The Best Valentine’s Day Getaway in Each State

It’s Time to Feel the February Travel Love
When the calendar page flips to February each year, romantic destinations take center stage in the minds (and hearts) of travelers everywhere. There’s simply no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a trip to one of the most romantic places in the USA and the following slideshow is loaded with suggestions for love-laced escapes all over the nation. Whether you are looking to get cozy by the fire in a cabin with a mug of spiked hot chocolate, dine at a restaurant with a view of a sparkling skyline or head for the beach, you are sure to find somewhere on the list where you and your special someone will both experience a Valentine’s Day for the ages.

Alabama: Mentone
This sweet home mountain town is home to plenty of welcoming B&Bs and cozy cabin rentals in addition to being located right near the state’s most romantic spot: Lookout Mountain. Head to Lookout Mountain to take in lovely views, then make for DeSoto State Park to see some of the state’s prettiest waterfalls—a sight that is destined to send both of your hearts aflutter.

Alaska: Fairbanks
Could there be anything more romantic than snuggling up under a thick blanket by a fire in a rustic lodge, while you keep warm from the frosty winter winds outside? Actually yes, when you both look out the window to see the Northern Lights dancing above and head outside to have a kiss under the magical, ethereal emerald glow. Some Fairbanks lodges will even wake you up if the lights appear.

Arizona: The Grand Canyon
One of the only natural sights in the nation that can compete with the Northern Lights in the beauty department, the Grand Canyon is a very alluring place to be around Valentine’s Day. Base yourself at one of the many luxurious hotels & spas within the region (including some in super-scenic Sedona), then arrange for a sunrise visit to the Canyon—one of the most stunning travel experiences that two people can share together.

Arkansas: Eureka Springs
Not only is this small town in the hills known for its knockout Victorian architecture, but the region is full of romantic cabins by a lake and beautiful bungalows in the woods. In addition, Eureka Springs is also home to several accomplished, atmospheric restaurants.

California: Sonoma County
Home to a breathtaking stretch of coast, ravishing redwoods and some of the most bewitching wineries in the nation (some that have an onsite castle!), Sonoma is synonymous with romance. Choose a cute glamping spot or a luxury resort with an outdoor jacuzzi immersed in nature, either way, you’re going to love it.

Colorado: Telluride
Home to characterful Victorian-era hotels downtown and a ghost town turned romantic resort just across the mountain, Telluride has all you need for a cozy Valentine’s Day. This is to say nothing of the excellent snow-based recreation and steamy natural hot springs in the area.

Connecticut: Essex
There could be no more quintessential example of a romantic small town in New England than Essex and there’s no better example of a romantic small town hotel than The Gris’, or if you want to call it by its formal name: The Griswold Inn. Stay a few nights to see why people flock from all over the region to rekindle their romance at the hotel.

Delaware: Lewes
Walk hand-in-hand along the historic waterfront and peruse the shops on Second Street before heading out for dinner at a restaurant with a sea view. You’ll leave agreeing that, yes indeed, Lewes is for lovers.

Florida: Seaside
Drive down handsome Highway 30A—one of the South’s most fetching stretches of road—before settling in at colorful Seaside for a few days. You’ll need a sweater on the beach for those evening strolls in February this far north on the Panhandle, but the romantic solitude waiting for you on the white sand beach will make it more than worth it.

Georgia: Savannah
In the event you tire of romantic strolls under Spanish Moss (you probably won’t) in Savannah, you can always head out to Tybee Island to soak up some sun and feel the sand between your toes. Then, head back into town in the evening for rooftop cocktails and modern Southern cuisine at accomplished restaurants.

Hawai’i: Mauna Kea
If there’s one state that makes it hard to impossible to single out one specific place as its heart of romance, it’s Hawai’i. You’re sure to find swoon-worthy spots and romantic overlooks all over these islands, but if you head to the top of this dormant volcano at night, you’ll see a stunning night sky that will leave with both with stars in your eyes.

Idaho: Coeur d’Alene
Sat directly on its namesake lake, Coeur d’Alene is home to several great wine bars and restaurants, all a stone’s throw from the water. And as far as where to stay, look no further than the Coeur d’Alene Resort, which is well known for its snug atmosphere and remarkable scenery. Oh, and if that’s not enough for you, here are four words that should seal the deal for the hotel: heated lakeside infinity pool.

Illinois: Galena
This small town in Northwest Illinois is known for its history, charming streets and collection of cozy bed & breakfasts. But what could make it better? Well, right before Valentine’s Day this year, they’ll be hosting a Chocolate Lover’s Stroll, and it doesn’t get any more lovey-dovey than that.

Indiana: Nashville
This small town punches well above its weight in the romance department. Home to a storied art colony, Nashville also boasts many atmospheric galleries & shops and just outside of town, there’s the Story Inn—an entire small village that has been turned into a dreamy, one-of-kind inn.

Iowa: Madison County
It may be a bit cliché, but the bridges of Madison County, Iowa really do possess magic. Spend your days viewing these historic spans and reading the messages of love that have been written inside of them, then go take in a movie at the storied Iowa Theater in Winterset, a small town that would make an ideal base for a romantic escape.

Kansas: Wichita
Everything from a gourmet chocolate shop and fine dining venues to ax throwing and a cool chicken & pickleball concept restaurant are on the cards for couples in Wichita. In addition to being home to a veritable plethora of fun things to do, the city is also within striking distance of Grace Hill Winery in Whitewater, which provides a great day out for wine lovers.

Kentucky: Paducah
Head to this small riverside town to peruse excellent art galleries and experience some excellent farm-to-table Kentucky cooking. After a day taking in art and artistically-plated dishes, finish up your evening with a spin on the Paducah Riverwalk, the region’s best locale for a hand-in-hand stroll.

Louisiana: Lake Charles
Head to Louisiana’s much-loved lake for a love-filled few days this Valentine’s Day and you’ll be richly rewarded. A place where the best of the Bayou State and the Lone Star State comes together, Lake Charles’ excellent eateries, nature trails and glamourous casinos will provide you both a Valentine’s for the memory books.

Maine: Camden
Set in the heart of the Maine coast, Camden is everything you thought a New England getaway could be and more. Spend your days in the quaint town shopping for the classiest souvenirs on the coast and your sunsets at the Camden Harbour Inn with glasses full of bubbly.

Maryland: Annapolis
Home to historic winding streets and scores of sumptuous restaurants serving up fresh local seafood, Annapolis easily owns the state’s most alluring atmosphere. Stay in one of the local luxury hotels, but don’t forget to look into taking a dinner sunset cruise for the romantic highlight of your year.

Massachusetts: Martha’s Vineyard
The two of you won’t be catching a tan on the beach, but you’ll most certainly be feeling the love during a stay on Martha’s Vineyard. The distinct lack of crowds this time of year leads to a calm vibe on the island, and you if try really hard you may even be able to convince yourselves that it’s your very own private isle. Bed & breakfasts and beach house rentals are your best bet for an unforgettable stay.

Michigan: Frankenmuth
Home to chalets, snow and bubbling cauldrons of fondue, Europe’s alpine regions are the epitome of romantic in winter. But you don’t have to get on a plane to experience Bavaria—Germany’s southernmost state which owns huge swaths of mountain scenery—because Frankenmuth is Michigan’s “Little Bavaria”. Admire the stately covered bridge, go ice skating and then share one of the city’s famed chicken dinners.

Minnesota: The St. Croix Valley
The St. Croix is arguably the state’s prettiest waterway and the entire valley surrounding the river is full of romantic little towns perfect for getting it away from it all for a couple of days. Stilwater is known for antiquing and grand bed & breakfasts while Scandia is famed for carrying on the spirit of Scandinavian coziness “hygge” that its founders brought with them from the Old World.

Mississippi: Natchez
Home to a storied history and a collection of grand homes that double as romantic inns, Natchez stands a notch about the rest. The town is located directly on the Mississippi River, affording sweeping views of the water and the opportunity to learn all about its historical role as a river port. Whatever you do, don’t leave without taking a horsedrawn carriage ride at twilight.

Missouri: Missouri Wine Country
It may not be as well known as some other wine regions in the nation, but what Missouri wine country lacks in awards it more than makes up for in charm. German settlers set up wineries here because the region felt similar to wine regions back home, so do like those settlers and arrange a stay in a small town like Augusta and spend your days quaffing the local vintage while admiring the views of the Missouri River bluffs.

Montana: Bozeman
This cool college town can do both big city delights or small-town charm, it’s just up to you two to decide which one you want to lean into this Valentine’s Day. Spend time shopping at independent retailers before diving into the dining scene one day, spend the day luxuriating at the Bozeman Hot Springs the next. Regardless, you’re leaving town head over heels—for each other and for Bozeman.

Nebraska: Valentine
Sometimes the name cinches it and in the case of the Cornhusker State, Valentine is the real deal. The cute small town is much more than just a pretty moniker as Valentine is a great base for admiring ice-kissed waterfalls and cycling on the Cowboy Trail—one of the Midwest’s leading rails-to-trails initiatives.

Nevada: Lake Tahoe
Trade in the bright lights of Vegas and Reno for the powder-covered great outdoors of Lake Tahoe. The Nevada side of the lake is home to scores of luxurious resorts that specialize in pampering guests who have spent a day out on the slopes.

New Hampshire: The White Mountains
This ravishing range holds a majority of the Granite State’s most gorgeous natural sights, visions of which are sure to spark romance. Head to the state parks like Franconia Notch for overlooks that will have you rubbing your eyes before doing some skiing and bedding down in a snug hotel like the Omni Mount Washington. Then, hold each other tight the next day on a trip up the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

New Jersey: Cape May
Sure, it’s cold outside in February and the Shore is destined to be desolate, but that’s the point. Enjoy the serenity of the offseason in New Jersey’s most sophisticated coastal town, enjoying live music and fine dining before taking a bundled-up, midnight stroll on the sand.

New Mexico: Santa Fe
Home to some of the finest art galleries in the Southwest and a collection of restaurants you would expect in town three times its size, Santa Fe will surprise—and seduce you. Cozy up under the dark woods, vibrant artwork and roaring fires at the La Posada de Santa Fe and watch love fill the air.

New York: The Finger Lakes
Sweeping views of serpentine lakes, rolling hills filled with grapevines, castle and villa-inspired hotels: heck, it’s hard to find something un-romantic about the Finger Lakes. Geneva’s Belhurst Castle makes a great base for a love-filled escape, with the local Seneca Lake Wine Trail being a fun activity for couples who enjoy a glass or two of vino.

North Carolina: Asheville
Even if Asheville didn’t boast a beautiful mountain setting, it might still make the cut for the best romantic getaway in the state. Throw in those hills and a host of romantic cabins to be rented in the vicinity and you have the stuff that legendary Valentine’s Days are made of.

North Dakota: Fargo
Even in the heart of winter, Fargo buzzes. Check into one of the suites of the Hotel Donaldson downtown before setting out for a night on the town sampling some of the best cuisine and cocktails in the region.

Ohio: Cincinnati
Perennially underrated, Cincinnati is home to some of the best dining and cultural attractions in the region in addition to owning one of America’s prettiest skylines. Check into an atmospheric hotel like the art-inspired 21c and then head out for a dinner that features a twinkling city view for a night that will leave you both with a twinkle in your eye.

Oklahoma Guthrie
The state’s first territorial capital is still the place to go to when you want to feel some old-school romantic vibes. Walk hand-in-hand among the Victorian facades downtown before checking into one of the town’s atmospheric bed & breakfasts, with a fine example being the storied Stone Lion Inn.

Oregon: Cannon Beach
Misty. Moody. Romantic. They all apply to Cannon Beach, home to exquisite rock formations, sensational sunsets and some of the finest food & drink on the coast. Pamper yourselves with a stay at the Stephanie Inn, which is directly on the sea and features an excellent spa.

Pennsylvania: Jim Thorpe
Nestled in one of the prettiest spots in the Poconos, Jim Thorpe is the perfect place to just get away from it all for a few days. Take a journey on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Train (currently weekends only) to truly appreciate the natural surrounding before heading back into town to do some shopping at the collection of local stores.

Rhode Island: Newport
Re-trace the steps of the glamorous Gilded Age residents of Newport by staying in one of their former mansions. A perfect example is the Chanler at Cliff Walk, which offers sumptuous rooms with ocean views, gorgeous gardens and all-around opulence in addition to their very own restaurant complete with sea views.

South Carolina: Kiawah Island
This private island is home to a pristine stretch of beach and an unbelievable array of luxurious resort accommodation. February is low season here too, so you’ll be able to have more of the sand and the romantic restaurant dining rooms to yourselves.

South Dakota: Deadwood
Deadwood owns a scenic locale right in the heart of the Black Hills and both your hearts will race during a getaway in this formerly rowdy Wild West town. Spend your days exploring the nature and history in the surrounding area (Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Custer State Park are nearby) and your nights playing games of chance at historic Saloon Number 10.

Tennessee: Chattanooga
The secret’s out on ‘Nooga, but that hasn’t affected its rock-solid romance credentials. Take a cruise on the Southern Belle riverboat, dine on first-rate modern Southern food and sip craft beer in downtown Chattanooga one night, before heading up to Rock City the next day to take in the waterfall at Lover’s Leap—one of the most romantic spots in the South.

Texas: Galveston
There’s no shortage of romantic hotels in this coastal Texas town, but the Grand Galvez is the most historic of them all and the one you’ll want to call a base for your romantic escape. After admiring the sea from your room, fill your days with horseback riding on the beach, long walks on the sand and sunset drinks at the Tremont House rooftop bar.

Utah: Park City
This ski resort an hour from Salt Lake City is the perfect place to hit the snow and rev up the romance this Valentine’s Day. Spend some time on the slopes, but then check in to one of the city’s high-end spas for a day of pampering before heading out for some nightlife. The next day, repeat the fun but swap out the spa for an ultra-romantic sleigh ride.

Vermont: Stowe
Stay at either the Lodge at Stowe Mountain Resort or the secluded Stone Hill Inn for cozy rooms that offer serenity while still being in the heart of this special ski town. After a couple of days spent on the slopes, spend an evening wine-ing and dining and taking a turn on a local outdoor ice rink.

Virginia: Charlottesville
We all know that Virginia is for lovers, but Charlottesville might just be the dreamiest for Valentine’s Day. Tour the local wineries and galleries before bedding down in one of the resplendent rural hotels (Boar’s Head Resort is a fine example) that call the surrounding countryside home. Then, explore the nature trails the next day before heading downtown to sample the vibrant nightlife.

Washington: Snohomish
Set north of Seattle—and between the peaks of the Cascades and waters of Puget Sound—Snohomish is one of the cutest towns in the Pacific Northwest. After time spent antiquing, shopping for crafts and sampling superb restaurants here, you’ll leave amazed at how much of an impression this little town will leave on you both.

West Virginia: White Sulphur Springs
This small town is home to one of the nation’s most historic resorts: The Greenbrier. For over 200 years, this luxurious retreat has been spoiling couples, and this February, the two of you will get to indulge in the best the resort has to offer as they will be showcasing winter cocktails, roaring fires and an atmospheric ice skating rink.

Wisconsin: Door County
This beautiful section of the Badger State is awash in rugged coastal stretches, bewitching forests & sea caves and more cozy cabins than you can shake a stick at. Spend a few days here getting away from it all —and plenty of time spent next to the fireplace—for Valentine’s Day and you’re sure to go home with your embers aglow.

Wyoming: Jackson Hole
Whether you choose an adrenaline-filled trip taking on the slopes or a low-key getaway shopping and dining in the snow, Jackson Hole will provide a Valentine’s Day trip you’ll never forget. Romantic activities in the region include—but are certainly not limited to—sleigh rides, dog sledding and various “only in the West” wildlife watching opportunities.