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Southern CA Romantic Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

southern california valentines ideas

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to spend the lover’s holiday than exploring Southern California? Whether you’re looking for a casual adventure for you and your beau or are hoping to set the stage for the romance of a lifetime, there are plenty of activities to choose from in the Sunny State. No matter what direction you’re hoping to take your Valentine’s Day, we’ve got plenty of date-worthy suggestions to help you plan a day out that your better half will never forget.

Ride a Swan Boat in Echo Lake Park

If you want classic romance, you can’t pass up on riding a swan boat around Echo Lake Park. This fun activity is even better in the evening when the swan boats transform into magical lit-up carriages to help you see the park as you’ve never seen it before. What’s more romantic than riding a boat straight out of a fairytale alongside your significant other? 

While this adventure may be better known as a summer activity, thanks to the temperate weather in Southern California, you can bring the warmth of summer to your Valentine’s Day plans with one of these incredible swan boat rides. But, even with California’s sunny skies, reserve your boat in advance, and keep an eye out on the weather forecast to ensure Mother Nature doesn’t decide to rain on your parade. 

Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa 

If you’re looking for a classy Valentine’s Day option, Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa is a must-visit location. Relax in the natural hot springs, and spend the day pampering your partner at their classy hotel. This location includes massages, hot spring soaks, and gorgeous views of nature from the comfort of a high-class hotel. This resort is truly the retreat option for people looking to pamper their plus-ones. Make a reservation early; this location is popular for a reason and tends to book up quickly during the holidays. However, if you’re not looking for an overnight stay, the spa is still an excellent option for a day trip and is a great way to melt off stress with your significant other. 

Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific

The ocean is a romantic backdrop, so why not explore beneath the waves with your beau? The Aquarium of the Pacific is perfect for a couple with a sense of adventure and childlike wonder. Explore everything the ocean offers with informative exhibits, from sharks and squids to adorable sea otter pups. There’s so much to see at the aquarium; you may return for several more dates. The aquarium is a great way to spend time with your partner this Valentine’s Day if you want to enjoy the ocean without fighting the colder February temperatures. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as this popular location tends to fill up quickly.  

Take a Trip to the Santa Monica Pier

Suppose you want a classic date this Valentine’s Day; you should head to the Santa Monica Pier. Here, you can explore all the fun amusement park activities that make any date night the stuff of dreams. From riding a solar-powered Ferris wheel to winning your partner that giant stuffed teddy bear, a day on the pier is a great way to celebrate this romantic holiday. The Santa Monica Pier is hosting its “Month of Love” campaign all of February, meaning it’s the perfect time to show off your affection for your other half all over their social media page. So what better way to brag about your partner and earn some creativity points than taking cute couples pictures all over the pier? 

Stroll through the Venice Canals

While a visit to Italy may be out of the budget for many this Valentine’s Day, why not bring your date to Venice in Southern California instead? The Venice Canals are a beautiful experience that’s free to explore and allows you plenty of time to walk and talk on your date. This stunning area showcases incredible water features and properties that are jealousy-inducing. This cafe is a fantastic date option if you’re looking for an excuse to spend time with your significant other while strolling beautiful neighborhoods. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants nearby, so you can work up an appetite walking and then sweep your date off their feet to any of the incredible eateries in the area. 

Have a Purrfect Date at Crumbs & Whiskers

Sure, you may want your date to be “awwing” over you this Valentine’s Day, but can you compete with kittens? We didn’t think so. Check out Crumbs & Whiskers in Los Angeles for a cat cafe experience with your partner seeing hearts (and tiny paws). This adorable eatery combines the best parts of a cozy cafe with lovable and adoptable cats. Not only is this eatery a great place to relax and unwind, but most of the cats here are up for adoption, making this the perfect place to take a long-term partner with a love of animals. Be warned, you may bring home another plus one in the form of a cat if you spend too long at this cafe, but that’s not exactly a downside for the animal lover. 

Go on a Temecula Valley Wine Tour

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like wine, and nothing makes date night unique like a private wine tour. Our Temecula Valley Wine Tour is perfect for the discerning couple looking to sample everything Southern California offers. With custom pickup locations and private tours available, this is a no-brainer date idea that’s sure to win you bonus points. Ride along next to your S.O. in a guided tour bus for two as you learn all about Temecula Valley, then sip your way through wine tastings from some of the classiest vineyards in the area. With Best Coast Tours as your driver, you can focus on your partner and sampling exquisite wines as we make our way through the valley. 

 

No matter your plans this Valentine’s Day, Best Coast Tours offers some of the classiest, stress-free tours of Southern California around. If you’re looking for more to do in the area, check out our tour offerings to schedule your next adventure today.