12 Romantic Destinations for a Valentine’s Day Vacation in 2025

There are flowers and candy, and then there’s the gift of travel for Valentine’s Day. We prefer the latter, and if you do too, there are plenty of romantic destinations around the world to visit with your loved one.

Because February is low season in most parts of the world, it can be relatively affordable to travel during this month, and you won’t have to fight the crowds. Here are the most romantic places to visit this year around Valentine’s Day.

1. Northern Italy

Verona’s small-town charm is romantic not just on Valentine’s Day but year-round — it’s the Shakespearean setting for “Romeo and Juliet.” It’s about an hour’s drive away from Venice, so you can visit both cities on your Italian adventure.

In Verona, head to Juliet’s balcony in the Casa di Giulietta to declare your love for your partner down below and tour the city’s extremely well-preserved Arena di Verona (so well preserved that it nearly puts the Colesseum to shame). In Venice, the obvious choice is a romantic gondola ride through the canals (you can even renew your vows on specific gondola cruises!). You can also make pasta together or catch an opera performance.

2. Savannah, Georgia

For a dose of classic Southern charm, head to Savannah, a city famous for two things: being eerie and being romantic. But these go hand in hand, as you can explore spooky sites like the haunted hallways of the Marshall House Hotel or the Kehoe House, a former funeral parlor turned hotel, alongside your partner.

If you aren’t into the paranormal, Savannah’s historic center is inviting and warm, perfect for exploring. Take a serene stroll through Forsyth Park’s blooming florals or have a rooftop cocktail at sunset at Marriott’s Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel (also a top place for a romantic Savannah stay as February rates hover around $300 per night or 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points).

3. Florida Keys

For couples that love warm weather and exploring nature, the Florida Keys offers both. Start with driving along the Overseas Highway for incredible ocean and island views reminiscent of the Caribbean (or even the Maldives at certain points). The lower keys are less populated if you want to get a little further off the grid, while snorkelers and divers may prefer the vast marine life off Key Largo. LGBTQ travelers may also find these islands particularly welcoming.

Enjoy the stunning surroundings with some serene adventures, like roaming along white sands flanked by swaying palm trees at Bahia Honda State Park or kayaking at Indian Key State Park, which is only reachable by boat (set out via kayak from Islamorada).

4. Holbox, Mexico

Trade crowded all-inclusive resorts in Cancún for the unspoiled beauty of Holbox, an island in Mexico only reachable by ferry or boat. One of the few destinations along the Yucatan Peninsula that still feels relatively “undiscovered,” the island is car-free and bike-friendly, which adds to its under-the-radar charm.

Besides bonding as you relax on white sands and staying at romantic boutique hotels, you can also do couples yoga and get couples spa treatments, including beachfront massages, at various spots around the island. And because it’s more complicated to reach, it’s better suited for adults, which adds to its romantic, adult-centric vibe.

5. Cartagena, Colombia

Couples looking to escape the cold weather for warm sunshine, vibrant salsa beats, and colorful colonial architecture should opt to visit Cartagena. Bond with your partner by taking a local salsa dance lesson or catching a sunset from the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a 17th-century fortress that towers over the sea. Even just walking along the streets to admire the brightly hued buildings or the street art in the Getsemani neighborhood feels romantic. Nearby, islands such as Baru or Rosario feature white sands, crashing waves, and hammocks perfect for 2.

6. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is perfect for pairs that love culture. There’s a never-ending circuit of Argentinian and international art, music, and dance opportunities, from taking tango lessons to admiring art at various museums around the city (like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo Sívori).

Although February isn’t the best time to actually see its 18,000 flowers in top bloom, the Rosedal de Palermo Garden’s Andalusian Patio will make you feel like you’re in Seville, Spain, another romantic destination ideal for couples.

7. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Although many couples may head to Utah, Wyoming, or Colorado for a winter break, those looking to enjoy cozy quality time should choose Santa Fe. Conditions in town are cold yet pleasant in February — couples can shop, stroll, or snuggle up next to the fireplace with a glass of wine. This year, Valentine’s Day falls just before Santa Fe’s Restaurant Week (February 17 to 26), so take advantage of those fixed-price menus.

If it doesn’t feel like Valentine’s Day without snow, you can find that, too. Skiers can visit more than a dozen ski resorts nearby (and more in nearby Taos). Ski Santa Fe is one of the closest and most popular, just a 30-minute drive out of the city center.

8. Iceland

There’s nothing like soaking in warm water amid glaciers to bond with your honey. Do it in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon, which has re-opened after closure due to volcanic eruptions. Soak in the healing waters, splurge on spa treatments, enjoy private lagoon moments, or stay at one of the fancy onsite hotels.

It’s true that February is one of Iceland’s coldest months, but that just means you can enjoy winter activities like snowmobiling, glacier trekking, dog sledding, snorkeling between tectonic plates, renew your vows or get married in an ice cave, or admire the northern lights.

9. Puerto Rico

Perhaps Bad Bunny’s new album has got you and your significant other itching to visit Puerto Rico, or maybe you just need a bit of winter sun, sand, and waves. Either way, the island’s relative ease (you don’t need a passport to visit, and the island uses US dollars as its currency) and location (not too far from the mainland U.S.) make it simple to visit.

Once there, San Juan’s colonial center is rainbow-toned, with colorful colonial buildings and its historic San Felipe del Morro castle. Further afield, you can head west to Rincón for the best surfing conditions. Or, opt to travel east to explore the El Yunque National Forest or the more local beaches around Luquillo and Fajardo.

10. South Africa

There’s nothing more romantic for couples that love wildlife than an African safari adventure. Have it at Kruger National Park. Although the area does experience rains in February (with more water, animals aren’t gathering at watering holes as frequently), it’s calving season, so you might spot some baby animals around this time of year.

You could also hang around Cape Town to hit the beach, where temps hover in the 80s. Nearby, you can tour and taste at wineries in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. And, if you’re itching for a safari but want to avoid rain, there are several safari parks near Cape Town worth visiting, too.

11. Québec City, Canada

As you’d imagine, February in Québec City is chilly and snowy, perfect for winter activities like ice skating, kick sledding, snowshoeing, and more. The city, much of which speaks French, is the ideal antidote for couples that want to visit France but need to stay a bit closer to home.

The Carnaval de Québec runs from February 7 to 16 and features music, ice sculptures, parades, ice canoe races, and other winter-inspired fun. Nearby, skiers can hit the slopes at Mont-Sainte-Anne or Massif de Charlevoix, which offers gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River.

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

For a far-flung, romantic Valentine’s Day adventure, the temples of Angkor Wat are an awe-inspiring experience. See them glow in the light at sunrise, or opt for a hot air balloon tour to take in the temples from above.

It’s warm, dry, and mild in February, and although you might face some crowds, the busiest tourist season is winding down. After a long day touring, opt for a couples’ massage in the nearby town of Siem Reap for a little peace and quiet.

Final Thoughts

Whether you opt for the trip of a lifetime to Asia or Africa or simply hop in the car and drive to the Florida Keys, traveling is one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Any destination can be romantic if you find the right activities, but the ones on this list will ensure you have plenty to do as a couple.