There are many ways to show your love on V-Day. You can be cliché and buy flowers and chocolates. You can be extravagant and buy an expensive necklace. You can be forgetful and write a cheesy last-minute poem — which you will say is priceless because it came from your heart.

All those gifts are great, don’t get us wrong. But in our humble opinion, the best gifts involve going places and having experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Here’s a list of 10 romantic destinations so memorable you won’t have to get your significant other a Valentine’s gift for the next 10 years. (Don’t actually do that though.)

Stargazing at Natural Bridges

Lake Powell

Around the geologic period of Land Before Time 11, a bunch of water got together and cut three magnificent stone bridges into the landscape near Lake Powell. Most earthly forces would have been satisfied with this accomplishment, but the area went further, padding its résumé of natural wonders with some of the darkest night sky around. Lots of millennia later, this overachieving area was declared the world’s first dark sky park and stargazers have flocked to worship ever since. As you and your valentine gaze at the wondrousness of it all, you’ll likely think it was all meant just for the two of you. You’re right, it was.

Homestead Resort

Midway

Looking for a romantic getaway? Imagine sleeping in a house that was built 126 years ago or breathing in the fresh mountain air from your own private outdoor seating area. Cozy cottage rooms offer a quiet escape and are connected by scenic walkways through lush gardens and lawns. Each room and suite has either a deck or patio and every room offers details chosen to reflect the long history of hospitality and classic Americana. Each building has its own story to tell — come and add yours. And don’t forget your bathing suits. Nothing says romance like soaking in a 55-ft geothermal crater.

The Grand America Hotel

Salt Lake City

Walking into The Grand America is like walking straight into Old Europe. It oozes luxury and elegance unmatched by any other Salt Lake City hotel. It’s impossible to not to spark romance with spacious rooms and suites that have step-out balconies and stunning views of the mountains, skyline, and sunset. And if you really want to dazzle your valentine, add a sublime spa service and have fine dining brought right to your room. The Grand America is in the perfect location to take advantage of everything the city has to offer, from shopping and nightlife to hiking and other outdoor activities.

Sunset at Monument Valley

Monument Valley

Monument Valley isn't a national park. It's not even a national monument. But it's as American as it gets. A minimalist look at the American Southwest, Monument Valley has big rocks, big sky, and…nope. That’s it. And the sunset? That’s worth driving your valentine to the middle of nowhere for. It's the sunset that changes lives — it's the sunset that makes you want to be a better human being. It's the sunset that makes you feel like a small, teeny-tiny spec in the cosmos. And if you forget your camera, we can't help you. You're a lost cause. But at least you’ll be together.

Temple Square

Salt Lake City

Temple Square is much more than a religious icon. It's a collage of fascinating history, spectacular architecture, and gourmet dining all in a gorgeous setting. In a breath, it'll make you forget all about social media...until it quickly compels you to post a pic on Instagram. Part of its appeal lies in its accessibility: three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake City contain nearly 20 attractions related to Mormon pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Family History Library. Because history is romantic.

Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley

Park City

This hotel is perfect if you really want to burn some dough on that special someone. Named after Norwegian Olympic Gold Medal skier Stein Eriksen, and located mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort, the Stein Eriksen Lodge is a coveted, beautiful European getaway in the heart of Park City. Take Stein’s advice and enjoy elegant, five-star accommodations with ski-in/out access to Deer Valley Resort while being mere minutes away from Main Street shopping, restaurants, and galleries.

The Cliff Lodge

Snowbird

This one is just too easy and obvious. Only 25 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, The Cliff Lodge at [Snowbird](< https://utah.com/ski/snowbird ?utm_source=ksl&utm_medium=brandview&utm_term=feb18loveromance>) is one of Utah’s most iconic ski and summer lodges. Imagine you’ve taken your loved one to the Swiss Alps because the majesty of Little Cottonwood Canyon can be viewed from each room whether it faces Snowbird’s ski slopes or peers down the glacially carved canyons into the valley below. Newly remodeled, The Cliff Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out convenience and excellent service with a luxurious resort experience for romance galore.

Sunset at Ensign Peak

Salt Lake City

Two days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young and seven other pioneer leaders climbed the mountain to survey the valley. From its summit, they laid out in their minds the city they intended to build. A small monument now sits on the summit.

Our advice? Do dinner, then take your date the short hike up to this spectacular view of the valley to catch the sunset. Then watch as the sky explodes with color. We won’t blame you if you get a little teary with emotion. You can blame it on Brigham.

Red Mountain Resort

Ivins

If Mother Nature wanted a relaxing Valentine’s Day destination amongst her own splendor, this would be the place. Blended naturally into a landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons of southern Utah, you and yours will be able to relax, renew and rediscover your passion for adventure (and each other?). Eighty-two beautifully designed rooms and twenty-four villa suites are carefully sited on fifty-five acres of black lava gardens and fragrant mesquite with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to book yourselves a massage. All the amenities are just a short, scenic walk away.

Stewart Falls

Provo

We’re calling this one a romantic activity. You can’t stay overnight here. Rather, you probably shouldn’t stay overnight here, but it’s a great alternative for those who have more adventurous valentines and may be looking for something on the more inexpensive side of things. Stewart Falls is one of the most scenic and photogenic waterfalls in northern Utah. It falls in two tiers and is more than 200 feet tall. It is a moderate hike through a beautiful forest on the east side of Mt Timpanogos. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The descent from the ridge down to the base of the falls is quite steep (and a good excuse to hold your valentine’s hand).

Related topics