25 Best Places to Travel in February

by Alex Temblador
Last updated:: 6:00 AM ET, Sat January 25, 2020

PHOTO: Enjoy a romantic picnic in the forest. (photo courtesy of gzorgz/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

The Daytona 500. (Photo via Flickr/Steven N. Moskowitz)

Azenhas do Mar in Sintra near Lisbon, Portugal, at sunset. (Photo via PauloZimmermann / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (PauloZimmermann/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

The Temecula Wine and Balloon Festival runs from late May until early June in southern California (Jim Byers/TravelPulse Canada)

PHOTO: Couple drinking wine by the Chesapeake Bay. (photo via BackyardProduction/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Galveston pier amusement park (photo via kat-co/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Luxury overwater vacation resort on Bora Bora island (photo via VV-pics / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Pedal boat on a pier in Door County, Wisconsin. (Photo via AMCImages / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Hotel Valley Ho is a stylish, mid-century modern property in downtown Scottsdale. Check out the celebrity photos on the second floor! (Hotel Valley Ho)

Bellagio is a romantic destination on Lake Como. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Vladone) (iStock / Getty Images Plus / Vladone)

PHOTO: West-facing Santa Rosa Beach in South Walton, Florida is known for its romantic sunsets (photo via Flickr/David Reber)

PHOTO: Explore wineries, oranges and olives along Greece's Peloponnese peninsula. (courtesy of Avanti Destinations)

Zanzibar's coastline is a blue paradise. (photo via E+ / golero) (E+ / golero)

Narrow street in Nice, France. (photo via rglinsky/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Beautiful view of the bay at Port de Andratx on Majorca, Spain. (photo via Alex / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Aerial view of a golf course in Palm Springs, California. (photo via TraceRouda/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Bariloche, Nahuel Huapi Lake (photo via Elijah-Lovkoff / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Panoramic view of the beautiful interior of the Lombok island, Indonesia (Photo courtesy of pawopa3336/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Paraty is a small, charming town in Brazil with a beautiful bay. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / Conrad Gonzalez Fregine)

Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/SeanPavonePhoto)

PHOTO: The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, former residence of the Dalai Lama. (Photo courtesy of Silversea / Andrea Frazzetta)

Aerial view of the Old Town of Lviv, Ukraine. (Getty/scanrail)

PHOTO: The birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr. (photo via Wikimedia Commons/Michael Barera)

Stellenbosch is a South African wine destination. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / WLDavies) (iStock / Getty Images Plus / WLDavies)

The Atlantic fishing port of Essaouira. (Photo via nicolamargaret / Getty Images / E+)

PHOTO: Martinique is seeing a surge in tourism, thanks to cruise ship arrivals. (photo courtesy of Frizzantine/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Feb-you-ary

1/26

There is a lot going on in February. Not only is it Black History Month, but it's also one of the last months of winter and a month with the most romantic holiday, Valentine's Day. With so many things to celebrate in February, we've put together a list of vacations where you can take advantage of these celebrations, experiences, and so much more.

Daytona Beach, Florida

2/26

The Daytona 500 race is held in Daytona Beach, Florida, on February 16. Spend the whole day cheering on your favorite driver at this 500-mile-long NASCAR motor race, then return to a nearby hotel called The DAYTONA, which pays homage to the racing history of Daytona with vintage cars in the lobby and a bar made of engine pistons. If you stay beyond the race, check out hot spots like the beach and the Daytona Boardwalk.

Sintra, Portugal

3/26

Grab your partner and head to Sintra, Portugal, this Valentine's Day. The pastel-colored town is home to gallant palaces and scenic beaches with gorgeous rock formations. Add to the magic by staying in a boutique hotel, taking a hike in the green woods of the nearby mountains, and enjoying platters of seafood and great wine.

Temecula, California

4/26

Temecula is a hidden gem in California wine country. Book a stay at the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa to enjoy soaking tubs, massages, farm-to-table meals, and a vineyard at your doorstep. You might also want to book a hot air balloon experience or just spend time visiting a variety of wineries throughout the area.

Cambridge, Maryland

5/26

Cambridge, Maryland, offers a New England vacation experience on the Chesapeake Bay. Have a romantic stay at the waterfront Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, home to a spa, golf course, and marina. Enjoy a historic district with museums, restaurants, and cute shops. Don't miss a chance to visit the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park, home to a museum and education center. It's just a 14-minute drive away and a fascinating place to celebrate Black History Month.

Galveston, Texas

6/26

Instead of following the crowds to New Orleans, make your way to Galveston, Texas, to celebrate Mardi Gras. As the 3rd largest Mardi Gras celebration in the US, Galveston's epic festival runs from February 14 - February 25, in the downtown historic district. You can enjoy 22 parades, 30+ concerts, balcony parties, vendor booths, and five masquerade balls with 300,000 other people.

French Polynesia

7/26

Spend the month of love in a luxurious overwater bungalow in French Polynesia. Expect plenty of snorkeling and swimming, and perhaps a boat tour, hiking experience, and spa day. The InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia offer great hotel experiences. They include the IC Tahiti Resort & Spa, IC Moorea Resort & Spa, IC Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, and IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

Door County, Wisconsin

8/26

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and cozy next to a fire, you'll want to consider Door County, Wisconsin. This Midwest getaway is home to long stretches of beaches on Lake Michigan, lighthouses begging to be explored, and a selection of great wineries to enjoy. Take some time to hike in the five state parks nearby and bask in the great outdoors.

Scottsdale, Arizona

9/26

Scottsdale is serving up some romance this February. Many of their top-notch resorts like Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows Resort are providing some great Valentine's Day specials. However, you'll find plenty of romance beyond the resorts such as in the historic Old Town, hitting the tables at the local casinos, or hiking in nearby areas like Camelback Mountain.

Bellagio, Italy

10/26

Skip Rome and Florence this February, and make your way to Bellagio, Italy, on the picturesque Lake Como. Italians love the towns of Lake Como and you'll see why when you visit Bellagio. Not only does it have a waterfront location, but the cobbled lanes, delicious restaurants, and boat tours create a fantastic vacation.

South Walton, Florida

11/26

Head to South Walton, a charming community in the Florida Panhandle for a low-key Florida experience. With a beachfront location, enjoy the calming waves as you read a book on the beach, after a morning working up a sweat hiking in the Point Washington State Forest. With a wetsuit and some grit, you can go scuba diving at the Underwater Museum of Art. Round out your trip with visits to Grayton Beer Company and Distillery 98 for some local tastings and tours.

Peloponnese, Greece

12/26

Adventure couples will find the Peloponnese region of Greece an amazing challenge in February. On Foot Holidays has created a six-night self-guided walking route through the Peloponnese using old paths and mule tracks to link travelers to each destination. You'll walk through gorges, forests, and old stone villages with historic churches, taverns, and inns. The tour package covers all luggage transfers, breakfasts, and accommodations.

Zanzibar

13/26

February is the best month to see whale sharks along the coast of Zanzibar. Tourists will want to make their way to Mafia Island to snorkel with these gentle giants. When you're not admiring whale sharks, soak up the sun on the beach, visit Stone Town, fill up on seafood, or enjoy some relaxation time in a beachside resort.

Nice, France

14/26

Nice, France, has a huge Carnival event every February and you don't want to miss it this year. Cheer on spectacular parades of flowers and lights with Nice locals and celebrate well into the evening. If all the celebration tires you out, Nice has some fabulous beaches, markets, and attractions like museums, cathedrals, and palaces you can explore.

Mallorca, Spain

15/26

Spice up the romance with a trip to Mallorca, Spain, for Valentine's Day. Mallorca is home to an array of fabulous wineries and restaurants where you can enjoy candlelit dinners in courtyards or with views of the ocean. Spend some time soaking in the Hammam Palma with your partner after taking a fun tour of Castell de Bellver or the Drach Caves.

Palm Springs, California

16/26

If you're done with winter, make your way to Palm Springs to enjoy 75-degree weather in February. You'll want to be outside soaking in those rays by the pool at your mid-century hotel, playing a round of golf, or hiking in the mountains around the city. If you don't mind an hour-plus drive, Salvation Mountain and East Jesus are some funky art installations that are wonderous to explore.

Bariloche, Argentina

17/26

Argentina is a romantic destination, but if you can pull yourself away from Buenos Aires to Bariloche in Patagonia, you'll be glad you did. This town's architecture makes it look like a Swiss-alpine village set next to a glacier lake. While there, relax with a spa treatment in your hotel or take a kayaking trip on the Nahuel Huapi lake. With wineries in the region and plenty of chocolate shops, you'll have a decadent vacation with your loved one.

Lombok, Indonesia

18/26

Most travelers overlook Lombok in favor of Bali when traveling to Indonesia, but this gorgeous island is not one to miss. By far, the best thing you'll find in Lombok are unspoiled and secret beaches, many of which are home to fabulous surf spots. You might also want to hike to the Tiu Kelep Waterfall and soak in the Air Kalak hot springs.

Paraty, Brazil

19/26

Calling all couples: Paraty, Brazil, is waiting for you. This small town with its cobblestone streets and colorful historic buildings is a fun, off-the-beaten-path destination in Brazil. Most people spend time at the beach in Paraty, while others look for adventure in kayaking the Jabaquara Mangroves. Don't miss an opportunity to have local cachaca tastings or hike to Prainha to eat fresh seafood dishes among local fishermen.

Copenhagen, Denmark

20/26

Wake up each day in Copenhagen's main square at the d'Angleterre hotel. From here, you can get anywhere you want in Denmark's coolest city. It's still going to be cold in Copenhagen in February so enjoy winter activities like ice skating, visiting nearby castles covered in snow, and soaking in Copenhagen's top saunas. Foodies will want to try local porridge, sample the great food at Torvehallerne food market, and grab a pastry at La Glace, the oldest bakery in the city.

Lhasa, Tibet

21/26

Travelers looking for a truly unique experience in February will find it in Lhasa, Tibet. You'll want to start your trip with a visit to Jokhang Temple, the most important temple, followed by some time exploring Barkhor Square, local markets, and Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama. You may want to hire a tour guide to take you to the best restaurants to try local cuisine. Don't worry, prices are pretty affordable in Lhasa so you're not likely to break the bank.

Lviv, Ukraine

22/26

If you're looking to cozy up with your loved one for Valentine's Day in a historic European city, Lviv is the right place for you. Sure, it's going to be cold but the historic cathedrals and cobblestone streets look magical when covered in snow. Warm up with hot chocolate before checking out the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. If you don't mind a two-hour drive, you can also hit the slopes for a ski day in Tysovets.

Civil Rights Trail

23/26

Celebrate Black History Month by visiting the best Civil Rights attractions in the U.S. on the Civil Rights Trail. The trail pinpoints a variety of important destinations and attractions related to the Civil Rights movement in cities and states from Topeka, Kansas, to Washington, D.C. While you might not be able to visit all the attractions on the Civil Rights Trail, even visiting a few can make for a budget-friendly road trip experience.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

24/26

Did you know that South Africa has some stellar wine areas? Our pick for February is Stellenbosch, South Africa, a town surrounded by the Cape Winelands. This could be a fun, romantic vacation for couples who like to hop between wineries for tastings. If you need a break from all that wine, shop on Dorp Street or go for a hike in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

Essaouira, Morocco

25/26

Temperatures are mild in Essaouira, Morocco, in February, making for a pleasant vacation. You'll want to spend time exploring the old town and relaxing on the city's beach. Haggle with vendors in the traditional souk or search for charming restaurants with live music. You may even want to take an ATV tour on the dunes of Palma Quad or explore local art galleries and museums.

Martinique

26/26

Carnival in the Caribbean is always a big affair, and that's exactly true for Martinique. Villages all across the island celebrate Carnival in festive ways such as with parades and musical performances. You'll be astounded by the costumes and excited to cheer on the local Carnival Kings and Queens. When you're not celebrating the holiday with locals, find some time to enjoy the beach and ocean.

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