7 Romantic Trip Ideas For Your Valentine’s Day Weekend

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to ditch the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine and actually do something legendary. This year especially, because Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday! (Weekend mode: fully loaded with romance.)

This is your ultimate guide to crafting a weekend that’s equal parts romantic, adventurous, and memorable. These cities—ranging from the romantic charm of Sedona to the sun-drenched city of San Diego—are all very easy to get to, making them perfect for a last-minute weekend getaway.

For each destination in our guide, we’ve also rounded up a couple of immersive activities that’ll make you feel like you’re really experiencing the city, not just passing through. Strolling around and eating your way through town is fun and all, but this isn’t just any old weekend. It’s Valentine’s Day weekend.

Here’s our little V-Day gift to you: a lot of the activities we’ve recommended can be found on Groupon, where you can score discounts on things to do that’ll save you loads of cash—especially in big cities where prices can add up fast.

Think discounted boat tours, quirky museums, wine tours, and even spa packages, all at a fraction of the cost. Groupon’s been our secret superpower for stretching our budget so we can splurge on other stuff like swoon-worthy hotel stays and must-try restaurants perfect for date night.

We’re sharing our favorite Groupon deals with you in this guide because the savings are too good to keep to ourselves—consider it our Valentine’s Day gift to your wallet.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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🌹 CAN’T MAKE IT OUT OF TOWN THIS YEAR? You can still show your special someone some appreciation with next-day or even same-day flower delivery—because sometimes, the best surprises show up right on your doorstep.

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1. Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is the ultimate destination for wine-loving couples. Spend your days sipping Cabernet at boutique wineries like Stags’ Leap or Caymus Vineyards (our personal favorite).

If you’re looking to do it big, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of the vineyards. For dinner, indulge in Thomas Keller’s culinary genius at The French Laundry (if you can snag a reservation) or his more casual but equally divine restaurants such as Bouchon or Ad Hoc.

Stay at The Meritage Resort & Spa, a Southern Napa Valley retreat with romantic Mission-style architecture, its own spa, two pools, a nightclub, and even an attached winery.

Recommended Activities In Napa:

• Chocolate & Wine Pairing Package For 2
• Leisure Street Winery: Wine Tour + 6 Bottles Of Wine Included

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans in February is great—low humidity, live jazz everywhere, and an air that’s equal parts sultry and soulful.

For a unique experience, book a swamp tour—yes, it’s quirky, but gliding through the bayou with Spanish moss hanging overhead is oddly romantic. Or, dive into the city’s spooky side with a nighttime cemetery tour—perfect for couples who love a little thrill.

When it comes to dinner, Commander’s Palace is the crown jewel of Creole cuisine, known for its turtle soup and pecan-crusted Gulf fish. Stay at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, a historic building where French aristocrats once gathered for lavish balls that’s now a boutique hotel oozing with charm.

Recommended Activities In NOLA:

• Jazz Dinner Cruise Along the Mississippi River w/ Creole Queen – so highly rated! Check out their reviews here.
• Ghost and Cemetery BYOB Bus Tour w/ Nola Ghost Riders – up to 42% off
• Swamp Tour for 1, 2, or 4 w/ Ultimate Swamp Adventures – up to 12% off

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas might have a reputation for wild nights, but it’s also an elite destination for romance, especially if you love indulgence.

Start the day with a couples’ spa treatment at The Spa at Wynn, or head outdoors for a day of play and adventure at Valley of Fire State Park. When night falls, hop into the window seat of a helicopter for a night tour of the Strip from the sky.

For a Michelin-starred dinner date, é by José Andrés offers an ultra-exclusive, multi-course Spanish experience, while the new Stubborn Seed at Resorts World, an offshoot of Miami’s acclaimed restaurant, is another must-try for its signature bold flavors and innovative techniques.

When it comes to hotels, The Venetian Resort never misses with its recently refurnished oversized suites, 40+ on-property restaurants, and prime location for casino resort-hopping.

Recommended Activities In Vegas:

• Window Seat: Las Vegas Strip Night Flight Helicopter Tour – do it big while saving up to 20%
• minus5° ICEBAR: ‘Cool Experience’ Tickets at The LINQ – up to 51% off
• Scenic 3-Hour UTV Tour For 2 At Valley of Fire State Park – 15% off

4. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s red rock landscapes and spiritual energy make it a dreamy escape for couples.

Take a Jeep tour through the rugged terrain, or hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail for a sunset you’ll never forget. When it’s time to relax, pamper yourselves with a healing massage at a metaphysical retreat like Sacred Arts Sanctuary.

If you want to feel like you’ve been transported to a romantic Spanish village, visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a charming enclave with cobblestone pathways, artisan shops, and twinkling string lights. 

For dinner, dine at Mariposa, a sleek South American-inspired restaurant with panoramic views of the red rocks.

For a splurge-worthy stay, L’Auberge de Sedona is pure luxury, a creekside retreat where you can enjoy private cottages and stargazing by the fire.

Recommended Activities In Sedona:

• Private Jeep Tour for 2, 3, 4, or 5 w/ Sedona Offroad Adventures – up to 35% off
• Sedona Relaxation Massage at Sacred Arts Sanctuary – 47% off

5. San Diego, California

San Diego might be known as a family-friendly destination, but trust us—adults love it just as much (if not more).

This city is a playground for grown-ups, whether you’re getting to know the city’s booming beer culture (there are craft breweries galore!), exploring eclectic neighborhoods like North Park and Gaslamp Quarter, or spending your Saturday morning at the Little Italy Mercato in search of fresh food and local vibes.

But if you really want to do it big, get out on the water. Winter is prime time for whale watching (you might catch gray whales migrating), or you can crank up the adrenaline with a speed boat tour. For the ultimate romantic move, book a Valentine’s Day sunset cruise complete with live music and a complimentary glass of champagne.

San Diego might be a laid-back town, but your Valentine’s Day here? Anything but.

Recommended Activities In San Diego:

• Couples Valentine’s Day 75-Min Sunset Cruise Package – 30% off
• Legacy Whale Watch: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour For 2 – 40% off
• Speedboat Adventure For Two – get 30% off if you choose 9am takeoff!
• Uncorked Tours: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride or Winery Tour For 2 – up to 54% off

6. Portland, Oregon

Who says you can’t have a romantic time in a big PNW city? Portland’s quirky charm, coffee and beer culture, and lush surroundings make it a surprisingly cutesy getaway.

Start your day exploring the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, like the artsy Pearl District or the hipster-grunge Hawthorne neighborhood, where you can enjoy all kinds of unique shops, bakeries, and cozy coffee spots to your heart’s content.

If you’ve got more time to spare during your weekend, take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge for waterfalls and hiking. Alternatively, you can spend the day in the Willamette Valley for wine tasting—there’s nothing more romantic than rolling vineyards, intimate tastings, and world-class Pinot Noir.

For your weekend getaway, stay at the Heathman Hotel, a chic downtown hotel that combines modern comfort with historic charm.

Recommended Activities In Portland:

• Tualatin Estate Vineyards’ Reserve Wine Tasting For 2 – 50% off
• Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls and Sunset Tour From Portland – up to 25% off

7. New York City, NY

New York City is the king of long weekend destinations where every night can effortlessly become date night.

Skip the typical tourist route (sorry, Empire State Building) and go for something more intimate, like a couples massage at EVIVE Spa in SoHo or a pottery wheel class at Zelda’s Art World in Brooklyn. You can even live out your Netflix dreams at the Squid Game Experience NYC.

For dinner, channel your inner foodie and go pizza hopping (because sharing a slice is such a rom-com thing to do), or snag a table at Le Crocodile in Brooklyn for French bistro energy and steak tartare that tastes out of this world.

Since NYC hotels don’t come cheap, this is the perfect time to cash in those credit card points you’ve been hoarding—because if there’s ever a time to splurge on a luxury stay, it’s Valentine’s Day in the city that never sleeps.

Recommended Activities In NYC:

• Prix Fixe Dinner for 2 at Club A Steak House – 25% off, includes a bottle of wine too
• Pottery Wheel Class For 2 At Zelda’s Art World – up to 48% off
• Couples Spa Package (Massage and Facial) at EVIVE Spa SoHo – 34% off
• Squid Game Experience at Manhattan Mall – full price… but worth it for SG fans!

Runner Ups: Other Romantic Towns You’ll Love

Todos Santos, MX – Iconic surf spots, incredible farm-to-table restaurants, and some of the best fish tacos in Baja.

Cannon Beach, OR – Dramatic coastal views, Haystack Rock at sunset, and cozy art galleries and cafés perfect for a rainy day.

Mendocino, CA – Rugged coastline, charming Victorian inns, and romantic forested trails in Mendocino Headlands State Park.

Santa Barbara, CA – Spanish-style architecture, wine tasting in the Funk Zone, and scenic beachfront strolls along Stearns Wharf.

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