What better way to spend the day of love than sweeping your Valentine away with a romantic getaway instead of the standard old box of chocolates and dozen long-stem roses?
Come February, rendezvous this V-Day away by whisking your sweetie pie off to a passion-filled U.S. spot to let loose and to let your hearts guide you through a magical city. America is full of sweet and sexy adventures that even Cupid himself would mostly likely approve of, so from urban escapades to relaxing beach vacations, here are our best picks for seven romantic Valentine’s Day getaways in the United States.
Take Your Sweetie To These 7 U.S. Places For Valentine's Day
1. San Francisco, California
Woo your honey bear with champagne, chocolate, and tons of canoodling in and around the flirty Golden Gate City. Given that it’s so close to tech hub Silicon Valley, San Francisco is all about innovation, especially when it comes to romance. The Bay area has numerous unique and unconventional things to do for lovers, such as picnicking on the grass to watch the Bay Lights Show, moseying on down to Cupid’s Span, a green space on the Embarcadero, dining in some superb Spanish or French restaurants offering old-time curb appeal along Claude Lane, or taking a Gourmet Walks tour complete with lots of bubbly and even more gourmet chocolate tastings.
Those wanting a sky high view should head on over to the top of the Mark, a high-altitude bar in the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel that’s got unbeatable cocktails and views—there’s also the infamous Hotel G near San Francisco's Union Square, as well as at Campton Place Hotel close by, where you can sit down to an unforgettable candlelight dinner with your favorite boo. What’s more is that single ladies and gents need not worry, because there’s also the opportunity to join the crowds over at Justin Herman Plaza for the annual Valentine’s Day pillow fight. Make sure to wear a cheesy Valentine’s Day-themed costume. So fun.
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2. Savannah, Georgia & Atlanta, Georgia
The cobblestone streets and all around Southern charm of this peach producing state have been known to foster stolen kisses, hand-holding, and a boatload of passion for new lovers and seasoned partners alike. Head towards Savannah for canoe rides for two along the coastal creeks, which are beautifully framed by moody Spanish moss, stately tupelo and cypress trees, and an array of cool wildlife like turtles and alligators. Glide down the Savannah River on a brunch or dinner riverboat cruise before heading back into town to retire at one of the many romantic inns and cozy B&Bs, such as the Ballastone Inn or ultra-luxurious Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Over in the state’s capital city—well known as the beating heart of the American South—there are chances for more romantic fun. Seek out fabulous works of art, watch jaw-dropping dance companies, or take in some terrific classical music. Remember that the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs a lovely series of shows at the Fox Theater beginning each February, while various museum exhibits throughout Atlanta host special couples of nights during the holiday season. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra even performs a free Valentine’s Day concert! Or, you can always just get out of town and escape to the scenic wine region of the North Georgia mountains to savor a few days of tours and tastings.
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3. New York, New York
From horse-drawn carriage rides through Central Park to the Valentine's Day package at the Hotel Gansevoort, or Eskimo kisses on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center and window-shopping trips down in SoHo for some sexy attire, the Big Apple is chock full of romantic getaways to take full advantage of.
Come February 14th, there's something for every kind of lover, including classic chocolate and wine tasting events at Wave Hill, a Bronx estate overlooking the Hudson, star-gazing shows at the Hayden Planetarium, as well as ultra-delicious menu options at some of NYC’s best restaurants and bars to spoil your significant other with. Why not enjoy a holistic spa treatment in the privacy of your own room courtesy of Naturopathica at Topping Rose House, or to go all out with Conrad’s “VIP Valentine’s Day” promotion—which involves accommodations in the hotel’s 1,500-square-foot Conrad Suite. Think private helicopter tours of the city, breakfasts in bed, and a private tasting menu dinner. Yum.
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4. Denver, Colorado
Celebrate love in Colorado’s capital city by jumping head first into the city’s hopping dining scene, nightlife, and cultural activities. Active couples can choose to skate at Skyline Park, savor revolving sushi at the array of awesome Kaiten joints such as Sushi-Rama, and then end the night with a nightcap at a hip, industrial local hangout serving craft cocktails, beer, and tons of wine. Those wanting something more traditional should take a stroll over to the Speer Boulevard Bridge, grab a meal at a chic French bistro, and mosey on over to a hotspot like Williams and Graham, which serves as part Prohibition-era speakeasy part corner bookstore.
And if you’re looking for a getaway truly to remember, allow love to reach new heights on The Loveland ski slope, located just an hour from Denver, where lovebirds can tie the knot or renew their vows during the annual Mountaintop Matrimony Ceremony and then ski down the hill to a snazzy reception.
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5. Oahu, Hawaii
It’s already well known as one of the most romantic spots on earth, so it’s easy to see why the north shore of Hawaii is a go to for V-Day adventures. Try out the Turtle Bay Resort, a spot that has always succeeded at celebrating love, as it continues to attract hundreds of thousands of honeymooners each year.
Romances often bloom on the Big Island’s most magnificent beaches, so come February, make your Valentine’s Day a date you will cherish forever by savoring four-course gourmet meals, by immersing yourself in the aloha spirit by attending a Fire and Ice Gala at the Kuilima ballroom, or by savoring a four-course gourmet meal at the Pa’akai or North Shore Kula Grille, or even a private dinner from your own Beach Cottage lanai. On top of all that fun, you can even go horseback riding, watch gorgeous sunsets while sipping on colorful cocktails, and have yourself a fine champagne picnic within one of the area’s secluded coves.
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6. Portland, Oregon
Want a more laid-back vibe with your honey boo—as in quaint corner bookstores, vibrant food scenes, hip microbrews, and basically all things totally and completely rad and awesome? Mosey on over to Portland, where you’ll find the centrally-located Nines hotel, with their “Roses and Thorns” offer, which offers blood red Baccara roses and dark chocolates from local chocolatier Moonstruck Chocolate Company, hearty Bloody Mary’s for breakfast, and other twisted treats.
Rip City is also a mecca of other quirky daytime outings and traditional romantic dinners. Try Peruvian delights over at Andina, vegetarian-friendly options at Blossoming Lotus, and be sure to take ride on the Portland Spirit riverboat to top it all off.
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7. Chicago, Illinois
Step outside the norm in the Windy City by dancing the night away, seeing the cityscape from new heights in a helicopter tour, hand-rolling your own truffles, or learning how to toss a pizza like a pro by James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano.
Each February, the holiday of loving also coincides with Chicago Theater Week, which is the perfect time to snatch deals on the city’s best productions. Revel in culture, history, art, and fantastic architecture in the Windy City with your sweetest—oh, and make sure to stay at the Langham Chicago. It’s got a “Valentine’s Day” special with everything from luxurious suites furnished with champagne, chocolates, and roses to an in-town car service that’ll give city-loving couples a chance to truly explore the Second City.
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This article was written by Pamela Chan.