Spoil the love of your life (and yourself) this Valentine’s Day with Cupid’s list of romantic events beyond dinner and a movie. Whether you and your sweetheart are adventure enthusiasts, music fans, or early birds up for a brunch cruise, these cities will add a little magic to the most intimate day of the year.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, is a vibrant city known for its nightlife, world-class casinos, and endless entertainment options. A Vegas Valentine promises luxurious dinners and an array of shows, such as Cirque du Soleil acrobats and the Magic of David Copperfield.
For those who don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, there are still plenty of things to do in Las Vegas. The city has multiple museums like the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum. The Las Vegas Valleys is also home to beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Lake Mead and Mount Charleston, for those with tastes beyond hotels and headliners. Don’t forget to take advantage of a stylish Vegas buffet big enough to satisfy your appetite after a rigorous, butt-kicking hike through the majestic Red Rock Canyon.
Las Vegas in February is typically mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s and a time to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions. Overall, Las Vegas is a sexy, exciting destination any time of year, but if you’d really like to turn up the heat, Valentine’s Day in Sin City is for you.
Miami
There’s a reason Miami is known as “Magic City.” Even two months after New Year’s Eve, the parties still last until sunrise and are perfect for even the most lively Valentine’s Day events. Miami boasts elegant dinners, cabaret shows, and improv comedy, and its elevated nightlife is made even more desirable by romantic events like the R&B concert at the Watsco Center– The Love Note: A Valentine’s Day Affair with performances from Jon B and Silk.
Miami Beach is a must during the day, and you’ll have no shortage of diverse restaurants, hookah bars, and movies at Soundscape Park. And if you’re feeling especially brave, you can also dive into romance at the World Erotic Art Museum or one of Miami’s nude beaches.
Valentine’s Day would be nothing without the best culinary treats, many of which showcase what “Floribbean” cuisine is all about. These include grilled foie gras at Talula, blue crab cakes at Pascal’s On Ponce, and croquettes featuring shrimp and black-eyed peas at Chispa.
New York
New York City is “The City That Never Sleeps,” and this is especially true on Valentine’s Day. The Big Apple offers world-class museums, speakeasy clubs, parks, theatrical productions, and some of the best food money can buy.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art are go-to attractions for couples and solo travelers with an artistic flair. However, the Museum of Ice Cream is arguably more Instagram-worthy due to its tasty treats, colorful installations, and, of course, more ice cream than you could ever imagine. When you’ve worked up an Empire State Building-sized appetite, devour authentic New York-style pizzas, Italian favorites at Capizzi, or elegant eats at Michelin-starred restaurants.
For those who want to add a little NYC spice to Valentine’s Day, look no further than ice skating experiences and hot cocoa at Bryant Park or writing naughty letters to your sweetheart at the Museum of Sex. And even though New York is chilly this time of year, there are still plenty of ways to stay warm and cozy while having the adventure of a lifetime.
Phuket
Phuket, Thailand, is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful scenery, clear blue beach waters, vibrant culture, and, let’s face it, a name that’s really fun to say. On Valentine’s Day, Phuket will likely be filled with lovers enjoying romantic beachside dinners and sunset cruises. Folks may also indulge in local street food, sights, and entertainment. Phuket is truly a diverse place to celebrate the day of love.
You don’t have to celebrate Valentine’s Day to enjoy Phuket, especially if you’re adventurous. Water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours are abundant. Temples and cultural attractions, such as the Wat Chalong Temple and the Phuket Town Weekend Market, make great daytime destinations. Additionally, Phuket is home to several festivals in February, with the Chinese New Year and the Phuket Old Town Festival as popular choices.
The weather is typically warm, with temperatures hovering in the upper 80s or low 90s. There’s also plenty of sunshine and not much rain, making the city perfect for whatever you have planned for the day.
Paris
The City of Love needs no introduction. Fashion and art fill Paris with a vibe unlike any city. And in case you’re unfamiliar with French cuisine, rest assured that your romantic dinner will be Cupid-approved. Restaurants are plentiful, promising, romantic evenings ranging from candlelit dinners at cozy bistros to champagne and chocolates near the Eiffel Tower.
Paris boasts unforgettable landmarks, like the Louvre and the newly rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. But if you’re interested in discovering lesser-known spots, check out Passage Brady’s Indian and Pakistani food, Musée Rodin’s gorgeous garden and museum pieces, and Le Marché de Belleville’s ethnic twist on traditional farmer’s markets.
Paris can get a little chilly in February with temperatures hovering around the mid-40s, but still warm enough to explore the wonders of Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardin du Luxembourg, and more of Paris’ famous attractions. And though many days might be cloudy, the sun still shines in Paris, and love forever blooms.
