Spoil the love of your life (and yourself) on Valentine’s Day with Cupid’s list of romantic events beyond dinner and movies. Whether you both are adventure enthusiasts, music fans, or early birds for a brunch cruise, these cities will add some 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. On Valentine’s Day, expect luxurious dinners at top restaurants and an array of shows to choose from, such as Cirque du Soleil acrobats and magic shows by David Blaine.
For those who don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, there are still plenty of things to do in Las Vegas. The city is home to many museums, such as the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum. There are also several parks and outdoor spaces, including Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston, for those who want to enjoy the beautiful desert scenery. And make sure to take advantage of a stylish Vegas buffet for hunger pangs.
The weather in February is typically mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s. This makes it a great time to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions. Overall, Las Vegas is a vibrant and exciting destination any time of year, but it is particularly romantic on Valentine’s Day.
Miami
There’s a reason why Miami is known as “The Magic City.” Even two months after New Year’s Eve, the city continues to party until the sun rises, making it perfect for the most lively Valentine’s Day events. Elegant dinners, cabaret shows, and improv comedy help to elevate the nightlife, aided by bucket list events like the Big Game Cruise and candlelight concerts.
Miami Beach is a must during the day, and you’ll have no shortage of diverse restaurants, hookah bars, and movies at Soundscape Park to enjoy. And if you’re feeling brave, you can also head to the World Erotic Art Museum or a nude beach.
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 nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps,” and this is especially true on Valentine’s Day. The city offers a wide array of world-class museums, speakeasies, 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 who have an artistic side. However, the Museum of Ice Cream is arguably more Instagram-worthy due to its tasty treats and colorful installations. When you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in New York-style pizzas, Italian fare at Capizzi, or elegant eats at Michelin-starred restaurants.
For those who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day uniquely, look no further than ice skating experiences and hot cocoa at Bryant Park or writing love letters to your sweetheart at the Museum of Sex. And even though NYC will likely be chilly during this time of year, there are still plenty of ways to stay cozy while having a blast.
Phuket
Phuket, Thailand, is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful scenery, clear blue beach waters, and vibrant culture. On Valentine’s Day, the town will likely be full of couples enjoying romantic beachside dinners and sunset cruises. Though luxury aside, one can also indulge in street food from local markets, making Phuket a diverse place to celebrate the day of love.
Now you don’t have to celebrate Valentine’s Day to enjoy Phuket, especially if you’re adventurous. Water activities, for instance, are abundant, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. There are also several temples and cultural attractions, such as the Wat Chalong Temple and the Phuket Town Weekend Market. 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 with not much rain, which makes the city perfect for whatever is on your agenda for the day.
Paris
Paris, France, is so romantic that it has earned the nickname “City of Love.” Fashion and art pieces sweep the city; if you know anything about French food, you’re bound to have a Cupid-approved dinner. On that note, restaurants are plentiful, ranging from candlelit dinners at cozy bistros to champagne and chocolates near the Eiffel Tower.
The city is also home to famous landmarks and museums like the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral. But if you’re looking for some lesser-known spots, check out Passage Brady for Indian and Pakistani food, Musée Rodin for the gorgeous garden and museum pieces, and Le Marché de Belleville for an ethnic twist on traditional farmer’s markets.
During this time of year, Paris can get a little chilly as temperatures hover around the mid-40s. Some days will have sunshine, though the vast majority may be cloudy. Even so, explore the wonders of Jardin des Tuileries, the Jardin du Luxembourg, and some of Paris’ other famous attractions.
