Is It Worth Getting Away for Valentine’s Day? 10 Pros and Cons Plus 20 Unique U.S. Destinations for Couples

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and if you're wondering, “Should I go out on Valentine's Day?” or “Where is the best place to spend Valentine’s Day?”, you’re not alone! For couples debating a Valentine’s getaway, here’s a breakdown of 10 pros and cons of celebrating Valentine’s Day on the road. Plus, if you decide to go, discover 20 not-so-obvious, romantic U.S. destinations to make Valentine’s Day special.

10 Pros and Cons of a Valentine’s Getaway

Pros

Memorable Experiences Together
A Valentine’s getaway can create memories to cherish, helping you make a new Valentine’s Day tradition beyond typical Valentine’s Day cards or bouquets.
A Break from Routine
Getting out of your regular surroundings can refresh your relationship, giving you new things to talk about and look forward to.
Fun to Splurge on Valentine’s Day
Treating yourselves to a special experience—a nice dinner, couple’s spa day, or adventure—turns Valentine’s Day into an experience, not just a card.
Special Valentine’s Day Atmosphere
Many destinations create a romantic ambiance just for Valentine’s, perfect for couples looking to make lasting memories.
Create Your Own Traditions
An annual Valentine’s getaway lets you sidestep the typical “Valentine’s Day gifts for him or her” and instead make your time together the focus of your celebration.

Cons

Valentine’s Day Prices Can Be Steep
Valentine’s Day is peak season for many romantic destinations, which means flights, hotels, and Valentine’s Day dinner options may cost more than usual.
Crowded Destinations
Many popular spots will be bustling, making it hard to find that quiet time alone as a couple.
Weather Challenges
Depending on where you go, you might encounter winter weather that can affect travel and limit outdoor Valentine’s Day activities.
Stress of Planning
Booking flights, accommodation, and Valentine’s Day activities can become overwhelming when spots fill up quickly.
Expectations vs. Reality
Valentine’s Day celebrations can sometimes feel stressful if there’s pressure to make everything perfect. Sometimes staying home with a cozy movie night is just as memorable!

20 Unique Valentine’s Day Destinations in the U.S. with Ideas for Couples

If you’ve decided to go for it, here’s a list of some lesser-known U.S. destinations to make your Valentine’s Day getaway extra special. Each destination includes ideas for Valentine’s Day activities for couples, helping you go beyond the traditional Valentine’s Day dinner and valentine’s day cards.

Sedona, Arizona – With its breathtaking red rocks, Sedona is ideal for couples who love nature and energy-filled landscapes. Go for a romantic stargazing hike or a spa day for two.
Fredericksburg, Texas – Known for its wine country and charming B&Bs, Fredericksburg is perfect for wine lovers looking for a cozy and intimate Valentine’s Day getaway.
Leavenworth, Washington – This Bavarian-style village is a picturesque winter wonderland. Try a horse-drawn carriage ride, cozy up by the fire, or have a Valentine’s Day photoshoot in the snowy scenery.
Asheville, North Carolina – This artsy town offers scenic mountain views and creative vibes. Take a hot air balloon ride or enjoy a brewery tour for a unique Valentine’s Day gift experience.
Mendocino, California – With coastal views and historic charm, Mendocino is a quiet spot for couples. Try tidepooling, wine tasting, or stroll through the enchanting botanical gardens.
Lake Placid, New York – For the adventurous, Lake Placid offers a snowy escape with skiing, snowboarding, and even bobsledding for thrill-seeking couples.
Taos, New Mexico – This unique town blends Southwestern culture with romance. Explore art galleries or enjoy a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner with a southwestern twist.
Savannah, Georgia – With its romantic cobblestone streets and historic charm, Savannah is perfect for carriage rides, ghost tours, or a cozy riverfront dinner.
Big Sur, California – Scenic cliffs and ocean views make Big Sur magical. Plan a sunrise hike, visit the stunning McWay Falls, or set up a Valentine’s Day picnic on the beach.
Park City, Utah – Perfect for ski lovers, Park City has top-tier slopes and cozy lodges. After skiing, relax by the fire with some Valentine’s Day wine and chocolate.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas – Known for its Victorian charm, this quirky town is full of mystery. Visit the unique springs, historic downtown, or even try a Valentine’s Day ghost tour.
Cape May, New Jersey – This quiet coastal town offers Victorian inns, fresh seafood, and coastal views. Opt for a quiet beach walk or take in the historic lighthouse.
Moab, Utah – Adventurous couples will love exploring Arches National Park. Take a romantic sunset drive or enjoy a Valentine’s Day hike among the natural rock arches.
Napa Valley, California – Wine country at its finest! Share a private vineyard tour, enjoy a luxurious wine and chocolate pairing, or relax in a hot spring.
Galena, Illinois – This small town has a charming atmosphere perfect for Valentine’s Day. Go antique shopping, explore historical sites, or stay at a cozy B&B.
Bar Harbor, Maine – For those who love coastal escapes, Bar Harbor offers fresh seafood, ocean views, and romantic strolls in Acadia National Park.
Telluride, Colorado – This mountain town is made for Valentine’s Day skiing, hot tubbing, and even unique events like Telluride’s chocolate festival.
Marfa, Texas – An artsy desert town with famous art installations, Marfa is perfect for Valentine’s Day photo ops, art gallery visits, and quirky stays in yurt accommodations.
Saugatuck, Michigan – This lakeside town is ideal for art lovers. Visit galleries, sample wines, or cozy up in a lakeside cabin for Valentine’s Day.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California – With its European village feel, Carmel is great for walking hand-in-hand through charming streets or having a romantic seaside picnic.

Valentine’s Day can be so much more than just flowers, chocolates, and cards. Whether you’re planning a memorable Valentine’s Day getaway, a Valentine’s Day meal, or creating a romantic Valentine’s Day gift, these unique destinations offer the chance to escape the ordinary and embrace something special.

Absolutely, one of the most important aspects of planning a Valentine's Day getaway is to first talk with your significant other about celebrating the holiday. Valentine’s Day isn’t everyone’s favorite, and some people may feel it’s not worth the hype, while others might see it as a special day to enjoy together. Being on the same page can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure both of you have a wonderful experience, whether you decide to travel or celebrate at home.

Plan Ahead for the Best Valentine’s Getaway

If you both decide that Valentine’s Day is worth celebrating, planning well in advance is essential, especially as popular destinations and accommodations tend to book up quickly. To make the process even smoother, consider discussing your Valentine’s getaway while planning your entire year’s travels. Using a travel planner (like the one I’ve designed, available on Amazon) can be incredibly helpful. My planner is built with space for brainstorming, budgeting, and listing travel goals, making it easy to add in your Valentine’s getaway along with other trips throughout the year.

By setting aside time to brainstorm together, you’ll not only align your preferences but also get inspired for other adventures. You might even find that talking through your ideas and expectations for Valentine’s Day sparks more excitement and connection, making the planning as memorable as the trip itself.

And if you’re ready to make planning even easier, check out my travel planners for couples (click here) on Amazon. With sections for brainstorming, creating the whole-year travel plan, budgeting, packing lists, and itineraries, these planners can help you focus on making Valentine’s Day an unforgettable experience.

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