Get Romantic with tripwolf

Five Fab Finds in Florida

1) Key West

Anyone who has visited will tell you that the sunsets on Key West are phenomenal. Often considered a religious experience by those who have had the pleasure to see it, sunsets on Key West actually get applause. Come see the show that's never a disappointment with your Valentine.

But remember: there are other Florida Keys are often neglected and are just as beautiful...

2) Longboat Key

Longboat Key is on the Gulf Coast of Florida, roughly mid-way down the state, near Sarasota. Sunsets here are spectacular with varied shades of purple, pink, yellow and orange. And since it's a lesser known key, romance seekers are more likely to find a little privacy on Longboat.

More in Florida...

3) Siesta Key

For those of us who really do enjoy a long walk on the beach, visit the baking-soda white sands of Siesta Key, situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from walking, you can bird watch in the palm trees or snorkel for buried pirate treasure at Point of Rocks. At sunset, head over to Siesta Dunes Resort's deck, overlooking the beach and the gulf, for a picnic or to simply watch.

4) Sanibel Island

You'll find an incredible sunset on any beach on Sanibel (and Captiva) Island. The sky turns from orange to pink in varied shades and tones that make for a dramatic sunset.

Have dinner at the Sunset Grill located between Sanibel and Captiva Island—dine inside or outside with views of the ocean. After your meal, make your way down to Blind Pass, the bridge connecting the two islands, to watch the sun fall over the water.

5) South Walton Beaches

On South Walton, there are two things guarding the lovely sunset for you; first, there is a four-story height restriction on buildings in the area so that everyone can enjoy the view; second, 40 percent of the land is protected from development—so the area retains its natural charm.

Visit the Topsail State Park for the pristine coastline and Florida's largest dunes. For a romantic meal, try Fish Out of Water at the WaterColor Inn overlooking the Gulf or Bud & Alley's in Seaside—guess the exact time of sunset at the terrace bar and win a free drink.

More in Michigan

2) Ludington

For the outdoorsy Valentine, take a trip to Ludington, MI. Kayak and dune-buggy by day; walk hand-in-hand on the beach by night. With long grass and the setting sun, the background is incredibly peaceful—and romantic too.

3) Traverse City

Located in Michigan's northwestern Lower Peninsula, Traverse City is a wealth of sunset opportunity. Look out over Leelanau Peninsula, the Old Mission Peninsula or across Lake Michigan. There's no way to do the sunsets over Grand Traverse Bay justice, save going there and picnicking on the sun-drenched beach to wait for dusk. Then you'd understand.

4) Oval Beach, Saugatuck

Saugatuck is located on Michigan's sunset side of the state, near Lake Michigan. Ranked by MTV as one of the top five beaches in the country, the sunset is equally stunning.

Make one big weekend of it and stay at the Zagat-rated Wickwood Inn B&B, known for its beautiful and homey décor, and amazing meals. You won't be disappointed.

Three Beach-side Sunsets in Hawaii

1) Papohaku Beach, Molokai

Who wouldn't want to find themselves on a secluded beach in Hawaii for the most romantic day of the year? Well, if that doesn't sound like something you'd enjoy, steer clear of Papohaku Beach on the western tip of Molokai, Hawaii. Ultra-deserted. Beautiful. Warm. Time to get packed.

2) Front Street, Lahaina, Maui

Tourists and locals congregate every night on Front Street in Lahaina, Maui to watch the renowned, silver lining sunsets. After dusk, if you're still awake, you must attend a luau—many of which can be found just down Front Street. One of Hawaii's oldest traditions, you'll enjoy the food, drinks and the entertainment.

Two for Texas

1) Wildcatter Ranch and Resort in Graham

Located at the beginning of the North Texas Hill Country - some of the most beautiful land in the southwest, Wildcatter Ranch and Resort has breathtaking views of the historic Brazos River. Aside from watching the sunset with your sweetie, at Wildcatter you could also go horseback riding, star gazing, take a wagon ride, canoeing and hiking, or enjoy a meal at the award-winning steakhouse.

2) Congress Ave Bridge, Austin

For anyone looking for an alternative way to spend the holiday, visit Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. The bridge spans Town Lake and is home to the largest urban bat colony in America. An estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge each night to forage for food.

Disclaimer: the official bat watching season is Mid-March to November. However, the view is breathtaking even without the colony of creepy creatures to watch.

Tennessee Titan of a View

Memphis is known for its rooftop views, and you'll find the best in town at the Madison Hotel. Overlooking the Mississippi River and the bridge to Arkansas, takes you back to the days of paddleboats traveling downstream. If you're in the area, or you're looking for a romantic destination, this is your all-in-one spot.

Candy Hearts: Al Rodgers; Key West, FL: Wilf Seymor; Petoskey, MI: Kelly Robertson; Kamuela, HI: Thomas Dodson; Memphis, TN: Madison Hotel.