Feel the Love: Our Top 10 Valentine’s Day Activities in Southern California

Tired of doing dinner and a movie? Bored of the basic roses and chocolates? Well, we got you covered! If you’re single and ready to mingle or have eyes for that special someone, check out some of our top SoCal activities to do just in time for Valentine’s!

1. Speed Dating Pie Baking Class at The Pie Bar

Date: Thursday, February 14^th

Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach and what better way to woo someone than a freshly-baked pie? Enroll in a one-of-a-kind baking class at Long Beach’s Pie Bar that allows anyone to mingle and make their own cherry or apple pie from scratch. While your pie bakes, you and nine other guests can nosh on refreshments and chit-chat in five-minute long “date sessions” complete with ice-breaker questions, trivia, and much more! After your five-minute session is up, you switch off with the next partner until all guests have met. As a token of completion for your speed dating session, you get to take your freshly-baked pie home and hopefully share it with that special someone.

Tickets are $55 per person, but be sure to RSVP as soon as possible! Space is limited to the first five men and five women who sign up on the Eventbrite page.

2. Cat Playdate at Catmosphere Laguna

Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

If your date loves all things fuzzy, cute, and four-legged, swing by Orange County’s first cat café and have an unforgettably purr-fect outing! Based on the popular lounge concept in Asia, Catmosphere combines the cool vibes of a neighborhood café with the coziness of a living room filled with cats of all ages (separated, of course). You and your companion can enjoy a hot or cold beverage plus light refreshments in the main café and then meander over to the designated Kitty Lounge afterwards! Each cat in the play room comes from local animal shelters and can be adopted in case you end up falling in love with one on the spot.

Since the café is a paw-pular spot, make sure to have a reservation and arrive 30 minutes prior to your session. That way, you and your date can take all the time in the world (OK, two hours max) cuddling and playing with felines as far as the eye can see!

3.  Valentine’s Day Weekend Candle Making with COMUNITYmade X This Candle Company

 Date: Sunday, February 10^th

 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

 Ditch the mall and create a gift straight from the heart this Valentine’s Day! This beginner friendly two and a half hour long workshop will teach you all the tips and tricks to create your very own nontoxic candle you can take home. Get hands-on with every step of the candle making process which includes wax melting, scent mixing, and even ensuring the proper pour to make sure your candle looks professional. You can even personalize your candles with Valentine’s-themed decorations plus gift boxes to tie it altogether!

Admission is $65 per person which includes all candle-making supplies, snacks, and drinks in the course. Make sure to get there early and secure a parking spot because this is one class you’ll definitely don’t want to ditch.

4. The Dinner Detective at the Handlery Hotel San Diego

Date: Thursday, February 14^th

Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

If you’re planning a long weekend with your significant other, take the trek to San Diego and start things off with a bang! The Dinner Detective is known to be one of America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner shows packed with nonstop action and thrills. You and your partner can dine of a deliciously curated four-course menu as the show unfolds within your very own surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled though—all the clues, crooks, and detectives will come forth and interact with you as part of the show! Even your fellow audience members are part of the act since actors are hidden in the room and even seated at your very table. Everyone has the opportunity to observe the clues, solve the mystery, and even be rewarded as the top detective of the night!

This adults-only event costs $69.95 per person and also can include an optional Suspect Package for $19.95, which allows one member in your party to be involved as a Prime Suspect.

5. Horseback Riding at the Silver Stirrup Riding Academy

Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM / Sundays, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saddle up and get ready for one romantic outing in the woods! Lake Forest’s Silver Stirrup Riding Academy is offering two Valentine’s Day horseback riding packages complete with comprehensive lessons. The $195 “Romantic Ride” date package is an hour-long session which includes you and your partner getting familiar with the horses, a 40 to 45 minute long training class, and a leisurely ride through the woods complete with a decorated picnic table adorned with sparkling apple cider and chocolate covered strawberries.

The $210 “Extended Adventure” date package has the same elements as the “Romantic Ride,” but also includes a longer ride session plus lessons on how to groom your horse from mane to tail. Space is very limited, so please call (949) 354-3603 or email [email protected] to reserve a time.

6. Fitbit Local Valentine Weekend Hike at Runyon Canyon Park

Date: Saturday, February 16^th

Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Looking to find that special someone that gets your heart pounding? Well, you can get the best of both worlds with a hike right in the Hollywood Hills! Fitbit local ambassador Blake Raymond is hosting an hour-long hike through one of LA’s most beloved outdoor institutions that’s sure to get the blood pumping. You don’t need to own a Fitbit to participate, but you may be a Fitbit owner at the end of the hike. Each participant is eligible to win a Fitbit tracker so may get lucky and secure one of your own!

This free event is open to all ages and fitness levels, but be sure to RSVP as soon as possible on the Eventbrite page! Check-in for the hike opens at 10:15 AM and will start promptly at 10:30 AM at the base of Runyon Canyon.

7. The 17^th Annual Laguna Beach Music Festival

Dates: Wednesday, February 6^th – Sunday, February 10^th

Hours: Doors open at 8 PM for the concerts / Event times may vary

Start the Valentine festivities early and take your date out to the orchestra right by the seaside! Hosted in partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Beach Live, the 17^th Annual Laguna Beach Music Festival showcases classical/contemporary music in an intimate concert series filled with magic and wonder for the senses. Among the performers include renowned pianist Joyce Yang, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, cellist Efe Baltacigil, violinist Yura Lee, and many more! The five-day long event will also feature free community outreach programs and special events designed to enrich the local art scene.

To reserve tickets or get more information, contact the Philharmonic Society of Orange County at (949) 553-2422 or the Laguna Playhouse at (949) 497-2787.

8. Stargazing at the Observer’s Inn

Date/Time: Hours vary depending on weather condition

For an unforgettable intergalactic experience, drive on over to the sleepy town of Julian and watch the stars illuminate the night sky! The Observer’s Inn is a cozy 4.5 acre retreat located in the woods that’s sure to add a spark of romance with your significant other. Far away from the hustle and the bustle of city lights, you and your partner will be able to view the stars in rich detail while enjoying a glass of wine from the town’s local wineries. A more in-depth view of the sky is also a guarantee thanks to the Observer’s Inn owners, Michael and Caroline Leigh. Their extensive knowledge of all things astronomy-related makes them local experts on the rotating celestial bodies which can include planets, constellations, and galaxies.

Make sure to bring your own telescope and cameras to capture the wonderful sights! Since this is a small site, be sure to make reservations ahead of time by calling (760) 765-0088.

9. Grand Park Lover’s Rock – Valentine’s Day

Date: Thursday, February 14^th

Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Want a more low-key way to get all lovey-dovey this season? Head on over to LA’s Grand Park for a free reggae concert that’s all about soul. Couples are more than welcome to bring in their own romantic picnic meal or nosh on amazing dishes crafted by local food trucks right in the City of Angels. After your dinner, dance under the night sky, take a stroll in the park, or simply enjoy the lights and the iconic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain.

This all-ages event has limited parking so we recommend using a rideshare service or using the Metro line to get on over to the Grand Park.

10. Temecula Valley Jeep & Wine Tours

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For those couples looking to splurge on a special treat, Temecula’s wine country is one area that can’t be beat! The Temecula Jeep & Wine Tours allow anyone to explore the rustic charm of the wine-growing region in an open-air jeep that takes passengers to three local vineyards. Each vineyard offers complimentary wine tastings, a guided crush pad/barrel room tour, and it’s all topped off with a picnic lunch with a selection of gourmet sandwiches. If you’re planning to stay in the area also, the jeep service also offers hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Packages range from $115 per person on weekdays to $120 per person on weekends. Special private jeep tours can also be arranged for those who want a more exclusive experience. Tours can be booked online or by phone at (951) 972-8262.