January 23, 2017
The Most Romantic Cities of 2017
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you and your sweetheart might be thinking about a romantic dinner at your favorite fancy restaurant or maybe a cozy night in. While both of these options are a sweet way to celebrate your relationship, why not extend your celebration and plan a weekend getaway to one of America’s most romantic cities!
To figure out which of America’s cities are the most romantic, we picked a few characteristics we think create an idyllic environment for love. We gathered the top 100 most populous cities and then used the census and other data sources to find the married population, the walk score, the number of restaurants, the number of hotels, the number of parks, museums and movie theaters. After compiling all of this data, the following 10 cities we named our most romantic cities.
Each of the cities has a few top restaurants, hotels and activities listed to help you get started with your itinerary. All you have to do is book and surprise your loved one with a fun weekend away!
1. New York, New York
New York City topped every category we collected data on, aside from the percentage of married people. With over 11,000 restaurants and upwards of 1,300 hotels, there are endless places for you and your loved one to spend a romantic evening.Selecting just a few restaurants and activities for New York is basically impossible. This is a city with something for everyone. If the options below don’t interest you, don’t worry — there is something in this urban jungle for you.We confined our ideas to Manhattan to narrow the list.
POPULATION - 8,550,405 % MARRIED - 43 # OF HOTELS - 1,397 # OF RESTAURANTS - 11,061 # OF PARKS - 728 # OF MUSEUMS - 351 # OF CINEMAS - 328 WALK SCORE - 89 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
One if by Land - Two if by Sea, Per Se, Balthazar Restaurant, Buvette, One of the 77 New York,
Michelin star restaurants
SITES TO SEE:
Central Park, The High Line, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Greenwich Village, Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge
PLACES TO STAY:
Bryant Park Hotel, The Plaza, Gramercy Park Hotel
2. Los Angeles, California
L.A. has more to offer than Hollywood and sunshine (although both of those things are great). Its unique composition of what could be several different towns, all cobbled into one big city, gives each area it’s own vibe. If you prefer the laid back surfer vibe, stick to the beach towns from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach. For those looking for a city experience, there is plenty of that as well.
POPULATION - 3,971,896 % MARRIED - 41 # OF HOTELS - 575 # OF RESTAURANTS - 2,930 # OF PARKS - 279 # OF MUSEUMS - 151 # OF CINEMAS - 198 WALK SCORE - 66 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Fig, The Little Door, Cliff’s Edge, Terrine, Yamashiro Hollywood
SITES TO SEE:
Griffith Observatory, Venice Boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Broad, Grand Central Market
PLACES TO STAY:
Ace Hotel Downtown, Venice Suites, The Hotel California
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city fit for foodies, tech geeks, art lovers, history buffs, architect fanatics and anyone who loves a good sunset. This city is constantly upping its game. In fact, everything in San Francisco has gotten so competitive, from restaurants to jobs to real estate, that it is expanding and pushing the borders of neighboring suburbs. This city has seen a lot of transition, from the hippie counterculture to the dotcom boom. Put San Francisco at the top of your travel list so you can check it out before it changes again!
POPULATION - 864,816 % MARRIED - 41 # OF HOTELS - 502 # OF RESTAURANTS - 2,258 # OF PARKS - 292 # OF MUSEUMS - 102 # OF CINEMAS - 77 WALK SCORE - 86 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Coqueta, Ichi Sushi + Ni Bar, Foreign Cinema, Flour + Water, Top of the Mark
SITES TO SEE:
Golden Gate Park, Embarcadero, The Ferry Building Market, Bernal Hill, Alemany Farmer’s Market, Dolores Park
PLACES TO STAY:
Hotel Zetta, Buchanan, The Scarlet Huntington
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is the gem of the Midwest. This down-to-earth city is filled with some of America’s friendliest people, fantastic restaurants and a bustling nightlife. If you are visiting in the cooler months, you will enjoy the cozy lounges and shopping scene. Chicago turns into a different city when the temperatures climb. Lake Michigan sets the scene for tons of outdoor activities. The city also hosts Lollapalooza every summer if you are looking to couple your visit with some live music.
POPULATION - 2,720,556 % MARRIED - 37 # OF HOTELS - 387 # OF RESTAURANTS - 2,976 # OF PARKS - 499 # OF MUSEUMS - 107 # OF CINEMAS - 76 WALK SCORE - 78 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
RM Champagne Salon, Le Colonial, Celeste, Bavette's Bar & Boeuf, Piccolo Sogno
SITES TO SEE
Millennium Park, The Bean, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium
PLACES TO STAY
Wicker Park Inn, Ruby Room
5. Houston, Texas
While Houston may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of romance, it has a ton to offer. As one of the largest and most populous cities in the United States, the food scene is rapidly growing as the city becomes increasingly culturally diverse. Museums are also popping up as the booming business economy has led to a growing trend in philanthropy. A park was also recently revived in the heart of the city!
POPULATION - 2,298,628 % MARRIED - 44 # OF HOTELS - 795 # OF RESTAURANTS - 2,448 # OF PARKS - 256 # OF MUSEUMS - 61 # OF CINEMAS - 47 WALK SCORE - 48 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Helen, State of Grace, Rainbow Lodge, Quattro, Mockingbird Bistro
SITES TO SEE:
Skyspace at Rice University, Westheimer Flea Market, Old Blue House Antique, Museum of Fine Arts Houston
PLACES TO STAY:
Hotel Granduca, La Colombe d’Or, The Houstonian
6. San Diego, California
Much like L.A., San Diego is more like a web of communities all tied together by county lines. One thing all of these neighborhoods have in common is their breezy, welcoming attitude. If you are looking to escape to warmer pastures, you have found your location. The sun will likely be shining, fresh seafood and amazing tacos can be found around nearly every corner and all of the new transplants will be happy to show you around.
POPULATION - 1,394,907 % MARRIED - 45 # OF HOTELS - 465 # OF RESTAURANTS - 1,591 # OF PARKS - 289 # OF MUSEUMS - 89 # OF CINEMAS - 48 WALK SCORE - 50 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Mister A’s, Bo Beau’s, Juniper and Ivy, Herringbone, Banker's Hill Bar + Restaurant
SITES TO SEE:
Torrey Pines, Balboa Park, Hotel Del Coronado, One of the many breweries, Cabrillo National Monument
PLACES TO STAY:
Hotel Indigo, Pacific Terrace Hotel, La Jolla Shores Hotel
7. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a beautiful city full of old world culture and architecture. Home to the famous Alamo, this city’s historic district makes you feel like you are in a little village rather than the seventh largest city in the U.S. San Antonio boasts the largest Mexican-style market outside of Mexico and the beautiful River Walk is perfect for late night strolls. Pack your bags, but save some room for the beautiful western art you may be bringing home.
POPULATION - 1,413,881 % MARRIED - 46 # OF HOTELS - 509 # OF RESTAURANTS - 1,097 # OF PARKS - 143 # OF MUSEUMS - 42 # OF CINEMAS - 52 WALK SCORE - 36 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Il Sogno Osteria, Bliss, Bella on the River, The Guenther House, 18 Oaks
SITES TO SEE:
The Alamo, The River Walk, Market Square, La Villita Historic District, San Antonio Museum of Art
PLACES TO STAY:
Riverwalk Bed & Breakfast, Noble Inns, The Emily Morgan
8. Seattle, Washington
Aside from the ‘90s, now is the best time to visit Seattle. Old neighborhoods are flourishing into vibrant enclaves with restaurants and galleries. The grunge scene has transformed into the hipster scene, which is great for all the music-lovers, foodies and coffee connoisseurs. While the passing showers can put a damper on things, don’t let them stop you from checking out the parks and nearby mountains. Be sure to get outside when you visit this great city. Surrounded by mountains and the Puget Sound, there is a lot of beauty to take in.
POPULATION - 684,443 % MARRIED - 41 # OF HOTELS - 170 # OF RESTAURANTS - 1,538 # OF PARKS - 288 # OF MUSEUMS - 57 # OF CINEMAS - 46 WALK SCORE - 73 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Sitka & Spruce, Canlis, Bar Cantinetta, The Pink Door, The Walrus and the Carpenter
SITES TO SEE:
Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Chihuly Garden, Discovery Park
PLACES TO STAY:
Pan Pacific Hotel, Hyatt at Olive 8, Kimpton Alexis
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the perfect getaway for the couple that is looking to cut loose. If you want to have maximum amounts of fun, this could be the place for you! With impressive, sweeping hotels, five star restaurants and tons of entertainment, Vegas has plenty to offer. Start saving because you can’t leave Vegas without spending a little and risking a lot!
POPULATION - 623,769 % MARRIED - 44 # OF HOTELS - 450 # OF RESTAURANTS - 1,863 # OF PARKS - 149 # OF MUSEUMS - 34 # OF CINEMAS - 35 WALK SCORE - 40 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Nobu, The Barrymore, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, Alizé
SITES TO SEE:
The Venetian, CityCenter Mall, The Grand Canyon, Cirque du Soleil, The Neon Museum
PLACES TO STAY:
Encore, The Bellagio, Mandarin Oriental
10. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is an often-overlooked tourist destination for those not mandated to visit with the rest of their eighth grade classmates. This city has seen a dramatic transformation in the last few decades and, just like the cherry trees, it’s blossoming. It is incredibly walkable, full of fantastic restaurants, free museums and to top it off, DC is one of America’s cleanest cities. Get out your history books and get ready for those monuments!
POPULATION - 672,228 % MARRIED - 31 # OF HOTELS - 286 # OF RESTAURANTS - 1,331 # OF PARKS - 108 # OF MUSEUMS - 129 # OF CINEMAS - 40 WALK SCORE - 77 |
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
Le Diplomate, Rose’s Luxury, Rasika, Fiola Mare, Blue Duck Tavern
SITES TO SEE:
The Mall, The Capitol Building, The White House, Georgetown, Arlington Cemetery
PLACES TO STAY:
The Hay-Adams, The Dupont Circle, The Four Seasons Georgetown
