This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure page for full details.
A Valentine’s getaway is a perfect way to spend this love-focused holiday. After all, it’s February, and if you’re in the Northern hemisphere, chances are you’re anxious to get away from the snow and cold. What better excuse could there be for a romantic getaway for two? Grab your sweetheart and book a trip!
We put together this list of the best places to spend Valentine’s Day in the US, with contributions from some of our fellow travel experts. Psst! Many of these spots are warm and sunny! Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to book a Valentine’s trip or another romantic escape to one of these great destinations.
PS: Also be sure to check out these sweet Valentine’s date ideas as well as our list of most romantic places in the United States—perfect for any time of year! And check out this resource if you’re looking for winter vacation rentals at any time this season!
Romantic Valentine’s Getaway Ideas
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Contributed by Charles McCool
Ocean Springs, Mississippi is almost certainly not on your radar as a romantic destination but it should be. It is a hidden gem of the phenomenal Secret Coast of Coastal Mississippi and one of my favorite US Gulf Coast destinations. (It’s also on our list of top romantic southern getaways).
Pamper your sweetheart with an overnight (or several) at the award-winning boutique property The Roost, a luxurious suite at The Inn at Ocean Springs, or a private cottage at Front Beach Cottages.
When and if you leave your comfortable room, I suggest strolling the inspiring oak tree-canopied streets, visiting the astounding Walter Anderson Museum, and splurging on an enchanting culinary experience from master chef Alex Perry at Vestige.
Other romantic dining adventures include creative breakfast biscuits at Greenhouse on Porter, oysters on the waterfront porch at Mikey’s on the Bayou, and the outdoor patio at Maison de Lu. Some lovebirds will choose to stay in their rooms (plush robes optional)—in that case enjoy carryout from Eat Drink Love (in The Roost), amazing Belgian waffles from Bright-Eyed (fronting Inn at Ocean Springs), or make your own treats in your Front Beach kitchen.
For a magical and memorable romantic Gulf Coast getaway, take time to catch at least one sunset or sunrise.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book The Roost
New Orleans, Louisiana
Contributed by John Paul Swearingen
New Orleans, Louisiana is known most as a destination to party. What many travelers don’t expect is that New Orleans is an excellent choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.
By U.S standards, New Orleans is an old city. The architecture in the French Quarter is perfect for a day of playing tourist and strolling through an area full of history and fun. The Garden District is another beautiful area for romantic walks under centuries-old live oak trees, passing by stately old Southern homes. February is usually cool, sometimes warm, but rarely cold.
Most romantic getaways include delicious food, and there are few places in the world with food as good as that in New Orleans. Whether it’s early morning beignets at Cafe du Monde, a New Orleans po’ boy or a fancy meal at one of the city’s famous Louisiana Creole restaurants, there are endless Valentine’s Day eating options.
One of the most uniquely New Orleans options for a romantic Valentine’s Day is an evening cruise and meal on one of the famous riverboats. Couples can enjoy a nice dinner and an evening floating past the city on the Mississippi River.
Valentine’s Day occasionally occurs during Mardi Gras. This incredibly busy and crazy time in the Big Easy may not be best for a romantic getaway. Most years, however, New Orleans is a great choice for couples on Valentine’s Day. There’s not much better than a stroll down Magazine Street, sipping a hurricane in the French Quarter or enjoying some of the best food in the world with someone special in New Orleans.
Consider a stay at the romantic Roosevelt New Orleans – they’ve got a spa and a rooftop pool!
Click here to Check Prices & Book!
Destin, Florida
Contributed by Disha Smith
The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing a romantic destination in the States for Valentine’s Day. Destin, Florida should be added at the top of your list. You’re guaranteed to make lifelong memories here.
Destin lies on the Emerald Coast with views of the ocean that are just beautiful. You’ll find the weather to be gorgeous with average temperatures around 18 degrees Celcius during the day. The weather makes it perfect for taking a romantic stroll along the pristine beaches and letting your feet sink into the white, powdery sand. You can also pamper yourselves by spending the day at The Spa at Emerald Grande.
Another romantic thing to do is to book a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise on a yacht and spend the evening indulging in delicious seafood while enjoying the sunset. You might also be lucky enough to spot a dolphin. In addition, HarborWalk Village offers many restaurants, shops, and boutiques. It’s the perfect area to just walk around hand in hand with your partner and to enjoy the views together.
There is no better place to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other than Destin!
Consider booking a room at the beautiful Hotel Effie Sandestin for the perfect Valentine’s getaway!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Contributerd by Alexander Waltner
San Juan is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the US for colonial buildings and colorful houses. It comes with warm temperatures year-round and a vibrant old town with charming rum bars and historic landmarks.
Strolling around the old town of San Juan makes you feel like you’re walking in a real-life-movie scene. As for where to stay, I recommend the small but romantic CasaBlanca Hotel. All resorts and hotels will have special events or deals for Valentine’s Day.
1919 Restaurant has a special menu for Valentine’s Day as well and it’s a great place for couples to go. Another great restaurant is Rare 125 which has special menus on Feb 13 and 14.
Moreover, it’s a great base to explore Puerto Rico, which is full of beautiful beaches and paradise islands. The main island is even home to one of the wettest tropical rainforests in the world, and the only tropical rainforest in the U.S National Forest System.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book CasaBlanca Hotel!
Palm Springs, California
Contributed by Jyoti Baid
Palm Springs is an awesome destination for couples for a memorable Valentine’s Day because of the many activities, spas, and restaurants. There is something for every couple to explore, enjoy and create memories. Such as:
- Hot air balloon ride, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Many lovely hikes in February such as the Indian Canyon hike.
- Joshua Tree National Park is a great day trip in winter when it’s cooler. The park has many small hikes, mountain climbing, and adventure opportunities.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The 10min ride up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park is breathtakingly and the destination has amazing restaurants, observation deck and hikes for everyone. However, it may be cold in the mountains.
- The Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and Palm Desert have vibrant downtowns with shopping, restaurants and a great vibe.
- Palm Springs region boasts numerous resorts and independent spas. It’s the perfect way to bond, recharge or relax after a day of being outdoors.
Best of all, Palm Springs has awesome weather on Valentine’s Day when most places in the US are still cold. It’s the absolutely perfect weather to lift up the spirits and enjoy the wonderful outdoors and indoors.
Consider booking a room at The Willows Historic Palm Spring Inn to really immerse yourself in the romance of the area!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Mobile, Alabama
Contributed by Wendy Werneth
Imagine a city like New Orleans, with beautiful French-inspired architecture and antebellum mansions, but with a more low-key vibe and not so much drunken debauchery.
This is Mobile, Alabama, the original capital of French Louisiana, and a city that oozes historic charm. Some of the pre-Civil War mansions are now open to the public on guided visits, such as Historic Oakley and the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. And the nearby beaches of Gulf Shores are perfect for long, romantic walks. It may be too cold to swim in February, but the weather is mild enough that you can still take off your shoes and wriggle your toes in the sand.
And Valentine’s Day is not the only celebration happening in Mobile at this time of year. It also coincides with Mardi Gras, which is celebrated with gusto in the form of street parades, where costumed revelers on floats throw beaded necklaces and moon pies to the crowd.
Parades here are generally a lot less raucous than in New Orleans, but there are still plenty of bars around if you’re up for partying.
For a romantic Valentine’s Bed and Breakfast stay, book a room at the lovely Fort Conde Inn!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Niagara Falls, New York (& Canada)
Contributed by Ivan Tannenberg
With February just around the corner, a Valentine’s Day weekend getaway is a wonderful opportunity for couples to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and cherish quality time with one another.
Niagara Falls has long been known as the world’s leading destination for lovers. It is easy to understand why: walking slowly along the boardwalk adjacent to the mighty rapids of the Niagara River, hand-in-hand is beyond enthralling. Nature’s power, impressive beauty, and scale are not only seen but felt inside. It is unforgettable to be next to a waterfall holding hands with your sweetheart.
Arguably the most powerful reason to visit Niagara Falls in February is absolutely stunning view of the frozen waterfalls. On Valentine’s Day Niagara Falls have entirely different scenery in comparison to what they look like during the other seasons. One of the main reasons to spend Valentine’s Day in Niagara Falls is to see it frozen! Frozen waterfalls are absolutely breathtaking and offer entirely different scenery compared to the other months. Sections of it become frozen over, while the thick mist rises up above the Falls and surrounds you at times.
Dense clumps of snow and ice bury the rushing water and only tiny sections remind visitors about the furious cascades of water falling from a height. However, watching just how fast the water is moving is very impressive. Pair with the view of protective fences, barriers, and trees draped in clumps of ice, you’ll get the perfect setting for a relaxed, romantic walk.
Many of the local hotels have a range of special spa offers to tempt you with. From exploring the Castellani Art Museum and the Underground Railroad Heritage Center to waterfall view fine dining, Niagara lives up to its name as a romantic getaway, it is the perfect place to fall in love.
Book a room at the stunning Giacomo Hotel to be perfectly situated to explore the falls on your Valentine’s Day couples trip.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Contributed by Sean Lau
If the hustle and bustle of the city life is too stressful for you, why not consider a romantic getaway to a small beach town?
Located in the eastern coastal region of Massachusetts, Cape Cod is the perfect place to go for a relaxing Valentine’s day couples trip. Only 4.5 hours of driving from stressful New York City, Cape Cod is one of the best places for a romantic weekend.
In the summer, the beaches are crowded with kids running around, loud music blaring, and more cars than parking spaces. However, in February, the town is quiet due to the colder weather. Visitors can finally enjoy the beautiful beaches in isolation.
Couples can stroll down the beautiful coastal areas of Cape Cod in peace, taking memorable photos and enjoying each other’s company without disturbance. After all, Valentine’s day should be about you two, not you two and a dozen other people.
Make sure you have a romantic dinner at one of the famous seafood restaurants such as Captain Linnell House, the seafood in Cape Cod is some of the freshest in the United States.
Book a room at the lovely Mansion on Ocean Edge for a romantic Cape Cod Valentine’s Day!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Vail/Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
Contributed by Heather Trimm
Vail, Colorado is one of the most romantic destinations in the United States to spend Valentine’s Day. In particular, the Bachelor Gulch area which features the ultra-romantic Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, a ski-in/ski-out resort nestled quietly in the snow-covered Rocky Mountains.
If you are a snow skier or want to learn to ski, it is paradise. We did a private ski-school lesson and hit the bunny slopes afterwards. However, for the more advanced skiers, well, they have you all covered too!
If you aren’t a skier or prefer not to ski, don’t count this destination out. These two snow activities in Vail for non-skiers were perhaps my absolute favorite things we did on the entire trip. It truly doesn’t get much better than a half-day of snowmobiling up to 12,000 feet to see some of Colorado’s best Rocky Mountain views. Equally as fantastic was our dogsledding adventure and learning to mush!
Come back to have a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant complete with beautiful Valentine’s decorations, and even greet Bachelor, the resident dog! Or if you prefer to have dinner “out”, take a 15-minute sleigh ride (yes, a sleigh!) from the hotel up to Zach’s Cabin.
As you can see, it gets quite romantic in the Vail, Colorado area for Valentine’s Day!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
New York City
Contributed by Jim Lee
New York City is dubbed by many as the “Capital of the world”! Not only does it get that name from solely having every single country in the world invested in it, but it brings you the widest range in variety when it comes to food, drinks, one of a kind experiences, and all different types of romantic ideas for all budgets.
This year we would like you to start it off properly by checking into the wonderful and luxurious Roxy Hotel which comes equipped with everything you’ll need for a perfect nightcap including an oyster bar, lounge, and jazz club in the basement!
Once checked in it’s time to head over to “AIRE: Ancient Baths New York” where you’ll be able to indulge in the beauty of pure relaxation and wellness before the big night out.
After you’re rejuvenated and ready to tackle the night, it’s time to head uptown to the Upper West Side! Here you’re going to dive deep into some eclectic and unique Southern Italian dining with an incredible wine list for all types of palates. The restaurant we are speaking of is “Celeste” and it’s one of the top places to eat in New York City!
If we could suggest a perfect meal here it’d be (Mussels, Tagliatelle Pasta with shrimps/cabbage/sheep’s cheese, and a bottle of Birbanera Montecucco Rosso)
Once you’ve had a minute to digest and have the space to move, head a couple of blocks over to Cafe Lalo for some of the best dessert and aperitifs you’ll find around. Note: Romantic fact you can tell your date…this is where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks sat and talked in “You’ve Got Mail”! You’ve got to get all the brownie points for that one.
When all is said and done at the end of the day, make uber your best friend and take a car back to your hotel for a romantic Valentine’s nightcap!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Contributed by Dhara
There are many fabulous weekend getaways in California perfect for romantic couples’ trips. And quaint little Carmel-by-the-Sea ranks right up there as one of the most romantic places you can visit for Valentine’s Day.
With beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and streets perfect for strolling arm-in-arm, the one square mile village will captivate you. Browse art galleries, sip wine in one of the many tasting rooms, and have brunch in one of the world-class restaurants in the village, where you’ll find every cuisine from French to California farm-to-table fare. Take a self-guided tour of the famous Carmel fairytale cottages.
On a nice weather day, head to Point Lobos State Park, just 3 miles south of town, to enjoy breathtaking water views on one of several easy walking trails. If you prefer a romantic drive, then cruise the Pacific Coast Highway for a few miles: even if you drive up to the Bixby Creek Bridge, you will see some spectacular scenery.
And take a blanket and a bottle of wine and make your way to Carmel Beach in the evening, to snuggle and watch a spectacular West Coast sunset. The sandy beach is both pristine and gorgeous.
Whatever you choose to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can be sure you’ll have a Valentine’s Day trip to cherish!
Oh, and if you want to make it a luxurious Valentine’s Day getaway, book a room at L’Auberge Carmel!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Asheville, NC
Contributed by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
Located in heart of western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s star has been increasingly on the rise over the past decade thanks to the town’s gorgeous natural surroundings, thriving cultural scene, and forward-thinking environmental consciousness.
Asheville is an incredible base from which to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue RIdge Parkway, not to mention Pisgah National Forest and the French Broad River (which cuts right through the heart of town).
In terms of lodging, countless cozy mountain cabins dot the surrounding landscape, but there are also romantic hotels in the city, such as the historic Black Walnut Inn B&B. There are also dozens of exceptional Downtown Asheville restaurants, including Posana, Curate, Plant, Bouchon, and many more. In short, it’s easily among the best places in the United States for a romantic weekend getaway!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Sedona, Arizona
Contributed by Nicole Labarge
Sedona is the perfect destination year-round but it is a great destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day. How does a hot air balloon ride sound? Or visiting a fancy restaurant for a romantic dinner for two. Or you could take advantage of the fantastic wines in the region and visit a vineyard.
Sedona also has a famous chocolate festival that runs over Valentine’s Day. From chocolate fountains to chocolate pastries you will find everything a chocolate lover could dream of at the Verde Canyon Railroad Chocolate Lovers’ Festival.
My favorite thing to do in Sedona is to get outside and check out some of the best hikes in Sedona. There are so many hikes for all activity levels. You must check out Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge. These are the two most popular hikes in Sedona and for good reason. These hikes offer spectacular views of the red rocks and scenery that Sedona is famous for.
No matter what you choose to do in Sedona you will have a great time exploring this part of Arizona.
For a romantic inn stay for Valentine’s, book Casa Sedona Inn.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Charleston, South Carolina
Contributed by Julien Casanova
Romantic history peeks around every corner in Charleston. On a stroll through the city’s streets, admire the intricate iron gates that enclose enchanting gardens surrounding 300-year-old homes lit by flickering gas lanterns. Nearby, distinguished churches mingle with small art galleries and boutique shops in the historic center.
For a Valentine’s getaway, the boutique rooms of Zero George, a historic Charleston home turned hotel create an idyllic atmosphere for a romantic weekend. And Charleston’s prominent culinary scene gives visitors an abundance of dining choices for a remarkable evening.
In the center of town, Charleston’s largest square hosts the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition which celebrates wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, and of course, food and drink. Whether you decide to participate in the event, explore the intimate streets, or the wide-open coastline at one of several nearby beaches, Charleston makes an ideal romantic destination for Valentine’s Day.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Napa Valley, California
Contributed by Theresa McKinney
Napa Valley is an incredibly romantic destination to visit for Valentine’s Day. This picturesque region features countless wineries with beautiful grounds to explore, with many recognizable names, such as Duckhorn or Silver Oak.
Each little town making up Napa Valley not only has unique wineries, but also excellent dining options. For the perfect romantic experience, visit the famous Michelin-starred French Laundry in Yountville, and do their tasting menu. Another delicious option with plenty of ambiance that is slightly more affordable is Bottega for upscale Italian food.
For the ultimate Valentine’s Day getaway, stay at a luxury resort and spa, such as Carneros Resort and Spa. When you’re not out visiting wineries, you could be doing a yoga and wine pairing session on the resort grounds or enjoying the mild winter temperatures while hiking private trails. Be sure to escape the grounds for an iconic hot air balloon ride, which provides a morning of incredible sweeping views of the endless vineyards down below.
There are plenty of ways to stay busy in Napa Valley, and a Valentine’s Day spent here will offer endless opportunities for romance and relaxation.
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Fairbanks, Alaska
Contributed by Kay Kingsman
Alaska is not usually making the top-anything travel lists, least of all for romantic destinations. But that is what makes this hidden gem one of the best destinations for a Valentine’s getaway. It will be cold, but it will also be worth it.
America’s largest state is home to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, and in February, the city of Fairbanks is the coziest place to be. Valentine’s Day marks the start of the World Ice Sculpting Competition Showcase, and you can grab a steaming hot latte as you stroll through the magnificent works of art.
Dog sledding is also a fun activity in February, or for a more chill alternative, there are dozens of reindeer sanctuaries to explore. Once you’ve worn yourself out, dip into a hot spring and watch the snow fall around you.
But the absolute best thing to do in February for Valentine’s Day comes after the sun sets and stars twinkle into the sky. The Northern Lights. If you’re lucky, you may be able to plan ahead and score and exclusive room at the Borealis Basecamp, a dome-shaped hotel room secluded from light pollution, and watch the magic dance above you from the comfort of your own bed. But if not, grab your jacket and head up to one of the handfuls of great vantage points. It will be an experience of a lifetime!
PS: Note from Amy & Nathan: Borealis Basecamp totally just got added to our couples bucket list. Wow, what a cool place!
Click Here to Book a Room at Aurora Villa if you can’t get in to Basecamp!
You might also like:
Amy Hartle is the co-founder and owner of Two Drifters, where she blogs about romantic and couples travel, relationships, honeymoons, and more. With a Master’s in English and a BA in Musical Theatre, Amy loves to write quality content as well as to entertain, and she hopes to do a bit of both here on the blog! Amy is happily married to her husband Nathan, and when not working on their sites, Amy & Nathan can be found cuddling, reading, and enjoying delicious lattes.
