Any unusual honeymoon destinations?
 

I am being married in October 2004 in Connecticut and we're looking for an unusual (read not a "honeymoon in a box") way to spend our honeymoon. He likes salt water fishing and we both like to browse shops and drink beer. I have very few needs except for the fact I can't relax in huge cities. We both love Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH as well as San Antonio, TX, however, we'd like to try something new with the same type of "friendly city" atmosphere. If it includes the option to do some type of fishing, he'd be that much more inclined to go. Any suggestions??

Sounds like Key West to me! How far are you willing to travel?

Key West wouldn't be too far. I was there for Spring Break 7 years ago and I enjoyed it, however I was shocked at the lack of soft sandy beaches. Would the weather be good in Key West in the 2nd or 3rd week of October, or would they still be in line for tropical storms and hurricanes?? That was my big worry with FLA.

Why don't you look into Pensacola, Florida? It's a small place, but there's still plenty to do in regard to browsing shops and galleries and eating at restaurants. There's even a small village much on the lines of Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, NH. The beaches are beautiful, and yes, you can get some great salt water fishing in.

In regard to tropical storms, we've always had good luck in the fall. Every time we've visited in Sept. or October, it's never been a problem. It is a consideration, of course, but weather is ALWAYS a factor, no matter where you go!

What about South Padre Island, Texas? I've only been once myself, but it was very beautiful--palm trees, orange groves, great beaches. I also saw signs everywhere for fishing trips into the Gulf of Mexico. The border to Mexico is very close, so you could cross over for some interesting shopping, great food etc. Just an idea.
Congratulations on the wedding!

Any suggestions NOT in Florida? Florida seems kind of a mainstream destination for honeymooners, don't you think? What's in Northern CA, or maybe the other Gulf Coast states? Being a New Englander who travels infrequently kind of puts me at a loss as to what exactly is out there. Also, we both LOVE to eat, but prefer excellent casual fare as opposed to starched linens and extensive wine lists. Eating, wandering around and having an occasional "paid admission" type activity sounds great to both of us. Hoping for more helpful replies!!!

How about telling us how many days, how far you are willing to travel, and a budget, so we can be "more helpful". Also, you didn't mention the need for a sandy beach in your initial post. Is that necessary?

Maybe Southern California? I'm not a fisherman but I have seen the charter boats in San Diego and Marina Del Rey. San Diego may give you that friendly city feel you are looking for. I love Portsmouth and Portland (as you can tell from my many posts on those subjects) and my favorite California city is SD. There is so much to do there from outdoor activities to the zoo to Coronado etc etc. You can take the trolley to Tijuana if so inclined. Weather is really great.

Sorry Austin. I didn't mean to imply the suggestions that were offered up thus far were not helpful, I was just hoping for more options.
We'd probably be leaving the 2nd week or 3rd week of October 2004 and travelling for about 7 days. A beach is lovely, but he won't sit and soak up the sun with me. He likes to keep moving (unless he's holding a fishing pole). I'm hoping we would be able to dine on the beach one evening or maybe have a beachfront hotel, but it's not a real priority. Yes, we're on a modest budget, but since we're probably receiving $$ as a wedding gift, we're not sure how frugal we really need to be. Whatever we get I'm sure we'd be avoiding discount hotels in favor of larger ones with more amenities. Any replies are greatly appreciated.

I suggest the Outer Banks of North Carolina or maybe Islamorada in the Upper Keys.

The Pacific Northwest, esp places like the San Juan Islands or other parts of Puget Sound in Washington state. Another good choice would be the coast of British Columbia in Canada or Vancover. Beautiful scenery, small towns, good to great fishing, lots of outdoor activities. I think you could get good food and beer drinking in as well?.Temps would be coolish, in the mid-50s F and a wee bit on the rainy side, but no hurricanes and definitely not a honeymoon in a box!

I was thinking San Diego or the north coast of California. The San Juan Islands sound great too, but I've never been there, so I can't give a recommendation on that.

San Diego is a great city - very much a friendly city atmosphere - very laid back, and casual. If you stay on Coronado Island, you can definitely have a hotel right on the beach. There are also several hotels and resorts in the Mission Beach/Mission Bay area which are on or very close to the water. I'm not much of a fisher, but with a harbor the size of San Diego, I am sure you will be able to find a charter to go out. There is plenty to do in San Diego besides sitting on the beach - the zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, Point Loma, Coronado Island, Seaport Village... And if you like beer, the Karl Straus Brewery Restaurant is right downtown - the Red Trolly Ale is really good and the food is great too. There are also plenty of other pubs downtown.

The north coast of California is also a great possibility. I'd go up to Humboldt Bay and explore that area. I haven't been there in a long time, so I can't give any specific recommendations, but I know it is an absolutely beautiful area, very casual, with lots of outdoor stuff to do. I'm sure you will be able to charter a boat to go fishing. This area isn't urban at all - very small town atmosphere.

How about the Monterey area? It's usually great in October. Or try a mountain honeymoon. I think a condo in the Rockies would be lovely and cozy. Fall is a great time, he could fly fish, you could take a gondola to the top of the mountain and share a bottle of wine (or a beer) while you watch the sun set in the Rockies.

Thanks everyone for the great tips. Now I'll have to collect some brochures via the Internet and see what looks most appealing.

How about Isla Mujeres in Mexico? I did some research on this place awhile back. Small island, lots of local charm, inexpensive, beaches, fishing. Meet up with locals and regulars on the beach for beers...

http://www.isla-mujeres.net/

http://isla-mujeres-mexico.com/

http://www.islamujeresonline.com.mx/

http://www.myislamujeres.com/

I was also going to suggest Mexico. We went to Playa del Carmen in the spring and really liked it. You fly into Cancun and it is about 40 miles south of Cancun. Most hotels are all-inclusive which I think is very nice for a honeymoon. There is a lot to do there. There is fishing, snoreling, a couple of ecological parks (Xcaret, Xel-Ha) and a few ruins (Coba, Chitzenitza, Tulum). The town of Playa is nice. There is some nightlife but it isn't as crazy as Cancun. San Diego is also a great suggestion. I really like La Jolla and Coronado Island.

I would recommend a jar of peanut butter, several bottles of ointment, a flashlight, a tub of ben and jerrys, plastic sheeting, and duct tape. Oh you meant destinations instead of activities.... never mind.

What about St. Augustine, FL? Beaches, neat town to walk, shop, charter deep sea fishing. Need activity? In October, you could head to Jacksonville for a Florida football game, sure there must be lots of bars around campus. Want some romance? Drive up to Savannah, Ga.

Your request has Charleston written all over it. There are numerous sport fishing companies that operate out of Shem Creek, and there are plenty of great shops and pubs downtown to keep you busy the rest of the time. If you stay at Charleston Place or Mills House you can rent carriage for two and take a private tour of the city- if you mention it's your honeymoon they might give you a discount. And Charleston is routinely voted the friendliest city in America by travel magazines. Don't tell everyone else, but October is one of the nicest months to visit- the weather is clear and usually in the 70's, and most of the major tourist traffic has died down, so it's not so crowded or expensive. The only downside is hurricane season- but that could affect many of the suggestions already given- certainly all of Florida or anywhere on the gulf.

Congratulations and have a great honeymoon!

Bird- Are you recommending based on personal experience??