Flowers, a box of chocolates, a white-tablecloth dinner for two—you’ve been there, done that on Valentine’s Day. But come on, can’t you do better? This year, get those sparks flying with a romantic getaway to one of these vacation hot spots. Even if you’ve put off big plans with your big love, it’s not too late to book a fabulous rental and enjoy an unforgettable weekend. Sure, strolling hand-in-hand along the beach is cliché. But there’s an undeniable romance to being by the ocean. It’s in the salty air, the relaxed pace, small-town charms, and sunsets—preferably enjoyed while on a boat ride. Beach getaways continue to woo couples, and you don’t have to fly halfway across the world to find that perfect stretch of sand. Here is our list of the best places to take your valentine this year:
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara lures couples with its perfect climate, plus art, nature, and beaches. Check in to a romantic hotel like the Harbor House Inn. Then slip into your suit and hit the beach, hike trails in Los Padres National Forest, or take an afternoon to wander through the 65 acres of more than 1,000 species of plants and flowers at the botanic gardens. While you’re there, stop at the Japanese teahouse. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel good—thanks only in part to the year-round warmth of the sun. Average Temperature high: 65°F low: 48°F
Key West, Florida
While Key West certainly has its unromantic side, away from rowdy Duval Street there’s a quiet charm that appeals to couples. On the island’s backstreets, you can find Old Florida at its swooning, romantic best. Stay at the romantic Gardens Hotel. The Gardens Hotel house 20 luxurious guest suites, and comprise over an acre of lush, tropical landscaping just steps away from Key West’s infamous Duval Street. The Gardens Hotel calls to mind the best of elegant boutique hotels,but with a decidedly Key West atmosphere. Average Temperature high: 76°F low: 67°F
Amelia Island, Florida
An easy island escape for two off the northeastern tip of Florida, Amelia Island lets you experience the Florida that enchanted lovers in the Astor-Vanderbilt era. More than 13 miles of sand ring the barrier island. When you’re not lounging at Fernandina Beach, stroll around the 19th-century town full of lovingly restored Victorian mansions. Stay at the Williams House Inn which has something to offer those couples seeking romantic Amelia Island getaways, pampering and rejuvenation. Average Temperature high: 65°F low: 46°F
Newport, Rhode Island
The industrialists of the Gilded Age left their status symbols behind in Newport. Happily, there’s more to the maritime town today than marble halls and yachts, but the romance of the age endures. Take it all in from the Chanler at Cliff Walk, a former summer home built in 1873, set along the windswept and craggy coast. Each guest room is individually decorated—some in the French provincial style, others with Greek Revival details—and all have heated bathroom floors, wet bars, and antique prints or original oil paintings. From the ocean-side trail you can trace the shore, enjoying views of majestic boats along with mansions. Average Temperature high: 40°F low: 25
Captiva Island, Florida
For a remote destination wedding—or just an anniversary weekend—Captiva Island off Florida’s southwestern coast is an idyllic location. It lacks the flash of Florida’s many other beach resorts, which means couples can stroll the undeveloped dunes without the crowds of nearby Sanibel, savor the day’s catch, and watch the sunset. In addition to the free bike loans, Captiva Island Inn has a range of accommodations, from a five-bedroom house to a cozy en suite room. Be sure to make time for the jazz brunch at Keylime Bistro. Average Temperature high: 78°F low: 57°F
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is often described as magical, and the island lives up to this reputation. Visitors can stroll hand-in-hand through white sand beaches, hike through lush valleys, and explore quaint, historic villages. Take a trip to South Shore Maui, which features some of the island’s best beaches and resorts. Haleakala National Park boasts the island’s highest lookout point, and 360 degree views of the park’s volcanic crater. Book a room at Ho’oilo House, a Bali-inspired B&B with private rooms and breathtaking views. Visit the island between December thru April to see the humpback whales when they make their yearly migration. Average Temperature high: 79°F low: 65°F
Cinque Terre, The Italian Riviera
The rocky shores of the Italian Riviera belong in the pages of a romance novel. Visitors can explore quaint harbor villages, hike up stunning trails, or stroll through beachfront promenades. The world famous Giardini Botanici Hanbury features one of the largest gardens in Italy and offers panoramic views of the water. Spend the day visiting Portofino, a lush seaside village with Cliffside gardens and plenty of people watching. The Italian Riviera is divided into two regions; the rustic Riviera di Levante to the east, and the resort oriented Riviera di Ponente to the west. Riviera di Ponente is your best bet for nightlife and beaches. But for breathtaking views of the Ligurgian and a more secluded ambiance, visit Riviera de Levante. For stupendous views looking down on the sea, stay at the Excelsior Palace Hotel. This luxe landmark hotel dating from 1901 is a minute’s walk from the seafront and 8 km from Castello Brown, a 16th-century castle museum and overlooks the bay of Rapallo. Average Temperature high: 53°F low: 46°F
Greek Isles, The Cyclades
It doesn’t get much better than the Greek Isles in The Cyclades. The islands’ shimmering turquoise-blue waters are an attraction on their own, and the rustic mountains, bright sun, and wonderful food attract honeymooners and seasoned travelers alike. The most famous of the islands, Santorini, boasts breathtaking sunsets and dramatic white stone cliffs. Naxos, the largest of the isles, features long, sandy beaches, and stunning green valleys and ravines. In Santorini stay at the beautiful Santorini Princess Luxury Spa Hotel. Set on a cliff-top overlooking the Aegean Sea, this chic, high-end hotel is 4 km from the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and 3 km from the Santorini cable car. In Naxos, stay at the Nissaki Beach Hotel. This serene low-rise hotel facing Saint George Beach is a 10-minute walk from the Archaeological Museum of Naxos and 15 minutes’ walk from the ancient Puerta de Apolo monument. Average Temperature high: 57°F low: 48°F
Kerala, India
Kerala mesmerizes with its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and ayurvedic treatments. Spend a day relaxing in the state’s renowned spas, which offer everything from oil massages to natural restorative treatments. For the ultimate seclusion, visit Northern Kerala. The area is largely untouched by tourism, and it features unparalleled views of rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. Travel to Thekkady and Munnar to take in glittering waterfalls and colorful wildlife. Once a bustling seaport, Kerala still boasts many of its original waterways. Take a cruise through the backwaters for up-close views of lotus-flowered rice paddies and verdant coconut groves. Set among coconut groves on the shores of the Laccadive Sea is the Neeleshwar Hermitage. This serene beachfront resort is 7 km from the ruins of Hosdurg Fort. Average Temperature high: 91°F low: 75°F
San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastián is a lover’s paradise. The city boasts lush green hills, crashing surf, and a shell-shaped beach ideal for sunbathing. Stay at the Arima hotel in a natural environment in front of the Miramon forest. This is an eco-friendly hotel with environmental sustainability and a Scandinavian decoration. Take the funicular up to Monte Igueldo for a panoramic view of the city. San Sebastián is known for its gourmet cuisine, and Mugartiz serves authentic Basque specialties in a rustic setting. Sample some of the city’s best food at Arzak. World-renowned chef Juan Mari Arzak serves traditional Basque fare with cutting-edge style, in an intimate dining room. Reserve a table several weeks in advance. Average Temperature high: 55°F low: 43°F
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is not just a pretty face: While the island’s picturesque scenery attracts visitors from around the world, its unique culture and tradition keeps them coming back for more. Watch the sunset over clear blue water in Sanur, a popular beach destination. An iconic attraction, Tanah Lot, is a 15th-century temple that juts out of the ocean on a small rock formation. Don’t miss the five waterfalls between Bedugul and Singaraja: Gitgit is the farthest down the mountain, and visitors can climb 150 steps to take in stunning cascading falls. To escape the crowds at Bali’s southern beaches, visit Echo Beach in Seminyak. The secluded stretch of sand is located below a series of outcrops, and often features a hazy, dream-like mist. Stay at the Kayon Resort and spend the day playing on the nearby beach. Average Temperature high: 88°F low: 73°F
Hi! This is a great post with lots of travel info for many. Those pictures are very inviting too. I’ll be bookmarking this just so I could go back again on it later when the time is right for travelling.
Ok, great! I am glad you enjoyed reading my Valentines Day Vacations post.
I don’t have a sweetheart to take me away for Valentine’s Day but man, is that life goals after reading this article 😉 Hawaii is one of the top places I really want to visit so I shall definitely bear your recommendations in mind for when I go. How many years have you been travelling for? It sounds like such an exciting way of life!
I don’t have a sweetheart either darn it! But I still have fun and seems I have been traveling since the early 90s. I got started because at the time I lived in Alaska, and I would go to Mexico numerous times to warm up LOL. That got the bug in me….the traveling beach bug!
I always LOVE coming to your website. The one thing I hate though, is that it is so hard to choose. i would love to see the whales, the gardens, and take a stroll on a non crowded beach to enjoy the sunset/sunrise with my husband.
These are such great choices and so hard to choose which one I want to leave as a “hint” for him. As for temperature, which would be the best choice for the warmest location?
We have had some extremely cold temperatures here and I would love to feel the warmth of the sun as we swim and enjoy our time together.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Lee Ann
Hmmm, for the warmest weather in February you are going to want to stick with are Bali, Kerala, and Maui in that order 🙂 I did add the temperature highs and lows to the post if you want to go back and see the averages for each location. But these will all keep you warm. 🙂 Thanks for visiting my Valentine’s Day Vacations.
That is awesome. I know the temperature is normally something you include. Which is why I love visiting your website. You are always so thorough.
Thank you for your response. It was very helpful.
I am sure I will be visiting again : )
Lee Ann
You are so welcome Lee Ann. Looking for another visit from you and if you need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to ask!
This was a great post as valentines day is right around the corner! I thought it was interesting that Santa Barbara was first on the list because I am originally from CA so I have been to Santa Barbara plenty of times. It is a beautiful place for sure!
I also have always wanted to travel and that is why I love your site. I never know where to go and when to go and you provide great information on the different options and destinations. Great Work!
So glad you are enjoying your visits to beach travel destinations. Yes, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! I hope you can get your plans in motions soon 🙂
Leahrae,
I have done this a few times. The one I most enjoyed was a trip to the Key West area. We stayed in Marathon in the Keys, a wonderful place for a romantic trip away from home. Sure she will like chocolates, but will she talk about eating a box of chocolates several years later. I still remember the Sea Gull droppings on her arm that she was holding her Cappuccino with, while walking on the boat docks in the morning.
Maybe I will try another of your choices this year.
John
Great John and have a wonderful Valentines Day weekend!
Hi Lea,
What a great article, I always enjoy reading your posts.
My husband and I are willing to spend some time together for the Valentines day and we didn’t have any idea of where to go. You have given a great list of places to visit. I’ll show this to my husband as soon as I see him. There are so many choices, I ma bit overwhelmed. Which of these spots would you rate the highest?
Thank you!
Oh definitely the Italian Riviera 🙂 That is where I would go if I had a sweetheart to take me! Thanks for stopping by!
Great post Leahrae,
I am planning my valentines day escapades and you have definitely given me some ideas.
Looking through your site there are some really good options for my friends stag weekend that we are planning for him.
Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work,
Tom
You are so welcome Tom and thank you for the visit to my Valentines Day Vacations review 🙂
I was wondering what kind of surprise I could dial in for my long term partner and father of my child for this Valentine’s day and I actually had no knowledge of the beauty and romantic feels that the Italian Riviera is giving off! The Giardini Botanici Hanbury gardens look like a beautiful place to visit, as well as the vintage stylings of what is contained in the 16th Century Castle museum. Fantastic post! So much useful knowledge and insights, I will definitely put this one on my list of possibilities! Thank you!
You are so welcome Bex and yes they are all great possibilities! I agree that the Italian Riviera is at the top of my list too.
Great site …..I live in Spain and have been fortunate to visit Bali,Santa Barbara and have just driven through San Sebastian on my way back from the UK. you tempted me to click onto the Bali site and also Santorini as my wife would love to visit the island.
Good luck with your site I look forward to seeing many more Beach Travel Destinations.
Sean
Thank you so much Sean for visiting and taking the time to leave me some comments. Glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.
Okay so I’m officially adding all these destinations to my list of places to visit ( in the future, when I’m rich ^^ ) Your writing was great, though, so even though I’m just dreaming of the day my boyfriend will suggest something extravagant for Valentine’s Day, at least I’m entertained! I’ll go back to my chocolate now. 🙂
Ok, chocolate is the next best thing to these places for sure! Glad you enjoyed and yes, one day you will visit them all! Thanks for visiting my Valentines Day Vacations.
Great article ! I’m glad you included European destinations. I agree with you! Greece is my favorite !!
Great minds think alike 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Fantastic post leahrae! It’s giving me some good ideas for my Fiance’s birthday that’s in a couple of weeks. Thank you
Billy
You are very welcome Billy! Glad I could help with your vacation plans. Her birthday is perfect timing 🙂 Thanks for visiting my Valentine’s Day Vacations review.
I love all the places you mentioned! It Would be so hard to choose a place for Valentines <3
But Bali it´s on my travel check list so it can be a pretty good option for me.
Thank you for the info 🙂
You are very welcome and thank you so much for visiting! Valentines Day can be a special time for some couples, and I think this is a great list for couples 🙂 Thanks for visiting Valentines Day Vacations.
Yes my wife is so bored with chocolates and flowers for Valentine’s day and is always asking me to surprise her with something new, I have been saving for the past few months to bring her away and I came across this post and your site. So helpful! Maui in Hawaii looks amazing but I’m sure if I can afford that yet, must do more research on prices… you have given me some great ideas! Thank you
I am so glad I could help David! Yes, Maui would be a very romantic getaway for Valentines Day. Chocolates and flowers is just so, well normal and expected. LOL
Wow, all these places look so amazing! I wish i was rich so I could visit them all… Nothing beats a holiday by the beach. I visit Bali quite often so i’m definitely going to go check out that place in Seminyak!
If you love Bali then yes, you much check it out next time you vacation there. Bali just has some amazing beaches!
Leahrae,
These awesome suggestions for one to go on vacation. You have researched some of the best places for one to visit. Your site also makes it easy to navigate through to get all these awesome views.
I am going to consider going on vacation because of the recommendations that you made.
Great stuff indeed
Great and I glad you enjoyed and it has encouraged you to visit one of these wonderful beach vacations!
Geez, you’ve made it really hard for me to choose a destination!! These are all great ideas and I’d love to go to each one of them! I’m going to have to suck up to my hubby to see if he’ll take me away to Italy or Greece. Thanks for all the suggestions! 🙂
Tell him I said he must go with you! Yes, I know there are all really great, and I wish I could say that I am going to one this Valentines Day….maybe next year. Thanks for reading!
February is the coldest month in Quebec, Canada so any place down South in the US is the perfect escape for the whole winter-not just for Valentine’s! My fiance and I got a used pop-up camper, and the previous owners went down to Keys West with it and we want to do the same next year! But if we were to take a trip, I would love to go to Bali and Kerala. These are totally different worlds! Are you going to any of these places for Valentine’s?
Don’t I wish I were going! I would pick Kerala and Bali as well, but I do like Greece. Lots of awesome choices for sure. Thanks for reading!
WHOA!!! If I had a Big Love”, you better believe I’d be booking a stay at one of these spots!
The Casa Marina Resort is absolutely stunning….I’d be perfectly OK with just sleeping in the lobby, lol. But I think the Newport,Rhode Island is the one I really feel in love with! It may be just the place to bring in my 50th birthday this September!
For some reason, I thought your review would only cover resorts in Florida…boy was I wrong! I think my international spot would be the Excelsior Palace Hotel in the Italian Riviera – I’ll admit to drooling over picture #35!!!
Excellent!!!
🙂 They are all really great actually and the Casa Marina Resort is unbelievably wonderful. I have not been to Italy yet, and this resort is on my bucket list. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations!
Well I know where I’m going this year 🙂 Back to Casa Marina Resort in Key West, couldn’t believe it when I saw this as one of your choices, Wow! I stayed there in one of the three bedroom suites for four nights almost five years ago with my Husband and three Sons aged 31 yrs, 20yrs and 11yrs and they are all tall, the suit was amazing with so much room and luxury not to mention our view overlooking the sea and private beach, I’ve wanted to return ever since, wonderful memories of our dining on the beach, incredible service and staff nothing too much trouble, fantastic food choices also. We had to plan and book ours through a local travel agents within our town, we live in the UK but now I have your site to book through, so easy to use and amazed by your package offer, I have just looked at availability for June but to be honest might take advantage of your Valentines Day recommendations 🙂 I’m really impressed with all your detail and links again all made for ease of booking. I have travelled to many locations and Countries using different travel companies but you have made my decision making an easy one now – one very happy lady here – thank you!!!!
I am so glad June, and wow can’t believe you had been there. Anyone that has been there, loves it and it is a WONDERFUL choice. Enjoy and thanks for reading!
Very good list! And all really good recommendations! I heard about Kerala, and that is definitely a place I will visit. Though I may not be able to make it for this Valentine’s Day. But heyyy … every day can be Valentine’s Day right? So your list is still very suitable for a romantic getaway any time. 🙂
The other place I will consider is Bali. It is near where I am at – Singapore. And that is definitely on my list of romantic getaways now. Thanks again! 🙂
You are very welcome, and yes everyday can be a Valentines Day 🙂 I like that!
Hi,
All those places look amazing!
I’m lucky enough to have been to Bali and Kerala off of the list and I’d probably say that Bali is more of a romantic places than Kerala to be honest. Ubud in Bali is particularly nice have you been?
What would you say was the best place in the U.S for this type of trip?
Thanks
I have not been to Bali or Kerala. In the U.S., gosh they are all great in their own way. Really depends on what you are looking for. Thanks for reading about Valentines Day Vacations.
Thanks for mentioning Kerala. I had been there and it was an amazing experience with the peaceful beaches and beautiful backwaters. I may now look forward to go to Santa Barbara as your article has generated quite a bit of curiosity for this place. May be celebrating Valentine’s day there will be an awesome idea.
Yes it would Jed! I am glad you like my list and most have not ever considered Kerala. Thanks for reading!
I have been to Kerala and it was amazing experience with beautiful backwaters and sandy beaches. I now look forward to go to Santa Barbara. You really stored up the curiosity for this place. Would love to spend my Valentine there. Could you also help me with the reservations for the oceanfront resorts will be helpful.
Yes, I can. I will email you the best ones. I have been there and I have some very good suggestions 🙂 Here they are as well: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Harbor View Inn, The Fess Parker Santa Barbara, and Bacara Resort & Spa. These are the BEST choices. Enjoy!
Wow,Leahrae,thanks for the great sharing on numerous beaches to go for Valentine’s celebration. I like Santa Barbara and wish that I could be there one day,together with my girlfriend.
I plan to travel to Bali mid of this year and I can’t wait to see the Sanur beach and enjoy the whole day there with my loved one. Any specific pub there that you can recommend offer a romantic and value added dinner and drinks?
#1 recommendation is going to be Kubu at Mandapa which is in Ubud, the Secret Garden Restaurant on Lovina Beach, Blanco par Mandif in Ubud, Bali Asli Restaurant in Karangasem and The Restaurant at the Legian Bali in Semminyak. The Kubu at Mandapa is the best pick, many go there for a honeymoon dinner. Glad you enjoyed!
Hi,
Lovely places for a romantic getaway! Makes you want to book a ticket right away!
I’ve always dreamt of going to Bali, for its breathtaking beaches, nature, and culture.
I am a beach traveler myself. I have been to many places but the most beautiful beaches I have seen were in Brazil. I don’t know if you heard of Itacare? Absolutely breathtaking!
I have also been to San Sebastian, which is lovely and the basque cuisine is probably the best you can find in Spain.
Now, I just need to persuade my boyfriend to take me to one of those places for Valentines day 😉
Thanks for sharing,
Angélique
Yes, he needs to! What a wonderful time you would have. I have not heard of Itacare. I will have to read about it and maybe write about it. Thanks for sharing and visiting!
I feel like going to one of these places right now! Among your recommended spots, I’ve been only to Bali and love it. The others are pretty far out (translate: expensive) for me as I live in Asia, but I must say, Cyclades looks spectacular and extremely tempting! Do you have a favorite among these places?
I would have to say Greece or Bali 🙂 They are all awesome and great Valentines Day Vacations 🙂
Hi Leahrae, traveling is definitely the best way to get away. It gets pretty boring when your doing the same things over and over. It’s my dream to be able to travel as much as possible in the future, especially when it’s winter time in Minnesota. I like your website because I can just go to one spot to get all the information that I need.
I am glad you like Beach Travel Destinations Lucky 🙂 Traveling as much as possible is a wonderful Idea…I could see my self having a mile long bucket list with all the wonderful beaches !
Nice article! These vacation spots are great picks for a romantic getaway. Reading this makes me want to book something right now…there’s nothing like a beach vacation in the middle of February to bust the winter blues! The only problem is where to go?? So many good choices. Thanks for the info!
You are very welcome Rob! Yes, I know what a great time to go and get away from the cold! Thanks for visiting Valentines Day Vacations!
I wanna go to Cinque Terre,would love to see Italy.. I’ve been to Costa Rica twice now, but on business 🙁 not fun.. I’ll have to keep tabs on your blog.
Thank you Jimmy, yes this is on my bucket list. I love Italy but have never been. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Not sure where I like the best. I have been to Amelia although it was on business and everyone else up the East coast(I live in NC) was dealing with a blizzard. It was hell getting back though. Chat Dgls was PACKED.
Anyways, back to you: I think I would love the Greek one the best although the resort locations look cool. You always seem to get some awesome pics to display the properties nicely.
Thanks Brent, I tend to favor Greece too. If I had a sweetheart to take me, that is where we would go hands down. Thanks for reading about my top Valentines Day Vacations.
This is very informative. If anyone wants to travel and get detailed info about the trip he/she should come here and read.
Your website is beautiful.
I travelled a lot, visited some countries in Asia, many in Europe (I am from there) and there are such beautiful places in this world to visit and enjoy or learn something new.
I was in San Antonio TX, visited River Walk, a perfect place for Valentines Day. Check that if you wish to write more.
Good luck with everything that you are doing.
Thank you so much! I live in Texas, so I know all about the River Walk 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading, and thanks for your thoughtful comments.
Nice review of romantic places and good to see you included some asian locations. Really gives us more options as a world traveller. I have not been to any of the other location listed but would like to comment on Bali. Bali is an amazing tranquil place, a paradise in its own right. It’s such a great place that I been there 3 times with my wife. Mainly because where we stay, it is only a hours flight away. My last trip we stayed in Ubud which is a small mountainous place just a short drive from main Bali which Kuta is the famous spot. We stayed in Maya Ubud which is an amazing place for couples. It’s worth it for a romantic getaway but it’s slightly pricey. That was of course our third time there after exploring the great beaches in main Bali. For first timers, I agree that it is better to stay by the beach and do a day trip to the mountains in Ubud. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, it is a little pricey, but for some, it is perfect. Bali is beautiful, and would be a very romantic location for a great Valentines Day. I am glad you enjoyed reading 🙂