Love is in the air. This Valentine’s Day, many Americans are planning to heat things up with a warm-weather getaway (okay, there’s let’s-get-cozy-by-the-fire plans, too).
Here are the top 10 destinations for Valentine’s Day 2022 travel according to reservation data in TripIt, plus some ideas for planning a romantic date in your city of choice.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah’s capital city kicks off the list at number 10. And whether visitors are using the city as a gateway to other destinations in the state or staying put to explore, Salt Lake City continues to crop up on travelers’ radar—and TripIt’s data.
Date idea: Did you know? SLC’s Log Haven restaurant has been voted as one of the top-10 most romantic restaurants in the country. Oh, you did know? And you booked a reservation for V Day? Well done you.
By day, check out the Natural History Museum of Utah (if you and your date love nature and history) or the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (ditto, but art).
9. Miami, Florida
The first of two Sunshine State destinations on the list, Miami clocks in at number nine on the list. And it’s easy to see why—the 305 is chock-full of beautiful beaches, beautiful hotels, and beautiful people.
Date idea: By day, laze by the pool at one of Miami’s many boutique (and chic) hotels. By night, head to Nobu Miami for an intimate dinner date; nosh on sushi, sake, and much more.
8. Cancun, Mexico
The only international destination to make the list, Cancun is no stranger to American tourists. Indeed, the sunny destination consistently ranked as a top international destination during 2021, according to TripIt data.
Date idea: Beach. Pool. Sun. Siesta. All of the above sound like a divine way to spend your Valentine’s Day. After said siesta, head to one of Cancun’s top restaurants for a romantic meal with your travel companion—check out Le Chique Restaurant for upscale eats or El Socio Naiz Taquería for tacos with a twist.
Read more: COVID-19 Testing for International Travel: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know
7. San Diego, California
From the city to the sea, San Diego lures visitors with its year-round sunny disposition. So it comes as little surprise that in mid-February many Americans are headed to this Southern Californian destination.
Date idea: By day, rent a Pedego electric bike and pedal your way around Balboa Park—a beautiful 1,000-acre park home to museums, botanical gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. By night, head to Kettner Boulevard for a romantic meal at hotspots like Juniper & Ivy, Kettner Exchange, and Herb & Wood.
Want more trip inspo? Check out our City Break: San Diego guide
6. Dallas, Texas
By now, you’ve probably noticed the V Day trend—many Americans are headed to warmer climes for the holiday. Indeed, eight out of 10 destinations are warm-weather (if not downright tropical) locations. And Dallas is no exception.
Date idea: Plan a day hike; the city has loads of trails (check out some ideas here). Then, head to dinner at José (for Mexican cuisine), Sachet (for Mediterranean), or Uchiba (for Japanese).
5. Los Angeles, California
If it’s your Valentine’s Day wish to mix and mingle with the stars, Los Angeles is the city to visit. But that’s not all this star-studded city has to offer. From waterfront restaurants to day hikes with picturesque views, LA is ideal for a romantic weekend away.
Date idea: Head to the Getty Museum—admission is free, but pre-booked entry is required (nothing says romance like planning ahead—hint, hint!). Afterwards, head to dinner at Pasjoli (for French cuisine), Damian (for Mexican), or Angelini Osteria (for Italian).
4. Denver, Colorado
It’s not all sunshine and beach days for Americans, though. Some are embracing cold-weather destinations in mid-February and all the perks that come with them (see also: Salt Lake City)—like winter sports, après-ski, and like-minded tourists. And that’s precisely what’s landed Denver at spot number four.
Date idea: Check out one (or a few!) of Denver’s many breweries by day. And by night? Choose from hotspots like Three Saints Revival (for tapas), YumCha (for dumplings and noodles), or Apple Blossom (for seasonal, American fare).
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
From world-class spas to pool parties, blackjack tables to rounds of golf, there’s something for everyone in Las Vegas—whether you’re coupled up or flying solo. That’s what makes a Valentine’s Day trip to Vegas a win-win. (SWIDT?)
Date idea: Two words: Spa day. Then, follow it up with dinner at Buddy V’s Ristorante in The Venetian and cap the evening off with a gondola ride down the Grand Canal.
Headed to Vegas? Start planning your trip with our City Break: Las Vegas guide
2. Phoenix, Arizona
Swooning over saguaros? Same. And so are many Americans—apparently—as Phoenix clocks in at the number two destination for Valentine’s Day.
Date idea: By day, check out the Desert Botanical Garden and its new Chihuly in the Desert exhibition. By night, head to aptly named Valentine (if you’re in town over the weekend) or Belly Kitchen & Bar for swanky drinks and creative eats.
1. Orlando, Florida
This Valentine’s Day, Orlando is the top destination for U.S. travelers. Between the warmth, sunshine, world-renowned theme parks, and overall magical vibe, it’s easy to see why so many plan to spend the most romantic day of the year in Orlando. (It’s a top destination for getting engaged and married, too!)
Date idea: Head to the Orlando Museum of Art to check out the new Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition, followed by dinner at Knife & Spoon.
Want more date night ideas? Check out our City Break: Orlando guide.
Methodology: TripIt analyzed U.S. origin round-trip flight reservations made between January 24, 2021, and January 24, 2022, for travel during Valentine’s Day weekend (Thursday, February 10, 2022 – Tuesday, February 15, 2022). Reservation data in TripIt is provided by users and is booking provider agnostic.
About the Author
