From Staycations to Wine Hikes, Forget the Flowers This Valentine’s Day
Searching for the right romantic experience you and your date will cherish without feeling cheesy about it? Luckily, Los Angeles has no shortage of unique options and one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day date activities. Whether it’s a swan boat ride under the LA skyline, a luxurious staycation on the beach or discovering each other’s true essences with an aura portrait session, you can’t deny the feelings of love circulating in the Los Angeles air. Share the gift of amoré with these eight experiential date ideas for you and your valentine!
Sips Up With Malibu Wine Hikes
Take in the romance of nature with Malibu Wine Hikes up in the hills of Saddlerock Ranch. Ideal for the outdoorsy and adventurous, relish Malibu’s scenic, breathtaking views through the grapevine. At only $149 for two people, partake in a special Valentine’s day 2.5-mile hike! Learn about the history of the Native American Chumash tribe and view their cave paintings, take advantage of the numerous photo-ops throughout and imbibe responsibly with rosé, chocolates and cheese along the way—you’ll also get to bring home a bottle of rosé to celebrate! This special is offered the entire week of Valentine’s Day.
Malibu Wine Hikes is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays.
Location: Malibu
Sushi-Making and a Staycay by the Beach at Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina
There’s something magical to be said about enjoying a romantic night at the beach. Such is the case with the stunning Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina, located just off PCH and minutes from Palos Verdes Hills. Experience their “taste of Japan” Valentine’s Day special, and retreat to a luxurious room with a view, rose petal turndown service, flowers and a bottle of champagne. Enjoy a private, memorable sushi-making session with Sonesta’s Executive Sous Chef, Hayato, where you’ll have the opportunity to prepare two different types of sushi rolls paired with sake and a traditional Japanese dessert as a nightcap. Additional Valentine’s Day packages are available, as well.
Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina is open seven days a week.
Location: Redondo Beach
Prioritize Self-Care Together at Den Mother
Looking to bring a little restorative wellness to your romance? Spend the day at the serene Den Mother, located seaside on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice. Balance and rejuvenate yourselves back to life with a blend of healing techniques from the ancient cultures of Japanese Acupuncture, Chinese Reflexology, Ayurvedic bodywork and Nordic bathing. Honor culture with an Asian tea ceremony in a peaceful, calming environment designed to restore your soul. Relax with your valentine with side-by-side foot baths and plunge-sauna cycles. Indulge in a tandem treatment and book a massage—add a hot and cold cycle for a $25 discount (for up to two guests), available for a limited time!
Den Mother is open daily and closes at 9 p.m. Opening hours vary.
Location: Venice
Capture Your Aura with Auragami Studio
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For lovers wanting to connect with their inner beings, visit the captivating Auragami Studio and capture your essences with an aura portrait session. Situated in historic Chinatown in downtown LA, this is no ordinary portrait studio—it offers a deeper look and awareness into understanding one’s energy. Interpret your aura color, communicate with your spirits and discover the vibe you each emit into the world while gaining insight into yourselves and each other in the process. Portrait sessions are $55 per person, and clairvoyant readings and healing sessions are also available for $225.
Auragami Studio is available by appointment only (book online).
Location: Chinatown
Bring out Your Inner Child With Two Bit Circus
Located in the LA Arts District, old-school gaming meets the future with the ultra-exciting Two Bit Circus. Fusing interactive technology with classic circus, arcade and carnival games, this micro-themed amusement park is the first-of-its-kind and a perfect Valentine’s date experience for the young at heart. Play “tech-ed up” classic Midway carnival games and immerse yourselves into a state-of-the-art virtual reality universe. Duo packages can be pre-purchased at $50 per person or check out their Valentine’s Day package, available for the entire month of February!
Two Bit Circus is open from Thursday to Sunday, from afternoon to evening (open until 1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday). Hours vary.
Location: Arts District
Grab a Cocktail at the Legendary 71 Studio & Bar
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For the duo who appreciates a night out on the town, head over to the hip 71 Studio & Bar, located inside the iconic Grandmaster Recorders in the revived Vinyl District. What was once a silent movie theater at its inception in 1920 evolved into a recording studio and was once used by musicians such as David Bowie and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This sultry and cool Hollywood jaunt oozes nostalgic ambiance. Groove and celebrate love in the historic studio where rock ‘n roll legends once created music’s epic hits—with cleverly themed cocktails and tunes from 1971 to 2016—the same lifespan of the recording studio.
71 Studio & Bar is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m to 2 a.m and Thursdays from 10 p.m to 2 a.m.
Location: Hollywood
Go on a Picturesque Swan Pedal Boat Ride at Echo Park Lake
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Tranquility meets relaxation with an enchanting swan pedal boat ride at Echo Park Lake, just west of Downtown LA. For only $12 per person per hour, you and your boo can paddle and explore Echo Park Lake’s signature lotus beds and fountain set against the beautiful backdrop of Los Angeles. We recommend visiting after sunset with a small Valentine’s-themed picnic—LED lights are even added to the boats for a little after-dark ambiance! It’s a light, fun excursion you won’t forget.
Echo Park Swan Pedal Boat Rentals is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. Reservations are required.
Location: Echo Park
Create Art With Still Life Ceramics at ROW DTLA
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Bond with your V-Day date by taking a ceramics class at Still Life Ceramics, a creative hub east of the Fashion District. Learn to make pottery on the wheel during a one-hour class taught by some of LA’s most talented artists, and surround yourself with the warm energy this community creates—you’ll leave with new friends and skills! It’s a great gift idea to exchange with each other too!
Still Life Ceramics at ROW DTLA is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends.
Location: DTLA
