Just because you haven’t made plans yet doesn’t mean this Valentine’s Day won’t be special — or boring! Don’t fall back on the usual dinner date at overcrowded, stuffy restaurants. Check out this short guide from Xpress on other ways to spend the holiday, whether with a partner, solo, or a group of friends or family. We’ll offer plenty of ideas for those celebrating Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles and Orange County, plus some free date inspiration too!
Visit a Museum
Have you ever considered spending the holiday at a museum? Art institutions can be a perfectly romantic place to take loved ones, and many have special events on February 14th. While the LA area is chock full of museums to visit this Valentine’s Day, here are a few starting points.
The Getty
Not only is The Getty Museum a beautiful place to immerse yourself in art, it’s also free. It prides itself on having ‘something for everyone,’ and can be a place to take the kids for a little last minute Valentine’s Day fun as well. From fine dining to quick bites, even finding your Valentine’s Day dining option is made easier at The Getty.
The gardens and modern architecture will create a picture-perfect setting for your Valentine’s Day evening. Want to make it even more special? Hire a shuttle for your day trip to make getting from place to place easy.
The Norton Simon Museum
Tucked away in Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum boasts an elegant collection of art, both classic and modern, that is sure to impress those with a keen eye for fine art from around the world. From sculpture to technical installations, the Norton Simon is a wonderful place to find yourself immersed in the beauty of art. You and your date will enjoy wandering through the expansive museum and trekking out into the gardens to set a romantic scene.
The Los Angeles Museum of Love
A quirky, privately run museum that is a bit off the beaten path, the Los Angeles Museum of Love is perfect for couples who want a unique take on the museum date that’s designed to bring them closer.
This is not a family-friendly event (no one under 15 is permitted), but the two-hour guided experience can be a great way for couples to bond, strike up intimate conversations, and enjoy their Valentine’s Day together in an unforgettable way. There are plenty of one-of-a-kind photo ops, and you’ll even get a complimentary memory book!
The Aquarium of the Pacific
While some might not consider an aquarium a museum, we feel that The Aquarium of the Pacific deserves a special mention. Aquarium dates can be an incredibly romantic option for Valentine’s Day, and this Long Beach staple frequently hosts Valentine’s Day events.
Even if you’re not stopping by for the dinner, having a quiet walk through the aquariums dozens of exhibits is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day.
The Natural History Museum
If you’re more into history than art, why not explore the largest natural history museum on the West Coast? See a massive triceratops skeleton, go on a journey through the hall of African mammals, or let the nature gardens take your breath away.
The museum is free for members, but there is a fee for general admission. If you’re worried about navigating a crowded museum on Valentine’s Day, getting there a bit early is advised. Scheduling a ride ahead of time is the best way to ensure that you arrive on time – and to keep the struggle for parking from spoiling your date.
See a Show
You might feel like catching a show is something that warrants a lot of pre-planning and booking months in advance. While that might be true for seeing your favorite band’s sold-out concert, Los Angeles is a big city full of hidden gems. Check out The Wiltern, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, or the Alex Theatre to see if there’s a play, ballet, or musical performance you and your date can still snag a ticket to. Get dressed up and make an evening of it!
Go Downtown
Downtown LA is a bustling place full of exciting ways to treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day. There are dozens of restaurants, shows, and events that will make even your last-minute Valentine’s Day plans extraordinary!
Here are just a few places in DTLA that you can visit this Valentine’s Day; there’s something to suit every couple or friend group.
- The Last Bookstore – Want something quieter or more ‘bookish’ to do? Visiting this unique, long-standing bookstore is an experience in and of itself.
- Candlelight DTLA – Candlelight concerts bring together two romantic elements: music, and, of course, candlelight. This year, their Valentine’s Day event is themed around Romeo and Juliet, and will feature cupid-approved music like “City of Stars“ from La La Land by Hurwitz and “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.
- Grand Central Market – Are you the type of couple who just can’t agree on what to have for dinner? Stop by Grand Central Market’s vast array of vendors and eateries to ensure that everyone gets something they want.
If you’re already cringing at the idea of needing to navigate the hectic traffic of getting to DTLA and dreading the slog down Wilshire to get to any of these date spots, to say nothing of parking, why not take the stress out of your trip by booking a ride ahead of time?
Attend a Local Event
Check the calendars for your area of Orange County or Los Angeles to see what’s going on around you! Even if Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, you may still have time to snag a reservation – some might not even require them.
Local calendars will often feature events targeted at both adult couples, and those who want to get the whole family in on the Valentine’s Day fun.
Free Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas
Not a lot of cash to spare? Not to worry – there are still a few fun ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day. These are also something you can plan the day of, making them perfect for a truly last-minute celebration.
- Go for a nature walk – Head outside, pick a direction, and walk. Talk, ask each other questions, take outdoor photos. You can even turn it into a scavenger hunt or a bingo game of what you’ll see just walking around your neighborhood. It’s totally free, and is a great way to get out of the house and off your electronics, spur fun conversations, and have a bit of fun.
- Movie night – It’s Oscar season – how many of the nominees have you seen? Search through the list of Academy Award Nominations to find one or two you haven’t seen on a streaming service, and decide for yourself if they’ve earned that Best Picture accolade.
- Kitchen scavenger hunt – Look through your kitchen and find something that you can cook just using the ingredients you already have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations! Cooking together can be an excellent bonding activity, and eating together doesn’t hurt either!
- Have a game night – Play a video game, cards, or lay out a few classic board games for a casual but fun night in for the whole family, or for yourself and a date. Make each other laugh or get competitive – plus, you can even incorporate some house rules to make the game night feel extra special.
Travel in Style this Valentine’s Day
No matter how you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day, make it a fun one. One thing that can dampen a date is the stress of getting from one place to another, especially as you travel through the hectic traffic of Orange County and Los Angeles.
Xpress Shuttles has you covered: book your Valentine’s Day ride online now to remove transportation stress from your special day.