Picture this: Valentine’s day is coming up, you want to do something special for that significant other in your life, and you have airline miles piling up. Does this sound like you? Well, instead of flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears, why don’t you use your miles to go somewhere romantic with your hunny? To help you plan your romantic winter getaway, here are the top 5 romantic destinations to go to in the US, selected by yours truly at UsingMiles…
Big Sur’s romance is in its jaw dropping views of ocean cliffs, surrounded by pine and cypress trees. You and your partner can walk along scenic hiking trails and take in the views, but I wouldn’t advise swimming, because it’s freezing! Right now is not peak season so you will get plenty of one on one time before all the summer tourists descend on the area. You’re sure to see Monarch butterflies returning for the winter and sea otters rafting in the kelp beds. Enjoy the excitement that is stirred annually by the return of the California Gray whales, an enchanting sight as they swim along the Big Sur coastline.
Or, take a drive on Highway 1 through Big Sur which has been designated as an American National Scenic Byway & California Scenic Highway. End your day at one of the many luxurious hotels and spas in and around Big Sur. Many hotels offer mountain or ocean views in each room, king-size beds, wood-burning fireplaces, indoor or outdoor spa tubs, and private decks.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John is known for its well-preserved natural beauty and gorgeous beaches. There are plenty of secluded beaches and hideaways if you and your loved one are looking for a bit of solitude. Snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking are great activities to do with your partner. Enjoy a relaxing treatment at one of the many famous spas. Stay at one of the top resorts on the island, Caneel Bay – with its seven beaches, luxury accommodations and five restaurants, it has it all.
The Bay area offers both natural beauty and fabulous dining. City skylines are romantic, but few include a striking brick-colored bridge and mist-covered headlands. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on The Sunset Bay Cruise, take in views of the city at dusk while listening to live guitar music and indulging in some light dining. Not too far from the city you can enjoy a Wine Country getaway. Madrona Manor is a restored Victorian estate surrounded by eight acres of wooded and landscaped grounds. During the day, tour the valley’s charming wineries and in the evening relish a romantic meal in the inn’s acclaimed restaurant.
New York City is a popular choice for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride while being bundled up through Central Park. Or, go ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Times Square claims it is a ‘lovers’ destination’, offering vow renewals, pictures next to its Valentine heart sculpture by BIG Design, and a ‘Declare Your Love’ truck where visitors can share their stories and lessons on love. Valentine’s Day cruises are another great way to celebrate the occasion. Packages are offered including live music, champagne, a private table, and dinner. World Yacht, for example, has two different packages, a Sweetheart Package and a Romance Package, ranging from $90/person to $125/person. Dining out is one of the biggest treats since there are countless options from fantastic pubs, coffee houses, and award winning restaurants for you to choose from. Making a reservation beforehand is highly recommended even in a city with over 20,000 restaurants. New York City is full of bakeries serving pastries, cakes, ice cream, and cookies, just the thing for your sweetheart.
Seattle, Washington
Here you’ll find a vibrant, sophisticated metropolis surrounded by pristine natural beauty and abundant recreation. The city is surrounded by pristine waterways, two mountain ranges and three national parks. A beautiful city with its boutique hotels, romantic restaurants, and sophisticated inns.The Washington Park Arboretum is a great area for romantic walks in Seattle. The Arboretum has more than 230 acres of unique tree and plant collections, including five distinct gardens.The historic Paramount Theatre offers visitors a romantic night on the town with a glimpse into the past. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Waterfall Gardens is an ideal spot to spend an intimate moment with your partner without leaving the city.
Put those miles to use and gift your beloved with the most beautiful romantic trip you will both remember for a very long time.
