25 Romantic US Getaways for Valentine's Day

The famed City by the Bay is a fantastic place to wander with someone you love. Stroll around the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, have some authentic Italian food in North Beach, or take in the views from Marin Headlands, across that magical golden bridge.

From Balboa Park to La Jolla Cove to the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego offers a wealth of romance, ranging from sheer urbanity to idyllic nature. For bonus points, take a walk around Coronado before relaxing in a gondola with your sweetie.

Spend a day away from the bustle of the New Orleans French Quarter and enjoy tea and some excellent southern food amidst the Garden District neighborhood. There are a charming variety of houses here, from mansions to hamlets. You'll also encounter antique shops, book stores and the enchanting Lafayette Cemetery.

This charming north woods city, surrounded by cherry orchards, overlooks Grand Traverse Bay-a long, narrow arm of Lake Michigan. Couples can enjoy many winter outdoor adventures, such as skiing, tubing, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. There are multiple wineries and distilleries in the area, many of which offer tours.

An hour south of Tallahassee on Florida's Gulf Coast, St. George's Island is a 28-mile long barrier island that reminds many of the Outer Banks circa 1950. The eastern end of the island is a state park and offers miles of beautiful sandy beach, which you'll likely have all to yourself.

New York City is all about romance, with a plethora of great restaurants to satisfy even the most rabid of foodies. Ice skate at Rockefeller Center, then head to one of the city's many observation decks to watch the city light up at night. Top off your evening with a great, soaring Broadway show-what could be more romantic than that?

Something about a beautiful beach brings out the romantic in many of us, and you'd be hard-pressed to find more dramatic beaches than those around Newport Beach. Learn about the underwater world at the Oregon Coast Aquarium before having a bonfire at the beach and watching the setting sun.

Couples activities on the Hawaiian island of Maui abound-from taking in the sunrise from Mount Haleakala's 10,000-foot summit; to snorkeling at Turtle Town and taking a helicopter ride amongst the waterfalls; to driving the famed road to Hana. Romance will also be in the air if you take your partner on a sunset cruise around the little corner of paradise.

If the bright lights of Las Vegas don't get your juices flowing, then head over to the New York New York Hotel and Casino to see the Cirque du Soleil show Zumanity. Part burlesque, part cabaret, the thrilling acrobatics will astonish you-and maybe get you in the mood to extend the evening some more.

If the idea of cozy mountain cabins and picnics doesn't sound romantic to you, Asheville, North Carolina has its share of cosmopolitan hotels and restaurants, too. Take a morning hike to see some of the area's picturesque waterfalls and then drive to Biltmore Estate, the so-called Downton Abbey of America.

Something about Niagara Falls just attracts couples-including plenty of honeymooners. The Falls themselves are mesmerizing, and there are plenty of elevated restaurants from which to gaze at them during dinner. The area boasts numerous spas and wineries, so it's easy to plan a whole romantic weekend.

This Texas area of rolling hills speckled with wildflowers extends west from Austin and north from San Antonio. Couples searching for a romantic getaway will find a plethora of high-end resorts and spas dotting the landscape, along with breathtaking views in every direction.

On the western edge of Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Montana is a quintessential western town that looks like it's straight out of a movie set. Lovers can find every kind of accommodations, from bed & breakfasts to grand lakeside lodges. Skiing and winter sports are easily accessible here, and there's always a fireplace to snuggle in front of after a day's worth of activities.

Romance can vary greatly in the Florida Keys, from formal dinners in Key West to long walks on gorgeous beaches like the unspoiled Bahia Honda. And with swimming, snorkeling, water sports, sailing and more at every turn, you should bring your sexy swimwear along.

Couples can enjoy a bevy of activities in Seattle, from wandering the (surprisingly hilly!) downtown city streets to gazing at the distant Olympic Mountains on a harbor cruise. Stop at Pike's Place Market for some shopping, and then enjoy a cup of joe at the original Starbucks location, located right across the street.

A visit to beautiful Newport, Rhode Island is surrounded by water at every turn and can include an afternoon at the Bellevue Avenue Historic District (shown) or a stroll along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk at water's edge. Lovers will also enjoy walking or biking tours around the city's historic core.

Nestled in the shadow of the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains, the Palm Springs area is ripe with what's called 'desert modernism architecture'. Take in one of the area's many spas, lounge by a pool in the bright sunshine, or take the Aerial Tramway up the mountain to have dinner at 8,500 feet elevation.

Winter romance can easily be found in the Colorado mountains in Aspen. Spend the day skiing Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands or Buttermilk. Or take a dog sledding journey through the beautiful wilderness. Finish the day perusing the shops, getting a massage or just enjoying a hot toddy in front of a roaring fireplace.

A glittering city on Lake Michigan, Chicago has a lot to offer couples-from shopping on Michigan Avenue to a wide array of museums. Stroll the world-renowned Millennium Park, eat at some of the best restaurants in the country or have a spa day at one of downtown's luxe hotels.

When contemplating all that Arizona has to offer, some suggest visiting the nearby Grand Canyon before Sedona-otherwise, the canyon might be disappointing to some! A couple hours north of Phoenix, Sedona is a land of stunning red rock monuments and breathtaking views in every direction. Take a Pink Jeep tour together to experience the fascinating wilderness up close.

When people think of Amish, Pennsylvania often comes to mind, but the gently rolling hills of eastern Ohio have plenty of charm. Literally. Take a drive through bucolic towns like Charm, Berlin, Millersburg and Farmerstown. Nearby Coshocton has the lovely restored Roscoe Village-sort of like a mini Colonial Williamsburg with an Amish focus.

Few cities in America have as much of a sense of place as Savannah, Georgia. The city's famous southern charm is everywhere, with more than 20 formal squares where you can admire the stately oaks draped in Spanish moss. Dine by the riverside, take a ghost tour or explore a stately old mansion.

Santa Fe, New Mexico- the capital city of the Land of Enchantment-is an ideal destination for couples in love. Soak in some of the mineral springs nearby. Tour some of the city's numerous art galleries. Admire the pueblo architecture. Stroll through Canyon Road's shops. Or just take a hot air balloon ride to celebrate the sunrise.

St. George is a charming little southwestern Utah city and a great home base for outdoor-loving couples. Easy day trips to both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park will bring unforgettable scenery. And if you're looking for even quieter outdoor activities, try hiking the Kolob Canyons area-accessible through Zion's little-used North Entrance.

Boasting snowcapped mountains, covered bridges and picture-perfect little villages, Vermont is an oft-overlooked romantic spot for couples. Whether you like to ski, snowboard, ice skate or snowshoe, the outdoors is yours to explore. And if a massage is more to your liking, you'll find plenty of cozy spas to spend an afternoon in, as well.