Need last-minute ideas to celebrate the day of love with your partner? A romantic getaway in Queens NYC for Valentine’s Day might be an excellent idea if you want to escape the chaos and bustle of Manhattan and Brooklyn while enjoying the beauty of New York.
Queens has plenty to offer couples for a weekend getaway or a fun date. You can visit parks with beautiful, romantic sights; museums full of history and inspiring art; and lovely restaurants by the river to indulge in a fine Valentine’s Day dinner.
And if you’d like to stay for a few days, I’ve included the best hotels in Queens for couples so you make the most out of your trip.
You can also check out the most romantic things to do in New York City for a fantastic couple’s getaway in one of the most iconic cities in the world.
Queens NYC Valentine’s Day: Best Spots in the City for a Fun Date
Although Queens might often be overlooked compared to more iconic areas like Manhattan or Brooklyn, there are many things to do and interesting places for couples to explore this February 14th.
1. Flushing Meadows – Corona Park
Flushing Meadows – Corona Park is one of the largest parks in New York City and one of the most beautiful ones, too. If you’ve ever seen pictures of this park, you’ll probably recognize the Unisphere, a gigantic steel globe located in the middle of a fountain.
Throughout Corona, you’ll find a stunning landscape of lush vegetation and blooming flowers for a serene walk with your beloved. Besides, the park offers multiple opportunities for outdoor activities, such as bicycle paths, a carousel, a fishing area, and even an indoor ice-skating rink.
If this is your first time in the state, I’d recommend taking a full New York guided tour. You’ll have an amazing time exploring the different boroughs –Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn– and visiting several iconic spots along the way, including Corona Park!
2. Vetro by Russo’s on the Bay
Russo’s on the Bay is undeniably one of the most romantic restaurants you’ll find in Queens NYC for Valentine’s Day. Located in the bay area of Howard Beach, this venue stands out for its incredibly elegant atmosphere and multiple private rooms, offering its customers an intimate setting for every type of gathering.
From live entertainment and great views of the bay to outstanding service and a five-star menu,
Vetro Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect place for a romantic date night, a wedding, or special occasions.
3. Queens Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for the perfect romantic spot with plenty of photo opps, the Queens Botanical Garden is sure to provide a charming backdrop.
The 39-acre oasis offers a stunning variety of landscapes with different blooms and plants for photography or a relaxing stroll. You’ll also find various exhibits and specialty gardens to explore, including a bee garden, an herb garden, and a rose garden.
The best part is that admission will be free from December to March, so this is a great opportunity for couples to experience one of the most beautiful places in the borough.
4. Louis Armstrong House Museum
The next great place to celebrate your Queens NYC Valentine’s Day is the Louis Armstrong House Museum, a hidden gem in Queens for jazz lovers.
Placed in Louis Armstrong’s original home, the museum offers a step back in history to see how the musician lived with his wife and how he became a world-renowned cultural icon.
Throughout the tour, you’ll walk the rooms of the house where the couple lived from 1942 until Armstrong’s death. Besides being perfectly preserved, the property has been given a new life as a museum, featuring interactive displays and recordings of Louis speaking and playing his iconic music.
Visit the website to get tour tickets and give your jazz-lover partner a day to remember.
Inspired? Get more date ideas in Brooklyn.
Not sure what to pack? Grab my NYC packing list with all the Essentials.
Traveling with your puppy? See all the dog-friendly hiking trails and parks in NYC!
5. Chinatown
5. ChinatownAnother fun date activity is taking a tasty tour through Flushing, Queens. Not only is it the largest Chinatown in New York City, but it also offers amazing history and a diverse multi-cultural culinary experience. Come hungry for a tour that combines sightseeing and history with delicious food tasting from various Asian eateries and markets.
To complete this intercultural experience, you’ll also visit key attractions in the area, such as the Free Synagogue of Flushing and the Flushing Quaker Meeting House.
Get your tickets for the tour here.
6. Queens Museum
If you’re looking for something free to do in Queens NYC Valentine’s Day, the Queens Museum is a great option! It is located inside Flushing Meadows Corona Park, so you can plan a nice afternoon exploring both the museum and the lovely park.
Inside the Queens Museum, you’ll find interesting displays that provide insights into the city’s history and how it changed over the decades, including a room-sized mockup of New York’s boroughs.
Apart from its exhibit collection, the museum also hosts different community events like film screenings, live music, and dance performances, so you’re sure to find something to see there.
7. Astoria Park
Astoria Park is a great place for a date outdoors. It is right on the East River so you can have incredible views of Manhattan while you take a romantic stroll or have a picnic with your loved one.
Furthermore, the park has plenty of room for running, cycling, or walking dogs, as well as various sports facilities such as tennis courts, a soccer field, and a skatepark. You can even swim in the pool during the summer months.
Whatever your plans are for a lovely date in the open air, Astoria Park offers something to everyone.
8. Parkside Restaurant
With a welcoming atmosphere, classy decor, and a mouth-watering menu, Parkside Restaurant manages to provide an authentic Italian culinary experience. You can enjoy everything from appetizers, generous meals, and desserts to a fine selection of wines and beers. Not to mention, that the lovely ambiance of the venue with flower arrangements and vintage chairs will transport you to a very romantic Italian villa.
Treating your favorite person to a Valentines Day dinner at this lovely restaurant will surely make for a memorable date.
I suggest making a reservation in advance on the website.
9. MoMA PS1
Visiting MoMA PS1 is one of the best things to do in Queens NYC for Valentine’s Day, for a casual date, or just to have something interesting to do with your partner on a rainy day.
The museum is known for offering a varied collection of bold and thought-provoking artistic displays, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs, as well as amazing temporary exhibits. There are even some hidden artworks throughout the museum if you look for them.
Admission tickets are $10 for adults and free for New York residents. However, you can access this and many other museums and attractions with The New York Pass, you’ll be paying for just one all-inclusive pass and it’ll be far less expensive.
10. Romantic Hotels in Queens
To elevate your Valentine’s Day experience to the next level, consider booking a romantic stay in a beautiful hotel in the city.
Hotels often offer special packages and amenities for couples on Valentine’s Day, such as spa services, breakfast on the bed, and room ambiance specially set with rose petals and dim lighting. Moreover, hotels in New York City have the best rooftop bars with outdoor dining and magical views of the city skyline.
Need hotel suggestions in Queens for an unforgettable getaway? I’ve got you covered!
- Budget ($) — Asiatic Hotel
- Best Value ($$) — Boro Hotel
- Luxe ($$$) — Hyatt Place Long Island City
- Unique ($-$$$) — The Rockaway Hotel
Last Thoughts
I hope you made it to the end of this list and decided to spend your Valentine’s Day in Queens! Although this borough might not immediately come to mind when you think of romantic destinations, Queens can certainly offer its own unique charm and opportunities for couples to make this day special.
Safe travels and happy Valentine’s Day!
XO,
Anna
Anna is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, mental health, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion). As a psychotherapist (to be) she also offers insights about your mental health related questions – anything you see that isn’t covered but you have questions about? Let her know!
