Valentine’s Day in the Poconos: Where to Go and What to Do
The Poconos is one of the best Valentine’s Day getaway destinations on the East Coast, especially for couples looking for private cabins, hot tubs, fireplaces, and winter activities within easy driving distance of New York and New Jersey. From cozy cabin dinners to ski weekends near Camelback Mountain, Valentine’s Day in the Poconos offers the right mix of privacy, scenery, and things to do without the crowds of a city escape.
Here’s what to plan around if you’re heading to the Pocono Mountains this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Cook a Private Dinner in Your Own Cabin
Skip the crowded restaurant. One of the best parts of staying in a vacation home in the Poconos is having a full kitchen, space to spread out, and zero wait times. Pick up groceries on your way in, open a bottle of wine, and cook together while the snow falls outside.
Many Pocono Pads vacation homes come with fully equipped kitchens, dining areas that seat your whole group, and outdoor fire pits for after-dinner drinks. If cooking isn’t your thing, several local restaurants offer takeout for Valentine’s weekend.
Go Out for a Special Dinner
If you’d rather have someone else do the cooking, the Poconos has solid restaurant options. Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse at Camelback Resort does a three-course Valentine’s special, and it’s within minutes of most Pocono Pads properties. For fine dining with a broader menu, several restaurants in the greater Poconos area run prix fixe Valentine’s dinners every year.
Make reservations early. Valentine’s weekend in the Poconos fills up fast, especially at the popular spots.
Hit the Slopes or the Trails
Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, which means you’ve got a full weekend to play. Camelback Mountain is the closest major ski area to most Pocono Pads vacation homes, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. Even if you’re not a skier, snow tubing at Camelback is easy, fun, and doesn’t require any experience.
If you’d rather stay on flat ground, Big Pocono State Park is right next to Camelback and offers quiet winter hiking trails with views of the surrounding mountains. For longer day trips, spots like the Delaware Water Gap are within driving distance of many Pocono Pads homes.
Warm Up at a Local Brewery or Winery
The Poconos is home to a growing number of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Several are within easy driving distance of most Pocono Pads vacation homes. A tasting paired with lunch at a nearby cafe makes for a low-key afternoon that feels intentional without being over-planned.
Book a Couples Spa Treatment
Several spas in the Pocono Mountains area offer couples massages and treatments. It’s a good way to break up the weekend between outdoor activities. Call ahead to book, because spa appointments during Valentine’s week go fast.
Stay Somewhere That Actually Feels Special
This is the part most people overlook. The Poconos has hundreds of short-term rental properties, but not all of them feel like a Valentine’s getaway. Look for vacation homes with hot tubs, fireplaces, and private outdoor spaces. A cabin with a fire pit and a view of the trees at night will do more for the mood than any hotel lobby.
Pocono Pads manages over 40 vacation homes in the Pocono Mountains, many of them within 10 to 15 minutes of Camelback Mountain. Several properties include hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, game rooms, and fire pits, the kind of features that turn a weekend trip into something worth remembering.
Plan Ahead: Valentine’s Weekend Fills Up
The Poconos is a popular Valentine’s destination for couples from the tri-state area. If you’re planning a trip, book your vacation home early. The best properties, especially ones with hot tubs and fireplaces, get reserved weeks in advance.
Browse Pocono Pads properties at poconopads.com to find a home that fits your Valentine’s plans. Direct booking means lower prices and direct communication with the team managing your stay.
