10 Romantic West Coast Trips Perfect For Valentine’s Day

Need a quick yet memorable escape for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re craving a seaside retreat, a cozy mountain hideaway, or a city filled with candlelit dinners and luxe hotels, we’ve rounded up the best romantic destinations on the West Coast.

These spots—ranging from the rugged beauty of Big Sur to the sun-drenched charm of Santa Barbara—are all just a short drive or flight away, making them perfect for a weekend getaway.

No need for a long-haul trip when romance is right in your backyard.

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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 Auberge du Soleil, a hillside retreat with private terraces, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a spa that’s pure bliss.

2. Bend, Oregon

For couples who love the outdoors and want a cozy escape from city life, Bend in February is pure magic.

Snow blankets the landscape, making it perfect for a day of skiing or snowboarding at Mount Bachelor, followed by après-ski drinks at a local brewery (Bend has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else).

Warm up with a leisurely brunch at The Sparrow Bakery, where the famous Ocean Rolls are a must, or enjoy a candlelit dinner at Bos Taurus, a high-end steakhouse with impeccable cuts and craft cocktails.

For a relaxing end to the day, book a treatment at either The NOW Massage Bend or Spa W, or just unwind fireside in your room at Tetherow Resort, where luxury meets the high desert landscape.

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, where you can soak in a private suite before getting a full-body massage. For a Michelin-starred date night, Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand is the ultimate fine dining splurge, while é by José Andrés offers an ultra-exclusive, multi-course Spanish experience. The new Stubborn Seed at Resorts World, an offshoot of Miami’s acclaimed restaurant, is another must-try for modern, elevated comfort food.

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.

4. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

This storybook coastal town is one of California’s hidden gems. If you can imagine a sleepy little town with fairytale-like cottages and pristine beaches, that’s Carmel to a T.

Take a romantic walk along Carmel Beach at sunset, or explore the art galleries and boutiques in the village. For dinner, book a table at Casanova, a cozy European-style bistro known for its intimate ambiance and handmade pasta.

Stay at the L’Auberge Carmel, a swoon-worthy Relais & Chateaux property that’s hands-down the most coveted hotel in town.

5. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is easily the most romantic of the Hawaiian Islands. Years after the devastating 2023 Maui fires, the island is welcoming visitors once again, and your visit is a chance to support local businesses and help the community rebuild.

Drive the Road to Hana, stopping at waterfalls and black sand beaches, or hike the Waihee Ridge Trail for jaw-dropping views of the island. For dinner, reserve a table at Mama’s Fish House, a beachfront gem famous for its fresh seafood and Polynesian-inspired dishes.

Stay at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, where you can lounge by the adults-only pool, enjoy a couples’ massage, and watch the sunset over the Pacific.

6. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. In fact, this island is often referred to as “The Gathering Place” because it has it all: beaches, hikes, cultural spots, nightlife, and an energy that simply doesn’t exist on any of the other islands.

Start your mornings off with a little surf session or with a booty-burn on your hike up to Koko Head Crater. Check out Bishop Museum to learn more about Hawaii’s history, or go on a mini road trip up to the idyllic North Shore.

Senia is the island’s hardest-to-book restaurant for a reason—the tasting menu fuses Hawaiian flavors with Michelin-level execution (their smoked A5 Wagyu is unreal). For something more approachable but still wildly delicious, we like Nami Kaze.

For peak luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach won’t disappoint. For laid-back retro charm, we love The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (no resort fees and parking is just $10).

7. 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. 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.

At this point, you’ll expect our accommodation suggestion: L’Auberge de Sedona is pure luxury, a creekside retreat where you can enjoy private cottages and stargazing by the fire.

8. Big Sur, California

Big Sur is all about dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and serene redwood forests. This stretch of Highway 1 is arguably the most romantic, making it an ideal Valentine’s Day weekend road trip.

Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach, or hike the Ewoldsen Trail for a mix of ocean and forest views. For dinner, splurge on a meal at Nepenthe, a cliffside restaurant known for its Ambrosia Burger and unbeatable sunset views.

For your stay, we can’t recommend Alila Ventana Big Sur enough. This adults-only luxury resort is one of the most coveted and hard-to-book stays in all of California.

9. Portland, Oregon

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

Cozy up at Powell’s City of Books, where you can each pick out a book for the other. For something more interactive, try a chocolate-tasting experience at Creo Chocolate or take a pottery class together at Radius Art Studio. 

If you’ve got more time to spare, take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge for waterfalls and hiking. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive to the Oregon Coast, stopping in Astoria for a walk along the waterfront before visiting Cannon Beach for a sunset picnic near Haystack Rock.

Have dinner back in Portland at Le Pigeon, a cozy French bistro famous for its ever-changing tasting menu and legendary foie gras dishes.

Stay at the Heathman Hotel, a chic downtown hotel that combines modern comfort with historic charm.

10. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city made for romance, with its fog-kissed hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, and nostalgic cable cars.

Start your morning with a visit to Sutro Baths and Lands End, where historic ruins and expansive views await you and your honey. Check out all the quirky finds in Japantown and the Mission District, then stroll hand-in-hand through Lover’s Lane. For a dose of art, explore the intimate galleries at the Legion of Honor Museum, or for a bit of hands-on fun, don’t miss The Exploratorium.

For dinner, try to snag a last-minute reservation at House of Prime Rib, a San Francisco institution famous for its perfectly carved prime rib and old-school charm. (Good luck!)

End your day at the Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a historic luxury hotel with the most beautiful dining room we’ve ever laid eyes on in SF: The Garden Court restaurant. Even if you don’t choose to stay here, try to at least have afternoon tea here to experience the dining room for yourself.

Runner Ups: Other Romantic Towns We 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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