Valentine’s Day travel has become one of the most popular short-trip weekends of the year, as more couples choose shared experiences over traditional gifts. Instead of flowers or prix-fixe dinners at home, travelers are booking long weekends built around food, walkable neighborhoods, scenic settings, and time together.
Domestic Valentine’s getaways continue to grow in popularity, especially trips that minimize travel stress while maximizing romance. Warm weather, strong dining scenes, and compact, couple-friendly neighborhoods have become top priorities for February travel.
To identify the best places for couples to spend Valentine’s Day in 2026, we analyzed major U.S. cities across weather, cost, walkability, dining density, and ease of travel. The result is a ranked list of the 10 best U.S. cities to book a Valentine’s getaway, along with cost estimates and standout categories that highlight what each destination does best.
How the Cities Were Ranked
Each city was evaluated using a weighted scoring system designed to reflect how couples actually travel for Valentine’s Day. Cities were scored across six factors, with warmer February weather and walkability weighted slightly higher due to seasonal preferences.
The factors included:
- Average February temperature
- Average hotel prices for Valentine’s weekend
- Density of romantic restaurants and cocktail bars
- Walkability and ease of getting around without a car
- Availability of couple-friendly experiences such as spas, scenic walks, wine tastings, and shows
- Ease of travel, including direct flight availability from major U.S. hubs
Scores across these categories were combined to produce the final rankings below.
The 10 Best U.S. Cities for a Valentine’s Getaway
1. San Diego, California
San Diego ranks No. 1 thanks to its rare combination of warm winter weather, coastal scenery, and low-stress travel. February temperatures average around 66°F, making it one of the warmest major U.S. cities during Valentine’s weekend.
Couples can choose from hundreds of stunning San Diego properties in walkable, romance-friendly neighborhoods like La Jolla, Coronado, and Little Italy, each offering ocean views, standout dining, and easy access to beaches or waterfront paths. San Diego’s spa resorts, sunset walks, and food scene make it easy to plan a romantic weekend without over-scheduling.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $550–$850
2. New York City, New York
New York City remains one of the most iconic destinations for couples, offering unmatched dining density, world-class shows, and endless date options. While February temperatures average around 39°F, the city’s indoor experiences more than compensate.
From Broadway and jazz clubs to Michelin-starred restaurants and skyline views, New York offers romance at every scale. Neighborhoods like the West Village, SoHo, and Central Park South are particularly popular for Valentine’s trips.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $700–$1,000+
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston combines historic charm with a slower pace that works perfectly for Valentine’s Day. Average February temperatures hover around 59°F, making it one of the warmer options on the East Coast.
Cobblestone streets, waterfront dining, and boutique hotels create a romantic atmosphere that feels intimate rather than crowded. Charleston’s walkability and compact historic district make it ideal for couples who want to explore without a packed itinerary.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $450–$700
4. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is a top choice for couples who prioritize indulgence. With average February temperatures around 58°F, the region offers vineyard views, wine tastings, and luxury spas without peak-season crowds.
While Napa is less walkable than major cities, its concentration of wineries, resorts, and fine dining makes it easy to plan a romantic, stay-focused weekend. Privacy and pampering are key draws.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $800–$1,200+
5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah offers one of the best values for a romantic getaway. February temperatures average around 62°F, and the city’s historic squares, Spanish moss, and riverfront walks create a cozy, old-world atmosphere.
Savannah is highly walkable and known for its romantic inns and candlelit restaurants. It consistently appeals to couples looking for charm without the higher costs of larger coastal cities.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $400–$650
6. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen stands out as the ultimate luxury winter romance destination. February temperatures average around 35°F, but snowy scenery, fireplaces, and upscale dining define the experience.
Couples drawn to ski towns, après-ski cocktails, and high-end resorts often see Aspen as a Valentine’s splurge. Even non-skiers find plenty to enjoy through spas, shopping, and fine dining.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $1,000–$1,500+
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans delivers romance through food, music, and late-night energy. With average February temperatures around 65°F, it offers warmth without the price tag of other coastal cities.
The city’s jazz clubs, historic architecture, and cocktail culture create an atmosphere that feels spontaneous and alive. Neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District are popular for Valentine’s trips.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $450-$750
8. Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is one of California’s most romantic destinations with some of the most stunning properties in Orange County. February temperatures average around 65°F, and the town’s dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and walkable coastline set it apart from other Southern California beach cities.
Boutique hotels, oceanfront dining, and scenic coastal paths give Laguna Beach an intimate feel that appeals to couples seeking a quieter, more visually striking escape.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $600–$900
9. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago proves that winter cities can still be romantic. February temperatures average around 34°F, but the city’s dining scene, luxury hotels, and skyline views create a cozy indoor-focused experience.
Couples often plan Valentine’s weekends around tasting menus, theater, and riverfront or lakefront views from warm interiors. Chicago’s value relative to experience keeps it popular.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $500–$800
10. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers a different kind of Valentine’s getaway focused on scenery and connection. Average February temperatures sit around 61°F, making it comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Red rock views, spa resorts, and stargazing define the experience. Sedona consistently appeals to couples looking for quiet, reflection, and natural beauty over nightlife.
Estimated Valentine’s weekend cost: $500–$800
Typical Valentine’s Weekend Costs (Quick Reference)
| City | Avg 2-Night Hotel | Dining + Activities | Total Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $350–$500 | $200–$350 | $550–$850 |
| New York City, NY | $450–$650 | $250–$350 | $700–$1,000+ |
| Charleston, SC | $300–$450 | $150–$250 | $450–$700 |
| Napa Valley, CA | $550–$800 | $250–$400 | $800–$1,200+ |
| Savannah, GA | $250–$400 | $150–$250 | $400–$650 |
| Aspen, CO | $700–$1,000+ | $300–$500 | $1,000–$1,500+ |
| New Orleans, LA | $300–$450 | $150–$300 | $450–$750 |
| Laguna Beach, CA | $400–$600 | $200–$300 | $600–$900 |
| Chicago, IL | $350–$500 | $150–$300 | $500–$800 |
| Sedona, AZ | $350–$500 | $150–$300 | $500–$800 |
Best Valentine’s Getaway by Category
Several cities stood out in specific categories that matter most to couples:
- Best warm-weather city: San Diego, California
- Best luxury escape: Aspen, Colorado
- Best food-focused city: New York City, New York
- Best budget-friendly romance trip: Savannah, Georgia
- Best scenic escape: Sedona, Arizona
- Best coastal romance: Laguna Beach, California
These category distinctions highlight why different cities appeal to different travel styles and relationship dynamics.
Cities That Just Missed the Cut
Several destinations narrowly missed the top 10 but remain strong options for Valentine’s travel:
- Austin, Texas
- Miami, Florida
- Palm Springs, California
- Portland, Maine
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
Each of these cities scored highly in individual categories but fell just short in overall balance.
Why Domestic Valentine’s Travel Continues to Grow
Rising international travel costs and limited vacation time are pushing couples toward short, experience-driven domestic trips. Cities that offer mild winter weather, walkable neighborhoods, and dense dining scenes are seeing the greatest interest around Valentine’s Day.
Rather than packing schedules with activities, couples increasingly choose destinations that reduce friction and allow more time together.
Final Takeaway
The best Valentine’s getaway is less about extravagance and more about fit. Cities that combine ease of travel, comfortable weather, strong food scenes, and walkable neighborhoods consistently rank highest.
Whether couples are seeking coastal warmth, winter luxury, or historic charm, the cities on this list offer some of the most romantic Valentine’s Day experiences in the United States.
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