Want to sweep your sweetheart off his or her feet? From the inside of a gondola in Italy to a picturesque coastline in California and iconic attractions in Paris, there are plenty of romantic destinations to give your loved one a big smooch. It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to do it, you can head to any of these amazing spots around the world to enjoy an unforgettable romantic kiss.
The Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
In the city that seems as if it was designed just for lovers, there are many great spots for a romantic kiss. like the Promenade Plantee, especially in spring or summer, when all the flowers and greenery are in full bloom, and one of the many charming nooks and hideaways in the Montmartre neighborhood that are ideal for a romantic rendezvous. You could, and should, enjoy a smooch on its ancient bridge, Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge on the Seine River and a popular spot for romance ever since it opened more than 400 years ago, but heading to the Eiffel Tower is really a must. Take the elevator to the third level where you can enjoy a true “French” kiss overlooking the city. It would make the ultimate finale for any couples trip to Paris.
Lovers Point State Marine Reserve - Pacific Grove, California
The name Lovers Point is romantic enough as it is, but throw in its dramatic coastline setting and it certainly takes things up a notch. It’s consistently named one of the most romantic places for a wedding, with countless ceremonies taking place every year enjoying the dazzling Pacific as the backdrop. One of the best ways to enjoy an unforgettable kiss here is to arrive just before dawn. As it faces east, this is one of the only spots on the west coast where you watch the sunrise over the water. Plus, the only company you’re likely to have are the sea otters and the sea lions that frequent the shore.
Bridge of Sighs - Venice, Italy
Built in the early 17th century, Venice’s legendary Bridge of Sighs with its curved profile, suspended over the Rio di Palazzo, is famous around the world as one of Venice’s most iconic spots. It was intended to connect the Old Prison and interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison, which was situated directly across the river. Its name refers to the last breath of soon-to-be prisoners in the free world, as once convicted in the kingdom of Dogi, they could never return. Today, its symbol is more romantic as one of the most popular attractions with couples. Legend says that if a couple passes underneath it, their love will last forever. Thus, the “sighs” are said to come from lovers who are overwhelmed by the incredible romance that oozes from the entire scene.
The Empire State Building - New York, New York
If you want to have your own “Affair to Remember,” or recreate that unforgettable last scene in “Sleepless in Seattle,” enjoy a kiss at this iconic New York City landmark. As it gets extremely busy, it’s best experienced by skipping the rush and heading up late – very late, as in after midnight if possible.
Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco. California
If you want to leave your heart in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is the quintessential place to do it. Take a stroll hand-in-hand across it, where you’ll enjoy magnificent vistas of the Pacific, Alcatraz Island and the city skyline before stopping in the middle for a kiss. But you should also enjoy one from afar, with the bridge as your backdrop on Baker Beach. While most S.F. Bay Area beaches tend to be packed with people, this one is an exception. It’s managed to escape the well-beaten path, with lots of private little nooks where you can cozy up together while gazing at the bridge.
Juliet's Balcony - Verona, Italy
This one is pretty obvious. It’s the very place that Shakespeare’s star-crossed sweethearts declared their undying love. If ever there was ever a perfect spot for a kiss, where better than the site of the greatest love story ever told? While the house itself doesn’t exactly have an actual connection to William Shakespeare, that little detail shouldn’t deter you from this essential love pilgrimage. Couples of all ages have sworn their eternal love here in memory of the bard’s play. Admittedly, the two main characters never existed, and Shakespeare never even set foot in Verona, but when the city bought the house of Juliet from the Dal Capello family more than a century ago, as the name was so similar, they declared the house to be the family residence of the Capuleti family and it’s stuck ever since. Kiss beneath it before parting, and hopefully not with such sweet sorrow.
Makena Beach State Park - Maui, Hawaii
There are few better places on Earth to kiss as the sun goes down than on the silky soft golden sands of the beaches at Makena Beach State Park. The sunsets at the edge of the crystal-clear turquoise waters here are renowned as some of the most glorious on Earth. As there is a little reef in the area, the sandy bottom shines up through the water, making for an especially breathtaking scene. The name Makena itself alludes to what awaits, it refers to a true beauty considered to be one of God’s greatest creations. Head to Makena Cove and you’ll be more likely to find a more private spot – the dramatic combination of sand, surf and rocks also make for some spectacular photos for recording your memories here.
Fairy Pools - Isle of Skye, Scotland
One of the most jaw-dropping places on the planet, the Isle of Skye features a fantasy-like landscape that appears as if it was painted right into the sky, and its enchanting Fairy Pools, a series of flowing pools that cascade down the River Brittle with crystalline, azure waters, is one of the best places for a picnic, and a kiss. You’ll feel as if you’re in your own fairytale on the banks of the pools – and if you dare, you can jump into the refreshing but chilly waters for an especially unforgettable smooch. There are many other spots around the island to steal a kiss too, like atop the majestic Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr, in a hidden corner at Dunvegan Castle or one of the beautiful coral beaches.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The ultimate romantic destination, with its gorgeous beaches, glistening lakes, magnificent waterfalls, soaring mountains and lush rolling hills, there is no shortage of perfect places to kiss in Ireland. But the dramatic Cliffs of Moher surely offers one of the best spots, especially when you can get there early in the morning to enjoy that spectacular view of the endless Atlantic, the Aran Islands and even the Connemara Mountains in the distance, all to yourselves. Making it even more romantic, as if you’re starring in your own romantic film, you can listen to the sounds of the beautiful Celtic harp played at the edge of the cliff and be serenaded by ballads from guitarists along with the songs of the birds.
Rick's Cafe - Casablanca, Morocco
Rick’s Cafe was made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the 1942 classic film, “Casablanca.” Of course, Rick’s was pure fiction, but a little over a decade ago American expat Kathy Kriger opened up a restaurant with the same name. Inspired by the movie, it comes complete with a player piano and Casablanca-esque decor It’s the ideal spot for a fabulous meal and kissing as if it were really the very last time. Those who’ve experienced it say that it’s a must as a very “special place,” that feels like an oasis in North Africa as if you’re transported right into the 1940s.
