The Best Valentine's Day Destinations Tailored For Every Kind Of Couple

For those in loving relationships, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to celebrate and nourish romance. It is more than a bundle of roses or a box of chocolates, no matter how delicious those lavender-infused truffles truly are. What really matters when it comes to honoring this holiday is that you spend quality time with your significant other. The definition of "quality time," though, can vary between relationships. Some folks bond over gourmet food and a movie while others are more inclined to feel intimacy while hiking up a mountain. You might be at a point in your relationship where you are yearning for quiet time away from the kids, or you might want to live it up in a bustling city.

No matter what makes your heart beat faster, this guide will help you choose a Valentine's Day destination that you can look forward to all year long. Why wait, though, when every day is a day to celebrate love? Without further ado, here are Valentine's destinations for 10 different types of couples. Happy romancing!

Couples with kids

While it may sound counterintuitive, booking a Disney Cruise will not only make your kids dance for joy, but it will also do a lot in the romance department. That's because cruise lines typically offer excellent childcare services, and familiarizing yourself with them is one of the top Disney Cruise hacks and secrets we can suggest. After all, as most parents can attest, when your kids are happy, so are you.

If your child is under three years old, you can reserve a spot for them at the "it's a small world" nursery! (the minimum age requirement is either six months or one year, depending on your itinerary). Meanwhile, there are two facilities where you and your partner can drop off older kids for a spell: The Oceaneer Club, which entertains children with their favorite Disney characters and cinematic tropes, and the Oceaneer Lab, which incorporates more learning-based play. All children can access these facilities when Open House hours are in effect. At other times throughout the day, they are reserved for children who are toilet-trained and between the ages of three and 10.

While your kiddo is busy giving Olaf a warm hug or challenging a Marvel superhero to a wrestling match, you and your boo can take advantage of the ship's adults-only pool, share a round of cocktails, or reenact that scene from Lady and the Tramp at Palo, an Italian restaurant on all Disney Cruise ships where kids are not allowed. There are even port excursions designed specifically for adults — meaning you and your partner can hold hands and go snorkeling while your kid is taken care of on board.

Couples who love food

As the country with the second-highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, foodies will go wild in Tokyo, Japan. Because this is also the country's cultural hub, you can expect to find traditional Japanese fare in addition to international and fusion cuisines. Just be warned, breakfast and coffee lovers: There is an unexpected café culture quirk American tourists will have to adjust to while in Tokyo.

RyuGin, a Japanese establishment with three Michelin stars, is one of the most famous restaurants in Tokyo. It is also a stone's throw away from the Imperial Palace, home to Japan's emperor. The palace's gardens are picturesque and a worthy place for you to relax after your meal, holding hands as you look for motifs in the clouds or admire the gardens' many flowers. Naturally, there are plenty of more casual restaurants serving mouthwatering food that can be perfect for a Valentine's Day meal. For example, Daiwa Sushi is a highly rated, yet relatively affordable, sushi joint. Similarly, Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San is famous for its tonkatsu and gentle on the wallet.

If you and your partner tend to bond over steaming cups of tea, you cannot miss experiencing an authentic tea ceremony. Tokyo is also an ideal place to learn how to make matcha. You can even take an excursion out of the city to tour a tea farm.

Couples who need a dose of TLC

Do couples' massages and gourmet meals sound like your idea of a perfect Valentine's Day? Then book your tickets to Baden-Baden, Germany. This resort town located in the Black Forest region is famous for its mineral-rich, geothermally heated waters that can reach as high as 154 degrees Fahrenheit. Spas of all kinds have been built around these hot springs, each with its own charm. Cold plunge pools, saunas, and steam rooms abound, many of them with stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. If you are squeamish about nudity, make sure you visit the Friedrichsbad Spa on a Wednesday or Saturday.

Baden-Baden does not disappoint when it comes to food and drink, either. Just 10 minutes from the city is the wine region of Rebland, where you can tour vineyards and dine on wine-paired meals. Rebland may be famous for its riesling, but it is equally attractive for its beautiful countryside and quaint villages. Check out the district of Neuweier for its impressive castle, where you can dine on local organic food, sip wine, and even stay the night.

Because Baden-Baden is situated in the Black Forest, there are plenty of excursions you can take into nature during your stay. When the air is balmy, consider embarking on one of the region's many hiking trails, which can bring you to postcard-worthy meadows, cliffs, and vistas. During the winter, you and your partner can go skiing, tobogganing, or snowboarding at one of the nearby resorts.

Couples who unwind in front of the TV

If you and your boo frequently find yourself binge watching shows like "You" or "Modern Family," then a trip to Los Angeles may be in order. While the city may no longer be as much of a hotspot as it once was for filming movies and TV shows, plenty of productions still take place there. Not to mention, dozens of old favorites were made in Hollywood, so visiting the city of angels can provide a heartwarming trip down memory lane.

There are several Hollywood tours you can take on your next trip to LA. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is perhaps the most famous, and it caters to those who have fallen in love with timeless favorites like "Friends," "Harry Potter," "The Big Bang Theory," and shows and movies from the D.C. Universe. Meanwhile, the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour relies more on wowing audience members with special effects and interactive experiences. It is well-suited for Steven Spielberg fans. Finally, the Sony Pictures Studio Tour pays homage to films and shows like "Talladega Nights," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Jeopardy." The walking tour here is leisurely and provides you and your partner several tranquil photo opportunities.

Round out your Valentine's Day trip to Los Angeles by chowing down on some of the city's famous bites. Head to The Little Door for French Mediterranean fare and a cozy, romantic ambiance, or go to Perch, where you can share cocktails and a rooftop view of the city.

Couples who bond over sweat

Whether you and your partner like to grit your teeth on adjacent bikes while grinding out a spin class or you prefer to summit mountains together, make New York City your home base. There are several studios in all five boroughs where you can join engaging, instructor-led classes, made even more enticing by vibrant lights and motivating music. CycleBar, Pure Barre, Peloton, and CorePower Yoga are just a few of the big names in this category. Several such studios offer free trials, and if you haven't already, you can take a free trial of Class Pass to try multiple studios.

Alternatively, take advantage of the city's green spaces. Central Park is an obvious option, but Brooklyn's Prospect Park has its own charm, while the Hudson River Greenway is perfect for cycling, inline skating, and jogging. Want to get out of the city? Wondersome nature isn't far away. For example, the Metro-North Ski Train can help take you to Thunder Ridge Ski Area.

Of course, after working up an appetite, you'll be grateful that you are staying in New York City for Valentine's Day; the options for romantic meals are endless. You could go for Italian at OLIO E PIÙ, Cuban at Victor's Café, or Chinese at Jian Nan NYC. For vegan cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, head to Modern Love Brooklyn. Brunch at Balthazar's is always a good idea, and you can pick out a sweet treat from Magnolia Bakery or Levain Bakery after any meal.

Couples who want to lose themselves in the great outdoors

Australia is famous for its sporty culture, so you'll never run out of outdoor activities to try during your visit. February in Melbourne is sunny and hot — sometimes approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This might bring out an attractive glimmer of sweat on your sweetheart, and it is also the perfect weather to pursue water sports like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Several wonderful beaches line the shores of Port Phillip, where you can both swim and sunbathe. If you are up for a surfing adventure, head to Brighton Beach or Williamstown Beach, both relatively close to the city.

Midday, when the air starts to feel a little too toasty, seek respite in the shade of one of Melbourne's many gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Here, you can ogle at over 8,500 species of plants. A cruise along the Yarra River might also provide you a much-needed breeze; setting sail at sunset can be particularly romantic. Want to feel even more wind in your hair? Book a hot air balloon ride, which doubles as a beautiful way to see the most iconic views of Melbourne.

Several opportunities for outdoorsy folks lie just outside of the city, as well. Book a tour along the Great Ocean Road to visit landmarks like Great Otway National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, and the 12 Apostles all in one day. Alternatively, rent a car to visit these breathtaking attractions on your own time so that you can linger for more chances to play.

Couples who like learning new things together

If you and your partner like to read non-fiction books, listen to informative podcasts, or attend educational conferences, Cape Town, South Africa, will prove to be a fantastic Valentine's Day destination. This historic city was founded in 1652, with an Indigenous presence long preceding that date. Since then, Dutch, British, Indian, and African cultures have coalesced and held tension with one another over the course of several centuries. Today, you can learn about the work of leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in the Apartheid Museum, as well as other influential movements in South Africa during the 20th century.

Another museum worth visiting is the Cape Town Diamond Museum. Aside from dazzling you with precious gems, you'll learn about the significance of diamonds in South Africa's economy and culture. Plus, the artifacts and equipment on display will tickle your historical interests. Finally, the District Six Museum takes on a more serious tone to discuss an infamous case of forced removal that took place during Apartheid.

Of course, being lifelong learners could also mean that you enjoy getting the hang of new sports. Cape Town is an excellent home base from which to test out hobbies like paragliding and surfing. Camps Bay, a great surfing spot, is also a place you should consider staying when booking your first trip to Cape Town, South Africa.

Couples who thrive on nightlife

São Paulo is a culturally rich city located on the southeastern coast of Brazil. While it can still be hot and humid during the month of February, you might not mind, given all that the city has to offer in terms of food, museums, art, and, yes, nightlife.

Before we get to the bars and concerts, though, let's talk about São Paulo's culinary scene. In short, it's incredible. Not only can you and your partner try Brazilian specialties like coxinhas and feijoada (Brazil's national dish), but you can also delight in authentic Japanese food. Lebanese and Syrian cuisines are also present, thanks to recent immigration. For a fancy, Valentine's Day worthy dinner, make a reservation at one of nearly 100 restaurants listed on the Michelin guide in the São Paulo area. The city's art scene is also worth mentioning. The Museu de Arte de São Paulo has a bit of everything, from sculptures and paintings to photographs and costumes. While it was originally famous for containing a vast amount of European artwork, Africa, Asia, and the Americas are now represented as well.

Once the sun sets, you'll be on the hunt for the best places in the city to raise the roof. Vila Madalena is an excellent neighborhood in which to begin. Pé de Manga has a well designed and romantic outdoor setup where you should enjoy appetizers and drinks at the beginning of the night. From there, think about heading to the High Line Bar, where you can enjoy the rooftop terrace and engaging music.

Couples who love animals

Couples who birdwatch together over their morning cups of coffee, listen up: Costa Rica is a dream destination for those who love learning about flora and fauna. An incredibly biodiverse country, Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species of wild animals. Rest assured, you and your partner will see more than hummingbirds and cardinals as you vacation here; in fact, you'll lose count of how many scarlet macaws, monkeys, and iguanas you spot. Some species you will see quite easily from your resort or on the road, while others may take a bit more work. For example, booking a guided tour is the best way to see sloths when visiting Costa Rica.

We recommend visiting one of the country's many wildlife sanctuaries to have the most educational and sustainable experience. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a phenomenal example of how a moisture-rich environment can support thousands of species. Take a guided tour to learn the science behind the unique ecosystem before embarking on one of the easy hiking trails that meander through the preserve. Tortuguero National Park is another spectacular place for couples who love animals. This underrated national park is a remote paradise famous for its wildlife, including a variety of sea turtles, parrots, and crocodiles.

While mornings will inevitably feature fresh, juicy fruit, you can expect to wrap up your day with a meal of rice, beans, seafood, and chicken — four staples in the Costa Rican diet. If you are staying in a resort, a candlelit dinner with your sweetheart might be easy to arrange.

Couples who game together

Strategy and luck are just two factors that video games and the casinos of Las Vegas have in common, making the city an ideal destination for couples who bond over the controller. Loud and flamboyant, Vegas makes for a great weekend getaway when you want to cut loose and forget your worries for a while, and it's not lacking for romantic activities, either.

Enjoy a lovely meal at a restaurant like Sinatra or L'Atelier, then head to an award-winning show such as a Cirque Du Soleil performance. If you are on a mission to get married in Vegas, consider making a reservation at Graceland Chapel, where Elvis Presley themed weddings originated. If you are already married, you can renew your vows at the chapel, and if you don't believe in marriage as an institution, non-legal commitment ceremonies are available as well. Any time of the day, you and your partner can head to the casinos. But if you want an experience catering more toward video games, go to Game Nest Arcade. This arcade features classics like Dance Dance Revolution and Mario Kart, as well as screen-free games like skeeball and basketball hoops.

If the stimulation of Las Vegas gets to be too much, Springs Preserve can offer a quiet oasis from all the excitement. It's a place to stroll hand-in-hand with your sweetheart among desert plants in a botanical garden, as well as a place to feed your intellect at the preserve's various museums and exhibits.