Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Sunglasses For Romantic Getaways

When your Valentine’s Day plans go a step beyond dinner for two and include a romantic getaway, options are endless for destinations and dates. As varied as the opportunities, so too are the accessories you might bring along (or gift, as part of the experience!), and few pieces can change an entire look as easily as sunglasses. Whether you’ll be sipping reds in Napa or camping under the stars in Acadia, these are the best sunglasses for some of the most memorable romantic getaways this Valentine’s Day.

Best for island hopping

Speed boating in Phuket, yacht decking in St. Tropez or even romantically rowing à la The Notebook (though maybe not from island to island), Pacific Palisades in Dusk on the Water from Knockaround set the scene for some boss boating. With smoked lenses and translucent turquoise frames that taper down into alternating coral stripes, they’re practically a beach bash all their own, and these vintage-style shades are priced to leave cares behind, wherever you are.

Best for the friendly skies

Whether you’re getting up close and personal with Niagara Falls or zipping over the Las Vegas Strip, a private helicopter ride is a memorable date any day of the year. If you’ll be taking off this Valentine’s Day, wherever that may be, turn to The Wright Brothers for top quality aviators from the name that knows flight best. The 1360 Series comes in both gold and chrome, is as rugged as it is chic, and comes individually numbered with certificate of authenticity.

Best for live music

If you’ll be spending the holiday at a music festival, catching a show at Red Rocks or just enjoying a live performance outdoors (hopefully somewhere warm), bring a pair of Headliners from San Diego brand Far Out. The impact resistant lenses can stand up to wildest show with UV protection and polarized lenses to further protect your peepers, and the ultra-sheen design, available in 5 colors, is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Best for cozy cabins

Sunglasses aren’t just for tropical climes! The whiter the ground gets, the more blinding the entire outdoors can become as light bounces everywhere, so don’t forget to pack sunnies if your perfect Valentine’s Day getaway is somewhere snowy, like a ski trip in Colorado, an Antarctic expedition or a mountain escape in Maine. The L Series in Arctic Fame from Blenders Eyewear provide 100% UV protection from polarized purple lenses that make a splash against snowy backdrops, with icy clear frames to keep the vibe chill.

Best for poolside pampering

From urban rooftops to tropical all-inclusives, the pool is the star of many a relaxing escape. Whether you’re headed to Miami or Sint Maarten, lounge by the blue in style with #C in Yellow Honey from Izipizi Paris. The sunshine tint of these simple-yet-bold, soft-touch frames screams afternoon-cocktails-in-the-cabana, but if yellow just isn’t your color, there are still 16 other colors and patterns to choose from (really, get the yellow, though).

Best for scenic drives

Headed to the Amalfi Coast or the Pacific Coast Highway for top-down drives with breathtaking views? Golden State or not, you won’t do better than Golden Girl sunglasses from Freyrs Eyewear to shield your eyes in serious style. These oversize frames serve all the glamor of full retro realness with the security of modern craftsmanship, and are just enough to steal the spotlight from even the most dazzling sunset.

Best for eco adventures

For the outdoorsy lovebirds stuffing their backpacks and heading to the lush jungles of Costa Rica or the national parks of Kenya, Privé Revaux recently revamped a best-selling design with the Bruce 2.0, and the Ivy Camo pattern is perfect for the journey. These navigators come with upgraded materials and blue-light-blocking, polarized lenses for all-day, all-environment comfort wherever your eco-centric heart takes you this Valentine’s Day, with scratch resistance and hearty construction to stand up to most adventures.  

Best for wine tasting

From Burgundy to Napa, if you’ll be sipping reds as you visit vineyards this Valentine’s Day, try matching what’s on your eyes to what’s in your glass. The Topeka from Sunski is a minimalist style for sophisticated subtlety, but the Crimson Amber colorway adds just enough impact to stand out among the vines and perfectly complement your pours in the cellar, the tasting room, or back at your hotel hot tub after a long day of sampling (pairs just as well with champagne!).