There are good reasons why national parks aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you want a romantic getaway. Packed tour buses, geology lessons, campsite bathrooms and the very notion of “roughing it” just don't set the right mood. It's a shame because national parks are not short on romantic appeal, with sunsets, stargazing, waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, remote beaches, crisp alpine air and a television-free experience that’s invigorating ... even intimacy-boosting. 

 

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up romantic hot spots across eight North American national parks (well, one's really a national recreation area). They don’t all involve camping in the mountains and eating your honeymoon dinner out of a tin can; tropical beaches, fine dining and historic lodges come into play, too. (Text: Matt Hickman)