Things to do on Valentine’s Day in Southern California

Southern California provides endless enjoyable and reasonably priced activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We have compiled a list of fun and romantic suggestions to help you mark this special occasion. While traditional gifts such as candy and flowers are popular, we recommend treating your loved one to a day or evening out on Valentine’s Day.

Southern California Valentine’s Day Ideas

Cambria Valentine’s Weekend Getaway

Cambria is a beautiful little central coast town a few miles south of Hearst Castle. Close beaches include Moonstone Beach, San Simeon State Park Beach, and William Hearst State Park. Cambria is known for its gardens. They seem to be everywhere in town. You can find them between shops, along with the streets, and at most homes.  Cambria’s hotels will be sold out for Valentine’s Weekend, so book early.

Romantic Getaway Glen Ivy Hot Springs

The Glen Ivy Hot Springs is great for Valentine’s Day. The food is fantastic, but the spa treatments are the real star of the Glen Ivy show. Popular full-body treatments include the signature Glen Ivy Detox Body Treatment. Start with a scrub that will buff and exfoliate your skin, smoothing it in preparation for a generous application of Shea butter to moisturize. Finally, a warm body wrap will help your body eliminate toxins and maximize hydration. Reservations are a must for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Trip Temecula Valley

A Valentine’s Day trip to the Temecula Valley for wine tasting is a perfect way to spend a romantic day in Southern California. Several local vendors offer guided wine country tours; this might be your best option for first-time visitors. Most of the wineries have tasting rooms. Some are simple, while others are elaborate, with restaurants, gift shops, and boutique hotels. With so many wineries in the valley, you will want to repeat this trip.

Valentine’s Date at a Beachfront Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner while listening to the soothing sound of the waves—our list of great options, from Malibu Beach to Del Mar by the sea. Our list includes oceanfront restaurants just a few steps away from the sand. These restaurants are perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual brunch. Nothing beats the experience of dining at one of Southern California’s famous beaches.

Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful place to visit, especially on Valentine’s Day. It is located in Southern Orange County, and you can enjoy a tour of the Mission and its gardens. After the tour, you can have lunch or dinner at one of the town’s charming restaurants. Some dining options include Trevor’s at The Tracks, Rancho Capistrano Winery, El Adobe de Capistrano, and The Tea House On Los Rios, which offers a unique Valentine’s Tea Experience from February 1 through February 28.

Catalina Island Valentine’s Day Trip

Catalina Island is a perfect Valentine’s Day destination for those who don’t have the time to travel to some remote, faraway location. Catalina Island is just 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, southwest of Los Angeles. The Catalina Express Shuttle departs from several Southern California ports, including Dana Point, Long Beach, and San Pedro.

Free Things to Do on Valentine’s Day

We have a list for you on a tight budget, but we want to take your Valentine out for the day. Not all Southern California attractions are expensive; many are free or low-cost, and we have a great list of 25 fun places to go on Valentine’s Day or any other day.

Valentine’s San Diego Harbor Cruises

Hornblower offers one and two-hour bay cruises. This is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day. Plenty of places to eat along the boardwalk or downtown San Diego for Valentine’s Day brunch or dinner. The one-hour cruise goes underneath the Coronado Bridge and north to Point Loma. The two-hour trip that includes the entire San Diego Bay loop is the best choice.

Palm Springs Valentines Getaway

Spend a day or the entire weekend, and you will never run out of Valentine’s Day Ideas in Palm Springs. Palm Springs attractions include the sunshine, outstanding resorts, shopping, outdoor adventures, museums, and spectacular scenery. This beautiful oasis in the Mojave Desert has it all.  Nearby Desert Hot Springs is a great place to relax in hot Mineral Water and is a perfect getaway for a day or weekend.

Lunch or Dinner Beachcomber Restaurant Crystal Cove

Beachcomber Restaurant is only steps from the sandy beach at Crystal Cove. There is no better place to share a romantic dinner with your Valentine. We strongly recommend reservations if you are planning on dining here. The Beachcomber offers a selection of seafood along with steak and chicken dishes. For lighter appetites, there are soups and salads. You might try the Shake Shack up on Pacific Coast Highway for a quick bite.

Anaheim Packing House Casual Dining

If you are unsure where to eat in Orange County on Valentine’s Day, the Anaheim Packing House covers you. Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, and there are numerous casual eateries—everything from Fish and Chips to Vietnamese to BBQ. Pick and select food items and then sit in commuting seating.

Grand Central Market Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Central Market is a good choice if you are working on Valentine’s Day. This beautifully restored warehouse houses 36 vendors, including Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and American cuisine. No need to worry about reservations. All food vendors are fast-casual. If you are in or near downtown Los Angeles, check out Grand Central Market.

Zuma Beach Malibu Coast

Take a bicycle ride along the coast or soak up some Southern California sun on the sandy beach. Enjoy a long lunch with wine tasting at Malibu Wines or dine on the beach at Sunset Zuma Beach restaurant. Neptune’s Net Seafood has been serving fresh seafood just down the coast. Whatever you decide to do, Zuma Beach is a great spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is offering heart-shaped doughnuts by the dozen. You can pick up three of each: Sugar Cookie Heart, Strawberries & Kreme Heart, Sprinkled Heart, and Chocolate Caramel Heart. Pick up or delivery only.

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Romantic things to do in Southern California year-round

Orange County Day Trip Ideas

Los Angeles Area Day Trips

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