If you’re newly dating, a married couple or anything in between, here are the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego.
Wine and dine at AVANT at Rancho Bernardo Inn this Valentine’s Day; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Experience the indulgent charm of Rancho Bernardo Inn with its romantic in-room packages. If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re in for an experience. Its offerings include a luxurious chocolate body massage, expertly crafted chocolate-inspired cocktails and decadent housemade chocolate truffles. It’s the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers and couples looking to savor something sweet. Find a reservation here.
Explore the gardens of Ranch Valencia Resort & Spa with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. With its three-course Valentine’s Day dinner, breakfast in bed and complimentary Champagne at check-in, you are guaranteed a night to remember. Cheers to that! To book your stay, click here.
Lilian’s at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Lilian’s is setting the stage for an intimate Valentine’s celebration with a curated four-course dinner on Feb. 14, inviting couples to indulge in an evening of culinary romance from 5 to 9 p.m. For those looking to extend the festivities, the restaurant transforms into a chic Galentine’s destination on Feb. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 pm, where friends can toast to friendship over a decadent three-course brunch. Reserve your spot for either experience by calling 858.221.7000.
San Diego Botanic Garden is a romantic backdrop for Valentine's Day. On the day of, choose from two times, 5:30 or 7:30 p.m., for the Candlelit Conservatory featuring live music by Marelle and complimentary beer, wine, appetizers and desserts. For those looking for a daytime activity, take a leisurely stroll through the garden, indulge in a sunshine-filled picnic or take a class, like the Succulent Heart Workshop on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon.
She’s a catch! Enjoy Kingfisher’s Vietnamese-French four-course family-style meal this Valentine’s Day. The decadent flavors of the sea include diver scallops with a garlic panisse, ong choy and more, plus an optional wine pairing. To snag a reservation, click here.
The bar at Kingfisher; PHOTO COURTESY OF KINGFISHER
Girls just wanna have fun at Lionfish during its Galentine’s Day celebration. Get the fabulous Pretty Pink Paloma Tower with tequila and pair it with Lionfish's Bestie Bites featuring delicious options like patatas bravas, kale salad and wagyu tataki. Bringing your special someone? The Love Bites menu is filled with tempting nibbles guaranteed to spark the mood and leave you craving more. Find a reservation here.
For an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration in La Jolla, Marisi is presenting a four-course prix fixe menu from executive chef Cameron Ingle, complete with a glass of sparkling rosé. The romantic evening features indulgent dishes like steamed saffron mussels and king crab carbonara, culminating in a New York strip—with optional burgundy black truffle—and baked Alaska for a sweet finale. Book your reservation here.
Enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu this Valentine's Day at Marisi; PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISI
Step back in time on Feb. 14 or 15 as Ponyboy presents its specialty Sea of Love dinner, an intimate three-course retro dining experience featuring swoonworthy delights like uni Rockefeller, Marry Me Duck Confit and a nostalgic pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. Romance seekers can elevate their evening with optional cheese and chocolate fondue courses, perfect for couples craving both classic comfort and culinary adventure. Find a table here.
Downtown San Diego’s modern steakhouse Huntress invites friends and lovers alike to savor an enchanting Valentine’s dinner from Feb. 11 to 16, with chef-curated delights like wagyu cipollini onions, heart-shaped raviolo and bison short rib gracing a limited-time menu. For an extra touch of romance, guests can reserve the Sweetheart's Table adorned with roses and festive decor, perfect for savoring the evening’s sweet finale—a Broken Rose dessert featuring strawberry white chocolate mousse, raspberry thyme compote and delicate lemon lady finger cake. Reservations can be made here.
Escape to the City of Lights without leaving San Diego as you enjoy Little Frenchie’s prix fixe dinner curated by executive chef Matt Sramek. The options include creations such as French onion baked camembert, duck confit croquettes, marine lobster glaçage and amour! Grab your table for two here.
Immerse yourself in the European charm of Europa Village, where the enchanting influences of Spain, France and Italy come to life. Savor its exquisite Valentine’s Day dinner at Bolero Ristorante, and let each bite transport you to the romantic villages of Europe. Or opt for the Galentine’s Day celebration at Vienza’s Tuscany Ballroom on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., featuring delicious eats, espresso martinis, make-your-own bouquets and a candy bar. To book, click here.
Savor Mexican flavors with Valle’s exquisite six-course tasting menu this Valentine’s Day, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Roberto Alcocer. Experience the perfect blend of vibrant Mexican cuisine made with the freshest California ingredients, all while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Book the experience here.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic evening at George's at the Cove on Feb. 14 or 15. Settle in for a specially curated dinner featuring sweet desserts, all while taking in stunning ocean views from the rooftop ocean terrace. Experience the charm of its newly renovated dining space, perfect for an unforgettable night. Snag a reservation here.
Flora North Park, a new all-day bistro, invites you and your date to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a menu designed to delight your taste buds—available to book here. Choose from an a la carte selection or indulge in a three-course meal, ideal for meat lovers. Highlights include crispy wagyu meatballs, flavorful octopus skewers and savory pork skewer tacos.
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Juniper and Ivy invites you to an exquisite four-course Valentine’s Day dining experience. Executive chef Jonathan Kinsella showcases the finest and freshest ingredients, expertly prepared to make unforgettable fare. Savor dishes like seared diver scallops, decadent wagyu beef tartare, and crispy duck rillette while celebrating love in a unique setting. Find a reservation here.
Celebrate love and all that jazz at Pali Wine Co. in Little Italy with Valentine’s Day wine flights and live music! Sip exquisite blush and sparkling wines alongside chocolate-covered strawberries, cheese and charcuterie boards and delicious small plates like bluefin tuna tartare and the fan-favorite Our Burger. Don’t miss live jazz by Matt Hall on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m., and a lively band performance on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. Snag a reservation for you and your date here.
Wine pairings and light bites await at Pali Wine Co. PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
Flagship Cruises & Events: Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise
As San Diego is renowned for its stunning beaches, there’s no better way to fully embrace the city’s beauty than by embarking on a dinner cruise along the picturesque San Diego Bay. With each passing moment, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the bay, the historic landmarks and the bustling harbor. Savor a delectable three-course meal, expertly crafted to enhance the evening, all while enjoying the gentle breeze and the serene atmosphere. This unforgettable dining experience offers the perfect blend of romance, scenery, and fine cuisine. To book your Valentine’s Day sail, click here.
“Am I in the right place?” is a question many might ask when stepping into a liquor store, only to discover that the real adventure lies beyond a hidden passage. This secret speakeasy, tucked away from the outside world, beckons with an air of mystery. As you step inside, you’re transported back to the early 1920s, where the ambiance is brooding and low-lit, and the cocktail menu is the perfect cap to unwind the night. Grab your reservation here.
Looking for the perfect romantic getaway with stunning views above the city? Island Prime offers the ultimate setting, where you can take in sweeping panoramic vistas of the San Diego Bay. Indulge in the restaurant’s three-course Valentine’s Day menu, with charbroiled oysters for the first course, center-cut filet mignon for an entree and flourless chocolate cake to share for dessert. Book your table here.
Celebrate love in style at Provisional Kitchen, nestled within the luxurious Pendry San Diego, from Feb. 14 to 16. Indulge in a gourmet dinner crafted by chef Brandon Sloan, accompanied by the soulful sounds of live music, for an unforgettable romantic experience. Book your table here.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Cellar Hand in Hillcrest with an exclusive four-course prix fixe menu featuring hyper-local, seasonal cuisine. Highlights include a shared local seafood platter, cast iron-baked roselle pasta, seared local scallops and decadent desserts like chocolate s’mores mille-feuille. Enhance your evening with a wine pairing from the all-California wine list. To book, click here.
The Gondola Company’s Saint Valentino Cruise
Sail your way through the canals of Coronado Cays with the Gondola Company’s Saint Valentino Cruise from Feb. 13 through 15 in its Venetian-inspired gondolas. Each cruise features Champagne, See’s Candies chocolates and a signature red rose. Reservations can be made here.
Cruise through the Coronado Cays Italian-style with The Gondola Company; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GONDOLA COMPANY
Treat your loved one to a romantic three-course dinner at The Grill at Torrey Pines, renowned for its spectacular views of its oceanside fairway. Delight in dishes like beef short ribs and sea bass, and savor every moment with your special someone. For reservations, click here.
Immerse yourself in the stunning panoramic views of Mission Bay with Dockside 1953’s exquisite four-course prix fixe dinner. Crafted by the talented new executive chef Alejandro Sicairos, the menu features dishes like crispy goat cheese fritters and local bluefin tuna carpaccio for the ultimate date night dining experience. To book, click here.
Experience the flavors of Oceana Coastal Kitchen while basking in the serenity of ocean waves just steps away. This Valentine’s Day, indulge in its exquisite three-course prix fixe dinner, complete with a complimentary Champagne toast. Curated by executive chef Bryan Stuppy, the menu features the luxurious kingfish crudo, the aptly named the Perfect Pair entree and the showstopping Love Bomb dessert. Celebrate love with a dining experience as unforgettable as the view. Find the perfect table here.
The Spa at the Catamaran Resort
Take a moment for romance with luxurious Valentine’s treatments for two, like a side-by-side Swedish massage enhanced with warm salt stones and a hydrating chocolate mask, followed by Champagne and macarons. Pamper yourself with the Rosé All Day Facial or the Petals & Prosecco Pedicure, each paired with a glass of bubbly for the perfect Valentine’s escape. Get ready to relax by clicking here.
Cloak & Petal, a Michelin Guide-recognized gem, presents its extraordinary Valentine’s Day specialty menu. Crafted by executive chef Robert Cassidy, the restaurant offers flavors of the sea with the renowned Lover’s Salmon Crudo, pan-seared Scottish salmon and so much more. Find a reservation here.
Step back in time with PRK 101’s live '80s music! Groove to electrifying performances by local band Savage Touch while savoring smoky barbecue-inspired dishes, draft beers and expertly crafted cocktails this Valentine’s Day.
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRAND
