Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get out of town. A reservation at that same fancy restaurant you go to every year is great, but romance heightens exploring somewhere new together. Just the two of you, a change of scenery, and a few days worth of quality time. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy mountaintop cabin, a sun-soaked beach, or rooftop cocktails in a world-class city, Valentine’s Day getaways span every budget — from road trips to splurge-worthy resort stays and everything in between.
How to Choose the Perfect Valentine’s Day Getaway
Before you book anything, ask yourself a few questions:
How Much Time Do You Have?
A long weekend gives you more options than a single night out. How far do you want to travel? Sometimes the best escapes are two hours away, not two flights.
What Does Relaxing Look Like For Both Of You?
Some couples recharge through adventure. Others need stillness, spas, and us-time. Figure out what works for both of you. The best romantic Valentine’s Day getaways match your shared energy.
What’s Your Budget?
Romance isn’t reserved for five-star resorts. A cabin in the woods can be just as swoon-worthy as an overwater bungalow.
Cozy Weekend Retreats Close to Home
You don’t always need to get out your passport to feel like you’ve escaped. Some of the most romantic Valentine’s Day getaways happen within driving distance.
Small Towns
Wander through antique shops, try local restaurants with options that you won’t find back home, and stroll down main streets that look like movie sets. Small towns can be charming, unpretentious, and usually come with a few quaint B&Bs that feel like staying with friends who actually made up the guest room.
Mountain Cabins
Ready for tranquility and an excuse to stay in bed shamelessly past noon? Welcome to your mountain cabin, equipped with a fireplace, a bottle of wine, and zero cell service.
Lakeside Inns
Imagine sunset views from your bedroom windows, morning fog rolling off the water, and porches built for coffee and long conversations. Add a working fireplace, and you’ll be booking a return trip next year before you even leave.
Boutique Hotels
The thoughtful details are what set these hotels apart. We’re talking wine waiting in your room, breakfast delivered to your door, plus bathrobes so plush that you’ll consider stealing them.
Dreamy Beach Getaways
If February has you craving warmth, a beach escape is calling your name. Sun, sand, and the sound of waves create an instant mood shift. Stress melts. Shoulders relax. The best beach destinations include:
- The world-famous California coastline delivers rugged beauty and tucked-away beach towns that feel like secrets.
- The Gulf Coast serves up warm shallow waters and sunsets that paint the sky pink and gold.
- Hawaii offers volcanic landscapes, world-class snorkeling, and that serene island pace that makes your everyday life feel like it’s happening on another planet.
Romantic Valentine’s Day All-Inclusive Getaways
The best part of Valentine’s Day all-inclusive getaways is that they cover almost everything, which means no planning, no stressing, and no mental math.
Mexico
Cancún, Riviera Maya, and Cabo top the list for all the right reasons: World-class resorts, accessible flights from most major US cities, and romance packages that include everything from couples’ massages to private beach dinners.
Jamaica
Many resorts in Jamaica cater to couples, with adults-only pools and catamaran cruises built into your stay. Reggae playing around the pool, jerk chicken at sunset, and hospitality so warm it feels like hanging out with family.
The Bahamas
Crystal-clear water, sand as white as powdered sugar, and a pace slow enough to actually unwind. Close enough for a long weekend, beautiful enough to feel like you flew halfway around the world.
Dominican Republic
Expect palm-lined beaches, merengue floating through open-air lobbies, and resorts that deliver luxury without the luxury price tag.
City Escapes for Culture-Loving Couples
Not everyone dreams of beaches and tiki bars. Some couples come alive in cities. They love exploring museums, wandering through neighborhoods, and gazing out at a sparkling skyline from a rooftop. For all those couples, these cities are for you.
San Francisco
Here’s the skinny on SF: Steep hills, cable cars, and a food scene that ranges from dim sum in Chinatown to Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf. Plus, the fog rolling through the Golden Gate at dusk is its own kind of romance.
New York
Where else can you get endless options for literally every mood? New York is renowned for Broadway shows, cozy wine bars, strolls through Central Park, and Michelin-starred eateries that serve some of the best food you’ll ever eat.
Seattle
Who’s up for coffee culture, waterfront romance, and a food scene that punches way above its weight? Visit Pike Place for fresh flowers, steaming coffee, and vendors calling across wet cobblestones.
Chicago
The architecture, the lakefront views, and the dining scene put Chicago in a class that rivals any metropolis on either coast, but with that Midwestern Niceness that makes it walkable and friendly. Deep-dish pizza optional, but highly recommended.
Nature-Forward Getaways
For couples who feel most connected outdoors, wilderness escapes deliver exactly what you need. Desert destinations bring warm days, clear skies, and stargazing that puts planetariums to shame. National Parks offer breathtaking landscapes and the kind of quiet that makes conversation flow. Hot springs, canyon sunsets, and hikes to jaw-dropping viewpoints create shared experiences that bring you home feeling even closer than when you left.
Luxury Escapes for Couples Ready to Splurge
Sometimes you just want to go all out, right? High-end spa resorts pamper you senseless. Private villas come with your own pool and your own schedule. Wine country retreats pair lush scenery with world-class food and bottles you’d never splurge on at home. These trips justify their price tags through details like 600-thread-count sheets, private chefs who remember how you take your coffee, and memories that outlast any material gift.
Budget-Friendly Options That Still Deliver
Romance doesn’t require a massive budget. The best memories often come from spontaneous outings together, not how much you spent getting there.
- Road trips remain underrated. Pack snacks, make a playlist, and explore somewhere new together.
- Charming B&Bs provide that personable warmth at a fraction of resort prices.
- Off-season destinations usually come with better rates and fewer crowds.
- Midweek stays tend to cost much less than weekends.
Tips to Make Any Getaway More Romantic
Plan One Surprise
Book that restaurant your significant other mentioned, score tickets to a show, or arrange an activity that you know they’ll love.
Bring a Handwritten Note
Old-school? Sure. But pulling out a letter you wrote before the trip starts still lands. Read it over dinner or leave it on their pillow. Guaranteed swoon.
Reserve One Shared Experience
A cooking class, sailing at sunset, or a couples’ massage gives you something to do together and a story to retell later.
Put Your Phones Away
At least for long stretches. Take photos, but resist the urge to document everything. The point of a romantic getaway is to be present with each other, not performing for social media.
Start Planning Your Valentine’s Day Getaway With Celebration.com
The best Valentine’s Day getaways come down to intention. Prioritizing time together trades the daily grind for fun, relaxation, and a reminder of why you chose each other in the first place. Ready to make it happen? Sign up for a travel registry with Celebration.com and let your friends and family help fund your romantic escape.