Underrated Destinations In The US For A Valentine's Day Getaway, According To Instagram

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you or your significant other are big travelers, a weekend (or longer) getaway is a great way to spend it. This famously romantic, but also potentially anxiety-inducing holiday is most commonly acknowledged with an exchange of gifts, cards, and a candle-lit dinner. That's all well and good, but maybe you'd prefer to do something a little more special this year. After all, there are only so many years in a row you can toast your relationships with another box of chocolates or last-minute restaurant reservations because you low-key forgot.

That's why taking a trip for Valentine's Day is the perfect way to celebrate! You'll actually spend some quality time together and experience the thrill of discovering somewhere new as a couple. However, you might be fresh out of ideas for where to go, or maybe you want to do something a bit unexpected for your partner. Well, lucky for you, we dug through numerous posts on Instagram to find some of the most romantic destinations in the U.S. We then removed any places from the list that came up too frequently on Google, to ensure we suggested the most unique Valentine's getaway for you and your special someone.

The Pacific Northwest has been blowing up Instagram since the app went live. The varied region, full of cozy cabins in moody forests, bucket list-worthy mountain hikes, and beaches that hardly look real, certainly builds an easy case for a romantic trip. However, due to its acclaim among travelers, very few corners of the area can still be reasonably considered "underrated." Sure, those A-frames near Mount Rainier or houseboat rentals are the stuff of dreams, but you'll be competing with many others who also love nature.

Instead, check out Port Townsend, a favorite among Washingtonians for weekends and short vacations. This adorable small town is located in a quiet corner of the Kitsap Peninsula, a 30-minute to an hour-long ferry ride from Seattle (depending on the route you take) followed by an additional hour's drive once you disembark the boat. The journey is well worth it though, as you'll be rewarded with a tranquil coastal town full of old Victorian-era mansions that now offer numerous accommodation options in the form of B&Bs. 

There is also a nice sandy beach (a rarity in this part of the country) and a lighthouse located within Fort Worden Historical State Park. It's also possible to camp, should that be your and your partner's thing! Additionally, make sure to stroll the main street, which feels plucked from another period, and sample the many local breweries located in the area.

Florida is a popular getaway destination for couples, as it is warm year-round and full of amazing beaches. However, Miami and Key West leave little room to breathe, no matter the month, due to being vogue among all types. So, instead, why not head over to St. Augustine? This lovely slice of Florida is located just south of Jacksonville, hundreds of miles from the crowds and sky-high prices of South Florida. If you're a couple that appreciates historic charm, St. Augustine is technically the oldest city in the U.S. and was founded by the Spanish in 1565 before Boston or Philadelphia was even an idea in settlers' minds.

St. Augustine isn't any less idyllic or deserving of consideration than South Florida for your couples getaway. In fact, you could say thanks to its position, very much under the radar, the town makes for a much better choice as a destination. You'll have fewer people to contend with for dinner reservations, beach space, and elbow rooms while strolling the city. And while the temps won't be as balmy as Miami, the February averages are still in the 60s, much warmer than the majority of the U.S. during Valentine's Day weekend.

If you and your special someone are more into city breaks, no worries, we've got you covered. And, per numerous Instagram posts, Milwaukee is an ideal location for any couple looking for a fun weekend. The Midwest often gets an undeserved reputation for being a bit of a bore, but Wisconsin's largest metropolis is anything but that. Just make sure you pack layers and are prepared for a mix of a cozy getaway with your partner as well as braving some frigid temps that are typical in February.

In a part of the country known to be less than pedestrian-friendly, Milwaukee has many walkable neighborhoods for love birds to stroll together. The historic Third Ward district, which is home to some of the city's most impressive architecture, is perfect for wandering. Additionally, in the eastern part of the city, around Brady Street, visitors will delight in the high number of delicious cafes, hip bars, and romantic restaurants. And finally, no visit is complete without strolling the beautiful lakefront, and in winter, there is even a skating rink that overlooks the frozen water!

The Oregon Coast is solidly on the tourist trail, particularly with couples looking for somewhere to escape together. However, winter, particularly February, sees fewer crowds, and Valentine's Day is well before the mid-March kick-off of the spring break season. Most wouldn't imagine a northern state would make for a great beach trip during this time of year. But, the coastal Pacific Northwest winter is quite mild (especially compared to the East Coast or Midwest), and while you won't be jumping in the Pacific, you'll easily be able to enjoy the outdoors.

One of the towns that came up in our Instagram research (but not too often, nor did it make first-page Google searches, so rest assured you won't be flocking there with crowds of others) was Florence. Sure, we'd all love to go to Florence, Italy, for this holiday, but if an international adventure is a bit out of your budget or simply too far, Oregon won't disappoint. While the town may not culinarily match its European counterpart, it's still full of cafes serving some of the best coffee in the country and breweries with locally crafted creations. And, of course, you won't have to go far to enjoy this special stretch of coastline, perfect for long walks with your loved one.

Upstate has been trendy among New Yorkers for a while, but they tend to favor more luxe destinations such as Hudson or Lake George. In comparison, Buffalo is a lot bigger than the other towns but still has a quaint feel when compared to Manhattan. It is also less frequented among the New York set and thus, you won't have to fight for a table or spot at the bar. It also has plenty of things to do, so you and your partner won't get bored.

You can go ice skating, climb city hall for views of the city and across to Canada, or escape the cold with a visit to the Botanical Gardens. There are also a ton of murals around the city. Just bundle up and maybe grab a hot chocolate to go, as Buffalo certainly isn't warm around Valentine's Day. And, of course, Niagara Falls is only a 26-minute drive away, a wonderful site to enjoy on a special getaway weekend.

Michigan has been gaining popularity among travelers who love the outdoors and are looking for something a little off-beat. It's also popular among travelers in the Midwest, at large, as the state is home to a diverse array of places to visit. A strong favorite among the region's locals, per Instagram, is Mount Bohemia. Located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the state's Upper Peninsula (the section that doesn't quite look like it's part of Michigan), the mountain, resort, and town are the perfect romantic destination.

You'll have a choice of a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and backcountry adventures. And if you're looking for fun accommodation, Mount Bohemia is the place to go. There are quintessential log cabins, yurts, and traditional hotels. Many are ski-in and ski-out accommodations, and most either offer views of the lake or the mountain forests. This is the destination for couples who truly love winter and want to make winter sports and activities the heart of their Valentine's Day trip.