Louisiana towns among top Valentine's getaways for lovers

Valentine’s Day is one of the few moments in the year when couples actively seek out somewhere that feels a little more special than their everyday routine — a place built for slow mornings, warm evenings, and the kind of unhurried time together that’s hard to find at home.
To understand where Americans most want to escape with a partner this Valentine’s Day, travel company Exoticca surveyed 3,012 couples and identified the country’s most sought-after cozy and atmosphere-rich destinations for a romantic seasonal getaway.
Three Louisiana cities were among the top 63 romantic spotsThey are:
No. 61: Abita Springs
Cool evenings and empty sidewalks give Abita Springs a quietly removed winter feel that suits a Valentine’s escape built around lingering rather than rushing. The pace slows naturally once darkness arrives.
Cabins and small inns nearby make it easy to stay close to warmth after sunset. An evening drink at Abita Brew Pub offers a relaxed finish before heading home to settle in early and let the night remain calm.
No. 62: Natchitoches
Brick streets and river views take on a calm, almost hushed quality in winter, shaping Natchitoches into an easygoing place to slow down. That atmosphere suits a romantic getaway focused on unhurried routines rather than packed plans.
Staying nearby encourages early evenings shaped around warmth. A late lunch at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant provides a cozy pause during the day before the evening gradually draws people back indoors to unwind.
No. 63: St. Francisville
Cooler air moving through the hills gives St. Francisville a quiet, reflective winter presence that fits easily into a Valentine’s retreat. Historic streets empty early, shifting attention indoors as daylight fades. Inns and cottages nearby feel especially inviting this time of year, offering warmth and stillness after dark.
A slow afternoon often includes a stop at Birdman Coffee & Books before retreating back inside to settle in for the night.
“Valentine’s Day seems to bring out a universal desire for small moments of connection,” says Juanjo Duran of Exoticca. “These destinations aren’t about big itineraries – they are about atmosphere, warmth, and finding a place where time moves differently.”
Here are more top Valentine getaways from the survey:
No. 1. Lake Placid, New York
As evening closes in during winter, Lake Placid naturally draws couples inward, with cold air settling over the village and streets emptying earlier than usual.
Valentine’s weekend suits this rhythm well, offering little incentive to venture far once night falls.
No. 2. Aurora, New York
With Cayuga Lake lying still and the village noticeably slowing, Aurora takes on a winter calm that appeals to couples seeking distance from crowds.
No. 3: Ouray, Colorado
Steep mountain walls give Ouray an almost enclosed winter atmosphere, holding in both the cold and the quiet. For couples away for Valentine’s weekend, the effect is immediate, especially once streets empty early and evenings naturally turn toward fireside time.
Lodges and cabins become the focus after dark. A relaxed stop at Ouray Brewing Company offers a low-pressure Valentine’s night out before heading back into the cold and home to the fire.
No. 4: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Winter evenings quickly in Gatlinburg, and the surrounding mountains create a sense of privacy that suits couples looking to slow down.
A romantic getaway here centers less on the town itself and more on cabins just outside it, where firelit interiors and unhurried time together take priority.
No. 5: Taos, New Mexico
Cold nights and clear winter skies bring out a softer, more intimate side of Taos, shaping Valentine’s getaways built around quiet connection. Couples tend to stay close to their base, where adobe inns and nearby cabins hold warmth well after dark.
No. 6 Apalachicola, Florida
Small inns and nearby cottages feel especially inviting on cool nights. Dinner at Owl Cafe provides a warm, intimate close to the day before settling in early, wrapped up, and listening to the quiet outside.
No. 7: Fernandina Beach, Florida
The slower pace suits couples escaping for Valentine’s, particularly those drawn to closeness over constant activity. Inns with deep porches and thick walls make staying inside together feel intentional. A late Valentine’s drink at The Palace Saloon serves as a simple nightcap before returning to warmth.
No. 8: Bristol, Rhode Island
Inns and nearby cottages are built for warmth and unhurried nights together. A relaxed stop at DeWolf Tavern fits into the day before the cold draws couples back inside for the evening.
No. 9: Mount Dora, Florida
Cooler mornings drifting in off the lakes give Mount Dora a gently unhurried winter feel, reinforced by the town’s tucked-away setting. For couples planning a low-key Valentine’s retreat, the slower pace encourages earlier nights and simpler days.
No. 10: Homer, Alaska
Snow-dusted cabins overlooking a quiet stretch of Kachemak Bay set a reflective winter tone in Homer. For couples on a romantic getaway, evenings naturally center indoors, where stillness becomes part of the appeal.