Kendall-Jackson Wine Center, Sonoma County California

Paris? Nope. Florence? Oh, please. Although I can be a tad bit cynical about romantic travel, the fact is there are some cities in America that upon first visit you can’t help but imagine yourself walking hand in hand with the one you love.  As Valentine’s Day is approaching and is on a Thursday this year (make it a long weekend lovebirds!), here are my favorite romantic destinations in the good ole US of A.

San Francisco/Sonoma County, California – San Francisco is a perfect place for couples. Everything from the multitude of restaurants and bars, to the fact that the city is only a short drive away from California’s best wineries and vineyards shows that San Fran is built for romance.  It’s also visually stunning from an architectural perspective (you haven’t lived until you’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge), and you and your honey are sure to stay in shape while climbing the famously hilly landscape while taking in the sights.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, GA – I didn’t even get to spend much time in Savannah when I visited but the warm sea air mixed with the charm of the Historic District made me fall in love with this city almost immediately.  The Spanish moss-covered trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, candlelit dinners overlooking the Savannah River…it was hard not to picture myself walking arm in arm with a well-dressed gentleman a la “Gone with the Wind”.

The Overseas Highway – the Florida Keys

Key West, Florida – There are few places that can include the route to get there as a reason for romance, but that happens to be the case for the Florida Keys.  To get to Key West by car (my mode of transportation suggestion vs. flying), it’s a three-hour drive from Miami down one of the most beautiful highways in America – the Overseas Highway.  You’ll enjoy a drive over crystal clear blue waters until reaching the final island in the Keys, Key West.  My favorite area is Old Key West, known to also be a favorite spot of literary figures Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.  Old Key West is full of seaside seafood shacks, quaint B&B’s and friendly locals.  It’s the perfect beach town for a laid-back escape with your other half.

Some of my other favorite cities for romance? New Orleans, New York City, Washington DC, Phoenix, Annapolis, too many to list!  Clearly I haven’t been everywhere so let me know your favorite city for love in the comment section!