Valentine’s Day Getaways: Romantic Destinations Across the USA

 

It can be frustrating. It can be difficult. I hear you. Trying to come up with the perfect destination to take your special someone for Valentine’s Day isn’t always easy. You want fresh, different, romantic. For some, that means a beautiful winter scene and for others, that means a warmer locale. To give you all new ideas, I teamed up with other pro travelers and collaboratively we came up with these 15 Valentine’s Day getaways in the United States. With a variety of locations across the country and tips for easy planning, this compilation has something for every couple!

Valentine’s Day Getaways in the USA

1. Beaver Creek, Colorado

If you’re looking for those perfect Valentine’s Day getaways with your significant other, Beaver Creek, Colorado should be your target destination. Nothing is more romantic than a winter wonderland hideaway in the Rocky Mountains!

Stay at The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, a luxury ski-in resort located in nearby Avon, Colorado. Let the resident dogs Bachelor and Belle greet you as you walk into the beautifully decorated lodge with impeccable service.

Hit the ski slopes if you are a skilled skier and if not, book a private ski instructor at Beaver Creek Resort to learn as we did. It was a beautiful day on the slopes! Two things to do for nonskiers in the nearby Vail area are snowmobiling and dog sledding. Our half-day 50-mile snowmobile adventure to 12,000 feet to see the Rockies was amazing! I also thoroughly loved dogsledding and learning to mush!

After a day spent outside in the snow, have a romantic dinner in the super upscale restaurant Wyld, located in the Ritz. The food was excellent; however, my favorite was taking a 15-minute sleigh ride from the Ritz up the mountain to Zach’s Cabin to have a fantastic dinner with some of the best views of the mountains I’ve ever seen!

Whatever your choice of activities are, even if you stay in the spa and never leave the hotel, Beaver Creek will give you a Valentine’s Day you will never forget!

2. Scottsdale, Arizona

Photo by Cat from For Two, Please

Scottsdale is becoming a popular travel destination for young adults! The city may have long been associated with golf courses, but it has much more to offer than that. Luxury resorts, delectable dining options, warm weather, plus beautiful landscapes make it an ideal location for lovebirds to escape for romance!

Valentine’s Day is an excellent excuse to treat yourself to a luxury stay. There are several high-end properties that promise to take your breath away. Andaz Scottsdale, The Phoenician, and Mountain Shadows are just a few examples. After settling in, unwind, relax, and start a love affair with a couple’s massage at Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary.

Food-wise, Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop always has something mouth-watering and visually appealing to please the sweet tooth. A romantic candlelit dinner at Hearth ’61 can never go wrong – though reservation in advance is highly recommended to get the best seat in the restaurant!

TIP: To impress your sweetheart, check out Butterfly Wonderland for special Valentine’s Day celebration!

Read more from Cat at For Two, Please

3. Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada

*Included due to its close proximity to the US border and the fact that it is frequented by US citizens for this reason.

Photo by Amanda from Toddling Traveler

Niagara-On-The-Lake (NOTL) in Ontario, Canada, while technically not in the United States, is across the river from New York and can be accessed easily by car.  While many confuse it with its neighbor, the touristy Niagara Falls, it’s a quaint and quiet little town that’s perfect all year round and especially in the snow-covered winter.

One of the best parts about Niagara-On-The-Lake around Valentine’s Day is the Days of Wine and Chocolate.  This is one of NOTL’s signature events, whereby participating wineries pair both sweet and savory dishes with some of their best wines.  While NOTL is known for its ice wine produced in the winter, the region makes some of the best red wines around.

Between touring the many wineries (as well as breweries) available, warm up in one of several bed and breakfasts or hotels in the beautiful colonial-style buildings the town is known for.  For a special meal, Treadwell has some of the most innovative farm-to-table dishes with an ever-changing menu, and Ravine Winery is a great lunch option if you’re looking for a freshly prepared meal while out visiting the wineries.

TIP: Niagara-On-The-Lake can experience heavy snows in the winter. Be sure to check the weather forecast before departing to ensure you’re prepared.

Read more from Amanda at Toddling Traveler

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo by Ann from Ann Cavitt Fisher

To make this Valentine’s Day stand out as truly special, a romantic getaway to New Orleans might be the perfect answer. An international destination, this 300-year-old city offers great opportunities for long walks and exploration with your significant other, a range of live music venues, and some of the best food in the United States.

Whether you choose to stay in the French Quarter, or under the massive oaks of the Garden District, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most iconic architecture there is – full of amazing spots for pictures together. You could go on a bicycle tour or take your art-loving girlfriend on a stroll through the Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park.

After an amazing dinner (be SURE to make reservations), it’s time to head out on the town. Want some jazz, funk, or blues? Head to Frenchman Street in the Marigny and jam to one of the hippest music scenes in NOLA – whether it’s the Spotted Cat, Snug Harbor, or the Blue Nile, you’ll find something to get your groove on. A Valentine’s Day getaway in the Big Easy is sure to be one you’ll never forget.

TIP: If you want to see some classic New Orleans jazz from amazing seats, splurge on a Big Shot ticket at Preservation Hall. It’s been THE place in the French Quarter for iconic jazz since the 1950s.

Read more from Ann at Ann Cavitt Fisher

5. Calistoga, California

Photo by Jules from Don’t Forget To Move

If you’re looking for an underrated romantic destination for a Valentine’s Day getaway, we highly recommend Calistoga. Just north of Napa, this gorgeous small town in California’s wine country is full of world-class wineries.

Calistoga is also known for its natural hot springs, perfect for heating mud baths. There’s nothing more romantic than spending the day with your loved one wine tasting at a beautiful vineyard, before pampering yourselves at the spa with a therapeutic mud bath. After you’re feeling nice and relaxed, you can grab a meal at one of Calistoga’s incredible restaurants.

For the ultimate in romantic luxury, we recommend staying at the Brannan Cottage Inn, a B&B run out of a Victorian cottage that was owned by the founder of Calistoga, Sam Brannan. Be sure to grab their room with the fireplace, it’s so cozy! If you and your significant other are looking for a Valentine’s day where you can wine, dine and treat yourself, a weekend in Calistoga is the perfect match!

TIP: There’s a free Calistoga shuttle that will pick you up at most hotels in town and drive you to different wineries in the area. No worrying about who’s going to be the designated driver!

6. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Photo by Jenn and Ed from Coleman Concierge

What makes Fort Lauderdale the perfect Valentine’s destination? How about high temperatures in the 70’s and cheap flights from almost anywhere? Once you touch down, you’ll find world-class options for your getaway.

By day, you can enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s 23 miles of beaches, fabulous snorkeling, incredible shipwreck diving, and 300 (yes 300!) miles of canals filled with tours and water taxis. There’s everything from boutique shopping to swamp boat tours in the Everglades.

By night, the city comes alive in a kaleidoscope of color. Los Olas Boulevard is lined with trendy restaurants and live music.  Other dining options include catching the sunset at Al Capone’s old hangout GG’s Bar and Grill, the dual restaurants of One Door East and Valentinos, or catching the Wreck Bar’s mermaid show.

When it’s time to relax, Fort Lauderdale features many oceanfront resorts from flagship brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons to local favorites like the Atlantic and the Diplomat. These properties often offer full-service spas on-premises. Fall asleep on heavenly sheets and wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.

The fabulous weather, exciting activities, decadent dining, and luxurious beachside lodging makes Fort Lauderdale perfect for your Valentine’s Day getaway.

TIP: Take a night water taxi ride through the city to enjoy the lights and warm night air.

7. Sea Island, Georgia

Photo by Emily from Ems On The Road

If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the lap of luxury, a visit to The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia is the place to be. Nestled in the Golden Isles on the coast of Georgia, Sea Island has five miles of private beach, a Beach Club, a Forbes Five Star spa and restaurant. With mild temperatures, all year round, enjoy beach or riverfront accommodations, where you can hear the sounds of the coast from your balcony.

Spend a day getting spoiled at Sea Island’s spa with a couple’s massage. Give yourselves plenty of time to lounge in the water atrium, sauna, and steam rooms.

To top off your luxurious Valentine’s Day celebration, spoil your sweetie with dinner at The Georgian Room at the Cloister, Georgia’s only Forbes Five Star Restaurant. Here you’ll find a truly exceptional menu with the finest seasonal ingredients but it is the impeccable service that sets this dining experience apart. You even have your own personal sommelier to help guide you through wine pairings.

TIP: February is typically a slower month in the Golden Isles but given the holiday, you should still make your reservations early. If you dine at The Georgian Room, be aware that reservations, jackets, and cocktail attire are required.

8. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Photo by Sierra from Free To Travel Mama

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like snuggling up with one your love in a cozy cabin in Lake Tahoe, which spans the California and Nevada border. Nestled in the basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe offers stunning views, plenty to do for those who wish to be active, and gorgeous places to relax and focus on one another.

Several nearby ski resorts offer skiing, snowboarding and sledding opportunities. More relaxing activities include taking the Heavenly Gondola up the mountain for beautiful views of the winter wonderland. Horse and sleigh rides are offered along the lake in the Stateline area for vintage tours. For the ultimate view of gorgeous Lake Tahoe with your loved one, consider seeing the snow-capped peaks from a hot air balloon with Lake Tahoe Balloons.

Edgewood Restaurant and Jimmy’s both provide incredible lake views and a delicious menu. Accommodations are plenty, ranging from Ritz-Carlton to a cozy, private cabin through Airbnb. Whether you spend the weekend on the slopes or cuddled up with hot chocolate in front of the fireplace watching the snow fall, it is sure to be a Valentine’s Day getaway to remember!

TIP: The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Lake Tahoe’s gorgeous mountain location means that it is also susceptible to temporary road closures in heavy snow. A 4 wheel drive rental vehicle with snow tires and chains in the trunk is highly recommended as well as checking road conditions before departing.

Read more from Sierra at Free To Travel Mama

9. Gwinn (Upper Peninsula), Michigan

Photo by Oisin from Your Irish Adventure

If you’re looking for somewhere really romantic that is off the beaten track then the tiny town of Gwinn in the Upper Peninsula is the way to go. By Valentine’s Day, it will still be quite cold and snowy but the spring thaw will have begun to set in.

I work for an Irish travel website and was looking for somewhere romantic to spend with my girlfriend that was within driving distance of Chicago. The whole region is filled with gorgeous lakes and rustic old log cabins that can be rented so we decided to head into the town of Gwinn and rent a cabin for the weekend. It was quite cold so we had the fire on all weekend which provided excellent heat in the cabin and we had an incredibly romantic weekend by the lake. We ventured out a couple of times to check out some frozen waterfalls in this area that made for some absolutely beautiful photos.

The town of Marquette is also only a short drive away and is a lovely place to visit if you are planning a day trip. Though there are some food options in the town we brought all our own food and had a very romantic feast in the evening before snuggling up beside the fire. What more could you ask for?

TIP: Check out the nearby Cataract Dam Falls if you want to see somewhere really special!

10. Charleston, South Carolina

Photo by Amber from With Husband In Tow

Charleston is a lovely city, with its southern charm and colonial architecture. For a perfectly romantic Valentine’s Day visit, stay at the historic John Rutledge House. This hotel is the best way to experience the history of Charleston. Dating back to 1763, it’s the only home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. That’s history. They also offer an evening tea service with port, brandy, and sherry.

For a romantic dinner try historic Halls Chophouse, consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the US. It’s a family-run restaurant, with a focus on service and hospitality. They also focus on classic and creative low country cuisine. Low country cuisine is the term used for dishes traditionally served in South Carolina and the Georgia coast. Try the She Crab Soup, a Charleston specialty, and the Oysters Rockefeller.

For even more romance, try Circa 1886’s tasting menu. Be sure to finish the meal with their apple crisp souffle. Both restaurants are perfect for Valentine’s Dinner. Finish off the evening with a classic cocktail at the Victor Social Club.

TIP: Make sure to book your Valentine’s Dinner well ahead of time to secure a table at one of the historic Charleston restaurants.

Read more from Amber at With Husband In Tow

11. Asheville, North Carolina

Photo by Paige from For The Love Of Wanderlust

Asheville, North Carolina is a stellar place to spend Valentine’s Day because it truly has something for every type of couple. If you’re looking for a spectacular food + drink location to treat your loved one to a smorgasbord of culinary delights, Asheville is for you.

You can find just about any cuisine you’re looking for in Asheville, although, I think they do Southern food the best. With more craft breweries per capita, you’ll have the opportunity to sample as many brews as you could safely fit in a weekend.

Asheville is also surrounded by the mountains so you can get outside with your loved one and enjoy nature. Looking to enjoy the view from afar but in a bit more luxury? You can do that too! The Omni Grove Park Inn has one of the most spectacular spas I’ve ever been to. What better way to celebrate your love than in total relaxation?

Asheville is also full of art galleries and has a lot of history, so you can also grab some coffee or cocoa and roam the streets of downtown or explore the River Arts District. Any couple would find something for them in this beautiful mountain town.

TIP: If visiting Asheville during Valentine’s Day do not over-plan. Sure, make your accommodation and dinner reservations in advance, but there’s just so much to Asheville and the local people are so friendly and willing to give suggestions that leaving open time in your schedule will allow you to find your own corner or favorite thing in the city.

12. The Willamette Valley & McMinnville, Oregon

Photo by Donna from Nomad Women

What could be more romantic than enjoying a glass of wine together? And if you are toasting each other and the love you share with a truly world-class, award-winning wine in the heart of Oregon wine country, it’s just that much better.

The Willamette Valley is one of the premier Pinot Noir producing areas in the world, and with more than 500 wineries to choose from in the 150-mile-long valley, you’re spoiled for choice. Most of them are open year-round. Even in winter, this landscape of rolling hills quilted with vineyards, Christmas tree farms, and small towns is lovely and inviting. It’s perfect for bundling up or cuddling up in front of a romantic fire with a glass of award-winning wine.

It’s also easy to go beyond the glass. The town of McMinnville makes a good touring base. Its historic main street, Third Street, is a destination in its own right, lined with chic boutiques, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and places to sip wine and craft brews. Downtown Mac and the nearby Granary District offer more than a dozen wineries and tasting rooms, all within walking distance from each other. It’s a romantic getaway you won’t forget.

TIP: A fine place to stay is the brand-new Hotel Atticus, just off Third Street in Downtown McMinnville, with a hip, luxury vibe and an accent on local art and craft. For your special Valentine’s dinner, you can’t beat La Rambla Restaurant on Third St.—great food with a Spanish accent and a fine list of local wines.

Read more from Donna at Nomad Women

13. Mendocino, California

Photo by Jill from Jack and Jill Travel

Taking a road trip north of San Francisco to Mendocino was one of our favorite Valentine’s Day getaways. The drive along Highway 1 hugs the coastline passing small towns, secluded beaches, and many opportunities to stop for photos, a quick bite, and even go for short hikes.

Mendocino is your final destination. It’s a cute town with New England-sy architecture that’s perched on an ocean bluff. There are plenty of cute cafes, fine dining options, galleries, and antique stores to make for an enjoyable stroll. There are beautiful views everywhere you look, especially around sunset. It’s probably the most romantic weekend getaway you can have if you live in the Bay Area. So load up your phone with all of your favorite songs and podcasts, and enjoy the beautiful, classic drive along the California coast.

TIP: Mendocino is a popular weekend getaway for Bay Area people, especially for Valentine’s Day. So book accommodation early. There are a lot of hotels offering Valentine’s Day dinner specials, but we opted for something more budget-friendly and casual. We picked up picnic supplies (plus wine) and headed to Big River Beach for a picnic (bring a blanket, it can get windy).

14. Savannah, Georgia

Photo by Sherrie from Travel By A Sherrie Affair

The beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia is romance in a slightly different way as you cannot help but be wrapped in the old south charm.  Even though it may be a little chilly on Valentine’s Day, it is always a good day to take a stroll through the city’s many town squares and view the historic homes.  The many shops along the streets is a perfect time to shop for that something special and take in a tasty lunch.  Stop in one of the specialty chocolate shops to buy delicious melt-in-your-mouth candies made for Valentine’s Day.

Dress up a little for dinner and stop first for a nice before-dinner drink at the Olde Pink House. Next walk over to Alligator Soul, a unique dining experience with wonderful wines and a special exotic menu for something different.  The staff is very attentive and will help make your night a special one. After dinner, arrange for a horse-drawn carriage to take a tour around historic Savannah.  A perfect Valentine’s Day getaway.

TIP: If you are looking to say “I Do” in Savannah, check out the Davenport House Garden Museum.  Last minute weddings are possible, you just need 24 hours notice to have a licensed officiant.

Read more from Sherrie at Travel By A Sherrie Affair

15. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Photo by Lauren from Trails Unblazed

There are few destinations in New England as beautiful as the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The region is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year, but in our opinion, winter is when the Whites are at their best.

If you’re coming from anywhere in New England, the White Mountains make for the perfect weekend Valentine’s Day getaway. It’s hard to find a more romantic hotel than the Omni Mount Washington Resort, located at the foot of Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski mountain. The stunning white building with its red roof flanked by the snowy peaks of the Presidentials is one of the most iconic views in the Granite State.

A day out on the slopes or on one of the many winter hiking trails followed by drinks in the Cave and dinner at Stickney’s is the perfect way to spend Valentines Day.

TIP: Make sure to book a room at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort well in advance.

PIN IT!

I don’t know about you, but I have lots of new destinations on my list for Valentine’s Day getaways. How about you?

Have you been to any of these places for Valentine’s Day? If not, which one would be your top choice? I’d love to hear from you below!

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

Heather