Best Places to Visit on Valentine's Day
Dreaming of the perfect romantic getaway? Whether you’re seeking golden beach sunsets, soulful towns, or a cozy retreat for two, I found these February destinations filled with romance. I’ve gathered my favorite spots to make this year's Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Best Warm Weather Places to Visit on Valentine's Day
Craving a warm-weather destination to get away for a romantic Valentine's Day vacation? Here are my favorites - no passport required!
1. Wild Side Specialty Tour in Hawaii
If you have time to fly to Hawaii, Valentine's Day is the sweet spot time to visit. We loved the romantic sunsets, warm weather and learning about (and seeing!) whales during the peak whale watching season.
Wild Side Specialty Tour on Oahu is one of my favorite tours in Hawaii because it gives you such an intimate, eco-focused way to experience the ocean. It was one of my favourite activities while Chris and lived in Hawaii and I think it's a brilliant romantic idea for Valentine's Day vacation. Why?
First off, Wild Side Specialty Tours is easy to join from Oahu, and you get that perfect mix of warm island breezes, and the chance to experience dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and whales from up close.
Secondly, what I love about the Wild Side Specialty Tour is that it's biologist-led so you learn a lot about the ocean in a very short time.
Just a heads up though: whale watching is unpredictable, even during peak whale season (Jan through early March). One day you may see whales following you and being curious but on other days they keep their distance so you may just see them breaching in the distance.
- Average temperature: 66°F – 81°F (19°C – 27°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Central Pacific, Hawaii
What I loved best:
We lovedstaying in an 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, a tropical island paradise.
Local tip:
Afterwards, stopping for some amazing Hawaiian food at Highway Inn was my personal highlight!
2. Holualoa Inn, Kona
While we lived on the Big Island of Hawaii for six years, getting away for Valentine's Day was always such a treat. Best of all we didn't have to go far! Kona was just 20 minutes from our home and it was one of the dreamiest Valentine’s escapes we've every had. It's a sunny paradise where volcanic beaches, and amazing sunsets you can count on automatically set the stage for romance.
We spent our Valentine’s Day weekend in a romantic Plumeria Suite at Holualoa Inn which offers a luxurious retreat. I loved the sweeping ocean views and a sense of seclusion, while still being incredibly close to activities and the Big Island’s culture. We took a tour of a Kona coffee farm, shared quiet moments snorkeling in a hidden cove, and strolled through downtown Kona.
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, my personal highlight.
3. Bradenton Beach, Florida
Chris and I both absolutely love "The Friendly City", and have been many times. In fact, I thought this was one of Florida’s most underrated Gulf Coast escapes and absolutely perfect for an affordable and romantic Valentine's Day trip. Why? First off, the weather is warm and sunny in February. Secondly, you get to enjoy wide stretches of powdery white sand, colorful cottages, and a slower island pace along the waters of Anna Maria Island!
From Tampa, Chris and I drove just over an hour south and spent two romantic days based in a Palm Court guest room at 2-star Tortuga Inn Beach Resort (around $330 on Valentine's Day weekend).
We often started with a quiet morning walk along the shoreline, the sand cool beneath our feet and the waves rolling in gently. Then we had a light lunch followed by a nap.
Later, my favorite part was spending the afternoon together by the water, sharing smiles.
In late afternoon, Bridge Street added a playful charm, with its colorful shops and cozy cafés, perfect for wandering hand, and picking out little keepsakes to remember the day.
For dinner, we shared fresh seafood at Beach House Waterfront Restaurant while watching the sunset.
- 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 Fay so book (weeks!) ahead.
4. Largo, Florida
This destination may not be as widely known as its nearby neighbors, but it’s a wonderful hidden gem for a Valentine’s escape, and one of my favorite places to visit in Florida.
We arrived first thing in the morning and drove through quiet palm-lined streets, already feeling that romantic getaway magic without the crowds.
We stayed in a Studio with a King Bed at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Largo with breakfast included for our romantic weekend.
Our first stop was a walk at Largo Central Park, which is one of the most beautiful and interesting parks near Tampa Bay, and honestly an amazing experience.
We grabbed coffee nearby and sat outside watching locals pass by, which felt cool, relaxed, and very authentic, like a hidden side of Florida.
After that we headed toward the beaches since Largo is just minutes from Clearwater Beach, making it one of the best affordable Valentine’s escapes.
Spending the afternoon by the water was my favorite part, with soft sand, vibrant sunsets, and that joyful ocean breeze that makes everything feel romantic.
Later we explored some local seafood spots, and finding these small family places felt like discovering an absolute best hidden gem.
We had a romantic dinner at Roosterfish Grill. After dinner, we relaxed, shared drinks, and talked about how underrated Largo really is compared to flashier Florida destinations.
The next morning we took a scenic drive around the area, enjoying how close Largo is to nature preserves, beaches, and cool little neighborhoods.
We strolled through the Florida Botanical Gardens, and had a picnic at Largo Central Park.
One of the most exciting parts was how affordable everything felt, which made the experience even better and stress free.
By the time we left, Largo felt like a dream Valentine’s spot, unique, peaceful, and honestly one of the best surprises we’ve had together.
- 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, Indian Rocks Beach is less crowded than Clearwater and makes for a dreamy spot to wait for a sunset, my personal highlight.
Best Cold Weather Places to Visit on Valentine's Day
Ready for a cozy winter getaway in the U.S.? Check out my favorites below!
5. Oshkosh, Wisconsin
I thought this was one of the Midwest’s most underrated small cities. Oshkosh is a small lakefront community known for its aviation history, right along the shores of lovely Lake Winnebago! As we pulled in, I right away thought that it was one of those unexpectedly charming destinations that feels perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day getaway.
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 started by walking along the lakefront, where the wide water views, winter sky, and quiet paths created such a peaceful, intimate setting for being together.
My favorite part was strolling hand in hand through Menominee Park, bundled up against the cold, watching the lake stretch endlessly beside us and feeling completely unhurried.
Then, we explored the world-class EAA Aviation Museum ($15 adult admission), followed by a stop the Paine Art Center and Gardens.
We stopped for lunch at a small restaurant and shared hearty Wisconsin comfort food—rich, satisfying, and exactly what we needed on a chilly day.
After lunch, we toured the historic Grand Opera House.
Evenings ended with romantic golden sunsets over Lake Winnebago, and a relaxed small-town vibe that made it easy to feel right at home.
- 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:
My favorite highlight was Valentine's Day dinner at Gardina's Kitchen & BarGardina's Kitchen & Bar. We shared the Classic Bruschett ($11) as a starter, and Chicken Parmesan ($28) main course.
6. Queens, New York
This is one of my favorite boroughs to explore with Chris because it offers a little bit of everything—quiet residential streets, varied attractions, and romantic waterfront parks perfect for strolling together. While we lived in Manhattan, I often visited Queens on weekends, and last month we even combined visiting family with a quick Valentine’s escape to Queens.
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. Next, we wandered 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 nearly 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, to celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner.
- Average temperature in February: 30°F – 44°F (-1°C – 7°C)
- Location Map
- Location: Located on western Long Island, New York
What I loved best:
This Valentine’s Day was fun, flavorful, and awesomely New York! I have some must-do ideas in Manhattan or Brooklyn for you as well.
7. Ogden, Utah
Ready for a mountain getaway with real character? Check out Ogden—a standout in northern Utah! For me, Ogden is one of the most unexpectedly romantic Valentine’s Day destinations. 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).
We started the day wandering Historic 25th Street, where old brick buildings, string lights, and local shops gave the morning a warm, nostalgic feel despite the winter chill.
My favorite part was ducking into cozy cafés to warm up with coffee, sitting close and watching snow drift past the windows like we were in a movie scene made just for us.
Union Station felt especially magical in winter—its grand architecture and peaceful atmosphere invited us to slow down, explore the museums, and linger hand in hand.
For lunch, we found a snug local spot and shared comfort food that felt perfect for February—rich, hearty, and made even better by good conversation and no rush to be anywhere else.
I loved browsing the small shops along 25th Street, filled with antiques, books, and handmade goods, picking out little treasures that felt personal and meaningful.
Later, we took a scenic drive toward the mountains, where snowy peaks and quiet overlooks gave us a moment of calm, wrapped in blankets and just enjoying the view together.
As evening fell, we returned downtown for dinner, where candlelight, soft music, and winter coats hung on chairs made everything feel intimate and celebratory without being over-the-top. We enjoyed our time in this town 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.
Next day, 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 (Eccles Art Center with its flower garden was my favorite!).
8. La Junta, Colorado
For Valentine’s Day we decided to do something a little unusual and headed to La Junta, Colorado, which sits in southeastern Colorado near the Arkansas River and felt like a hidden gem right away.
We arrived first thing in the afternoon and the small-town vibe instantly felt romantic in a quiet, underrated way that was honestly the best kind of experience.
Our first stop was downtown La Junta, where we walked hand in hand past historic buildings and local shops, and it felt like a cool and affordable weekend getaway.
We grabbed coffee nearby and just talked for hours, which made it one of my favorite moments and such a simple but joyful start.
Later we drove a short distance to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site (be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out there!), which is right outside town and was an amazing and interesting place to explore together.
Walking through the fort felt like stepping into history, and the quiet surroundings made the whole experience feel kind of magical and romantic.
After that we headed back toward La Junta City Park, which was surprisingly vibrant and perfect for a relaxed walk as the sun started to set.
Dinner came next and we found a cozy local restaurant, and sharing comfort food there felt like the absolute best Valentine’s dinner idea.
We had an affordable stay in a room with a King Bed at 3-star Hampton Inn La Junta (around $89). The next morning we woke up early and drove toward Picketwire Canyonlands, located southwest of La Junta, and it was one of the most spectacular sights I’ve seen.
Seeing dinosaur tracks together was such a unique and exciting experience.
Another must-visit is the Koshare Indian Museum with its impressive collection of Native American art.
We ended the trip just cruising back roads, laughing, and realizing La Junta is an underrated romantic gem for couples or even a family getaway.
- 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 this 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.
First thing we did was check into our sleek guest room with a King bed at Crowne Plaza Crystal City-Washington, D.C. ($103/night) and honestly it felt like the absolute best start to a romantic weekend.
After dropping off our bags, we explored the neighborhood on foot and loved how walkable and interesting Crystal City felt, especially being so close to the Potomac.
We grabbed coffee at a local café and it felt joyful just wandering around together with no real plan, which is my favorite kind of travel.
That evening we dressed up and walked to dinner nearby, and the food scene here is surprisingly the best and very underrated.
The next morning we slept in, ordered room service, and honestly thought this was the best Valentine’s Day idea we’ve had in years.
We spent the afternoon walking along the water because the scenery was spectacular.
- Average temperature in February: 31°F – 50°F (-1°C – 10°C)
- Location Map
What I loved best:
We ended Valentine's day with a fun movie and dinner at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City.
I think that Crystal City is one of the best Valentine's day vacations. Why? Only about a 15-minute drive from D.C., staying here feels like stepping into a town where nature and modern life mingle gracefully.
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.
