8 Under-the-Radar Valentine’s Day Getaways That Are Worth the Trip

by Lauren Dana Ellman

8 Under-the-Radar Valentine’s Day Getaways That Are Worth the Trip

by Lauren Dana Ellman

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching (February 14 falls on a Sunday and President’s Day is Monday, February 15), which means there’s no better time than now to plan your romantic escape. Here, our top picks for off-the-beaten path destinations, each offering plenty of space and nature-filled activities — plus, where to stay in each place.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching (February 14 falls on a Sunday and President’s Day is Monday, February 15), which means there’s no better time than now to plan your romantic escape. Here, our top picks for off-the-beaten path destinations, each offering plenty of space and nature-filled activities — plus, where to stay in each place.

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Papago Park and Camelback Mountain / BCFC/iStock
Westerly, Rhode Island
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Westerly, Rhode Island

Located on the south shore of Rhode Island, the quaint seaside town of Westerly dates back to 1661. Today, the area — which offers a more intimate, secluded ambiance compared to nearby destinations like Newport and Providence — is home to breweries, vineyards, beaches, and boutiques.

Located on the south shore of Rhode Island, the quaint seaside town of Westerly dates back to 1661. Today, the area — which offers a more intimate, secluded ambiance compared to nearby destinations like Newport and Providence — is home to breweries, vineyards, beaches, and boutiques.

Ocean House
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Westerly, Rhode Island

Where to Stay: Ocean House features luxe accommodations, warm hospitality, an incredible culinary program, and Old World charm. Be sure to take advantage of the property’s seasonal “Fondue Village” by renting out a private chalet for you and your Valentine to enjoy delicacies like bubbly, chocolate, and fondue. Rates from $755 per night. 

Where to Stay: Ocean House features luxe accommodations, warm hospitality, an incredible culinary program, and Old World charm. Be sure to take advantage of the property’s seasonal “Fondue Village” by renting out a private chalet for you and your Valentine to enjoy delicacies like bubbly, chocolate, and fondue. Rates from $755 per night. 

The Cloister at Sea Island
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Sea Island, Georgia

Outdoor enthusiasts will certainly appreciate a visit to Sea Island, Georgia. Activities include biking, golfing, embarking on a scenic eco tour, or learning more about Sea Island’s history via a walking tour. Foodies will appreciate a visit to one of the nearby eateries that include everything from hole-in-the-wall gems to white-tablecloth restaurants. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will certainly appreciate a visit to Sea Island, Georgia. Activities include biking, golfing, embarking on a scenic eco tour, or learning more about Sea Island’s history via a walking tour. Foodies will appreciate a visit to one of the nearby eateries that include everything from hole-in-the-wall gems to white-tablecloth restaurants. 

The Inn at Sea Island
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Sea Island, Georgia

Where to Stay: The Inn at Sea Island has an outdoor swimming pool, spacious accommodations, free bike rentals, breakfast, and complimentary use of the property’s BMW fleet. For an additional cost, guests can access the sister property Sea Island Resort, which is home to a lovely spa, manicured gardens, and a private yacht available for charter. Rates range from $161 per night to $229 per night (the latter of which includes access to Sea Island Resort, with the exception of the beach club). 

Where to Stay: The Inn at Sea Island has an outdoor swimming pool, spacious accommodations, free bike rentals, breakfast, and complimentary use of the property’s BMW fleet. For an additional cost, guests can access the sister property Sea Island Resort, which is home to a lovely spa, manicured gardens, and a private yacht available for charter. Rates range from $161 per night to $229 per night (the latter of which includes access to Sea Island Resort, with the exception of the beach club). 

Bellingham, Washington
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Bellingham, Washington

Set along Bellingham Bay, the vibrant town of Bellingham is halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Its lively college scene means plenty of arts and culture-oriented attractions, while its location (by the water and the Cascade Mountains) offers plenty to see, do, and explore. There's also a quaint downtown area lined with shops and restaurants.

Set along Bellingham Bay, the vibrant town of Bellingham is halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Its lively college scene means plenty of arts and culture-oriented attractions, while its location (by the water and the Cascade Mountains) offers plenty to see, do, and explore. There's also a quaint downtown area lined with shops and restaurants.

Hotel Bellwether Lighthouse Suite
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Bellingham, Washington

Where to Stay: Hotel Bellwether offers a three-story lighthouse suite that's definitely bucket-list-worthy (contact the property directly for rates). The hotel is also offering a special “Romance by the Bay” promotion (from $257 per night), which includes roses, a bath bomb, prosecco, and chocolate covered strawberries. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Bellwether offers a three-story lighthouse suite that's definitely bucket-list-worthy (contact the property directly for rates). The hotel is also offering a special “Romance by the Bay” promotion (from $257 per night), which includes roses, a bath bomb, prosecco, and chocolate covered strawberries. 

Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona
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Scottsdale, Arizona

Home to a burgeoning food and drink scene — plus incredible arts and culture sites, including Taliesin West and the Musical Instrument Museum — artsy couples with a taste for luxury will surely appreciate a trip to Scottsdale. And, if you’re looking to explore the outdoors, consider hiking Camelback Mountain, where you can take in sweeping views and the area’s incredible flora. 

Home to a burgeoning food and drink scene — plus incredible arts and culture sites, including Taliesin West and the Musical Instrument Museum — artsy couples with a taste for luxury will surely appreciate a trip to Scottsdale. And, if you’re looking to explore the outdoors, consider hiking Camelback Mountain, where you can take in sweeping views and the area’s incredible flora. 

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
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Scottsdale, Arizona

Where to Stay: Located at the foothills of Pinnacle Peak amid towering cacti plants, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is a true desert oasis. The property features luxe accommodations, a spa and bi-level pool, and beautiful Southwestern-style architecture. 

Where to Stay: Located at the foothills of Pinnacle Peak amid towering cacti plants, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is a true desert oasis. The property features luxe accommodations, a spa and bi-level pool, and beautiful Southwestern-style architecture. 

Coral Reef Park, Key Largo
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Key Largo, Florida

Although it’s often overlooked by Key West, Key Largo is a destination worth exploring on its own. Popular activities include a scenic seaplane tour, nighttime kayaking, and snorkeling through the world’s second-largest artificial reef. 

Although it’s often overlooked by Key West, Key Largo is a destination worth exploring on its own. Popular activities include a scenic seaplane tour, nighttime kayaking, and snorkeling through the world’s second-largest artificial reef. 

Baker's Cay Resort
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Key Largo, Florida

Where to Stay: Baker's Cay Resort reopened in the fall 2018 after undergoing a complete renovation. Now, the upscale beachfront property offers sea views, water sports (non-motorized and motorized), entertainment and recreational offerings, four bars and restaurants, and spacious accommodations. 

Where to Stay: Baker's Cay Resort reopened in the fall 2018 after undergoing a complete renovation. Now, the upscale beachfront property offers sea views, water sports (non-motorized and motorized), entertainment and recreational offerings, four bars and restaurants, and spacious accommodations. 

Charleston, South Carolina
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Charleston, South Carolina

This modern metropolis is chock-a-block with colorful architecture, arts and culture, and a lively food and drink scene. Check out the murals around town, tour old cemeteries, and reenact a scene from The Notebook at the beautiful Cypress Gardens (where Noah and Ally paddled the river), which is home to a butterfly house, and a swamparium.

This modern metropolis is chock-a-block with colorful architecture, arts and culture, and a lively food and drink scene. Check out the murals around town, tour old cemeteries, and reenact a scene from The Notebook at the beautiful Cypress Gardens (where Noah and Ally paddled the river), which is home to a butterfly house, and a swamparium.

Planters Inn, Charleston
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Charleston, South Carolina

Where to Stay: Planters Inn, a 19th-century mansion-turned-luxury hotel, offers guests a romantic hideaway within the city. The property is located in the heart of Charleston's historic district (and just a short walk away from Waterfront Park). Here you’ll find a courtyard and lush garden; an on-site, Southern-inspired upscale eatery; handcrafted beds; 10-foot-high ceilings; and marble bathrooms. 

Where to Stay: Planters Inn, a 19th-century mansion-turned-luxury hotel, offers guests a romantic hideaway within the city. The property is located in the heart of Charleston's historic district (and just a short walk away from Waterfront Park). Here you’ll find a courtyard and lush garden; an on-site, Southern-inspired upscale eatery; handcrafted beds; 10-foot-high ceilings; and marble bathrooms. 

Paso Robles, California
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Paso Robles, California

Don’t overlook Paso Robles. While the destination is definitely more off-the-beaten-path than Napa and Sonoma, you’ll find the same exciting drinking and dining offerings, as well as a ton of tasting rooms and wineries

Don’t overlook Paso Robles. While the destination is definitely more off-the-beaten-path than Napa and Sonoma, you’ll find the same exciting drinking and dining offerings, as well as a ton of tasting rooms and wineries

The Piccolo
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Paso Robles, California

Where to Stay: The Piccolo, a brand-new boutique hotel, is a romantic option. Complete with a rooftop bar, wine lounge, luxury accommodations, and industrial-inspired architecture, it’s hard not to fall in love with the property at first sight. Bonus: Its central location means you’re within walking distance to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops so no car is required. 

Where to Stay: The Piccolo, a brand-new boutique hotel, is a romantic option. Complete with a rooftop bar, wine lounge, luxury accommodations, and industrial-inspired architecture, it’s hard not to fall in love with the property at first sight. Bonus: Its central location means you’re within walking distance to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops so no car is required. 

Northern lights over Lake Superior in Cook County, MN
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Cook County, Minnesota

Calling all adrenaline junkies: Cook County, Minnesota is the perfect place for you. This Valentine’s Day, explore the area’s beautiful state parks (there are several), and end the action-packed day with s’mores by the fire as you spot the northern lights from afar.   

Calling all adrenaline junkies: Cook County, Minnesota is the perfect place for you. This Valentine’s Day, explore the area’s beautiful state parks (there are several), and end the action-packed day with s’mores by the fire as you spot the northern lights from afar.   

Temperance River State Park in Cook County, MN
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Cook County, Minnesota

Where to Stay: There aren’t many hotels nearby; instead, consider renting an Airbnb, where you can enjoy uninterrupted peace and quiet, snuggle up with your significant other, and enjoy a romantic night in (the only thing you have to do is cook). We love this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired lakefront cottage.

Where to Stay: There aren’t many hotels nearby; instead, consider renting an Airbnb, where you can enjoy uninterrupted peace and quiet, snuggle up with your significant other, and enjoy a romantic night in (the only thing you have to do is cook). We love this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired lakefront cottage.

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