Featured Photo by Bellingham Experience

Best Romantic Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaways On Rivers

Romantic getaways are the perfect time to focus on your partner and yourself, and what better time is there to plan a special vacation than Valentine’s Day? This February is the perfect time to celebrate love and connection and to cherish one another’s time on a relaxing getaway with your significant other. Whether you both enjoy exploring the outdoors, settling in for a day of wine tasting at the winery, or escaping to the beach, these destinations are the perfect settings for a change of scenery this Valentine’s Day!

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Valentine’s Day Getaways: Saugatuck, Michigan

Best For Most To Do
A charming coastal town on Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a perfect Midwest destination for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway. With a variety of places to stay and eat, and romantic and fun things to do, you can plan the perfect weekend or vacation with your significant other. Saugatuck has unique lodging for every pair’s taste, such as the charming Belvedere Inn and Restaurant, J. Paule’s Fenn Inn Bed and Breakfast, the Beachway Resort, and the Lakeshore Resort. There are a variety of bars, breweries, and eateries, but The Southerner is considered a must-try Saugatuck restaurant for first time visitors. Couples can enjoy their romantic retreat by spending time together and exploring all there is to do in Saugatuck. Grab a table for two at a winery, explore the Lake Michigan shoreline or Saugatuck Dunes State Park, take advantage of Saugatuck’s thriving live music scene, and more!

Saugatuck Trip Tips
Where To Stay: J. Paule’s Fenn Inn Bed and Breakfast, Romantic Restaurant: The Southerner, Local Tourism Guide: Saugatuck Douglas

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Valentine’s Day Getaways: Calistoga, California

Best For Wine Tasting
For wine lovers, a Valentine’s Day trip to Calistoga, California can be just what your partner and you need to celebrate your special connection. Located just north of Napa, this charming and gorgeous small town is full of world class wineries and romantic experiences. From natural hot springs and mud baths at the spa to a romantic stay at the Brannan Cottage Inn, Calistoga is perfect for relaxation, romance, and reconnection. Some of Calistoga’s popular wineries include Elusa Winery, Hans Fahden Vineyards, Davis Estates, and Chateau Montelena. But there are more than 50 wineries around Calistoga nestled at the top of the Napa Valley. Conveniently, there is a free shuttle service that your significant other and you can take from your hotel to different wineries in the area, so you both can fully enjoy your time together without worrying about a designated driver.

Calistoga Trip Tips
Where To Stay: Brannan Cottage Inn, Romantic Restaurant: Calistoga Inn, Restaurant and Brewery, Local Tourism Guide: Visit Calistoga

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Best For Beach Vacation
Experience a much needed beach vacation and a special Valentine’s Day getaway all wrapped into one at Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island in Florida. Here, your partner and you can bask in the sunshine together and enjoy spectacular sunsets, white sand beaches, and sparkling waters. Choose to stay at the Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast and be welcomed by a homestyle breakfast each day, endless amenities, and an easy walking distance from historic downtown Fort Myers. If you don’t feel like walking, rent bicycles, or a tandem bike, and meander around Fort Myers with your significant other stopping at quaint shops, restaurants, and scenic areas. For more relaxation and romance head out on an excursion with Captiva Cruises, or explore Lovers Key State Park.

Fort Myers Trip Tips
Where To Stay: Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast, Romantic Restaurant: Old Captiva House, Local Tourism Guide: Visit Fort Myers

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Valentine’s Day Getaways: Bellingham, Washington

Best For Beautiful Outdoor Scenery
If your partner and you love spending time together in the great outdoors, a Valentine’s getaway to Bellingham, Washington will not disappoint. A haven for year-round hiking, you can hit the trails like the popular Whatcom Falls Park Trails, Hertz Trail at North Lake Whatcom Park, Chuckanut Ridge Trail at Chuckanut, and many more. After hiking, relax at a hotel right on Bellingham Bay, including the Chrysalis Inn & Spa Bellingham or Hotel Bellwether, which offer romantic Valentine’s Day packages. Other romantic and Valentine’s Day focused experiences include desserts and beverages at Pure Bliss Desserts, a four course Valentine’s Day dinner at Keenan’s on the Pier, wine tasting at Leader Block Wine Co., and the Bellingham Circus Guild’s popular performance of My Circus Valentine.

Bellingham Trip Tips
Where To Stay: Hotel Bellwether, Romantic Restaurant: Keenan’s on the Pier, Local Tourism Guide: Visit Bellingham

Content Writer and Social Media Coordinator. I paint, listen to music, and play with my dogs a lot. When I’m not doing all that, I love to read and try new things.

Maeve Miller

Writer, River Travel Magazine