5 Incredible Honeymoon Destinations for Active Travelers
Written by Curator Kari Thirsk, owner of Wedding Day Chicago
As a wedding coordinator, one of my favorite topics of conversation with couples—besides weddings, of course—is travel. I love hearing where my couples are honeymooning. While some newlyweds opt for a relaxing, toes-in the-sand getaway after the whirlwind of wedding planning, I’ve noticed a trend: more and more couples are seeking adventure on their honeymoons. They want to explore, experience, and stay active—but with a little indulgence, too.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 5 incredible honeymoon destinations around the world that offer the perfect blend of adventure and romance.
South Africa
If you’re looking for a destination that truly has it all—stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, world-class wine, and incredible food—South Africa should be at the top of your list.
Start in Cape Town, a vibrant city nestled between mountains and ocean. Stay at the Atlantic Boutique Hotel in Camps Bay, which offers breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s set near a
nature reserve, perfect for morning hikes, while still being close to beaches, bars, and restaurants.
While in Cape Town, spend a day driving along the coast, stopping at Boulders Beach to see the famous penguins, and continuing to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, where you might spot baboons, antelopes, and even zebras. Another must-do is a wine-tasting day in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Constantia—South Africa’s wine regions offer some of the best wines in the world.
For history lovers, a visit to Robben Island is a moving experience. This former prison, where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years, offers important insight into South Africa’s past.
And of course, no trip to South Africa is complete without a safari! A short flight from Cape Town, Kruger National Park offers unforgettable game drives where you can spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. Imagine waking up and enjoying your morning coffee with a lion roaring in the distance or an elephant going for a morning stroll.
We opted to stay a little closer to Cape Town, by taking a quick flight to George and staying at the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. The resort grounds were stunning, the food delicious, and service outstanding. There’s also a well equipped gym for those who want to keep up with their daily exercise routine, as well as a luxury spa-because, well, its your honeymoon! Our daily safari guide, Silas, added an extra touch to the trip. We were all sad to say goodbye to him on our last day-he truly made the experience special.
The location of Botlierskop allowed us to partake in multiple safari game drives while also enjoying the coastal towns along the famous South African Garden Route. We didn’t have time to travel the entire Garden Route (a great reason to return!), so this was the perfect compromise. We took a day off from safari and hired a driver to explore some of the surrounding towns. One highlight was renting a yacht and sailing around Knysna Bay.
South Africa has opposite seasons to the North America. If you want to visit during their summer season, this is when you will find warmer temps and dryer weather. Although, winter is when the cooler, conditions are ideal for viewing big game.
Best Time to Visit:
• September-October: Best for safaris and whale watching
• March-May: Great weather, fewer crowds, wine harvest season • November-March: Best for beaches
Why You’ll Love It:
✔ A mix of adventure, history, and relaxation
✔ Stunning coastal drives and mountain hikes
✔ Unforgettable wildlife experiences
Japan
For a honeymoon that blends culture, adventure, and world-class cuisine, Japan is an incredible choice. Thanks to its efficient bullet train system, it’s easy to explore multiple cities in one trip, giving you a well-rounded experience of the country.
Start your journey in Tokyo, the world’s largest city, where you can enjoy a Michelin-starred restaurant or explore hidden culinary gems for an intimate and authentic dining experience. If you visit during cherry blossom season, take a romantic stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen or along the Meguro River. During the day, explore historic sites like Senso-ji Temple, take a cruise down the Sumida River, and end your evening with sunset drinks at a rooftop bar in Shibuya. If you have time, take a day trip to Hakone. From here you will get stunning views of Mount Fuji. Hakone offers a peaceful escape from Tokyo’s fast paced energy.
From Tokyo, take the bullet train to Kyoto (2.5 hours). Stay in a traditional ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) with a private onsen for a romantic touch. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine (go at sunrise to avoid crowds), stroll through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, and take a romantic boat ride along the Hozugawa River. A day trip to Nara offers the chance to see the impressive Todaiji Temple and feed the friendly deer in Nara Park.
Next, head to Osaka (a quick 30-minute train ride). Explore Osaka Castle, discover the city’s trendy cafés in Nakazakicho, and indulge in Japanese BBQ (yakiniku) or dine at a cozy speakeasy bar.
For history and breathtaking scenery, take the train to Hiroshima (1.5 hours). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and take a ferry to Miyajima Island, where you can witness the famous Uloating torii gate at sunset.
Wrap up your trip back in Tokyo with a relaxing day at an onsen spa and a bit of last-minute shopping before heading home.
Best Time to Visit:
• Late March-April: for cherry blossoms
• Mid-October-November: for fall foliage
• December-February: for skiing and hot springs
Why You’ll Love It:
✔ A seamless blend of culture, adventure, and food
✔ Efficient trains make it easy to explore multiple cities
✔ Romantic ryokans and breathtaking landscapes
Iceland
If you’re craving rugged landscapes, geothermal wonders, and outdoor adventures, Iceland is an unforgettable honeymoon destination.
If you’re short on time, Reykjavik makes a great home base. From here, take a day trip along the Golden Circle to visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Spend another day soaking in the Blue Lagoon (perfect for unwinding after all that hiking!).
For a truly immersive experience, rent a car and circle the entire island. This is the best way to experience Iceland’s whale watching, volcanic tours, lava caves, and hot springs. Don’t miss the charming town of Akureyri, where colorful streets, cozy cafés, and easy access to fjords make it a perfect stop.
If you visit in the summer, you will get almost 24 hours of daylight, which really allows you to explore and conquer. If you visit in the winter, you will barely have any sunshine. And while this will limit a lot of the activities around the island that Iceland has to offer, it is also the best time to visit and see the stunning Northern Lights.
Best Time to Visit:
• June-August: for hiking, road trips, waterfalls, wildlife (puffins, whales) • September-March: for Northern Lights
Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Endless daylight in summer for non-stop adventure
✔ Unique geothermal experiences and breathtaking scenery ✔ The perfect mix of relaxation and exploration
Banff National Park, Canada
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Lake Louise, you know why Banff National Park is one of the most breathtaking honeymoon destinations in the world. The turquoise waters, dramatic peaks, and endless hiking trails make it a dream spot for adventurous couples.
Stay in the charming town of Banff, where you can choose from cozy mountain lodges to the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs, a historic castle-like hotel with incredible views.
In the warmer months you can spend your days hiking, canoeing, and spotting wildlife, and in the evenings, unwind at the natural Banff Upper Hot Springs. Don’t miss a scenic drive along the IceUields Parkway, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. In the winter, the skiing in Banff is some of the best in the world. In addition to Skiing, you can also go snow shoeing (my favorite),
snowboarding, cross country skiing, ice skating on Lake Louise, and dog sledding. There is so much to do in Banff!
Best Time to Visit:
• June-September: for warm weather, clear skies, hiking, and spotting wildlife
• December-February: for winter sports
Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Stunning scenery straight out of a postcard
✔ Outdoor adventures from hiking to hot springs to skiing and more ✔ A perfect mix of rustic charm and luxury
Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is always a great honeymoon choice, but if you’re looking for romance and adventure, Kauai is the island to visit. With its lush jungles, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs, it feels like stepping into a movie set. No matter how much I travel, this is the one place I could return to over and over again. My advice is to split your time and stay half of your honeymoon on the North Shore and then half on the South Shore. Each side offer distinct experiences, with it’s own charm.
Start your trip on the North Shore, where you can kayak the Hanalei River, hike the Kalalau Trail, and snorkel at Tunnels Beach. The North Shore is known for it’s lush, tropical landscapes, dramatic mountains, and secluded beaches. It has a laid-back vibe with local boutiques, food trucks, and a strong surf culture. However, this side of the island gets more rain, which keeps this it beautiful, but can be unpredictable, especially in the winter.
Then, head to the South Shore, where you can explore Waimea Canyon (“The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), take a helicopter tour over Jurassic Falls, and relax at a luxury resort like the Grand Hyatt Kauai. A boat tour along the Na Pali Coast is a must—it’s one of the most breathtaking coastal scenes in the world. The South Shore is known for it’s drier and sunnier climate, year round, making it ideal for beachgoers. This side of the island is home to luxury resorts, golf courses, and spas.
Make sure to check out a luau before you head back to the mainland. No trip to Hawaii is complete without a luau.
Best Time to Visit:
• April-June and September-November: for great weather, fewer crowds and lower prices
Why You’ll Love It:
✔ A tropical paradise with adventure at every turn
✔ Stunning landscapes and world-class snorkeling
✔ The perfect balance of activity and relaxation
Final Thoughts
For couples who want more than just a beach honeymoon, these destinations offer the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence. Whether you’re hiking in South Africa, sailing the Na Pali Coast or searching for secluded beaches in Kauai, hopping on a train around the country of Japan, chasing waterfalls in Iceland, or exploring the mountains of Banff, your honeymoon should be just as exciting as your love story.
Where will your next adventure take you?