When February rolls around, romance is in the air. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by going on a trip, just you and your sweetie? From cities filled with date night ideas to quaint towns with cozy bed-and-breakfasts to cuddle in, there are quite a few romantic getaways that you can take in the US.
We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit for Valentine’s Day to help you up the romance for you and your partner. Pick a destination from this list, and you’re bound to have a fairytale romance this Valentine’s Day.
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Valentine’s Day Destinations in the USA
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The 15 Best Places to Visit in the US on Valentine’s Day
1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most romantic US cities, thanks to its storybook-like decor. And we mean that very literally, as this town is famous for its cottages that were indeed designed to look like they came straight out of a fairytale!
Spend some time exploring the storybook streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, take a walk along the beach, and drink and dine your way through the town’s award-winning wineries and restaurants.
2. New York City
There’s always something to do in “The City That Never Sleeps,” and that doesn’t change on Valentine’s Day, which is why New York City is one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day.
From romantic harbor cruises to a one-of-a-kind dinner experience that lets you and your partner dine 1,776 feet in the air, you’ll never be at a loss about what to do for your Valentine’s Day date night.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
From the pastel-colored buildings to the famous palmetto trees to the historic cobblestone streets, it seems like Charleston was simply built for romance, making it one of the best places to visit for Valentine’s Day.
For your date night options, you can take a carriage ride through the historic downtown, explore the timeless landmark homes and museums, or enjoy a show in the country’s first theater.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park and one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day. This quirky and colorful town is bursting with character, from its unique architecture to its amazing seafood restaurants.
And since you’re right near Acadia National Park, you can snuggle up with your sweetheart while you take in the quiet beauty of the park in winter.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
The best part about taking a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway to New Orleans is that you might just get two huge celebrations in just one trip. In addition to this loving holiday on February 14, Fat Tuesday can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9.
That means you might have the chance to party hard with the rest of the Mardi Gras revelers as you watch parades and listen to live music around every corner. Then, when February 14 arrives, go more low-key and build up the romance with a riverboat cruise or a special Valentine’s Day dinner at one of the city’s mouth-watering restaurants.
6. Lake Tahoe
While swimming in Lake Tahoe in February is probably not what you’ll want to do, there are plenty of things around Lake Tahoe that make it one of the best romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day.
Cozy up in a ski lodge, hit the slopes together, or take in incredible views from the Heavenly Gondola. As the sun sets, hop aboard an authentic paddle-wheeler to enjoy the sights of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe’s beautiful waters alongside a romantic meal.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the most romantic cities in the US, and you can do some quintessential Valentine’s Day activities here, like a dinner cruise on a riverboat or an extravagant meal at one of Savannah’s incredible restaurants.
Or you can go a bit off the beaten path. Savannah happens to be considered the most haunted city in the US, so why not take a haunted tour? Listening to spine-chilling tales is a great excuse to snuggle with your sweetheart.
8. Telluride, Colorado
Compared to many of the top skiing towns in Colorado, Telluride offers a more intimate, laid-back experience, making it one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day. Despite its small size, there’s still plenty to do, and many activities really up the romance.
Take in spectacular views from the Telluride Gondola or the back of a horse-drawn sleigh, or spend your days skiing at Telluride Ski Resort. Want to escape the cold? Venture a bit outside the town to Dunton Hot Springs.
9. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the most romantic US cities, being filled with breathtaking attractions that you’ll want to spend all day at with your sweetheart.
From picnicking by the Palace of Fine Arts to warming up with a cup of tea at Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden to taking in the spectacular view after hiking Lands End, you’ll never run out of date ideas here.
10. The Big Island, Hawaii
There’s hardly a bad time to visit Hawaii, but we’d venture to say Valentine’s Day is one of the best. Over on the Big Island, romance is blossoming as the cherry blossoms are in bloom, painting parts of the island pink.
February is also prime time to see humpback whales around Hawaii. Although Maui is home to the Maui Whale Festival all February long, you can still do plenty of whale watching from the Big Island.
11. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston may be one of the most historic cities in the US, but it’s also one of the most romantic. Despite the chill in the air, thanks to Boston’s notorious winters, Valentine’s Day always heats things up with tons of fun and romantic things to do.
Walk the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, ice skate with your sweetie on Boston Common’s Frog Pond, and grab a romantic Italian meal in the city’s North End. Or enjoy the beauty of the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum’s enchanting courtyard and spend the evening taking in the ballet at the Boston Opera House.
12. Sonoma Valley
Napa Valley often gets all the credit as the best wine region in California, but did you know that Sonoma Valley is actually bigger than Napa? Many people would also say Sonoma is generally more laid-back and less busy than its more famous counterpart, which is what makes it one of the best romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day.
Enjoy wine-tasting your way around this vibrant region, or go for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, like taking in the valley from the basket of a hot air balloon.
13. Woodstock, Vermont
Over in Vermont, Woodstock is one of the best places to visit for Valentine’s Day. With a dusting of snow on the ground, this charming town becomes even more magical!
If you’re the adventurous type, you and your partner can spend the days hitting the nearby slopes. Or, for something more mellow, you can take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride to really up the romance.
14. Whitefish, Montana
With all of its cozy and upscale lodges and some of the best skiing in the country, Whitefish is one of the best winter getaways in the US, and that’s especially true when Valentine’s Day rolls around. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this winter wonderland, like taking a sleigh ride, complete with fresh-baked cookies and hot cocoa.
You can also explore more of the city side of Whitefish, where you can get a couples massage, reenact that scene from “Ghost,” or tour the area’s award-winning craft beer scene.
15. Hershey, Pennsylvania
Getting chocolate for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day is a time-honored tradition, but why not take things a step further and get it from the sweetest place on Earth, Hershey? Hershey is one of the best places to go for Valentine’s Day, thanks to all the chocolate-themed treats.
Get a signature chocolate-filled treatment at MeltSpa by Hershey, taste test chocolates with wine pairings at Hershey’s Chocolate World, or dine your way through world-class restaurants featuring chocolate-infused dishes. Or just enjoy feeling like a kid again at Hersheypark.
There you have it! The 15 best places to visit for Valentine’s Day. What’s your favorite Valentine’s Day getaway? Let us know in the comments!
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