San Diego is blessed with spectacular restaurants for a Valentine’s Day dinner — including three of nation’s most romantic — but you can celebrate this holiday in many other ways. Here are Times of San Diego’s top ten suggestions for a unique experience on cupid’s day on Feb. 14:
1. Romantic Art — Visit the San Diego Museum of Art for a love-themed art tour. Masterpieces from the museum’s permanent collection illustrate a dozen classic love stories. Tours start at 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day and include a picnic meal from Panama 66. Tickets are $80.
2. Harbor Sail — There’s a special romance to the sea, and you can celebrate it on Valentine’s Day with a cruise on the classic sailing yacht America. The three-hour tour of the bay includes keepsake photos, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and other delicacies. Tickets are $70 for adults and $48 for children and can be purchased online through the Maritime Museum.
3. Baja Wine Country — With border wait times reduced, a Valentine’s Day weekend in Baja California is more convenient than ever. Hotel Coral at Ensenada’s marina is offering a two-night stay that includes a massage, three-course dinner at the Bistro & Cava, and a bottle of sparkling wine. That cost is $398 for two.
4. Jazz Dinner — Croce’s Park West is planning a prix fixe dinner and a night of jazz on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant in Hillcrest has been called one of America’s “neighborhood gems” and is easily one of San Diego’s most romantic.
5. Spa Package — The newly renovated Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa is offering a variety of spa packages, including champagne, fresh flowers, aromatherapy and even merlot baths. If it’s too relaxing, you can stay overnight.
6. Picnic and Bike Tour — Zerve, an online event-planning service, has helped organize a picnic and electric-bike tour of Carlsbad Village to break the monotony of dinner and a movie. They help local businesses offer dozens of tours that can be turned into unique Valentine’s Day celebrations.
7. San Diego Symphony — The symphony is planning a special Valentine’s Day concert with singer-songwriter Nathan Pacheco. Tickets start at $100 and include either a special dinner or after-concert party at the tony University Club.
8. Renew your Vows — The Hotel del Coronado is encouraging married couples to renew their vows in a group ceremony on Valentine’s Day. Following that is a three-course dinner, orchestral entertainment and dancing, and commemorative photo in a silver frame. The evening’s cost is $400 per couple, but the renewed vows are priceless.
9. Romantic Hike — San Diego may have the best climate in the world, and planning a romantic hike is a great way to enjoy our environment. Consider a walk along Sunset Cliffs as the sun is setting over the Pacific Ocean, and then eat dinner in one of the trendy new restaurants in Ocean Beach like OB Warehouse.
10. Sunday Brunch — Celebrate after Valentine’s Day with a special Sunday brunch at the elegant Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego. Their special brunch is $45 per person.