Valentine's Day Vacations
Dreaming of the perfect romantic getaway? Whether you’re seeking golden sunsets, charming old towns, or a cozy retreat for two, these destinations are filled with romance. From enchanting evenings to candlelit dinners by the sea, I’ve gathered my favorite spots from living as a local to make this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
1. Wild Side Specialty Tour in Hawaii
If you want to see dolphins on your trip to Hawaii, check out Wild Side Specialty Tours!
We left from the Wai‘anae coast early in the morning, the sun barely above the water, casting gold over a sea that stretched endlessly west. The crew was warm, funny, deeply respectful of the ocean.
We saw dolphins, green sea turtles, flying fish, and a massive manta ray.
- Average temperature: 66°F – 81°F (19°C – 27°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian Islands chain, U.S. state of Hawaii
- Population: approximately 1 million
- Scenery: volcanic mountains, tropical beaches, lush valleys, and the urban skyline of Honolulu
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was our rooms at Turtle Bay Resort for two days. There were also romantic dinners, and unforgettable sunsets on Oahu's North Shore.
2. Largo, Florida
Largo may not be as widely known as its nearby neighbors, but it’s a wonderful hidden gem for a Valentine’s escape. Nestled in Pinellas County, just minutes from the Gulf, it combines lush parks, cultural gems, and easy beach access, perfect for a couples’ getaway.
We strolled through the Florida Botanical Gardens, had a picnic at Largo Central Park and had a romantic dinner at E&E Stakeout Grill.
- Average temperature: 55°F – 73°F (13°C – 23°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Pinellas County in the Tampa Bay area of west-central Florida
- Population: about 82,000
- Scenery: coastal plains, palm-lined streets, nearby Gulf beaches, and numerous parks and nature preserves
What I loved best:
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Largo, Indian Rocks Beach is less crowded than Clearwater and makes for a dreamy spot to wait for a sunset, my personal highlight.
3. Bradenton Beach
I thought Bradenton Beach was one of Florida’s most underrated Gulf Coast escapes because it's sunny and full old-Florida charm. Then there are wide stretches of powdery white sand, colorful cottages, and a slower island pace along the waters of Anna Maria Island!
From Tampa, we drove just over an hour south and spent three blissful days based at 2-star Tortuga Inn Beach Resort. We strolled along the soft sands at Coquina Beach, checked out the historic Bridge Street Pier with its quirky shops and ice-cream stands. On my list to-do next time is kayaking through the serene mangrove tunnels of Leffis Key.
- Average temperature: 57°F – 74°F (14°C – 23°C)
- Location Map
- Location: On Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, along Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Population: around 1,200
- Scenery: white-sand beaches, turquoise Gulf waters, fishing piers, and charming seaside cottages
What I loved best:
Dinner and sunset at Beach House Waterfront Restaurant to celebrate romance together was my personal highlight. It's going to be busy on Valentine's so book ahead!
4. Ogden, Utah
We enjoyed our time in Ogden because of its frontier history, and incredible Wasatch Range scenery. The walkable downtown completely won me over, although we had to keep our walks short because it was cold out.
From Salt Lake City, we drove about 40 minutes north and spent three days based at 2-star Comfort Suites Ogden. We explored the fascinating Hill Aerospace Museum, and took a ski lesson at Snowbasin Resort.
- Average temperature in February: 25°F – 46°F (-4°C – 8°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Weber County in northern Utah, about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City
- Population: approximately 87,000
- Scenery: snow-capped Wasatch Mountains, river canyons, historic downtown architecture, and scenic alpine trails
What I loved best:
Back in town, we browsed quirky art galleries, sampled inventive craft brews, and ate at several local eateries.
5. Oshkosh, Wisconsin
I thought Oshkosh was one of the Midwest’s most underrated small cities. I enjoyed the charming lakefront community where aviation history, creative culture, and classic Wisconsin hospitality meet along the shores of sparkling Lake Winnebago!
From Milwaukee, we drove an hour and a half north and spent three days based at 3-star Braywood Inn. We explored the world-class EAA Aviation Museum ($15 adult admission),and discovered local art at the Paine Art Center and Gardens. I also toured the historic Grand Opera House.
- Average temperature in February: 13°F – 31°F (-10°C – -1°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Winnebago County in east-central Wisconsin, along the western shore of Lake Winnebago
- Population: about 67,000
- Scenery: lakeside views, riverfront parks, historic downtown, and vibrant Midwestern landscapes
What I loved best:
Evenings ended with romantic golden sunsets over Lake Winnebago, live music at taverns, and a relaxed small-town vibe that made it easy to feel right at home.
6. La Junta, Colorado
We found La Junta to be one of Colorado’s most overlooked gems, a welcoming plains town where pioneer history and rugged landscapes create an atmosphere for adventure seekers.
About two hours southeast of Colorado Springs, we made La Junta my base for three days, staying at 3-star Hampton Inn La Junta. WE wandered through the fascinating Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site (be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out there!). Another must-visit is the Koshare Indian Museum with its impressive collection of Native American art.
- Average temperature in February: 21°F – 53°F (-6°C – 12°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Otero County in southeastern Colorado, near the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek
- Population: around 7,300
- Scenery: wide-open plains, river valleys, historic sites, and views of distant mountain ranges
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was a cozy breakfast at The Copper Kitchen. I had pancakes but other choices include biscuits and gravy and chicken-fried steak.
7. Crystal City, Virginia
I thought Crystal City was one of the D.C. area’s most surprising Valentine’s Day getaways, just 12 minutes from downtown D.C. It's a sleek and stylish urban pocket where modern city life, cozy dining spots, and Potomac River views create a beautiful romantic backdrop to celebrate Valentine's Day.
We spent Valentine’s day at Crowne Plaza Crystal City-Washington, D.C. By day, we strolled through the nearby Long Bridge Park and did some shopping at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. We ended the day with a movie and dinner at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City.
- Average temperature in February: 31°F – 50°F (-1°C – 10°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Arlington County in Northern Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
- Population: approximately 7,500
- Scenery: modern urban skyline, landscaped parks, Potomac waterfront views, and proximity to national landmarks
8. Kona Breezes & Garden Stillness at Holualoa Inn
While we lived on the Big Island of Hawaii for six year, getting away for Valentine's Day was always such a treat and best of all we didn't have to go far! Why? Kona was just 20 minutes from our home and it was one of the dreamiest Valentine’s escapes in Hawaii. It's a sunny paradise where volcanic beaches, and amazing sunsets you can count on set the stage for romance.
We spent our Valentine’s weekend at a serene oceanfront resort, waking up to the sound of waves and breakfasts on a lanai overlooking the Pacific. We took a tour of a Kona coffee farm, shared quiet moments snorkeling in hidden coves, and explored sacred sites.
- Average temperature in February: 66°F – 81°F (19°C – 27°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Western coast of the Big Island (Hawaii Island), in Hawaii County
- Population: around 23,000 (Kailua-Kona area)
- Scenery: volcanic slopes, coffee farms, turquoise bays, black lava fields, and vibrant coastal sunsets
What I loved best:
In the evening, we watched a pink and gold sunset, then dined under the stars with fresh island seafood and sweet lilikoi desserts.
9. Queens, New York
As a NYC local for 10 years I got to visit Queens on weekends, but I don't consider myself an expert. That's why we combined visiting family with a quick Valentine’s escape in Queens. It's a chilly time to visit, but there's plenty to keep you occupied indoors.
We based ourselves at 3-star LIC Hotel for three days, a chic boutique hotel in Long Island City. We started the day with pastries at Biancolatte Bakery (which won World's Best Pastry Chefs award) just a two minute walk from the hotel, before wandering through Gantry Plaza State Park with awesome view of Manhattan across the East River.
In the afternoon, we explored the art-filled halls of MoMA PS1 for 90 minutes. Since this is New York and you can have any flavor from any part of the world you wish for, we settled on Taiwanese food at Gulp, also just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- Average temperature in February: 30°F – 44°F (-1°C – 7°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Borough of New York City, located on western Long Island in the state of New York
- Population: approximately 2.3 million
- Scenery: diverse urban neighborhoods, waterfront parks, skyline views, and landmarks like Flushing Meadows–Corona Park
What I loved best:
This Valentine’s Day in Queens was fun, flavorful, and awesomely New York! I have some must-do ideas in Manhattan or Brooklyn for you as well.
Conclusion
What made these trips special were the small, slow moments like watching snow fall in a quiet town, sharing a warm dessert after the beach, or catching our son’s laughter echoing down a city block. Each place gave us space to press pause, look at each other a little longer, and remember why we’re still choosing this, again and again. Valentine's Day wasn’t about one perfect day. It was about a few unexpected ones that brought us back to what matters.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
