A Holiday for Two
There’s a chance for romance on these late winter getaways
Pheromones kicking in? Do you keep queuing up those romantic movies on the Hallmark Channel? It could be that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Rather than a blah dinner date this year, how about a dreamy getaway? From L.A., you’ve got plenty of choices, from short trips to the Central California coast or San Antonio to longer sojourns in Europe and the Caribbean.
CENTRAL COAST
One of the closest getaways from the Southland is California’s central coast, a blend of raw nature, delicious wine and vintage experiences straight out of a Steinbeck novel. With its world-class aquarium, watersports on the bay, and the eclectic attractions of Cannery Row, Monterey is the most obvious place to base your escape. But there are plenty of other locales for you and your lover to steal away, including cute Carmel, the rugged Big Sur coast, or the Santa Ynez Valley with its boutique wineries and gourmet food scene.
There’s plenty of history too, from old town Monterey to the missions along the 101. Take in wildlife for two at Point Lobos and Pinnacles National Park, or bask in California experiences like Hearst Castle or golf at Pebble Beach.
Stay in some of the country’s best hotels — landmarks like the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur and the elegant Lodge at Pebble Beach. Other digs include La Bellasera in Paso Robles, the Inn at Depot Hill in Capitola, Dolphin Bay Resort at Pismo Beach and the Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos.
SAN ANTONIO
No longer an Alamo-based one trick pony, this sultry South Texas city is undergoing an urban renaissance, creating all sorts of new ways to eat, sleep and play. The revival centers on the transformation of the Pearl Brewery from a dilapidated old factory into a cool new neighborhood that includes the designer-savvy Hotel Emma and a sprawling weekend flea market — perfect for finding that unique gift for your companion.
Lock arms with your love on the popular River Walk, expanded to include another 13 miles of the San Antonio River and planned for bikers, hikers and kayakers rather than just bar hoppers. That said, San Antonio also boasts plenty of nightlife choices, including cutting edge music clubs like Jazz TX, intimate drinking spots like the Haunt, or historic drinking establishments like the Menger Bar (where Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders). With the city celebrating its 300th anniversary this year — the first of the five Spanish missions was founded in 1718 — there are plenty of special events, exhibitions and festivals to take in together.
PORTUGAL
Paris might be the city of love, but it’s not spring yet — February weather is unromantically wet and cold. Instead, head south to the almost-always-sunny Portugal, a country really coming into its own as an all-around destination.
Once known for its seafaring explorers, the Iberian Peninsula nation is now renowned for its beaches, golf courses and a burgeoning food scene that includes 28 Michelin-star restaurants. While blessed with a fabulous waterfront location and loads of charm, Lisbon is also the most affordable capital city in all of Western Europe. Explore back in time in places like Evora, Sintra and Obidos, where castles, palaces and cathedrals still dominate the skyline.
For adventurous couples, head way up north to Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park. Hike hand in hand on an ancient Roman road past granite peaks and ancient oak forests that are home to ibex, mountain goats, wild ponies, river otters and some of Europe’s few remaining wild wolves.
PUERTO RICO
Several blockbuster songs of the past year came straight out of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Everyone had “Despacito” in their ears last summer. Puerto Rico, while still recovering from Hurricane Maria, is welcoming of tourism — maybe it’s time to visit the place where Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee filmed their romantic video — San Juan. The weather is temperate, the city’s tourist hotels and restaurants are fully functional again, the port is filled with cruise ships and the Condado Beach scene is back in full swing.