Love is in the air, and there’s no better place to cherish it than on Long Island, where romance finds its perfect backdrop amidst the serene beaches, charming towns, centuries-old historic sites, and enchanting landscapes. Whether you’re looking for your next perfect date spot, an unrivalled setting to pop the question, or a dreamy honeymoon escape, Long Island offers the perfect trip for every romantic occasion, in every season.
Read on lovebirds, as we unveil the ultimate guide to celebrating love on Long Island.
Take your Valentine to a Vineyard:
Long Island’s North Fork has a cozy atmosphere and world-class vineyards, making it the ideal setting for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy some time alone together. Many of the vineyards are nearby quaint villages like Mattituck and Greenport, so you can easily extend your trip with boutique shopping or a stroll along the LI Sound.
Insider’s Tip: Consider staying at Sound View Greenport for a luxurious apartment with water views on the North Fork.
Suhru & Lieb Vineyards is hosting a weekend-long celebration with live music lined up and a raclette and wine special from the 14-16. Would your Valentine rather chocolate over cheese? Bring them to Clovis Point Vineyard in Jamesport for their exclusive wine and chocolate pairing menu, offered through Valentine’s Day weekend.
Celebrating love and friendship, Osprey’s Dominion Vineyard in Southold is holding Galentine’s in the Vines on February 13. Admission includes a glass of wine, appetizers, and a small bouquet of flowers from the Riverhead Flower Shop. Once inside, you have the option of wine specials, food, upgrades to your flower bouquet, tarot card readings, crystals, live painting, poetry, and music.
Feel Like Royalty with a Gilded Age Romance:
This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, a classic novel set against the backdrop of Long Island’s opulent Gold Coast. The region, immortalized by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, was once home to the lavish estates of New York’s elite during the roaring 1920s. For a truly royal Valentine’s Day experience, explore Long Island, Gatsby-style.
Stay overnight at the breathtaking Oheka Castle or take a stroll through history with a mansion tour at Sands Point Preserve, Old Westbury Gardens, or Coe Hall at Planting Fields. These estates, rich in history and beauty, provide the perfect setting for a romantic step back in time.
Join Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard in Calverton for their Valentine’s Day dinner and dance, inspired by the 1920s. The evening will start with a cocktail hour followed by a multi-course dinner by Chef to the Stars & James Beard Nominee Michael Giletto. Dress to impress in your Gatsby-era attire because the best-dressed couple wins a prize. Or, gather your gal pals the week before for a Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip event on February 8!
Classic Valentine’s Day Gifting on LI:
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift to surprise your partner with this Valentine’s Day, read on for some Long Island-specific ideas.
Order a handcrafted Valentine’s Day box from Disset Chocolate or gift some tasty biscotti from The Biscotti Company.
Long Island’s Wine Country is home to many award-winning bottles.
These bottles are sure to make your date swoon:
- Raphael Wine— “Rosato”
- Macari Vineyards— “Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc”
- Paumanok Vineyards— “Grand Vintage Merlot”
- Wölffer Estate Vineyard—“Perle” and “Summer in a Bottle”
- Channing Daughters Winery—“Moscato”
Still unsure what to get? Let your Valentine pick out a gift at the brand-new Belmont Park Village, the latest addition to The Bicester Collection and newest hotspot for luxury shopping.
Insider’s Tip: Make it an overnight getaway and take advantage of the Valentine’s Day specials at The Vanderbilt Hotel in Westbury, including champagne service, a rose petal covered bed, and other luxurious amenities.
Unique Date Ideas:
What’s better than a skate date? United Skates of America is holding a late-night roller-skating session and the night is equipped with a playlist full of love songs to set the mood. Or choose to ice skate with a view at The Rinx at Harborfront Park. There, you can hold your Valentine’s hand and enjoy views of Port Jefferson.
For a memorable night, eat alongside the fish at the Long Island Aquarium. Participate in the ChocoVino event on Valentine’s Day and enjoy a five-course gourmet dinner. Each course incorporates a taste of chocolate and is paired with a specific Raphael Vineyards vintage wine, carefully selected to enhance each dish.
Long Island is home to some stunning parks and nature reserves. Go for a peaceful hike hand in hand at one of our many picturesque State or County Parks. Check out this blog for some of the best trails for winter!
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, several stables on Long Island offer horseback riding experiences. Imagine galloping along a secluded beach or through a beautiful forest together. Did you know that Montauk is actually where the idea of the classic American Cowboy started? The nation’s oldest working horse ranch started in 1658, way out in Montauk. And if you're headed out east, stay at the Southampton Inn for exclusive Valentine's Day weekend specials.
Dinner Deals:
These restaurants are offering tempting Valentine’s Day dinner deals. Reserve your table today!
1770 House
Bayberry
Blackstone Steakhouse
Desmond’s at East Wind
Insignia Prime Steak & Sushi
Juniper Restaurant
Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern
Opus Prime Steak, Seafood & Sushi
One10 Modern Italian Restaurant
Rare650 Prime Steak & Sushi
SāGhar
The Halston
The Meadow Club
The Shed (all NY locations)
Relax and Rejuvenate at a Luxurious Spa:
Long Island’s diverse range of hotel spas across the region make for a great romantic getaway filled with massages, facials, bodywork treatments, and more. Escape to a spa for a Valentine’s Day rejuvenating, bliss-inducing spa weekend where heated pools and massages are sure to provide the self-care you crave. Don’t miss Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, home to North America’s only ocean-fed seawater pool and indulge at Naturopathica Spa & Healing Center in East Hampton, where they connect beauty, health, community, and the earth through a holistic approach.
Insider’s Tip: Check out this blog about the variety of serene retreats and luxurious spa experiences across the island.
Classic Dinner and a Show:
From cozy Long Island playhouses in quaint downtown villages to large performing arts centers, the Long Island theatre culture sets the stage for innovative new works and classic theater. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a classic date of a dinner and show combo. Northport Village is a quaint, thriving picture postcard, waterfront village, settled in the 1600’s – and another ideal setting for romance. Stop by for dinner at either The Northport Hotel or Arlo Kitchen and Bar in Northport, then catch a performance at the John W. Engeman Theater in the village.
Another lovely waterfront town to explore on the north shore is Huntington. Downtown Huntington has something for everyone, from shops to bars and restaurants to theaters and more. Have dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants then stop by The Paramount for a show.
For a livelier evening, buy tickets to a concert at UBS Arena in Elmont. This Valentine’s Day you can rock on at a show featuring Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, & Shaggy! If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, a classical music performance at The Staller Center for the Arts in Stony Brook is the perfect choice for a date night. On February 14, The Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra has an exciting program of live classical music.
And if your date likes to dance, these places are hosting events with live entertainment: