Date Ideas for Valentine's Day in 2022 That You Wouldn't Expect

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You can have a great time, reunite with old friends, and create new memories on Valentine's Day with a day trip or a longer vacation. Our list contains suggestions from across the United States, from famous attractions and parks to offbeat museums and lesser-known romantic destinations.

Hoover Dam, Las Vegas

A short drive away from the casino is the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel that is on every American's bucket list. Since its completion, the dam created Boulder City and Lake Mead and was built to house the construction workers hired to complete the dam's construction.

The 726.4-foot-tall concrete monolith was built in 1935 and still stands today. A guided tour of the dam is available, starting with a presentation on all its functions. Observing Dynamo and Lake Mead from the observation deck offers stunning views of the Colorado River.

Land's End in San Francisco

San Francisco has many breathtaking views. From bridges to islands to sea lions to parks to forests, you'll find unique natural beauty in every direction. There's no better view than Land's End Lookout. Marking America's wild and rocky northern coastline, this beautiful park at the entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge is overgrown with cypress trees and flowers.

Houston's Space Center

People of all ages can experience space travel up close at the publicly accessible NASA Johnson Space Center, located within the larger complex. The immersive audio-visual "launch" of the Space Shuttle Independence is a 122-foot-long, 130,000-pound replica that is open to visitors.

Willamette Valley

With so many delightful things to do in Portland, it's hard to imagine how anyone managed to accomplish anything. There's more to see and it's only a short drive away. The Willamette Valley, a 50-mile drive from Portland, is home to some of the best Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes in the United States. Many wineries in the area can be found within a 45-minute drive. Despite its scenic beauty, the region has a mild climate throughout the year.

There is a lovely river, the Willamette River, that cuts through this valley and rises eastwards with the majestic Cascade Mountains, which protect the valley and provide excellent hiking opportunities. After a snack at the Red Hill Market, head to the winery for a day of exploring. They all have cozy, intimate tasting rooms with great views of miles of grapes and vineyards in various stages of growth. When it comes to dining, Jory's is the place to go, while the Allison Inn and Spa not only provides you with a good night's sleep, but also a superb grape seed facial, a must-have when visiting the wine region.

Monticello Artisan's Path

After exploring Charlottesville's historic landmarks, such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate and other important sites in our nation's history, you can easily drive into the countryside on the Monticello Craftsman Trail. This walk will take you through the stunning valleys and mountains of Albemarle and Nelson counties, home to a network of local creative artists spread across a picturesque setting.