With February underway, love is officially in the air. If you’re still deciding on the perfect romantic getaway, travel deals site Vio has curated a list of the best romantic travel destinations for couples this year. These selections come from a comprehensive January survey of 1,007 Americans in relationships, who shared their travel habits, dream destinations, and what sparks connection on the road.
Yosemite, California topped the list for destinations that foster deep romantic connections. Surrounded by majestic granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls, this natural wonder offers couples an unmatched backdrop to reconnect.
According to the Vio report, millennials feel especially drawn to Yosemite. In fact, 90% of couples surveyed agreed that nature-focused destinations — especially mountains and national parks — helped them feel more emotionally connected. Even more telling, 82% believed that romantic trips could significantly improve their relationships, while 61% said bucket-list destinations truly lived up to the hype.
New York City was named the most popular romantic travel destination overall. From Broadway shows and candlelit dinners in SoHo to romantic walks in Central Park, NYC offers endless opportunities for couples to fall in love all over again.
Beyond Yosemite and NYC, other top-rated U.S. destinations for couples included:
- Las Vegas, Nevada – A blend of high-stakes excitement and luxurious resorts.
- Orlando, Florida – Perfect for thrill-seeking couples with a love for theme parks.
- Los Angeles, California – Home to scenic beaches and glamorous Hollywood vibes.
- Chicago, Illinois – Offers romantic skyline views and stunning architecture.
- Washington, D.C. – Ideal for history lovers and romantic museum dates.
- Miami, Florida – Where tropical nights and Art Deco charm meet.
- San Francisco, California – Famed for Golden Gate sunsets and cozy cable car rides.
- San Diego, California – Combines sandy shores with laid-back romance.
- Atlanta, Georgia – A rising favorite with great food and southern charm.
If connection is your top priority in travel, look beyond the obvious. Maui ranks second behind Yosemite for destinations that inspire emotional closeness, followed by:
- Savannah, Georgia – A charming city steeped in southern romance.
- Venice, Italy – Timeless gondola rides through stunning canals.
- Tokyo, Japan – An eclectic mix of tradition and modern love.
- Honolulu, Hawaii – White-sand beaches and sunset luaus make this a favorite.
- Salt Lake City, Utah – Surprisingly romantic for mountain lovers.
- Cancún, Mexico – Perfect for tropical beach escapes.
- Tampa, Florida – Combines urban energy with coastal calm.
- Miami – Reappears here for its intimacy and heat.
Ultimately, beach destinations remain universally romantic. Nothing beats walking hand-in-hand as the sun sets over the waves, making places like Maui, Miami, and Cancún perennial favorites.
Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day surprise, a honeymoon, or a spontaneous getaway, these romantic locations offer the perfect setting to deepen your bond and create lasting memories.
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