There’s something about winter that feels extra romantic. Maybe it’s the cooler weather, the crackling fireplace, or the decadent dinners that fill the air with affection.

Winter also brings more holidays than any other season, perfect for planning a romantic getaway. Even more to love, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day land on the same long weekend in 2025, offering extra time to escape somewhere fun with your special someone.

Looking for a love-filled vacation this winter? We’ve rounded up seven destinations perfect for every couple, and under-the-radar spots to surprise your globetrotting partner; plus exclusive hotel offers to level up the romance. Here are some of the most enchanting (and unexpected!) getaways for 2025.

Table of Contents 1. Brooklyn 2. Annapolis 3. El Paso 4. Monterey Bay 5. Boston 6. Cape Cod 7. Philadelphia

Brooklyn is a haven for creative couples.

For Broadway theater, world-class museums, and wildly creative restaurants, New York City is always a treat for art-loving travelers. Switch up the usual Manhattan stay with a weekend in Brooklyn, the edgier borough that’s home to some of the best live music venues and vintage thrift stores in the city, and major cultural events like NYC Restaurant Week, when top-rated restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at discounted prices through January and February.

Couples have their pick of fun, romantic dates in Brooklyn. For example, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful daytime stroll even during winter months. Check out their bonsai museum, one of the largest bonsai art collections in the world outside of Japan, or visit the indoor pavilions for desert plants and cascading orchids. 

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Sunset Park’s Chinatown, a local tradition since 1988, or take your loved one to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for a revival of Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire starring Oscar nominee Paul Mescal. 

Where to stay:  An art-filled haven in the heart of Brooklyn, NU Hotel is a perfect match for creative couples. Check into the Jonathan Blum room, a colorful king room with Brooklyn-inspired murals, and book the hotel’s Love With Gratitude package for special pricing, plus a bottle of “Gratitude” natural sparkling wine made in New York.

Annapolis has an underrated art scene – and amazing views.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, Annapolis stewards a different kind of art scene that’s low-key, high-brow, and full of history. 

Maryland’s capital city dances on the shore of Chesapeake Bay, pairing nautical vibes with small-town charm for a buzzy arts district that’s consistently ranked among the best in America. Along Annapolis’ cobblestone streets, you’ll find award-winning galleries, contemporary art fairs, and performing arts centers – all within walking distance to delicious restaurants and 18th-century pubs with frothy pints.

Start your adventures in the Annapolis Arts District, a neighborhood anchored by a historic church, local museums, and dozens of famous galleries. Take your S.O. to “Gallery Row” on West Street for sculptures, oil paintings, and multimedia works, then pop into Gallery 57 West for a juried collection of jewelry, pottery, and photography by local Annapolis artists. The Naval Academy Museum is another must-see for photography exhibits and stunning architecture. 

Annapolis’ music scene is equally thrilling. Don your fanciest attire for an evening at the Annapolis Opera, or stop by Rams Head Tavern for live music and local acts seven nights a week.

Where to stay: Wake up to gorgeous views from Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, a historic gem located right on the harbor and steps from downtown’s best restaurants. Plan your stay around the Candlelight Concert series to experience the best local musicians. With the hotel’s Love On The Harbor package, you and yours can also enjoy a bottle of bubbly and Maryland’s famous blue crab breakfast for two.

For the outdoorsy couple, El Paso has epic adventures.

Looking for unique activities that are under the radar? Consider a trip to El Paso. In this West Texas city, you’ll find real-life cowboys, wood-fired Mexican cuisine, and vast desert landscapes ripe for exploring. 

The main draw here is Franklin Mountains State Park and with good reason. As one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the world, this place protects more than 26,000 acres of the Chihuahuan Desert. Lace up your boots for easy morning hikes, try your hand at rock climbing, bike through scenic trails and desert terrains, or visit the old tin mines together for a spooky blast to the past. 

Not far from El Paso, the White Sands National Park is another out-of-this-world experience for outdoorsy couples, located just an hour and a half drive from the city. Here, snow-white gypsum dunes are surreal backdrops to fossil footprints, bicycling, hiking, and nature photography (and surprise engagements, too!). Couples can also go sledding down the powdery dunes, just as they would a snowy winter hill. 

Where to stay:  The only MICHELIN Key hotel in El Paso, the spectacular Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is an icon of Texas history and Old Hollywood glamour. Opt for one of the Landmark Suites for views of downtown El Paso and beyond, and book the Lone Star Lovers Getaway package for extra perks like late check-out and daily breakfast for two.

Find serenity, and beautiful scenery, in Monterey Bay.

For couples who like their morning hike with an afternoon massage, Monterey Bay is a lovely combination of fun-in-the-sun activities and luxurious-but-laidback R&R. This coastal California city is full of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, great for staying active or simply enjoying each other’s company. 

Join a whale-watching cruise, or visit Lovers Point in Pacific Grove for breathtaking scenery and sun-bathing sea lions. Golfers have their pick of award-winning courses, too, many with ocean views and tournaments open to the public including the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. 

Monterey is a fantastic spot for stargazing, too, thanks to minimal light pollution and salty ocean air, which helps clear atmospheric particles. Pack a picnic basket and head to the beach, or look for meteor showers through a state-of-the-art telescope at the Oliver Observing Station.

Where to stay: Tucked between the ocean and protected sand dunes, The Sanctuary Beach Resort is a peaceful oasis with brand-new luxury rooms and suites, daily wellness classes, and a live-fire coastal cuisine restaurant. Make yourselves at home with the Love, Stay & Dine package, complete with chocolate-covered strawberries, sparkling wine, daily breakfast, and a $150 dining credit towards date night.

Discover a new side of Boston together at local bars and restaurants.

At Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts, we believe local restaurants are gateways to local culture. Few experiences are more fun (or informative!) than eating and drinking your way through a new city, especially when they’re shared with people you love.

Along the Boston harbor, innovative chefs like Tatiana Rosana are shifting focus to the Seaport District, a once-forgotten waterfront now home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. At her Latin-inspired restaurant, Para Maria, Chef Tatiana pays homage to her Cuban heritage and Boston’s multicultural community with cheesy empanadas and mojo pork tacos, guava-glazed salmon, and flavorful paellas meant to be shared. 

Such delicious finds are all over Seaport, at trendy oyster bars, seafood shacks, and craft breweries overlooking the harbor. Go on a foodie adventure together, then catch the sunset at The Rooftop, an enchanting rooftop lounge at The Envoy Hotel with waterfront views and cozy winter igloos. 

Where to stay: Artsy and eclectic, The Envoy Hotel is great for foodie couples looking to stay in the heart of the action with delicious food and drinks at their doorstep. Book the Para Maria Experience for special room rates and a daily $30 credit toward food and drinks at the restaurant.

Warm up with seafood and stunning ocean views on Cape Cod. 

Famous for its beaches and fresh-caught seafood, Cape Cod is another top choice for foodie couples this year. From Wellfleet to Falmouth, the Cape is rich with local restaurants serving Japanese nigiri, funky fusion cuisine, French bistro favorites, and lots, lots more.

In North Falmouth, The Lantern Room offers New England classics with dishes like shellfish ceviche and monkfish chowder, cheesy smash burgers, and buttery lobster rolls on toasted brioche buns. Even more to love, their picturesque dining room is open year-round and boasts one of the best ocean views in town. 

When it’s time to walk off lunch, Cape Cod has plenty of art and culture happenings to keep you satisfied, including exhibitions at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, theater shows at the Cape Playhouse, and Provincetown’s legendary art colony.

Where to stay: Keep the culinary adventures going at Sea Crest Beach Resort, the Upper Cape’s only beachfront resort with five on-site eateries (including Lantern Room!) and studio suites with cozy fireplaces. Enjoy late check-out, a bottle of wine, and more romantic perks with the Cape Cod Couples Escape package.

Explore American history in a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Philadelphia may not come to mind when you first think of cultural vacations. You may be surprised, however, to find Philadelphia has some of the most iconic landmarks, public art programs, and powerhouse culinary scenes in all of America! 

Along with famous sandwiches and sports franchises, Philadelphia is home to important historic sites like Independence Hall – where the U.S. Constitution was signed – and Rittenhouse Square, a 17th-century town square planned by Pennsylvania’s namesake founder, William Penn. 

Rittenhouse is excellent for culture-loving couples, and a bit of luxury. Rittenhouse Square boasts some of the best restaurants and five-star hotels in Philadelphia, all within walking distance to City Hall, performing arts centers, and posh boutiques with brand-name goods. Couples can also catch Broadway shows at the Academy of Music, live orchestras at the Kimmel Center, and ice hockey games at the Wells Fargo Center all winter long.

Where to stay: The Rittenhouse is an iconic luxury hotel steeped in Philadelphia history with beautiful views of Rittenhouse Square. Elevate your romantic escape with the Romance at The Rittenhouse package, which includes credits to indulge in a lavish dinner at Lacroix and luxurious treatments at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, plus a bottle of bubbles, late check-out, long-stemmed roses, and more.

Love is in the air for 2025! Click through our blog for more travel inspo, and visit our romance packages page for even more exclusive offers across the Independent Collection.