The Romantic Escape Atlas: Curacao Beaches, Florida Hideaways & New England Fall

Start with a relaxed swim in this small cove. A scuba dive center and roped-off swimming area make it an easy first beach stop.

Swim with sea turtles from shore without booking a tour. Stay away from the dock, observe from a respectful distance, and never touch or harass the turtles. Lounge chairs are available to rent.

A quiet snorkeling stop with abundant fish and occasional turtles. The beach is also known for cliff jumping, but the cliffs are high, so exercise caution.

Make this the west-coast anchor: exceptionally blue water, strong snorkeling and a more accessible section for cautious cliff jumping. Finish with a mango smoothie and locally made banana bread overlooking the lagoon.

Add the smaller neighboring cove on the same road for an easy comparison with Grote Knip. It has clear water and visitor facilities.

End the beach sequence at this broad, palm-lined and usually quiet swimming beach. It is better suited to relaxing than snorkeling.

Wander the pastel Dutch colonial center, shops and restaurants, then photograph the Curacao sign. Time your visit around the opening of the Queen Emma Bridge if possible.

Snorkel from shore to the shallow sunken tugboat, roughly a ten-minute swim away. Gear can be rented on site. Watch your route around the oil rig and docks, then explore the coral beneath the pylons.

Stop after Tugboat Beach at this cliffside fort for water views and a compact historical visit.

Reserve this as a full boat day: the uninhabited island is about two hours each way, with pristine water and a lighthouse in the island interior.

For the full luxury version, choose the Superior Beachfront Pool Suite: a private pool, outdoor soaking tub, direct ocean access and a sunset-facing private beach. The resort also offers two private islands and a calm swimming lagoon.

Book the toes-in-the-sand Culinary Beach Restaurant or water-view Sunset Deck Restaurant. Menus change daily; notable dishes include Caesar salad, burger sliders, crostini, burrata, truffle pasta, tiramisu and bao buns. Tell the chef about dietary restrictions before arrival.

Choose the private garden king bungalow rather than paying extra for beachfront unless direct beach frontage is essential. Expect an outdoor shower, soaking tub, two pools, hot tubs, bikes, all-inclusive dining and top-shelf drinks.

Base here if you want Caribbean-style beaches and an adults-only resort section. The public beach access is limited, so a beachfront resort is the practical choice; the South Beach access has paid parking.

Take the long walk around the lagoon to reach the Gulf beach; the route is over half a mile each way. Know this before arriving so the access does not surprise you.

Use this quieter island for shelling, a romantic drive through the wildlife refuge and a slower pace along its single main road. Captiva is even quieter and has more pristine beaches.

Make a dinner reservation at this whimsical Captiva restaurant, especially if visiting during a busy period.

For a quieter old-Florida base, stay at this historic resort in the heart of Boca Grande. Explore the island on foot because parking is limited and a bridge toll applies.

Use this uncrowded public beach for white sand, clear emerald water and a more natural setting without surrounding buildings. The National Park Service manages the beach and an entrance fee applies.

Choose this peaceful public beach for fewer crowds and beautiful water. The fishing pier costs a few dollars and provides elevated views over the shoreline.

Visit around two to three hours before or after high tide for the clearest water. Combine the sandbar with waterfront browsing at HarborWalk Village and a natural beach stop at Henderson Beach State Park.

This community is ideal for walking and cycling, with European-inspired architecture and a romantic village atmosphere. Beach access is limited unless you stay in the community; The Pearl is the featured hotel choice.

Explore this whitewashed, Greek-island-inspired community for courtyards, towers, restaurants and a cold-pressed juice from Raw & Juicy. Beach access requires staying in the community, and bookings are made through the community website rather than third-party platforms.

For a quieter 30A base, stay near Inlet Beach and snorkel Grouper Reef, an artificial fish-shaped reef roughly 970 feet offshore in 12 to 21 feet of water. Summer of 42 is the featured private-pool rental.

Begin with a walkable, highly photogenic downtown and nearby covered bridges. Red Covered Bridge and Goldbrook Covered Bridge are the featured stops, while Cold Hollow Cider Mill is the treat stop. The Trapp Lodge is the suggested lodging or grounds visit.

Drive Route 5A along this quiet glacial lake, stopping for shoreline views, hiking or a beach break. The cliffs reflect dramatically in the deep blue water during foliage season.

Combine apple picking, pumpkin selection, cider and cider donuts at this locally owned orchard. Continue to A.M. Foster Covered Bridge and Bailey Hazen Road for additional foliage.

Wander the picturesque downtown and its central covered bridge. Try maple donuts at Farmer and the Bell, then visit On the Edge Farm for pies. Book the Woodstock Inn early because this is one of the state's busiest fall destinations.

Choose this under-visited Northeast Kingdom town for lakeside scenery and a maple creamy from Sweet Scoops. It is a useful quieter alternative when Stowe or Woodstock is crowded.

Take the dramatic pass drive through massive boulders, noting that sections are tight and single-lane. Pair it with the Mount Mansfield gondola for elevated foliage views.

Allow a full scenic-drive day for this roughly 34-mile byway. Work east-to-west through Albany Covered Bridge, Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge, Hancock Overlook, Otter Rocks and Lincoln Woods. Fill the tank and pack food before entering.

Take Trail 50 for the steep ascent to a narrow rocky outcrop with a 700-foot drop and broad foliage views. Wear shoes with traction and stay well back from the edge.

Stop at this historic orchard and farm stand for cider donuts, pumpkins, locally made goods and frozen cider. It is especially convenient as a stop when arriving from Boston or Manchester.

Take the short but steep half-mile round-trip hike over rocks to the famous panoramic viewpoint. It is busy, but the overlook can still produce clear photographs without other people in frame.

Walk the wooden boardwalk through granite walls, rushing water and waterfalls, crossing two historic covered bridges along the way. This is one of the most photogenic paid natural attractions in the region.

Drive this mountain pass for pullouts, foliage and hiking. The nearby Omni Mount Washington Resort is the suggested historic lodging or scenic visit even for travelers who do not stay overnight.