Manhattan, New York
Hopeless romantics will always find inspiration in the Big Apple. Restaurants are everywhere, but couples flock to the West Village’s One if by Land, Two if by Sea (considered one of the best places in the city to pop the question). For skyline views, head to Top of the Rock, the observation deck crowning the GE Building at Rockefeller Center; rockefellercenter.com. For a different view of the island, try a Manhattan Harbor Brunch Cruise for two aboard a 1920s-style yacht; 866/973-7436, xperiencedays.com, or iloveny.com.

Big Island, Hawaii
The Mauna Lani Resort, on the Big Island’s Kohala coast, indulges romantic guests with its Lava Love getaway package. For at least three nights, health-conscious couples may stay in a deluxe oceanfront suite and enjoy sunrise workouts on the beach; a private, lava-rock sauna; spa treatments; and even a hula lesson; 800/367-2323 or maunalani.com.

Whidbey Island, Washington
Stress starts to melt away as you step off the ferry onto this Washington island, just one hour north of Seattle. Rich in natural beauty, Whidbey Island is also home to picturesque towns and romantic B&Bs. Spend the day in Langley (for a special treat, pick up a picnic for two from the Chef’s Pantry). Journeying north, drop by Greenbank Farms for wine and cheese before climbing the Admiralty Head Lighthouse for a gorgeous view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Toast to your travels at the new Frasers Gourmet Hideaway in Oak Harbor; whidbeycamanoislands.com.

Lovers Key, Florida
This Gulf Coast island is popular, but it still offers secluded nooks and stretches of beach where Valentines can get away from it all. Rent a canoe or tandem kayak at Lovers Key State Park, and paddle the canals among manatees and other wildlife. Later, snuggle at sunset on a beach that, at least for the evening, is yours alone; floridastateparks.org/loverskey or fortmyerssanibel.com.