Where to Go as a Single on Valentine’s Day

For those who just want to get lost in the crowd

For good or for bad—depending on the day—NYC is a hub of anonymity. As a single in the city, this means blending in isn’t an issue. With no one to hold you up, visit a museum—the Whitney, the Met, the MoMA, take your pick—at your own pace. While meals are often the awkward part of a day spent solo, this isn’t the case at Gotham West Market. The Hell’s Kitchen dining hall is brimming with international fare from some of NYC's best brick and mortars like Seamore's, Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop, and La Palapa, and the communal nature of its set-up is far more forgiving than traditional sit-down spots. If your holiday simply isn’t complete without a little bit of self pity, commiserate with other singles at The Bell House’s annual Valentine’s Day with the Smiths ft. The Sons & Heirs. Nothing will lift your spirits like a dose of Morrissey—especially if the cover band whips out “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me."

For those interested in day-drinking

Impossibly tanned (and toned) people and temperate Atlantic waters are two surefire signs you’ve landed in sexy Miami. This V-Day, whether you’re flying entirely solo or with friends, start your holiday with some pool time and green juice at The Standard, Miami Beach. The Bell Isle spot—just a hop and a skip from SoBe—offers a holistic, relaxing experience that’s a smart way to pre-game your hot Miami nights. Come sunset, hit the backyard patio at The Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami for mixologist-perfected elixirs and infusions. We’ve got our eye on quite a few options, but the “Burning to Shine" (Ron Zacapa rum, Swedish Punsch liqueur, Disaronno amaretto, mango puree, and fresh lime) seems like an apt choice when you’re making eyes at the cuties across the yard.

RELATED: Miami's Hottest Hotels to Book Now

For solos looking to party, party, party

Las Vegas isn’t a bad place to find yourself single on Valentine’s Day. Looking to meet some other (questionably) eligible bachelors and bachelorettes? This party city has got ‘em in spades. The 75,000-square-foot, multi-level OMNIA at Caesar’s Palace packs a high-energy crowd under pulsating neon lights, chandeliers, and showers of confetti. Over at the Venetian, Tao Nightclub (popular amongst the Kardashian-Jenner clan) brings in big name DJs to headline each Thursday through Saturday. And at Hakkasan Nightclub, performances from the likes of Steve Aoki, Zedd, Lil Jon, and Tiësto hype up partygoers on the main floor while LED lighting bathes VIP booths in electric ROY G BIV hues.

For the single and ready to mingle

Show me a person who hasn’t dreamt of their very own meet cute moment and I’d have to say they’re a liar. We’ve almost all got a type, so why not go straight to the source, and in a city that’s constantly ranked in the top five for singles? Caffeine junkies convene at Valencia’s Four Barrel Coffee over strong Ethiopian, Colombian, and Kenyan cups of joe; creative types get to work on all sorts of DIY crafts (terrarium building, pickling, leatherworking, etc.) at Workshop SF; and a slightly hipster bar crowd gathers at The Hi-Lo Club for specialty cocktails and local drafts. You're in SF, so skip swiping on Tinder and meet IRL!

RELATED: 7 Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco

For those celebrating Galentine’s Day

Flip the switch on Valentine’s Day and turn it into Galentine’s Day like Parks and Rec’s girl-boss Leslie Knope (aka Amy Poehler) in Santa Fe. First up is a seasonal, homemade brunch at Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen where beautifully plated dishes of lemon ricotta spelt pancakes, Buddha bowls, and tricolor quinoa cakes are served on simple wooden tables. Next up are regionally inspired massage treatments—with adobe clay, juniper-sage, and wildflower honey—at The Spa at Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.

For those who want to get lost in live music

Dive bars, fringe festivals, and rockabilly joints form the backbone of Austin’s music scene year-round, making it a great place to use live jams to drown out thoughts of your ex or unrequited love. Pop into any bar or club—there are more than 100 venues—and you won't be disappointed, but locals and visitors swear by a few in particular. Stop by The Continental Club, a famed landmark that opened more than 60 years ago; the Mohawk, a Native American–inspired addition to the scene; or the Scoot Inn, a historic, saloon-style dive that marries diverse genres with comfort food from Arlo’s Curbside Kitchen.

RELATED: How to Eat and Drink Your Way Through Austin

For those whose one true love is food

Ok sure, food may not be able to love you in the same capacity as another human—but—it’s always there when you need it want it. Charleston lands every list of “best foodie destinations” thanks to its leading expertise in lowcountry cuisine. For South Carolina classics in an unpretentious setting, head to Poogan’s Porch where starters like She Crab Soup (dry sherry, chive oil, and lump crab) make way for mains of shrimp and grits and cornmeal fried catfish, or try FIG (Food is Good). The vintage-diner-meets-chic-bistro serves up cornflour dusted golden tilefish, fish stew provencal, and suckling pig with Carolina gold rice. Meanwhile, Harold’s Cabin is a shoo-in for best no-fuss dining experience (think: plaid couches, rough-hewn wooden walls, and exposed bulb string lights). Sit down to a meal of hush puppies and butcher steak, followed by some pie of the day, and a food coma will be sure to knock you out till February 15th.