to the creek!

Dining by the rushing waters of Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

While in Sedona, enjoy spending an afternoon at Tlaquepaque Shopping Village. The setting is reminiscent of Old Mexico.

Walk into the plaza at Tlaquepaque in Sedona, and you’ll fee the vibe of old Mexico. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

There are many good art galleries in Sedona. I particularly like The James Ratliff Gallery at Hillside Plaza and, for authentic Native American art, check out Garland’s on 89A across from Tlaquepaque. As far as fine dining, you’ll have so many choices. Reds Sedona Grill at the Sedona Rouge Hotel has excellent fresh cuisine and a wine list featuring local wines. Mariposa brings the beauty of the Sedona red rocks inside to an elegant setting serving Latin American-inspired cuisine by noted chef Lisa Dahl.

Butterfly orb at the entry to Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

During the day, you can tour the nearby Verde Valley Wine Trail and taste some marvelous local wine.

Page Springs Winery has a tasting room with a deck overlooking the vineyards, perfect for a romantic picnic. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

For a fun experience, drive to the top of Airport Mesa, enjoy the sunset over Sedona and stop by the Mesa Grill for a casual bite to eat where the pilots dine. One of the best ways to experience those red rocks of Sedona is on a Pink Jeep Tour. This is a great way for the two of you to get into the beautiful Arizona wilderness and experience the magic of Sedona.

Pink Jeep Tours Sedona. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, “The City Different,” is steeped in history and romance and is an easy choice for our top romantic places in the Southwest. Some of the top places to stay are located around the historic Plaza and all are romantic retreats. Of this list, I would say that La Posada de Santa Fe tops my list for the most romantic.

La Posada de Santa Fe is a romantic hotel in the heart of Santa Fe. Photo courtesy La Posada de Santa Fe

The resort is filled with curated original art, much of it for sale. There is an on-site spa and marvelous places to dine. A wonderful gathering place is the lounge at The Staab House. Located within the Inn’s main building, this historic home has a warm and inviting lounge with fireplaces and scheduled live music.

Entrance to the Staab House Lounge off of the colorful patio dining area at La Posada de Santa Fe. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

With fine restaurants, top-notch shopping, and art galleries, you may never want to leave the Plaza area of Santa Fe.

The Friday gallery openings around the Plaza lead you to world-class art. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Wander writers love Santa Fe, so be sure to see more of what you can see and do during your visit to the romantic town of Santa Fe, NM.

Tucson Mountain Resorts

Tucson, Arizona provides a myriad of romantic escapes for golf lovers, wanna-be cowboys, and those who just want to soak in the desert beauty and warmth. After you make a visit to this beautiful desert escape about two hours south of Phoenix, it’s easy to see why we include Tucson in our list of the top romantic places in the Southwest. The beautiful Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is an ideal place for a romantic getaway. With superior service, you will be pampered from the beginning to the end of your stay.  The Ritz-Carlton has several excellent restaurants… the CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar and Cayton’s Burger Bistro at the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course provide guests with a range of choices.

The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain takes full advantage of the desert mountain setting. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is designed to bring the healing aspects of nature indoors and promote relaxation in a serene environment. The spa has 14 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms (including suites for couples and small groups), a marvelous serenity spa pool, a clothing-optional outdoor spa tub with a fireplace and courtyard, and the ever-present views of the mountains.

Spa Pool at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is an older resort and, like the Ritz-Carlton, takes advantage of the desert setting and view. The resort is in the Catalina Mountain foothills, yet you can be in downtown Tucson within a half-hour or take a hike in beautiful Sabino Canyon nearby.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is located in the foothills with a view of Tucson and the surrounding mountains. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

If you want to experience the old West and retain all the luxury and romance of the finer resorts, try a stay at a romantic guest ranch. Also located in Tucson is the White Stallion Ranch.

At the White Stallion Ranch, you can ride where some of the old westerns were filmed. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

You can ride in the desert with your sweetie and end the day in the resort’s saloon where the bar is surrounded by real saddles doubling as bar stools. The resort’s ranch-style rooms are more than comfortable and treatment at their day spa will soothe your aching muscles.

At the White Stallion Ranch, you’ll have your own little desert casita. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When You Head for Romantic Places in the Southwest

A trip to the Southwest U.S. is romantic in itself. With history, culture, and natural beauty, you’ll enjoy exploring the lands and historic cities of the Southwest. If you have your loved one at your side, that exploring can bring even more joy. For more information on romantic places in the Southwest and beyond, see these stories by Wander writers.