This Valentine’s weekend wasn’t about candlelit dinners or rose petals — it was about adventure, laughter, and exploring some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes the Southwest has to offer. My husband and I flew out to Las Vegas with another couple who have a place there, ready for a long weekend that blended desert magic with Vegas energy.
We arrived Wednesday evening and stayed through Sunday, giving us four full days to chase sunrises, wander national parks, and eat our way across the city. From the salt flats of Death Valley to steak dinners at Caesars Palace, it was the perfect mix of friendship, fun, and unforgettable scenery.
Day 1: Death Valley National Park — Desert Dreams
Thursday morning, we rented a car and hit the road early, heading west toward Death Valley National Park. February turned out to be the perfect time to visit — mild temperatures, clear skies, and barely any crowds.
Our first stop was Zabriskie Point, a short and easy hike that rewards you with views straight out of a movie. The sun washed over the golden badlands, and we could see the layered ridges stretching endlessly across the valley. It wasn’t a tough hike at all, but I’d still recommend bringing water — even in February, the desert air can sneak up on you.
Next up: Devil’s Golf Course. The name sounds ominous, but it’s really just otherworldly. The landscape is made up of sharp, crystallized salt formations — like an endless field of coral made of sand. Walking across it felt crunchy and prickly, and the wind howled through the open space. It’s wild to think this terrain was once part of an ancient salt lake, shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years.
After exploring, we drove to Furnace Creek Golf Course for lunch at the 1849 Restaurant. Sitting outside with a craft beer and sandwich, surrounded by palm trees and mountain views, it honestly felt like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Definitely worth the stop if you’re exploring Death Valley.
Ash Meadows & Devil’s Hole: The Tsunami in the Desert
On our drive back to Vegas, our friends suggested a detour to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge — and I’m so glad we went. It’s an underrated gem and incredible geological history.
One of the most fascinating spots was Devil’s Hole, a small opening in the rock that’s actually connected to a massive underwater cave system — over 500 feet deep, with no known end. It’s also home to the rarest fish in North America, the Devil’s Hole pupfish. The water level can fluctuate up to six feet during distant earthquakes, creating waves that slosh like a bathtub — hence the nickname “Tsunami in the Desert.”
We only spent about an hour exploring, but it was one of those places that makes you pause and realize how alive and mysterious the desert really is.
Day 1 Evening: Dinner in Las Vegas Chinatown
Back in Las Vegas that evening, we headed to 168-K BBQ in Chinatown. If you’ve never had authentic Korean BBQ in Vegas, you’re missing out. The sizzling platters, the aroma of grilled meat, and the energy in the room — it was the perfect way to wrap up a long day of exploring. The service was excellent, and everything we ordered was delicious. Definitely a highlight meal.
Day 2: The Mighty Hoover Dam
Friday was our “engineer awe” day — we drove out to the Hoover Dam for a self-guided tour. You don’t really understand how massive it is until you’re standing on it, reading the plaques and realizing the sheer scale of what was built here in the 1930s. It’s both beautiful and intimidating, and learning about its construction gave me a new appreciation for human determination. I even shed a tear for the story of the Hoover Dam dog, who was adored by workers. He wandered around the job site and even carried his own lunch in a paper sack each day. He’s buried in a tomb that the workers jackhammered for him next to the ranger station.
The contrast between Death Valley’s raw natural formations and the Hoover Dam’s monumental engineering made the weekend feel like a journey through time — nature’s power one day, human innovation the next.
Day 3: Caesars Palace & Steakhouse Dreams
Saturday was all about soaking up the Vegas energy. We wandered through Caesars Palace, and I have to say — it’s hard to believe you’re indoors. The painted sky ceiling, fountains, and marble floors transport you straight to another world. I lost track of all the designer stores inside, from fashion houses to home furnishing boutiques.
Dinner that night was at the new Peter Lugers Steak House, a place that already held a special spot in our hearts. We’ve been to the one on Long Island, NY, many times and this Vegas version didn’t disappoint. The steak was perfect — served family-style, with their classic creamed spinach and warm bread.
After dinner, we caught a show and strolled through the neon glow of the Strip, savoring that unique mix of adrenaline and friendship that makes Vegas so special.
Quick Itinerary
Wednesday: Fly into Las Vegas
Thursday: Drive to Death Valley – Zabriskie Point, Devil’s Golf Course, lunch at 1849 Restaurant, stop at Ash Meadows & Devil’s Hole, dinner in Chinatown
Friday: Hoover Dam day trip, explore the Strip in the afternoon
Saturday: Explore Las Vegas & Caesars Palace, dinner at Peter Luger’s, evening show
Sunday: Fly home
Final Thoughts
What made this Valentine’s weekend so special wasn’t just the sights — it was sharing them with close friends. (Valentine’s Day is my husband’s birthday so it was even more special from that standpoint.) From the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley to the lights of Las Vegas, every stop offered something completely different.
The unexpected beauty of the badlands, the scale of the Hoover Dam, and the over-the-top luxury of Vegas made for an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and glitz — all in one long weekend.
If you’re looking for an adventurous Valentine’s getaway that goes beyond the usual romantic clichés, this trip is the perfect combo of awe, laughter, and connection.