Most Romantic and Affordable Cities for Valentine's Day

WalletHub's 2019 Best Places for Valentine's Day

1/21
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and thanks to WalletHub, we're sharing a list of the most romantic and cost-effective cities to celebrate the holiday of love. WalletHub compared 100 U.S. cities, looking at everything from a cost of a three-course meal to florists per capita. They broke down their findings by budget, activities available, gift accessibility and weather forecast.

Whether you're looking to do a quick road trip or a Valentine getaway, here are the top U.S. cities you may want to visit to celebrate the holiday this year.

1. San Francisco

2/21
San Francisco took the top spot for the most romantic, affordable city to celebrate Valentine's Day, according to WalletHub. While San Francisco is notorious for being expensive, it came in eighth in terms of budget. According to WalletHub's findings, San Francisco came in fourth for the most jewelry stores per capita and tied for first for the most chocolate stores per capita, making it easy for someone to pick up a gift for their loved one. If you decide to visit San Francisco on the day of love, keep in mind that WalletHub says it'll be among the worst cities in terms of weather that day.

2. New York City

3/21
New York City gave San Francisco a run for its money in WalletHub's findings. It tied for first for the most jewelry stores, florists, and chocolate stores per capita. WalletHub also rated it number one in having the most activities for couples to do. If you're looking for a romantic way to celebrate your partner in NYC, check out New York City Vacation Packages as they offer plenty of packages and deals for a fun-filled romantic trip.

3. Las Vegas

4/21
WalletHub rated Las Vegas favorably in terms of activities, gift accessibility and weather forecast this Valentine's Day. It also ranked fifth for most florists per capita. Couples visiting Las Vegas for Valentine's Day have plenty of date options from seeing a sensual show called Zumanity to booking a suite and a spa experience at one of the top-rated properties like MGM Resorts.

4. San Diego

5/21
San Diego will provide couples with plenty to do to make some fabulous Valentine's Day memories. Have dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter after setting aside some beach time at La Jolla. Perhaps, even take a gondola ride after walking around Coronado. Don't forget to capture a romantic sunset with your love in San Diego!

5. Honolulu

6/21
You won't be at a loss for a Valentine's Day gift in Honolulu. They have a high gift accessibility ranking, and even tied for the most chocolate shops per capita and came in fifth for the most jewelry stores per capita. Plus, the blue ocean water, tropical atmosphere and beaches all come together to create a romantic experience.

6. Seattle

7/21
While Seattle came in third for the most affordable Valentine's Day city, it came in last for weather forecast on the holiday. If you can overlook the cloudy cold weather, you and your love will find why Seattle has a high ranking for gift accessibility and romantic activities like shopping at Pike Place, riding the Great Wheel, or visiting the Golden Gardens.

7. Scottsdale

8/21
Scottsdale will be attractive to many on Valentine's Day, and not just because it's the most affordable city to celebrate the holiday. It also came in fourth for the most affordable three-course meal for two! In terms of weather, Scottsdale took second place for the most favorable weather forecast and is notorious for being very welcoming of LGBTQ couples. Our suggestion for a Valentine's Day date in Scottsdale? Experience some of the 150 galleries in the city and check out their Ale and Wine Trails.

8. Portland

9/21
Foodies will have a blast filling their bellies and hearts in Portland on Valentine's Day, as it's well-known for its restaurant scene. Portland is also home to stylish boutique properties like Hotel Monaco and plenty of hiking trails for adventurous couples. Just keep in mind that the weather might be a bit poor on Valentine's Day, and if you can look past that, you're sure to have a special experience with your partner.

9. Orlando

10/21
We're not surprised Orlando made it in the top ten on WalletHub's most romantic, affordable cities for Valentine's Day list. With activities like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom, and SeaWorld, couples have so many options for big, memorable Valentine's Day dates. Plus, WalletHub ranked it fourth for the most florists per capita, which means you'll be able to pick up flowers for your significant other before you head out on a day filled with loving adventure.

10. Los Angeles

11/21
Los Angeles tied for first for the most jewelry stores and florists per capita, and with all the glitz and glam, it makes sense that it came in 10th on WalletHub's list. Take our advice and book a romantic hotel stay at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica or Hotel Bel Air for a luxurious Valentine's Day stay. Then check out some of the city's best sites like the Getty Museum or Rodeo Drive and watch as you bond with your loved one in the city of angels.

11. Washington D.C.

12/21
Washington D.C. may not scream "romance" so it may come as a surprise to some that it took the 11th spot on the WalletHub list. With the government shutdown lifted, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the United States' most famous sites (plus many of them are free) this Valentine's Day, before grabbing a drink and seafood dinner at one of the trendy restaurants throughout town.

12. Denver

13/21
Denver is one of the hottest cities in the U.S. right now. If you want to impress your Valentine, book a stay at the fun and design-savvy Maven Hotel and explore the Dairy Block, a cool area where you can drink, shop, and eat during the day. Stop by the Denver Art Museum or River North Arts District for an artistic adventure, then wrap up the day at El Five, a spot with Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine and stellar views of Denver at night.

13. Atlanta

14/21
The Super Bowl crowd has gone and left Atlanta, allowing couples to have the city all to themselves this Valentine's Day. If you're looking for something fun to do, check out the World of Coca-Cola, and for a more romantic experience, book a stay at the Glenn Hotel and take advantage of the hotel's intimate rooftop lounge and its beautiful views.

14. Chicago

15/21
According to WalletHub, you'll find plenty to do on Valentine's Day in Chicago as the city ranked third in the activities category. Get into the sensual mindset at Moxy Chicago where their "Inner Circle" rooms face each other and offer a voyeuristic element. And if you have $25K lying around, the Four Seasons Chicago has an Element 79 package for Valentine's Day that may be perfect for you.

15. Austin

16/21
If you're dating someone who likes weird and quirky, Austin might be the place for you on Valentine's Day. Coming in at number 15 on WalletHub's list, the city is full of diverse adventures from kayaking on the Colorado River to live music on Sixth Street, a dining scene full of tacos, barbecue and breweries and quirky murals and art installations. For something more typically Valentine-focused, check out Spa Django's V-day deal at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa.

16. San Jose

17/21
San Jose, California, is an affordable destination for budget-minded Valentine's Day-goers. There are numerous activities available in the city that could be made into a V-day date like shopping at the San Jose Flea Market or dining in San Pedro's Square. If you and your partner want to dance the night away, you could even check out the SoFa nightclub district.

17. Virginia Beach

18/21
WalletHub rated Virginia Beach as the most affordable Valentine's Day destination in the U.S., including in terms of affordable ticket prices for Valentine's Day parties. It doesn't take much money to enjoy the city's beaches, stroll along the boardwalk or hike through the Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. You can also get an affordable seafood dinner with your date or enjoy activities like golfing, spas or live performances on Valentine's Day.

18. Sacramento

19/21
Sacramento is set to have favorable weather on Valentine's Day, but that's not the only reason to check out this city on the holiday. The city's Old Town area makes for a fun destination for a V-day date, as does Bogle Vineyards for wine-loving couples. We suggest you stay at Citizen Hotel and enjoy an elegant dinner at the Grange Restaurant and Bar with your loved one.

19. Houston

20/21
As the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Houston can offer all the basic Valentine's Day experiences that any other city can. However, if you're in Houston on vacation for the holiday, you and your partner should check out what makes the city unique. That may mean visiting NASA, strolling along the beach, exploring one of the 18 museums in the Houston Museum District or shopping at the Galleria, one of the largest malls in America.

20. Boston

21/21
This Valentine's Day explore Boston with your partner by doing some of the city's best activities like the Freedom Trail, enjoying an artistic dinner at Mention or viewing a great collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Don't forget to save a bit on your Valentine's getaway to Boston by taking advantage of Hilton's "Weekend Like a Local Package" which is available over the romantic holiday.

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me