Romance is in the air across the country this February.
Every year, millions of couples plan their February 14th date as the most romantic ever. In 2022, Americans spent approximately $23.9 billion in gifts and experiences for Valentine’s Day. A day full of candy, flowers, spa time and everything in between.
Whether you’re an all-out expensive dinner and dancing couple or a cuddle at home for a quiet night type of duo, you’re out to make it the best date ever. But did you know that some cities are more romantic than others? And no, we’re not talking about Paris. We’re talking about cities right here in the U.S.
Ready to find love in one of the best cities for Valentine’s Day?
These are the 10 best cities for Valentine’s Day
For a romantic date night, you need all the ingredients you see in the movies. An excellent place to grab gifts, flowers, candy and wine, plus a good selection of spas to relax together over a couples massage. We looked at cities across the country and the density of flower shops, wine shops, candy and balloon availability and spas per 100,000 residents.
These 10 cities rank the highest as the best cities for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
10. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh takes the No. 10 spot for the best cities for a romantic Valentine’s Day list. Head to Downtown Pittsburgh, where love is in the air during this heart-themed weekend. Small businesses get together to offer great romantic experiences for locals. Pre-fixe dinners abound, but not without the basics. With 33 flower shops per 100,000 residents, it’s not hard to find that perfect bouquet for your other half.
If you’d rather stay home, tune into the Pittsburgh Opera and their virtual concert under the blankets with a bottle of wine from a local shop. There are quite a few in the area. It’s an easy, cheap Valentine’s Day date idea.
9. Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati features 10 candy shops per 100,000 residents for the one with the sweet tooth. The city turns up the charm for Valentine’s Day with community farmers market strolls with live music, dessert samples and even a little bubbly. Bring your locally-grown items home to cook for a romantic meal near the fire.
Don’t forget to pick up the wine on the way home. With nearly 14 shops per 100,000 residents, you’ll find your pick. If it’s a lovely day, visit French Park and walk along the grounds of Herbert Greer French manor. There are many trails to stroll in with some hot chocolate.
8. Rochester, NY
Let the snow and the cold weather dictate your romantic Valentine’s Day in Rochester. Grab some flowers at one of the many shops around town — 25 per 100,000 residents. Pick up take-out from your favorite spot — many are doing pre-fixe menus for the holiday. Hotels like The Strathallan do all-inclusive packages for rooms with champagne and sweets included for a staycation not too far from home.
Or, if you just need to head out, bundle up for the annual New York Ice Wine and Culinary Festival at Casa Larga Vineyard over Valentine’s Day weekend. Learn more about how they make ice wines from frozen grapes on the vine and then press them into wine.
7. St. Louis, MO
While it’s one day a year, St. Louis does offer more than meets the eye on Valentine’s Day. Spots like Nathaniel Reid Bakery bake love-themed pastries to go or pick up a few decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries Merb’s.
There’s one balloon store per 100,000 residents, which may not seem like a lot, but it’s actually a significant footprint. Pair it with a bouquet of beer (yes, you read that right) for your other half who doesn’t like wine at Schlafly. Or, head out on the town for dinner and a quick lap around Steinberg Skating Rink and show off your skills!
6. Las Vegas, NV
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? We hope not if you find love there. Las Vegas may have the brightest neon lights, loudest slot machines and sparkly shows, but it’s also a mega romantic spot for Valentine’s Day.
Some of the fanciest hotels have the most relaxing spas, complete with facials, saunas and treatments. No shortage of appointments as there are 32 spas per 100,000 residents. Head to one of the most critically-acclaimed restaurants and finish the night with a cabaret show.
Don’t forget to splurge for a suite for the night for a luxurious date night. Just make sure you watch for any Elvis-themed chapels. After all, Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the U.S.
5. Fort Lauderdale, FL
With over 20 miles of beaches, beautiful, fine sand and all-around fantastic sunsets, it’s not hard to see why Fort Lauderdale made it to the No. 5 spot on the best cities for Valentine’s Day list. If you want your other half to feel V.I.P., charter a boat for a fancy dinner on the water.
Or, head off into the afternoon on a sunset kayak tour and see the sun go behind the horizon together.
This Florida city has a high density of flower shops, wineries and spas, so any combination of gifts is available for your taking. Get out of the city to Tree Tops Park, one of the oldest conserved areas of restored freshwater marsh, and explore on horseback for something a little different. The boardwalk in the park is also mighty romantic.
4. Santa Rosa, CA
Did someone say wine? Santa Rosa is smack dab in the middle of California’s wine country. There are 58 wine shops and wineries per 100,000 residents — it’s a dream for a wine enthusiast. Plan a visit to a local winery for a tasting and lunch or brunch.
The Santa Rosa Original Farmer’s Market has many excellent food vendors but stop by Fleur Sauvage Chocolates for Valentine’s Day. It’s one of many candy shops in Santa Rosa that offer chocolate bonbons. Or, maybe stay home and do a Zoom cooking class in your kitchen — no designated driver needed there.
3. Orlando, FL
Home to the happiest place on Earth and the most famous mouse in the world, Orlando also climbs the charts as most romantic.
There are a whopping 35 spas per 100,000 residents, so there’s no excuse to skip the couples massage this Valentine’s Day. Spend the whole day at the Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando and enjoy the facilities before whisking away your other half to a fancy dinner nearby. Now, don’t forget the flowers!
You have many flower shops to pick from — there are about 29 shops per 100,000 residents, so you’ll find the freshest bouquet. Leaf & Blossom specializes in tropical arrangements to get rid of that winter gloom.
2. San Francisco, CA
Sunset over the bay in San Francisco can sweep you and your sweetie off your feet. A stroll down the Golden Gate Bridge on a seasonally warm night, holding hands after a delicious dinner spells romantic.
San Francisco has nearly six candy stores and over two wine shops per 100,000 residents. The perfect combo for a romantic night. For the largest candy selection, head to The Candy Store (yes, that’s the name), where you can treat your partner to their favorite childhood candy. Or, grab some sweet French desserts at B. Patisserie to wind down with your bottle of wine.
1. Miami, FL
Hear the salsa playing in the background in Calle Ocho and grab your honey. Miami is one of the best cities for Valentine’s Day. The city has the best access to everything romantic, from fragrant flowers to spas and wine spots.
Family-owned flower shop Trias Flowers, Weddings & Events has been part of the community for decades as one of the longest-running shops in Miami. Keep an eye out for the aphrodisiac plant varieties. It’s just one of the many in Miami, which has 58.7 flower shops per 100,000 residents. After flowers, spend a few hours at the Standard Spa, Miami Beach and finish the night surrounded by waterfalls with some wine at Schnebly Winery.
For those looking for more adventure, head out to the water around Key Biscayne and get on your kayak with your sweetheart. Grab a dozen oysters — the ultimate romantic snack.
The top 50 best cities for Valentine’s Day
Cupid and love are in the air! Flowers, candy and more — these top 50 cities have it all for the right romantic date this Valentine’s Day. These are the best cities for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
| Rank | City, State | Candy Score | Flowers Score | Wine Score | Spas Score | Balloons Score | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami, FL | 11.84 | 20.0 | 9.31 | 15.29 | 2.6 | 59.04 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | 12.64 | 8.2 | 12.6 | 8.07 | 1.9 | 43.41 |
| 3 | Orlando, FL | 15.29 | 5.85 | 4.38 | 10.39 | 2.85 | 38.77 |
| 4 | Santa Rosa, CA | 6.18 | 4.13 | 18.83 | 3.28 | 2.99 | 35.42 |
| 5 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 3.92 | 5.03 | 5.39 | 14.35 | 3.28 | 31.98 |
| 6 | Las Vegas, NV | 9.5 | 5.08 | 2.17 | 11.53 | 3.47 | 31.75 |
| 7 | Saint Louis, MO | 9.61 | 8.34 | 2.82 | 4.88 | 5.69 | 31.34 |
| 8 | Rochester, NY | 4.6 | 5.89 | 3.41 | 7.84 | 6.21 | 27.95 |
| 9 | Cincinnati, OH | 8.59 | 5.45 | 4.22 | 3.14 | 4.88 | 26.28 |
| 10 | Pittsburgh, PA | 8.24 | 7.98 | 1.92 | 6.02 | 2.06 | 26.21 |
| 11 | Greensboro, NC | 1.82 | 1.03 | 1.02 | 1.99 | 20.0 | 25.86 |
| 12 | Huntington Beach, CA | 10.18 | 3.76 | 2.79 | 6.99 | 0.0 | 23.72 |
| 13 | Tampa, FL | 6.4 | 3.76 | 3.08 | 6.44 | 3.5 | 23.17 |
| 14 | Scottsdale, AZ | 3.29 | 3.07 | 1.95 | 12.04 | 1.15 | 21.49 |
| 15 | Seattle, WA | 4.37 | 3.33 | 5.31 | 5.52 | 2.38 | 20.91 |
| 16 | Knoxville, TN | 4.99 | 4.25 | 2.01 | 7.28 | 1.79 | 20.32 |
| 17 | Santa Ana, CA | 5.5 | 5.0 | 1.8 | 3.87 | 3.5 | 19.68 |
| 18 | Glendale, CA | 5.73 | 6.68 | 2.62 | 4.55 | 0.0 | 19.58 |
| 19 | Washington, DC | 3.62 | 3.08 | 6.09 | 4.94 | 1.56 | 19.3 |
| 20 | Atlanta, GA | 4.15 | 4.53 | 2.63 | 6.5 | 0.96 | 18.77 |
| 21 | Sacramento, CA | 5.53 | 2.66 | 2.68 | 4.17 | 3.51 | 18.55 |
| 22 | Jersey City, NJ | 6.03 | 2.9 | 2.08 | 1.42 | 6.0 | 18.43 |
| 23 | Portland, OR | 3.56 | 3.75 | 6.1 | 4.51 | 0.0 | 17.92 |
| 24 | Grand Rapids, MI | 3.3 | 2.8 | 3.27 | 5.56 | 2.73 | 17.65 |
| 25 | Denver, CO | 3.75 | 3.72 | 3.64 | 4.1 | 2.32 | 17.53 |
| 26 | Minneapolis, MN | 2.8 | 2.84 | 4.16 | 5.27 | 1.9 | 16.96 |
| 27 | Vancouver, WA | 2.47 | 3.36 | 2.18 | 5.94 | 2.73 | 16.69 |
| 28 | Spokane, WA | 3.82 | 2.45 | 2.58 | 2.92 | 4.36 | 16.13 |
| 29 | Baton Rouge, LA | 7.19 | 3.6 | 0.86 | 4.18 | 0.0 | 15.83 |
| 30 | Buffalo, NY | 7.66 | 2.97 | 2.3 | 2.85 | 0.0 | 15.79 |
| 31 | Salem, OR | 4.4 | 1.68 | 4.93 | 1.84 | 2.72 | 15.57 |
| 32 | Richmond, VA | 4.79 | 2.76 | 2.37 | 3.26 | 2.13 | 15.31 |
| 33 | Boston, MA | 3.59 | 2.19 | 2.23 | 5.26 | 1.92 | 15.19 |
| 34 | New York, NY | 4.28 | 1.66 | 3.4 | 4.95 | 0.85 | 15.14 |
| 35 | Plano, TX | 4.14 | 1.48 | 2.36 | 4.96 | 1.75 | 14.7 |
| 36 | Salt Lake City, UT | 4.26 | 3.61 | 0.35 | 4.76 | 1.64 | 14.62 |
| 37 | Chicago, IL | 4.74 | 2.73 | 1.55 | 4.09 | 1.25 | 14.37 |
| 38 | New Orleans, LA | 5.98 | 1.83 | 1.86 | 2.8 | 1.89 | 14.36 |
| 39 | Saint Paul, MN | 3.7 | 3.3 | 4.4 | 2.92 | 0.0 | 14.31 |
| 40 | Long Beach, CA | 5.45 | 2.72 | 2.02 | 4.04 | 0.0 | 14.23 |
| 41 | Yonkers, NY | 3.44 | 3.53 | 2.78 | 4.39 | 0.0 | 14.13 |
| 42 | Irvine, CA | 7.4 | 2.43 | 1.34 | 2.62 | 0.0 | 13.8 |
| 43 | Shreveport, LA | 2.48 | 3.15 | 1.49 | 4.8 | 1.75 | 13.66 |
| 44 | Modesto, CA | 3.0 | 3.03 | 2.94 | 4.68 | 0.0 | 13.66 |
| 45 | Saint Petersburg, FL | 4.33 | 2.4 | 2.52 | 4.23 | 0.0 | 13.49 |
| 46 | Philadelphia, PA | 6.9 | 2.05 | 1.17 | 2.63 | 0.71 | 13.46 |
| 47 | San Diego, CA | 3.44 | 2.94 | 1.86 | 4.25 | 0.75 | 13.23 |
| 48 | Cleveland, OH | 6.32 | 2.53 | 2.32 | 1.98 | 0.0 | 13.15 |
| 49 | Albuquerque, NM | 3.5 | 1.54 | 1.07 | 3.11 | 3.77 | 12.98 |
| 50 | Oakland, CA | 2.72 | 3.16 | 4.06 | 2.88 | 0.0 | 12.82 |
The worst cities for Valentine’s Day
While you can technically find love anywhere, some cities aren’t as optimal to have a romantic night on the most romantic night of all. These are the worst cities for a romantic Valentine’s Day.
| Rank | City, State | Candy Score | Flowers Score | Wine Score | Spas Score | Balloons Score | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | Grand Prairie, TX | 0.44 | 0.69 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.43 |
| 149 | Moreno Valley, CA | 0.91 | 0.46 | 0.3 | 0.79 | 0.0 | 2.46 |
| 148 | North Las Vegas, NV | 0.26 | 0.32 | 0.0 | 0.45 | 1.52 | 2.55 |
| 147 | Peoria, AZ | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.23 | 2.05 | 0.0 | 2.98 |
| 146 | Fontana, CA | 2.36 | 0.16 | 0.0 | 0.85 | 0.0 | 3.38 |
| 145 | Garland, TX | 1.51 | 0.74 | 0.13 | 1.13 | 0.0 | 3.51 |
| 144 | Mesa, AZ | 0.98 | 0.71 | 0.41 | 1.64 | 0.0 | 3.74 |
| 143 | San Bernardino, CA | 2.74 | 0.95 | 0.14 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.83 |
| 142 | Augusta, GA | 1.08 | 1.56 | 0.29 | 0.93 | 0.0 | 3.86 |
| 141 | Chesapeake, VA | 1.96 | 0.24 | 0.24 | 1.42 | 0.0 | 3.87 |
Methodology
Cities were ranked based on an evenly weighted system using five categories of retail establishments: candy and confectionary, flowers, spas, balloons and wine. Counts of each establishment type were analyzed based on density per square mile and per 100,000 in population. Only the 150 most populous cities in the United States were considered.
Data for establishment counts are from commercially licensed business listings. Population and land area data are based on 2019 estimates from the US Census.
