Restaurant reservations for Valentine’s Day 2025 filled up reeeeally quickly at San Diego’s romantic hot spots. (February 14 falls on a Friday this year!) But not to worry; we’ve rounded up a few fabulous places that still have openings (last we checked) and other Cupid-approved ideas to celebrate the holiday—whether single or with your sweetheart.
Valentine’s Week Dining at STK Steakhouse
Feb. 10-16. Celebrate anytime during the full week surrounding Valentine’s Day at STK. In addition to its regular dinner menu, the posh steakhouse is offering fabulous specials, such as a 6-ounce wagyu filet for $89; Imperia Caviar Kaluga Reserve, comprising 30 grams of caviar, for $149; chocolate-lava-marshmallow cake for $24; and the eye-popping Cupid’s Cloud dessert: warm butter cake, vanilla ice cream, berry compote and berry coulis—all wrapped in cotton candy and dramatically ignited tableside. Add two shots of Don Julio 1942 to the latter for $99. See website for full menu and to make reservations. 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.354.5988
Heart-Shaped Bagels at Spill the Beans
Available Feb. 13-14. For a casual (and affordable!) romantic gesture this Valentine’s Day, express your love in bagel form. Local coffee and bagel shop Spill the Beans is bringing back its beloved heart-shaped, everything-flavor bagels (first created in 2018). The tasty holiday bagels are available at all four Spill the Beans locations while supplies last. Get ‘em before they’re gone! Gaslamp Quarter (555 Market St.); Mission Valley (525 Camino de la Reina); Seaport Village (813 W. Harbor Drive #C); Pacific Beach (980 Garnet Ave.)
Saint Valentino Cruises with the Gondola Company
Feb. 13-15. Ready to forget your cares and just float away for Valentine’s Day with your special someone? The Gondola Company is offering an exclusive Saint Valentino Cruise during the holiday weekend. Enjoy a private 50-minute tour aboard a Venetian gondola through the canals of the Coronado Cays, led by a professional gondolier. The experience includes a heart-shaped box of chocolates from See’s Candies and a single red rose. Upgrades include select wines, non-alcoholic beverages, a bouquet of roses, chocolate truffles, a gondolier serenade, and a live mandolin player. See website for pricing and reservations. 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado, 619.429.6317
“Sink the Pink” at The Plot
Feb. 13-16. Take your pick of multiple days of festive dining across Valentine’s Day weekend at The Plot. The plant-based restaurant is offering an elegant, five-course “Sink the Pink” menu crafted by chef Davin Waite. Offerings include stuffed endive; prickly pear agua chili with mushrooms; savory strawberry soup; beet prosciutto with trimmings; pink masa dumplings with veggie scallops and lemon butter; and custard-stuffed strawberries. 4 p.m. through dinner service. $65 per person; $35 optional wine and cocktail pairings. 1733 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Oceanside, 442.266.8200
Valentine’s Weekend Festivities at Cafe Sevilla
Feb. 13-16. Take your pick of Valentine’s Day celebrations at Cafe Sevilla all holiday weekend long. Some highlights include a special four-course Valentine’s Day menu on Feb. 14, with Lobster Paella Valenciana as the main course and live Latin music; a Feb. 14 Flamenco Dinner Show experience that includes a welcome charcuterie platter, three-course meal and nightclub entry; and a “Galentine’s Day” brunch on Feb. 16, including a free peach bellini with the purchase of any brunch entree. See website or call for pricing, hours and reservations. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979
Flagship Cruises Sweetheart’s Dinner Cruise
Feb. 14-15. Take to the sea with a romantic three-hour dinner cruise along San Diego Bay. Flagship Cruises & Events is offering an intimate Valentine’s Day cruise aboard its modern yacht, including a three-course meal, music and dancing. The menu includes entree choices such as grilled filet mignon and pan-seared sea bass; plus white-chocolate-raspberry flourless cheesecake for dessert. 7:30 p.m. (ages 18+). See website for ticket pricing. 990 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.4111
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Rancho Valencia
Feb. 14. The five-star Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe invites guests to dine at its elegant restaurant, The Pony Room. Among its myriad decadent choices, the three-course Valentine’s Day Dinner experience offers Maine lobster tail, black truffle risotto, Chateaubriand for two, whole roasted branzino, chocolate mousse cake, and red velvet soufflé. For an indulgent add-on, start the evening with caviar and oysters. $185 per person; $75 per optional wine pairing. Call for reservations. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246
San Diego Ballet: Carnival of the Animals and Tangata
Feb. 15. Treat your sweetheart to a romantic afternoon or evening at the ballet. San Diego Ballet invites you to The Conrad in La Jolla for its presentation of Carnival of the Animals, set to a world-premiere Latin jazz score by trumpeter and composer Gilbert Castellanos, performing with the Gilbert Castellanos Quartet; and Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla’s Tangata. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla
Valentine’s Fun at San Diego Botanic Garden
Feb. 13-15. A visit to this 37-acre oasis in Encinitas—home to lush gardens, a rainforest and more—makes for a perfect romantic afternoon. Stroll among the garden’s charming paths, which lead you by more than 5,000 plants from around the world; enjoy a picnic in the Bamboo Garden; take a fun class or workshop together, such as the Succulent Heart Arrangement Workshop on Feb. 13, and the Heart Chakra Journey Sound Healing experience on Feb. 15; and more. See website for hours and admission info. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036
Valentine’s Weekend Whale Watching
Ongoing. Make your Valentine’s weekend an adventurous one with a whale-watching excursion. Spotting whales in San Diego waters year-round is common, but wintertime here is your best bet for spotting Gray Whales. Weighing up to 45 tons each, Gray Whales pass by California every year during the winter months as they migrate from Alaska to the warm lagoon waters of Mexico. San Diego Whale Watch is one of our favorite local companies, offering three-hour whale-watching tours, complete with a marine naturalist on board; as well as private charters. In addition to whale spotting, you’re likely to see a variety of marine life on your tour, including harbor seals, sea lions and pods of dolphins. See website for reservations and pricing. 1617 Quivira Road, Mission Bay, 619.542.9931
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses featured.
