America’s Most Romantic Cities

This blog post was updated on October 4, 2018.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day escape? Take your sweetheart to one of America’s most romantic cities.

 

From Las Vegas casinos to the Miami beaches, you can’t go wrong with these domestic destinations.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada: Nevada is for lovers! The US Census Bureau has confirmed what we all know: this Western state is the place to tie the knot. Compared to the rest of the country, Nevada ranks 35th for population but comes in an impressive fifth for number of marriages. With free flowing alcohol, scores of casinos and an active club scene, you are practically guaranteed to find romance in Las Vegas.

 

Before taking your sweetheart to “Sin City,” consider the risks of a Vegas vacation: losing all your money, being tempted by vixens and having someone seduce your wife.  These topics are covered in classic films like Honeymoon in Vegas, Indecent Proposal and The Hangover.

Getting there: The McCarran International Airport (LAS) has direct flights to cities across the US.
Website: visitlasvegas.com

Twitter: @vegas
2. Los Angeles, California: It’s official: Los Angeles is the second most romantic city in the US, according to Yelp.com. The website analyzed its search results and discovered that Angelenos are looking for “romantic restaurants”, “chocolate covered strawberries”, and “lingerie” at high rates—indicating they know how to have a good time. It’s no surprise that LA residents are pre-occupied with romance; a significant chunk of the local population is comprised of attractive surfers, model/actors and buff ex-governors. Tacoma, Washington beat out LA as the most romantic city in the Yelp analysis; but wouldn’t you prefer tor spend Valentine’s Day in Hollywood instead of Tacoma’s Museum of Glass?

Getting there: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has direct flights to cities across the US.
Website: http://discoverlosangeles.com/
Twitter: @discover_la
3. Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara Falls is a popular destination for young lovers and has attracted honeymooners for decades (see Marilyn Monroe’s 1953 film, Niagara, for evidence). The falls sit on the US-Canadian border and are known for their incredible power. They’ve inspired thrill-seekers to tightrope across the water and dive off the 167 ft. tall ledge in wooden barrels. Less adventurous travelers have “taken the plunge” by proposing to their girlfriends on the observation decks. Whether you are already hitched or planning to pop the question, consider a visit to this classic American destination.

Getting there: Niagara Falls can be reached by bus, Amtrak and the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA).
Website: http://www.niagara-usa.com/
Twitter: @niagarafallsusa
4. Miami, Florida: Sunny weather, skimpy outfits and salsa beats make Miami a hotbed of romance. Miami comes in number four on Amazon.com’s list of most romantic cities, but earns special recognition as the “Sexiest City in America.” As we learned from the last season of Jersey Shore, it’s hard not to find romance in the “Gateway to the Americas.” Grab your valentine and head to South Beach for beautiful beaches, authentic Cuban food and club hopping.

Getting there: Miami International Airport (MIA) has direct flights to cities across the US.
Website: http://www.visitflorida.com/Miami
Twitter: @visitflorida

 

 

5. Valentine, Nebraska: The name says it all: this small town is the perfect place for a weekend escape. Named one of America’s “Best Adventure Towns” by National Geographic in 2009, Valentine sits near the Niobrara River (where you can go tubing and white water rafting) and is home to the state’s largest waterfall. Boasting fewer than 3,000 residents, Valentine does not have any skyscrapers or Michelin starred restaurants. However, if you stop in during Valentine’s Day weekend you can attend the annual Heart City Bull Bash. The lineup includes a gospel performance by musical comedians the Bar J Wranglers.

Getting there: Half the adventure is getting to Valentine, which does not have its own airport. The town is a five hour drive from the Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha, Nebraska and a two hour drive from South Dakota’s Pierre Regional (PIR).
Website: http://www.heartcity.com/