12 Epic Adventures for Couples in the US

One of the most incredible things about the United States is its diversity. America has everything from vast national parks and mountain ranges to romantic seaside towns and bustling cities. As such, millions of couples visit the country yearly to see the sights, explore the countryside, and relax on the beach.

However, choosing what to do first is a challenge, with there being so many exciting things to do. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find a list of 12 epic adventures for couples in the US. The entries on our list were selected because they offer thrills, laughs, and unique experiences. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Drive Along Route 66, Central America

The first United States adventure on our list is a road trip along the iconic Route 66. This famous American road spans 2,448 miles (3,340 kilometers) of picturesque Central American landscape. The route starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California.

Along Route 66, you can expect impressive landscapes featuring deserts, coastlines, canyons, fascinating landmarks, and national parks begging you to explore. Therefore, you’ll never be too far from your next adventure, whether hiking, camping, viewpoint hunting, or landmark exploring. Notable points of interest on Route 66 include Petrified Forest National Park, Cadillac Ranch, the Mojave Desert, and the Painted Desert.

Cage Dive With Sharks, Hawaii

Top Spots For Extreme Sports Dive With Sharks, North Queensland, Australia — © VisionDive / Adobe Stock

An easy way to get your heart racing and blood pumping during your American trip is to hop in a small cage and dive with sharks. Many people don’t realize shark cage diving is popular in the United States, opting to try it in countries like South Africa instead. However, you can find shark cage diving companies in Hawaii, Florida, and California.

In fact, in Hawaii, some companies offer cageless shark diving tours, allowing you to get even closer to one of the ocean’s top predators. We’d prefer to stick to the cage for now, just to be on the safe side. Most Hawaiian shark cage diving tours depart from Oahu’s North Shore. During a tour, you might spot sandbar sharks and Galapagos sharks.

Find the Grand Canyon’s Best Viewpoints, Arizona

Unique outdoor honeymoon ideas Backpacking in The Grand Canyon — © kravka / Adobe Stock Photo

The United States will serve you well if you love the great outdoors. At every turn, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes that offer countless adventures. Arguably, the best place to start is the Grand Canyon, where you’ll discover otherworldly rock formations, mesmerizing viewpoints, challenging hiking trails, and exciting outdoor experiences.

The Grand Canyon spans approximately 277 miles (445 kilometers) and is, on average, 10 miles (16 kilometers) wide, so there are many places to explore. For the best views of the canyon, head to Mather Point. Meanwhile, if you want to take on a hiking trail, the 8.8-mile (14-kilometer) Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular. Consider a kayaking, river rafting, and helicopter tour at the canyon for something that gets the blood pumping.

Go Cliff Camping in Estes Park, Colorado

Adventure enthusiasts seeking a unique adventure in America should head to Estes Park, where they can camp on the side of a cliff. Honestly, the thought of sleeping on a porta-ledge hanging off a cliff is the stuff of nightmares for me, but the views of the park’s rugged landscape look exceptional.

Estes Park is a small town in Northern Colorado with a big personality. Known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, it offers spectacular viewpoints, challenging hiking trails, and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities. You’ll be spoiled by the park’s best views from your little ledge. Kent Mountain Adventure Center operates Cliff camping experiences in Estes Park.

Base Jump in Twin Falls, Idaho

In Twin Falls, Idaho, adrenaline junkies can base jump off Perrine Bridge, almost 500 feet (152 meters) above the Snake River. Part cliff jumping and part skydiving, base jumping is about as scary and extreme as it gets because the lower-altitude launching points give you less time to deploy your parachute.

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However, despite the risks, experienced instructors make base jumping in Twin Falls accessible to everyone. Therefore, you can participate as a beginner by signing up for a tandem jump. This adrenaline-charged activity is undoubtedly one you and your better half won’t forget in a hurry, so what are you waiting for? Book your base jumping ticket and head to Twin Falls.

Visit Niagara Falls on the Maid of the Mist, New York State

The next American adventure on our list is suited to travelers who want to experience one of the nation’s most iconic attractions in a unique way while enjoying a more laid-back adventure. Niagara Falls isn’t the tallest or most powerful waterfall in the world, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous.

Between New York State and Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls offers visitors three impressive waterfalls. The tallest is Horseshoe Falls, standing at 188 feet (57 meters). On the Maid of the Mist boat trip, you can get so close to the falls that you’ll feel its spray. Don’t worry, you’ll be given a poncho when you board so you don’t get too wet.

Explore Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

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Regarding outdoor adventures in the United States, Yellowstone is about as good as it gets. This iconic national park, mainly in Wyoming, is almost 3,500 square miles (9,064 square kilometers) and is best known for its boiling geysers, lush forests, scenic alpine rivers, and beautiful wildlife.

In Yellowstone National Park, there are many things for adventure-seeking couples to do, including wildlife watching, hiking, and climbing. On a wildlife-watching trip, you can spot bears, bison, wolves, antelope, and elk. Meanwhile, the Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail is an excellent option for seeing the park’s best sights on a walk. Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in Yellowstone.

Hike a 14er, Colorado

For those who don’t know what a 14er is, let us explain. A 14er is a mountain that is at least 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) tall. As you would expect, tackling mountains of this size isn’t easy, but most are attainable for anyone in good shape. You should climb a 14er in Colorado because you have many options.

According to Colorado.com, 58 peaks exceed 14,000 feet in elevation in the Centennial State, so you’re spoilt for choice. However, some peaks stand out more than others, including the tallest: Mount Elbert. At 14,440 feet (4,401 meters), Mount Elbert is the highest summit in the Rocky Mountains. Other famous 14ers in Colorado include the Sunshine Peak, Pikes Peak, and the Longs Peak.

Look for Brown Bears in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Things To Do in the US_Watch Brown Bears Catch Salmon in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska — © Patrick / Adobe Stock

Alaska is a beautiful part of the world, famed for its dense forest landscapes, towering mountain peaks, and vast glaciers. However, the Last Frontier is best known for its fascinating wildlife, which includes the beautiful brown bear. In Katmai National Park and Preserve, wildlife-loving adventurers can get closer to the brown bear than ever before.

At Brook Falls, Katmai’s enormous brown bear population gathers to catch salmon. Watching the brown bears catch their salmon is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget. Sometimes, you can see 10+ bears feeding. To offer visitors the best viewing experience, the preserve has installed a boardwalk and viewpoint platform alongside the falls. If you feel brave, you can camp overnight at Brook Camp.

Swim With Manatees, Florida

Another fabulous wildlife experience in the United States is swimming with manatees. Often called sea cows or sirenians, manatees are large, slow-moving animals that frequent coastal waters and rivers. Despite being an endangered species, it’s believed there are at least 8,350 in Florida, and as long as you’re careful, you can swim with them.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, people can swim with manatees in Crystal River and Kings Bay. However, they must follow strict rules and avoid areas with signs that read “NO ENTRY-MANATEE REFUGE.” You must also keep your distance and never touch the manatees. Swimming with the manatees in Florida is a fantastic way to experience American wildlife.

Visit a Glacier, Alaska

No trip to Alaska is complete without visiting one of the many glaciers. Glaciers are one of the Last Frontier’s most prized possessions, so it would be rude for us not to see at least one during our American trips. According to Travel Alaska, there are more than 27,000 glaciers in Alaska, so you’re not short of options.

However, some places are better to visit than others. For example, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, home to Mendenhall Glacier, is one of the most accessible glacier destinations in the country. Here, visitors can walk on the glaciers, take photographs from a boat tour, and look out for wildlife. What’s not to like?

Get Lost in the Big Apple, New York

Not every epic adventure in the United States has to take place in the wilderness. Sometimes, the best adventures can be found in the city, especially in New York. New York is a fascinating city famed for its lush parks, impressive skyscrapers, unique traditions, and lively streets. You can see what most of the city offers in just a few days.

Start your adventure in Manhattan, New York’s most famous borough. You’ll find many world-famous attractions here, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. Other significant points of interest you don’t want to miss in New York include the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.