34 Romantic Valentine's Day Getaways for All Sorts in the U.S.
Forgo flowers and chocolates in favor of some high-quality one-on-one time.
By Ann Shields
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Want to really knock the socks off a certain special someone this Valentine’s Day? Sure, you could whip up a romantic dinner recipe, or give a super-thoughtful gift for him or her, but we’re here to do you—and them—one better with some truly magnificent Valentine’s Day getaway ideas.
That’s right: It’s time to plan a trip for just the two of you. Luckily, the U.S. is positively brimming with charming small towns and romantic big cities, so you’re guaranteed to uncover great options when you start Googling “Valentine’s Day getaway near me.” Of course, if you’re open to air travel, your choices significantly expand. Let the good times roll in New Orleans with fabulous meals and stunning architecture, or opt for winter adventures like skiing and snowshoes in Woodstock, Vermont. You could also go for something super-quaint and unexpected, and pick your destination based on the name—Did you know there’s a town called Darling in Mississippi, and another named Lovely in Kentucky? 🥰
Whether your idea of romance is strolling historic streets hand-in-hand, cozying up by a fire, or enjoying the best food and drink a town has to offer, these Valentine’s Day destinations for 2023 are sure to help keep the spark alive. So put in those PTO requests, book that romantic hotel, then get to packing. It’s time to get away from it all with the one you love most on a Valentine’s Day vacation! Ahead, you’ll find our editor’s hand-picked suggestions for the top places to go for a little country romance.
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Los Alamos, CA
Aubrie Pick
In the northern gateway to the Golden State’s Santa Ynez Valley, wine country and the ways of the Old West intertwine with fresh eats and great antiques. See our full guide for more!
Let the good times roll in this small town situated across the lake from New Orleans, where you can listen to live jazz where Louis Armstrong once played, explore historic general stores, and visit wetlands full of wildlife wonders.
The crown jewel of the Missouri Rhineland willkommens visitors with wineries, wurst hauses, and dozens of other delightful ways to enjoy its German heritage. Join Country Living All Access to view our complete guide to a weekend in town.
One hour west of Washington, D.C., the small town at the heart of Virginia’s horse and hunt country is filled with upscale inns, cozy restaurants (at some of which you'll dine outdoors!), and plenty of activities for equestrians. It also happens to be an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway.
From skiing to snowshoeing to skating, there's plenty to keep you busy during a wintertime visit to the postcard-perfect Vermont town of Woodstock. Check into The Woodstock Inn & Resort for a relaxing stay and be sure to book treatments at the splurge-worthy spa.
Because Valentine's Day is more fun with a little heat! Head to the Florida Keys this year to spend some time with dolphins, explore coral reefs, and take in the sunshine.
There are few things more romantic than wild horses, and Beaufort can give you a close-up view of them. See them from a stand-up paddleboard, or simply take in the gorgeous Victorian architecture in this cool, quaint town.
Stunning vistas await you in Blue Ridge, but this mountain town is about so much more than its views. Excellent theater offerings, an adorable Main Street, and dozens of charming bed and breakfasts will keep you occupied all weekend long.
This underrated destination is one of our favorite places to spend Valentine's Day, and for good reason: It's home to lovely, candlelit restaurants, a beautiful main street, and a fantastic brewery.
Music may be the food of love, but who says you can't have both great music and great food? That's what you'll find down in New Orleans. Treat your loved one to a concert at a local jazz club and eat beignets to your heart's content.
As the home of the absolutely beautiful Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is ideal for couples who are craving a bit of adventure. Of course, all that hiking and exploring can be tiring, so you'll need to take some time to unwind. We suggest scheduling an afternoon at Bar Harbor Inn Spa, the perfect place to "relax and rejuvenate," according to the city's website. You can then take your R&R to the next level with a glass—or two—of vino at Bar Harbor Cellars Winery.
Situated right on the coast of Lake Michigan, this town has a little something for every lover. To begin, book your romantic getaway at J. Paule’s Fenn Inn Bed and Breakfast, or as they like to call it the "best kept secret in Southwest Michigan." Next, grab a memorable meal at Bowdies Chophouse, and be sure to spend some time at the beautiful Fenn Valley Winery. Cheers!
"The town of Telluride is just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long," according to city's website, but that makes this Colorado paradise ideal for an intimate trip. It might be on the smaller side, but there's still plenty to do, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding on the gorgeous mountains. If you want something a little more low-key, take a trip on the free gondola ride to get a bird's-eye-view of the stunning scenery.
Stroll through this pretty town in the Ozarks known for its Victorian architecture, charming shops, and delicious food. It's also home to the Crescent Hotel & Spa, one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S. If scary stories are your thing, be sure to sign up for one of their ghost tours.
Cupid will need to bundle up for Valentine's Day in this mountain town. The picturesque gateway to Glacier National Park is so romantic that ABC's long-running series The Bachelor filmed an episode here! Start by spending time outside with a horse-drawn sleigh ride or an afternoon on the ski slopes, but in the evening, take your travels to the lively downtown area. You can warm right up with live music or theater, craft beer, or a locally sourced steak.
The quiet winter months are an ideal time to visit Provincetown. B&Bs abound in Cape Cod's northernmost city, but few are as distinctive or thoughtfully designed as local favorite Eben House. The former home of storied mariner captain Eben Snow, the inn's main brick structure is one of only three of its kind in Provincetown still standing from the late 18th century. Breakfast is considerably more delicious than typical sailors' fare and changes with the seasons; hearty winter dishes include Chai Baked Oatmeal and Spiced Apple Chicken Sausage Frittata. Spend your days strolling the empty beaches or visiting local galleries and shops.
The beauty of Berlin, a small town on the eastern shore of Maryland, has not been lost on Hollywood: Two romantic films, Runaway Bride and Tuck Everlastingwere filmed here. Making your own cinematic magic here is easy. A window shopping stroll along Main Street—two- and three-story brick buildings house upscale boutiques, bakeries, cafes, and antique shops—will transport you to a time before chain stores and malls. Enjoy an off-season walk with your sweetheart along the shoreline in nearby Assateague, where wild ponies (looking adorably pudgy in their winter coats) calmly roam the dunes.
Dolly Parton, who wrote and crooned "I Will Always Love You", clearly knows a bit about romance. In Dolly's bustling Smoky Mountains enclave, Valentine's Day can be celebrated at the Titanic Museum with Sweetheart Month (buy your sweetheart a necklace modeled on Rose's Heart of the Ocean), or with an adventure of your own, like a hot pursuit through the local ropes course followed by a cozy evening by the fire in a secluded cabin.
No Miami glitz here, Amelia Island is a kinder, gentler Florida with grand dame Victorian mansions, 13 miles of lovely beaches, horse-drawn carriage rides and a sense of old-fashioned courtly romance. It wasn't always so wholesome, though—Amelia Island was such a haven for pirates that at two points during the 19th century, they claimed the island as their own, flying the skull-and-crossbones flag over the objections of the local Spanish territorial government.
Is there any sweeter place to spend February 14 than the very place where sweet tea was invented?! Just a 20-minute drive from Charleston, Summerville is home to the world's largest Mason jar of sweet tea. According to the city's website, the vessel can hold a whopping 2,524 gallons of tea!