From romantic dinners and wine tastings to outdoor adventures, cruises and more, check out our guide to the best San Diego Valentine’s Day dining and events.
Edited by Madelyn Harris
DINING
Marina Kitchen
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, award-winning chef Aron Schwartz has curated a special menu for Marina Kitchen. Dine on a three-course dinner, which includes a Champagne toast. In honor of the romantic evening, jazz duo Lorraine and Gilbert Castellanos will be performing. $55. 5:30-10 p.m. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W. Harbor Dr., downtown, 619.234.1500. marriottmarquissandiego.com
Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Savor some luscious, locally made artisan chocolates paired with delicious red wines at this tasting session provided by local Chuao Chocolatier and Dallmann Fine Chocolates. Feb. 11. 4-6 p.m. $25. L’Auberge Del mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. laubergedelmar.com
Abnormal Beer Co.
Head brewer Derek Gallanosa is collaborating with The Answer Brewery in Richmond, Virginia to create a chocolate covered strawberry imperial stout called Hugs and Kisses. You can get it in limited growler fills and distribution the weekend before Valentine’s Day, as well as for dinner at The Cork & Craft on February 14th. 16990 Via Tazon, 858.618.2463. abnormalbeer.com
Decoy Dockside Dining
Cozy up with your loved one on Lake San Marcos this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a romantic boat ride and dinner at Decoy Dockside Dining. The Love Boat special includes a three-course gourmet meal, a bottle of either red, white or sparkling wine, and a boat ride. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, 760.744.0120. lakehousehotelandresort.com
BiCE
For Valentine’s Day, select two dishes plus a dessert from their three-course menu. Items include chef Cassineri’s zucchini soup with vegetable brunoise and truffle mascarpone mousse, pan-seared wild salmon and whole wheat fettuccine with wild mushrooms. Try a Sweet Kiss Cocktail to top it all off. 425 Island Ave., 619.239.2423. bicesandiego.com
The Duck Dive
Located in the heart of Pacific Beach, The Duck Dive is offering a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu. Diners will enjoy the chef’s whim special, which is a filet Mignon and shrimp dish paired with rice and vegetables. The main course is followed a molten lava cake dessert served with a scoop of ice cream. Wash this special meal down with one of the Valentine’s Day drinks: My Cherry Amour Old Fashioned, Rose Martini or the famous Trophy Wife. $35. 4650 Mission Blvd., 858.273.3825. theduckdive.com
Valentine’s Dinner at Royal Stone
Royal Stone invites guests to savor their choice of a la carte dishes including flat iron steak with king trumpet mushrooms, pecan crusted chicken in bourbon-brown sugar sauce, herb-crusted salmon and beef Bourguignon. Executive chef Aaron O’Mara will also create a selection of surprise desserts, while Royal Stone will serve dinner in playful, heart-shaped platings accented with fresh flowers and $1 off all red wines. 5-10 p.m. 3401 First Ave., Banker’s Hill, 619.738.8550. royalstonebistro.com
Herb & Wood
Chef Brian Malarkey invites diners looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Herb & Wood with a four-course pre-fix menu. Guests can cozy up to Herb & Wood’s two-sided fire place with their loved ones and enjoy dishes including a pan roasted sea bass and wild mushroom & truffle risotto. $84.69. 2210 Kettner Blvd., 619.955.8495. herbandwood.com
Mootime Creamery
Coronado’s legendary ice cream parlor is serving pink treats and festive sweets. From vibrant red ice cream cupcakes, to pink waffle cups and Valentine’s Day Strawberry Sundaes, MooTime Creamery is the quintessential date stop for couples looking for a sugary treat to complete their night. Feb. 11-14. 1025 Orange Ave, Coronado, 619.435.6611. mootime.com
Bo-Beau Kitchen + Garden
Nestled in the heart of Antique Village, old souls and young hearts join for dinner at Bo-beau Kitchen + Garden’s romantic patio. With a well-rounded selection of entrees, diners can choose between a hearty New York baseball steak, seared scallops, a festive red wine bucatini, or the “C’est la Vegan” tofu and vegetable dish. $49.95. 8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, 619.337.3445. dinecrg.com
Curious Fork
The San Diego gluten-free café will be celebrating Valentine’s Day all month with various classes including a Valentine’s Day Feast where guests will prepare a delectable meal for Valentine’s Day making dishes that include a filet mignon with crab cake topping and tawny port sauce to desserts including a fudgy chocolate torte with caramel fudge sauce and whipped cream. Feb. 10. $59. 512 Via De La Valle #102, Solana Beach, 858.876.6386. thecuriousfork.com
Four-Course Valentine’s Tasting Menu at KITCHEN 1540
At KITCHEN 1540, enjoy a modern dining room with ocean breezes, alfresco dining, fire pits, hanging lanterns, private cabanas and chef Nathan Lingle’s outstanding dishes that can be paired with wines from the restaurant’s Wine Spectator award-winning list. 6-9:30 p.m. $89. L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, 858.793.6460. laubergedelmar.com
ACTIVITIES
Sunset Whale Watching Wine Cruises
Oceanside Adventures’ 50-foot catamaran offers a year-round whale watching experience from Oceanside Harbor. For a unique Valentine’s experience, guests can book a featured wine cruise, which includes appetizers and three wine tastes from Oceanside’s Beach House. Visitors can also opt for a sunset champagne cruise on Valentine’s Day, which includes champagne, chocolate and romantic views of the Oceanside sunset. Feb. 11. $39. 5-6:30 p.m. Oceanside Adventures, 315 Harbor Dr., Oceanside, 888.507.1130. oceansidewhalewatching.com
Sips & Sweets with Your Little Sweetheart
Bring your little ones and join the Hotel Karlan for an afternoon of sweet treats, light bites, drinks and activities. From chocolate covered strawberries and peanut butter jelly finger sandwiches, to DIY decorating stations, your little sweetheart will surely appreciate the quality time together. Feb. 11. 2-4 p.m. Hotel Karlan, 14455 Pensaquitos Dr., 858.672.9100. hilton.com
Kayaking with Everyday California
Everyday California offers kayak tours and kayak/board rentals throughout the year, and February is a great time to see the tail-end (no pun intended) of whale watching season. Couples can get their own kayak or split a double kayak for a great adventure, mixing quality time with a workout and local marine life. 2246 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.454.6195. everydaycalifornia.com
A Crafty Pair at Hotel Solamar
Kimpton’s first San Diego hotel invites foodie-focused couples for “A Crafty Pair.” The package is a great way for couples to to try out their bartending skills, as they make customized drinks for the other person in a mixology class followed by a five-course dinner for two at Jsix Restaurant, and an etched souvenir glass with a recipe card of their signature cocktail. Kimpton Solamar, 435 6th Ave., downtown, 619.819.9500. kimptonhotels.com
Hornblower Dinner & Brunch Cruises
Find romance between the sea and sky with San Diego Valentine’s dinner and brunch cruises from Hornblower. You’ll enjoy Bay views with famous San Diego landmarks, special Valentine’s Day menus and music for dancing. Various dates in February. Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Outdoor Movie Night: Bonnie & Clyde
Join Headquarters at Seaport for a Valentine’s screening of Bonnie & Clyde in their outdoor courtyard. The former Police Headquarters makes the perfect venue to watch this 1967 love and crime classic featuring Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway. With free admission, all you need to bring is blankets and chairs, a few friends or that special someone. 6 p.m. 789 W. Harbor Dr., downtown, 619.235.4013. theheadquarters.com
Suzie’s Sweetheart Dance
Join Suzie’s Farm in celebrating love and friendship with swing dancing in Suzie’s two-acre grove under a canopy of eucalyptus trees and twinkling lights. Suzie’s is offering their own wood-fired pizzas and drinks for purchased, or guests can bring their own picnic and beverages as well. Bonfires and marshmallow roasting will close out the night. Feb. 11. 5-9 p.m. $30. Suzie’s Farm, 2570 Sunset Ave., 619.662.1780. suziesfarm.com
Valentine’s Jazz Evening at the Abbey
Hornblower offers a rare, refined on-land option for Valentine’s weekend. Originally constructed as an Episcopal church, this elegant 1910 landmark is San Diego’s only remaining Classic Revival structure. Enjoy a romantic evening of sweet & savory bites with nostalgic, live entertainment from swanky, local talent David Patrone. Feb. 11, 14. 8:30-11 p.m. $49+. The Abbey, 2825 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Maritime Museum Sweetheart Sail
Guests will board a historic tall ship, for a three-hour scenic tour of the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Tickets include champagne, chocolates and a souvenir gift. Feb. 11, 12. 12-3 p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Dr., downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org.
Nature’s Spa by Jurlique
The premier downtown spa is offering a 60-minute couple’s massage, which also includes complimentary champagne. Located at Kimpton Palomar San Diego, Nature’s Spa by Jurlique offers seven private treatment rooms, each with a steam shower and changing area, couple’s suite and treatment room and many of Jurlique’s organic and age-defying products. $99. 1047 5th Ave., downtown, 619.515.3070. hotelpalomar-sandiego.com
Sunset Helicopter Tours
Waverider Helicopter Tours offers another way to take to the skies with a loved one this February. Tours include stunning aerial views of San Diego beaches, migrating sea life and back-country scenery. The versatile and luxurious Robinson R44 helicopter seats three passengers and includes leather seats and other luxe amenities. Passengers can choose from a variety of tours ranging from a quick eight-minute surf check to a 45-minute sunset tour. For Valentine’s Week, Waverider is offering a 20% discount off a helicopter tour for two, or a buy two seats and get the third free. 480 Airport Rd., Oceanside, 760.691.9144. waveriderhelicoptertours.com
Chocolate Making Classes: “Make Sweets with your Sweetheart”
Led by Chocolatier Michelle Lomelin, participants will fill chocolate molds with champagne caramel and serrano chili ganache among other flavors, and will use ingredients like raspberries, strawberries and candied bacon to personalize their own chocolate bark. Students leave with approximately 1.5 lbs of chocolate. Feb. 11. 12:30-3 p.m. $40. Sweet Petite Confections, 3582 Mount Acadia Blvd., 858.688.0210. sweetpetiteconfections.com
San Diego Museum of Art Valentine’s Day Tour
This museum and picnic package takes couples on a tour of the Museum’s collection with docent-led tours showcasing themed works ranging from Greek mythology to tales of India. Afterwards, Panama 66, the restaurant located at the Museum’s sculpture garden, is offering a picnic basket meal for two. Lovebirds may dine within the restaurant, or take an available blanket to the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden lawn for a greener view. 5:30 p.m. $110 per couple. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org/calendar/valentines-day
HOTEL GETAWAYS
Valentine’s Day Getaway at Tower 23
Enjoy the ultimate lovers’ getaway with surprises such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, a bouquet of roses, lovers’ massage oil and a Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose breakfast in bed. For those hoping to turn their Valentine’s Day up a notch, try the Sex on the Beach hotel package which includes dinner and cocktails for two, breakfast in bed each morning, an in-room couple’s massage and valet parking. $509 per night. Tower 23 Hotel, 723 Felspar St., 858.270.2323. t23hotel.com
“City of Love” at the Westgate Hotel
Experience a true Parisian escape with Westgate’s hotel getaway package called La Vie en Rose, featuring a three-course dinner and wine pairing for two in the Westgate Room, an overnight stay in a premier room, late checkout and valet parking. The Mon Amour special includes a three-course dinner and wine pairing for two in the Westgate Room, a bottle of Pol Clement champagne in a premier room, and Sunday brunch. $469 & $699. The Westgate Hotel, 1055 2nd Ave., downtown. 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
