Top Valentine's Day Travel Destinations Near Philadelphia

Love is in the air. Valentine's Day is a great excuse for some time away with your sweetie, and if you live in Philadelphia, a romantic getaway is just a day trip away. While the City of Brotherly Love has plenty of its own romantic spots, couples looking for something to do outside of the city limits don't have to book a plane or drive too far away. Read on for five fabulous Valentine's Day destinations, all within a 2-hour drive of Philadelphia.

Hershey, PA

Nothing says "love" like chocolate, and what better place to share the love than the "Sweetest Place on Earth?" Hershey, Pennsylvania is less than two hours from Philadelphia, and it's home to the famous Hershey's Chocolate World, as well as the nearby Hotel Hershey, a premier luxury hotel that offers a full-service spa menu, top-rated restaurants and romantic suites. For Valentine's Day, take in the free Chocolate World Tour, indulge in a chocolate spa or other chocolate-covered treatments, or sample some wine and chocolate pairings at the historic hotel.

Cove Haven, Lakeville, PA

The Pocono Mountains boasts a variety of cozy lodging options, but when it comes to Valentine's Day, nothing tops Cove Haven Resorts. With three couples-only resorts to choose from (Cove Haven, Paradise Stream Resort or Pocono Palace Resort) couples can't go wrong when they visit the Honeymoon Capital of the World. A highlight at Cove Haven is the four-story Champagne Tower suite, which features a seven foot champagne glass whirlpool bath for two. And after a day of skiing, snowmobiling, tubing or skating, couples can check out live, big name entertainment at night, all with the backdrop of the beautiful Pocono Mountains.

Related: 5 U.S. Destinations for a Winter Honeymoon

New York City

The slogan isn't "I Love New York" for nothing! New York City is a melting pot, chock full of romantic stops for a Valentine's Day getaway. From ice skating in Rockefeller Center to a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, outdoor activities are aplenty for Valentine's Day lovebirds. But Broadway also beckons, as do all of the famous city's sight-seeing stops, museums and high-end hotels and restaurants. And the Empire State Building can be the perfect pit stop for a proposal, especially when the saxophonist is on the 86th Floor Observatory (Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 p.m.- 1 a.m.)

Atlantic City, New Jersey

For those ready to take a gamble with love, Atlantic City, NJ offers an exciting escape, with ocean views and hotel packages that include spa treatments, couples massages and dining options. The Caesars Entertainment resorts (Bally's, Caesars, Harrah's Resort and Showboat) traditionally host Valentine's Day specials throughout the month of February, while the Borgata offers an upscale Sweet Romance package, complete with an overnight suite stay, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and an in-suite couples massage. And single ladies (and men) aren't left out either. The Borgata offers a Single & Fabulous Package, while Caesar's has a Single Ladies Getaway.

Related: 5 Reasons to Visit Philadelphia For Winter Break

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square PA

Closer to home, the Brandywine Valley is the perfect place to spend a romantic day. Less than an hour from the city, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square showcases over 1,000 acres of flowers and botanical gardens year round. But for Valentine's Day, things are extra special with Sweetheart Week. In addition to a walk through the woodlands, couples can enjoy special romantic events and activities throughout the week, including chocolate making and bouquet making. Just a short walk from Longwood's conservatory, the full service Terrace Restaurant provides an elegant dining setting for this Valentine's Day destination.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.