Readers of USA TODAY and 10Best voted a surprising destination into 1st place in our Readers' Choice contest for Most Romantic North American City. A hearty congratulation goes out to St. Paul, Minnesota , which won while wearing its winter wonderland look. St. Paul took an early lead and never relinquished the top spot.

Jaw-dropping views, tropical temperatures, cultural surprises ... and the lure of the Pacific Ocean. It all adds up to a near-perfect setting for romance. Couples have a trip of a lifetime when they go to Hawaii, and Honolulu offers them activities as diverse as water sports, garden tours and sexy nightlife. Photo courtesy of Spondylolithesis/iStock

A regular award-winner for its romantic merits, lovely Charleston is practically heaving with southern charm. Massive oaks shade this historic coastal city, with its gracious antebellum homes and lush gardens. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down cobblestone streets, past one beautiful church after another. Photo courtesy of Ron Cogswell

Lovely Mendocino, with its dramatic coastal setting, lures couples year-round. With its rich arts scene, and a bevy of fine dining - not to mention Mendocino County wines and beautiful beaches - Mendocino is a prime west coast pick for lovers. Photo courtesy of Arthur Preston/iStock

Tiny Bar Harbor invites exploration on foot. Cozy B&Bs and classic waterfront hotels set the stage for romance, while whale watching and sailing cruises beckons lovers to a fun day on the water. Bar Harbor has lots of cozy dining options, and Acadia National Park is just moments away, with all its stunning vistas, trails and landmarks. Photo courtesy of jubilance/iStock

Chic and sunny Naples is a great getaway for romance. Its west-facing pier is the perfect place to unwind together during sunset. Naples' beautiful downtown is tropical and walkable, making it the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, day or night. Art galleries, tennis, golf, watersports, fine dining and cultural opportunities abound. Photo courtesy of Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB

Although New Orleans has a reputation as a place to party (and it offers unlimited sexy nightlife) this stunning city also gives couples an elegant setting in which to relax. The foodie scene is alive and well, and gracious homes, gardens and streets all invite discovery. Between its sights, sounds and people, New Orleans provides an experience that's highly memorable for couples. Photo courtesy of John Foxx/Stockbyte

Santa Fe has so many romantic aspects, it's hard to list them all. Beautiful architecture, tempting galleries, crisp air and brilliant blue skies, soothing Native American music and several gorgeous hotels all within a short stroll of the historic Plaza . . . this is Santa Fe. Photo courtesy of Chris Corrie

Mountains swoop down to the sea in this European-looking Pacific Northwest destination. Whale watching, lush parks and unique dining options add to the fun for lovers who venture beyond mainland Canada to find romance in charming Victoria. Photo courtesy of johnnya123/iStock

There's a reason Sherman didn't burn Savannah during his march across the South. Over a dozen park-like town squares dot this lovely city in Georgia's low country. Couples stroll through quiet neighborhoods, or explore the bustling waterfront. Forsyth Park offers a lovely place to picnic, and cozy hotels are easy to find. Photo courtesy of RiverNorthPhotography/iStock

St. Paul is the smaller, quieter and, many say, the more sophisticated of the Twin Cities. While not an obvious choice as a romantic getaway, couples love it for its diverse romantic offerings, like leisurely paddle- wheeler rides along the Mississippi, beer tastings, or ice skating. St. Paul also has a thriving performing arts scene. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Noble

Voters handed southern favorite Savannah, Georgia the 2nd place nod, while Victoria, British Columbia took honors in 3rd place. Rounding out the top five spot were Santa Fe, New Mexico and new Orleans, Louisiana.

The full list of winners in the 'Best Romantic North American Getaway' contest category for 10Best Readers' Choice are as follows:

Congratulations to all our winners!

Voters are allowed to vote once per day, per category. 10Best does regular audits of its votes, to confirm no unethical voting is occurring. To see contests currently underway, go to: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/