6 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Getaway Destinations
Valentine's weekend offers couples a built-in excuse to leave routine behind for 2–3 nights without requesting extra time off work. The best short trips skip complicated itineraries in favor of cities where you can walk out of your hotel and find restaurants, bars, and evening activities within a few blocks. Direct flights under 4 hours mean you can leave Friday after work and still have a full evening to explore, while mild February weather in select U.S. cities lets you spend more time outside instead of retreating indoors between stops.
For each city, you’ll find hidden gems, typical Valentine’s weekend hotel ranges, and specific neighborhoods that work well for a weekend away.
What Makes a Memorable Valentine's Day Getaway
For a 2–3 night trip, many couples try to keep total one-way travel under 5 hours from home airport to hotel, including ground transfers, so they still get a full evening on arrival day. That typically means nonstop flights under 4 hours plus a 30–45 minute ride from the airport to central areas.
February weather can vary significantly depending on the region, so check average daytime highs and lows especially if you have outdoor plans. Many warm-weather Valentine’s destinations in the U.S. Southeast and Southwest see daytime highs in the 60–70°F range, while cities in the Northeast and Midwest often sit in the 30–40°F range with higher chances of snow or rain.
Cost is the third major filter. Valentine’s weekend can push nightly rates up 20–50% in high-demand cities. Before you book, compare typical February weekend prices for standard rooms and look at neighborhoods where mid-range hotels cluster within a 10–15 minute walk of restaurants and evening activities. In most of the cities below, you can plan for approximately $400–$1,000 total for two people for 2–3 nights, depending on hotel class and restaurant choices.
San Diego: Warm Weather and Coastal Walks
San Diego works well for couples who want mild winter weather and easy access to the coast without leaving the U.S. Daytime highs in February typically reach the mid-60s°F, which is comfortable for walking along the waterfront, visiting beaches, or sitting outside at cafes with a light jacket. San Diego International Airport is located roughly 3 miles northwest of downtown, and ride-hail trips to central hotels usually take about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
For Valentine’s weekend, focus on three main areas: Downtown/Little Italy, La Jolla, and Coronado. Little Italy centers around India Street between West Ash and West Date Streets, with restaurants, bars, and cafes concentrated within about a 6–8 block stretch. La Jolla Village sits about 13 miles north of downtown along the coast, with La Jolla Cove roughly 0.4 miles from the main intersection at Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Coronado’s main hotel and beach area stretches along Orange Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, approximately 2 miles across San Diego Bay from downtown via the Coronado Bridge or a 15–20 minute drive.
For budgeting, a 2-night Valentine’s stay in San Diego typically falls in the range of approximately $600–$1,000 for two people, depending on hotel category and how many restaurant meals you plan. Keeping your hotel within a 10–15 minute walk of restaurants in Little Italy, La Jolla Village, or central Coronado makes it easier to leave the car parked and spend more of the weekend on foot.
Charleston: Compact Historic District and Coastal Air
Charleston is a great choice if you want walkable historic streets, a vibrant dining scene, and moderate winter temperatures rather than beach weather. Average February highs generally sit in the upper 50s°F, so walks in the daytime only need a light jacket. Charleston International Airport is about 12 miles northwest of downtown; rides to the Historic District usually take 20–25 minutes.
The main advantage for couples is the compact layout of the Historic District. From Marion Square at King Street and Calhoun Street to Waterfront Park on Concord Street near Vendue Range, you’re looking at roughly 0.7 miles, or about a 15-minute walk at a moderate pace. Many boutique hotels and inns cluster along King Street, Meeting Street, and East Bay Street, placing guests within a 5–10 minute walk of restaurants, bars, and the waterfront. Rainbow Row on East Bay Street between Tradd Street and Elliott Street is only about 0.3 miles south of Waterfront Park, which makes it easy to link several scenic spots into one short stroll.
For Valentine’s weekend pricing, Charleston often falls in the mid-range category. Two-night stays are around $500–$900 for two people when booking centrally located hotels or well-rated inns in the Historic District. To make the most of your time, choose accommodations within 0.5 miles of King Street and Waterfront Park, so you can cover most of your plans on foot without needing a car.
Savannah: Romantic Squares on a Smaller Budget
Savannah works well if you who want a historic setting and walkable layout at generally lower costs than some other coastal cities. February daytime highs are usually in the low 60s°F, similar to Charleston. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about 10 miles northwest of the Historic District, and typical drive times to downtown run 20–25 minutes.
The Historic District is laid out around a grid of public squares, which means everything from parks, restaurants, and hotels is just a short walk away. From River Street along the Savannah River to Forsyth Park at the southern end of the Historic District is approximately 1 mile, or 20 minutes on foot along Bull Street. City Market, a central cluster of shops and dining options, is about 0.3 miles inland from River Street between Jefferson and Montgomery Streets. Many hotels and inns are located within a few blocks of Bull Street, which makes it easy to reach both the riverfront and Forsyth Park without a car.
Valentine’s weekend in Savannah is often more affordable than in larger or more heavily marketed destinations. For a 2–3 night trip, couples can often find mid-range accommodations and dine at local restaurants for approximately $400–$800 total, depending on property type and specific dates. If you want to spend more time walking than driving, aim for hotels within about 0.5 miles of both River Street and Forsyth Park so you can cover most of the Historic District on foot.
New Orleans: Food, Music, and Nightlife in One Zone
New Orleans is our top choice for couples who want a Valentine’s weekend centered on food, live music, and nightlife instead of outdoor daytime activities. February daytime highs tend to hover in the low to mid-60s°F, but evening temperatures can drop into the 40s°F, so you’ll want layers. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is around 14 miles west of the French Quarter, and an Uber to downtown will take about 25–35 minutes.
The French Quarter itself is compact, measuring roughly 0.5 miles from Canal Street at the southwest edge to Esplanade Avenue at the northeast edge along Bourbon Street. Royal Street, one block over from Bourbon, offers galleries and shops in a similar 0.5-mile stretch. For live music, many locals and visitors head to Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, about 0.8 miles east of Jackson Square—a 15–20 minute walk or quick ride. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar connects downtown to the Garden District and Uptown; the ride from Canal Street to Washington Avenue in the Garden District is about 20–25 minutes.
New Orleans Valentine’s weekend budgets vary widely depending on hotel class and how many paid shows or special dinners you book. As a rough guide, many couples can expect to spend approximately $500–$1,000 for 2–3 nights, with most mid-range hotels in or near the French Quarter and Central Business District falling in the middle of that range over the holiday weekend. Choose a hotel within a 10–15 minute walk of both the French Quarter and the streetcar line so you can reach multiple neighborhoods easily.
Sedona: Short Hikes and Spa Time in the Desert
Sedona is best for couples who want a Valentine’s weekend focused on scenery, short hikes, and spa time rather than nightlife. February daytime highs often reach the low 60s°F, with cooler mornings and evenings. Most travelers fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, then drive or take a shuttle approximately 115 miles north to Sedona, a trip that usually takes around 2 hours by car via Interstate 17 and State Route 179.
Once in Sedona, numerous trailheads and resorts are within a 10–20 minute drive of the main commercial area around State Route 89A and State Route 179. Cathedral Rock Trailhead is roughly 4–5 miles south of central Sedona along State Route 179, with a steep but relatively short hike that takes about 1.5–2 hours round-trip for most visitors. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte trails start about 6–7 miles south of town near the Village of Oak Creek. Devil’s Bridge Trailhead lies northwest of Sedona near Dry Creek Road, with popular hikes taking about 2–3 hours round-trip depending on starting point and pace.
Sedona’s resort rates for Valentine’s weekend tend to be higher than many city destinations, especially at spa properties with red rock views. Couples can expect to spend approximately $700–$1,200+ for a 2–3 night stay at mid- to upper-midrange resorts over the holiday period, especially if they add spa treatments. To make the most of a short trip, look for accommodations within a 10–15 minute drive of multiple trailheads and book spa appointments at least a few weeks in advance.
New York City: Shows, Dining, and Indoor Experiences
New York City suits couples who are comfortable trading warm weather for the world's best lineup of dining, theater, and cultural options. Typical February daytime highs fall in the upper 30s to low 40s°F, with wind and possible snow or rain, so most Valentine’s plans should assume substantial time indoors. The three major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—are all located roughly 10–16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, with travel times ranging from 30–60 minutes depending on time of day.
For Valentine’s weekend, many couples focus on Midtown (near the Theater District and Times Square), the West Village, and SoHo. The Theater District stretches from about West 40th Street to West 54th Street between Sixth and Ninth Avenues, with most Broadway theaters located in this zone. The West Village occupies a smaller area roughly between West 14th Street and Houston Street, west of Sixth Avenue, with a high concentration of restaurants and bars within a 0.5–0.7 mile radius. SoHo lies just south of the West Village, between Houston and Canal Streets, with dense blocks of shops and cafes.
New York is typically one of the more expensive Valentine’s options. For centrally located hotels in Midtown, Downtown, or popular neighborhoods like the West Village, couples can easily see total lodging and dining spend reach $800–$1,500+ for a 2–3 night stay over Valentine’s weekend, especially if they add Broadway tickets or fine-dining reservations. To get more value, consider Midtown East or parts of Lower Manhattan that still sit within a 15–20 minute subway ride of major sights but often have slightly lower nightly rates.
When and How to Book Valentine's Day Getaways
Prices tend to rise steadily as the date approaches, especially in well-known cities. For most U.S. destinations, booking hotels 6–8 weeks in advance is the best time balancing availability and price. In many markets, waiting until the final 2–3 weeks can mean paying significantly more for fewer room options, particularly in popular neighborhoods.
Flights are similar. For domestic trips, many travelers find better fares by booking 4–8 weeks before departure rather than waiting until the last minute. Regardless of destination, set a reminder to make restaurant reservations 3–4 weeks ahead for Valentine’s weekend, especially in cities with high-demand dining scenes like New York, Charleston, and New Orleans.
At Dyme, we turn all travel into a force for good while helping you save money. We use our profits to invest in clean energy projects that provide communities with cheaper electricity, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Whether you’re booking a quick Valentine’s getaway in San Diego, a historic inn in Savannah, or a long weekend in New York City, your stay through Dyme contributes to solar installations and renewable infrastructure in developing markets.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
Table of Contents
6 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Getaway Destinations
Valentine's weekend offers couples a built-in excuse to leave routine behind for 2–3 nights without requesting extra time off work. The best short trips skip complicated itineraries in favor of cities where you can walk out of your hotel and find restaurants, bars, and evening activities within a few blocks. Direct flights under 4 hours mean you can leave Friday after work and still have a full evening to explore, while mild February weather in select U.S. cities lets you spend more time outside instead of retreating indoors between stops.
For each city, you’ll find hidden gems, typical Valentine’s weekend hotel ranges, and specific neighborhoods that work well for a weekend away.
What Makes a Memorable Valentine's Day Getaway
For a 2–3 night trip, many couples try to keep total one-way travel under 5 hours from home airport to hotel, including ground transfers, so they still get a full evening on arrival day. That typically means nonstop flights under 4 hours plus a 30–45 minute ride from the airport to central areas.
February weather can vary significantly depending on the region, so check average daytime highs and lows especially if you have outdoor plans. Many warm-weather Valentine’s destinations in the U.S. Southeast and Southwest see daytime highs in the 60–70°F range, while cities in the Northeast and Midwest often sit in the 30–40°F range with higher chances of snow or rain.
Cost is the third major filter. Valentine’s weekend can push nightly rates up 20–50% in high-demand cities. Before you book, compare typical February weekend prices for standard rooms and look at neighborhoods where mid-range hotels cluster within a 10–15 minute walk of restaurants and evening activities. In most of the cities below, you can plan for approximately $400–$1,000 total for two people for 2–3 nights, depending on hotel class and restaurant choices.
San Diego: Warm Weather and Coastal Walks
San Diego works well for couples who want mild winter weather and easy access to the coast without leaving the U.S. Daytime highs in February typically reach the mid-60s°F, which is comfortable for walking along the waterfront, visiting beaches, or sitting outside at cafes with a light jacket. San Diego International Airport is located roughly 3 miles northwest of downtown, and ride-hail trips to central hotels usually take about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
For Valentine’s weekend, focus on three main areas: Downtown/Little Italy, La Jolla, and Coronado. Little Italy centers around India Street between West Ash and West Date Streets, with restaurants, bars, and cafes concentrated within about a 6–8 block stretch. La Jolla Village sits about 13 miles north of downtown along the coast, with La Jolla Cove roughly 0.4 miles from the main intersection at Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Coronado’s main hotel and beach area stretches along Orange Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, approximately 2 miles across San Diego Bay from downtown via the Coronado Bridge or a 15–20 minute drive.
For budgeting, a 2-night Valentine’s stay in San Diego typically falls in the range of approximately $600–$1,000 for two people, depending on hotel category and how many restaurant meals you plan. Keeping your hotel within a 10–15 minute walk of restaurants in Little Italy, La Jolla Village, or central Coronado makes it easier to leave the car parked and spend more of the weekend on foot.
Charleston: Compact Historic District and Coastal Air
Charleston is a great choice if you want walkable historic streets, a vibrant dining scene, and moderate winter temperatures rather than beach weather. Average February highs generally sit in the upper 50s°F, so walks in the daytime only need a light jacket. Charleston International Airport is about 12 miles northwest of downtown; rides to the Historic District usually take 20–25 minutes.
The main advantage for couples is the compact layout of the Historic District. From Marion Square at King Street and Calhoun Street to Waterfront Park on Concord Street near Vendue Range, you’re looking at roughly 0.7 miles, or about a 15-minute walk at a moderate pace. Many boutique hotels and inns cluster along King Street, Meeting Street, and East Bay Street, placing guests within a 5–10 minute walk of restaurants, bars, and the waterfront. Rainbow Row on East Bay Street between Tradd Street and Elliott Street is only about 0.3 miles south of Waterfront Park, which makes it easy to link several scenic spots into one short stroll.
For Valentine’s weekend pricing, Charleston often falls in the mid-range category. Two-night stays are around $500–$900 for two people when booking centrally located hotels or well-rated inns in the Historic District. To make the most of your time, choose accommodations within 0.5 miles of King Street and Waterfront Park, so you can cover most of your plans on foot without needing a car.
Savannah: Romantic Squares on a Smaller Budget
Savannah works well if you who want a historic setting and walkable layout at generally lower costs than some other coastal cities. February daytime highs are usually in the low 60s°F, similar to Charleston. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is about 10 miles northwest of the Historic District, and typical drive times to downtown run 20–25 minutes.
The Historic District is laid out around a grid of public squares, which means everything from parks, restaurants, and hotels is just a short walk away. From River Street along the Savannah River to Forsyth Park at the southern end of the Historic District is approximately 1 mile, or 20 minutes on foot along Bull Street. City Market, a central cluster of shops and dining options, is about 0.3 miles inland from River Street between Jefferson and Montgomery Streets. Many hotels and inns are located within a few blocks of Bull Street, which makes it easy to reach both the riverfront and Forsyth Park without a car.
Valentine’s weekend in Savannah is often more affordable than in larger or more heavily marketed destinations. For a 2–3 night trip, couples can often find mid-range accommodations and dine at local restaurants for approximately $400–$800 total, depending on property type and specific dates. If you want to spend more time walking than driving, aim for hotels within about 0.5 miles of both River Street and Forsyth Park so you can cover most of the Historic District on foot.
New Orleans: Food, Music, and Nightlife in One Zone
New Orleans is our top choice for couples who want a Valentine’s weekend centered on food, live music, and nightlife instead of outdoor daytime activities. February daytime highs tend to hover in the low to mid-60s°F, but evening temperatures can drop into the 40s°F, so you’ll want layers. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is around 14 miles west of the French Quarter, and an Uber to downtown will take about 25–35 minutes.
The French Quarter itself is compact, measuring roughly 0.5 miles from Canal Street at the southwest edge to Esplanade Avenue at the northeast edge along Bourbon Street. Royal Street, one block over from Bourbon, offers galleries and shops in a similar 0.5-mile stretch. For live music, many locals and visitors head to Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, about 0.8 miles east of Jackson Square—a 15–20 minute walk or quick ride. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar connects downtown to the Garden District and Uptown; the ride from Canal Street to Washington Avenue in the Garden District is about 20–25 minutes.
New Orleans Valentine’s weekend budgets vary widely depending on hotel class and how many paid shows or special dinners you book. As a rough guide, many couples can expect to spend approximately $500–$1,000 for 2–3 nights, with most mid-range hotels in or near the French Quarter and Central Business District falling in the middle of that range over the holiday weekend. Choose a hotel within a 10–15 minute walk of both the French Quarter and the streetcar line so you can reach multiple neighborhoods easily.
Sedona: Short Hikes and Spa Time in the Desert
Sedona is best for couples who want a Valentine’s weekend focused on scenery, short hikes, and spa time rather than nightlife. February daytime highs often reach the low 60s°F, with cooler mornings and evenings. Most travelers fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, then drive or take a shuttle approximately 115 miles north to Sedona, a trip that usually takes around 2 hours by car via Interstate 17 and State Route 179.
Once in Sedona, numerous trailheads and resorts are within a 10–20 minute drive of the main commercial area around State Route 89A and State Route 179. Cathedral Rock Trailhead is roughly 4–5 miles south of central Sedona along State Route 179, with a steep but relatively short hike that takes about 1.5–2 hours round-trip for most visitors. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte trails start about 6–7 miles south of town near the Village of Oak Creek. Devil’s Bridge Trailhead lies northwest of Sedona near Dry Creek Road, with popular hikes taking about 2–3 hours round-trip depending on starting point and pace.
Sedona’s resort rates for Valentine’s weekend tend to be higher than many city destinations, especially at spa properties with red rock views. Couples can expect to spend approximately $700–$1,200+ for a 2–3 night stay at mid- to upper-midrange resorts over the holiday period, especially if they add spa treatments. To make the most of a short trip, look for accommodations within a 10–15 minute drive of multiple trailheads and book spa appointments at least a few weeks in advance.
New York City: Shows, Dining, and Indoor Experiences
New York City suits couples who are comfortable trading warm weather for the world's best lineup of dining, theater, and cultural options. Typical February daytime highs fall in the upper 30s to low 40s°F, with wind and possible snow or rain, so most Valentine’s plans should assume substantial time indoors. The three major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—are all located roughly 10–16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, with travel times ranging from 30–60 minutes depending on time of day.
For Valentine’s weekend, many couples focus on Midtown (near the Theater District and Times Square), the West Village, and SoHo. The Theater District stretches from about West 40th Street to West 54th Street between Sixth and Ninth Avenues, with most Broadway theaters located in this zone. The West Village occupies a smaller area roughly between West 14th Street and Houston Street, west of Sixth Avenue, with a high concentration of restaurants and bars within a 0.5–0.7 mile radius. SoHo lies just south of the West Village, between Houston and Canal Streets, with dense blocks of shops and cafes.
New York is typically one of the more expensive Valentine’s options. For centrally located hotels in Midtown, Downtown, or popular neighborhoods like the West Village, couples can easily see total lodging and dining spend reach $800–$1,500+ for a 2–3 night stay over Valentine’s weekend, especially if they add Broadway tickets or fine-dining reservations. To get more value, consider Midtown East or parts of Lower Manhattan that still sit within a 15–20 minute subway ride of major sights but often have slightly lower nightly rates.
When and How to Book Valentine's Day Getaways
Prices tend to rise steadily as the date approaches, especially in well-known cities. For most U.S. destinations, booking hotels 6–8 weeks in advance is the best time balancing availability and price. In many markets, waiting until the final 2–3 weeks can mean paying significantly more for fewer room options, particularly in popular neighborhoods.
Flights are similar. For domestic trips, many travelers find better fares by booking 4–8 weeks before departure rather than waiting until the last minute. Regardless of destination, set a reminder to make restaurant reservations 3–4 weeks ahead for Valentine’s weekend, especially in cities with high-demand dining scenes like New York, Charleston, and New Orleans.
At Dyme, we turn all travel into a force for good while helping you save money. We use our profits to invest in clean energy projects that provide communities with cheaper electricity, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Whether you’re booking a quick Valentine’s getaway in San Diego, a historic inn in Savannah, or a long weekend in New York City, your stay through Dyme contributes to solar installations and renewable infrastructure in developing markets.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
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