Perfect 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 February destinations are filled with romance. From enchanting evenings to candlelit dinners by the sea, I’ve gathered my favorite spots 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, one of my favorite activities while we lived in Hawaii for 6 years!
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 and on a ild Side Specialty Tour 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, Hawaii
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was our Ocean View guest room with a King Bed with Sofa bed at Turtle Bay Resort for two days, and unforgettable sunsets on Oahu's North Shore.
Local tip:
Afterwards, stop for some amazing Hawaiian food at Highway Inn!
2. 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 in February. 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 seven blissful days based in a Palm Court guest room at 2-star Tortuga Inn Beach Resort. We strolled along the soft sands at Coquina Beach, kayaked through the serene mangrove tunnels of Leffis Key, checked out the historic Bridge Street Pier with its quirky shops and ice-cream stands.
- 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
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!
3. Oshkosh, Wisconsin
I thought Oshkosh was one of the Midwest’s most underrated small cities, where 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 in a Blue Guest Room at 3-star Braywood Inn (around $199/night). 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
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.
4. 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 in a romantic Plumeria Suite at Holualoa Inn which offers a luxurious yet warm and inviting retreat with sweeping ocean views and a sense of seclusion, while still being accessible to activities and the Big Island’s culture. We took a tour of a Kona coffee farm, shared quiet moments snorkeling in hidden coves, and explored sacred sites.
I loved that Kona is such a foodie destination, with options like freshly caught seafood at Huggo's and Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill, or locally sourced Hawaiian & Filipino staples at Broke Da Mouth Grindz.
- 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
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.
5. 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 (around $270/night) 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: Located on western Long Island in the state of New York
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.
6. 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 stayed in a Studio with a King Bed at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Largo with breakfast included for our romantic weekend.
We strolled through the Florida Botanical Gardens, had a picnic at Largo Central Park and had a romantic dinner at Roosterfish 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
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.
7. 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 the affordable 2-star Comfort Suites Ogden (around $95/night) and from there 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
What I loved best:
Back in town, we browsed quirky art galleries, sampled inventive craft brews, and ate at several local eateries.
8. 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 in a room with a King Bed at 3-star Hampton Inn La Junta (around $89). 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
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.
9. 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 in a guest room with a King bed at Crowne Plaza Crystal City-Washington, D.C. ($103/night) and by day, we strolled through the nearby Long Bridge Park and did some shopping at Fashion Centre at Pentagon 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.
What I loved best:
We ended Valentine's day with a fun movie and dinner at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City.
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.
