Romance is at the heart of what makes Santa Barbara tick. The American Riviera’s® signature red-tile roofs, white-washed buildings and lush gardens—nestled between a dramatic mountain range and the sparkling sea — evoke the topography and architectural aesthetic of the European Riviera. And it’s not simply about looks —there’s something quite special about how Santa Barbara makes people feel. The buoyant joie de vivre of our laid-back city by the sea is contagious and Santa Barbara’s seductive qualities are no joke. Simultaneously sophisticated and bohemian, easy-going and energetic, Santa Barbara is truly a place to revive.
This Valentine’s Day weekend, day and even post-holiday, Santa Barbara shines with themed offerings like delicious Valentine’s Day activities for all, romantic restaurants, swoon-worthy hotel stays and unforgettable date night ideas. Celebrate by booking wine tasting and painting classes, or fill your day with mountain hikes and evening with swoon-worthy sunsets, both featuring fresh air and splendid vistas. Need some romantic inspiration? Below is a curated list of the best Valentine’s Day happenings that even Cupid would approve of.
Valentine’s Day Menus
Valentine’s Day High Tea at Andersen’s, Now through Feb. 15
Enjoy a Danish-inspired Valentine’s high tea at Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, available through Valentine’s Day weekend. Expect tiers of pastries, scones, tea sandwiches and smoked salmon, paired with curated teas and a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at Marisella, Feb. 13-14 from 4-9 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend at Marisella with a romantic prix fixe dinner offered Friday and Saturday, featuring elevated Italian-inspired dishes and thoughtful seasonal flavors. Highlights include truffle-stuffed fried ravioli, hamachi crudo, squash agnolotti, your choice of rockfish or beef tenderloin and a strawberry vanilla mousse to finish.
Cost: $150 per person
Valentine’s Weekend Prix Fixe Dinner at The Set, Feb. 13-15 from 3-10 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Set with a romantic four-course prix fixe dinner. The seasonal menu highlights indulgent entrées and a sweet finish, with specialty desserts, the signature Blush Spritz and Santa Barbara wine selections from Fess Parker Winery available by the glass or bottle.
Cost: $65 per person
Valentine’s Weekend at Costa Kitchen & Bar, Feb. 13-15
Costa Kitchen & Bar at the Mar Monte Hotel celebrates Valentine’s Day all weekend long, with a limited-time menu of coastal-inspired plates and indulgent entrées. Highlights include chilled snow crab and oysters, shrimp kofta, baharat-spiced duck with gnocchi and pistachio pesto, and a classic red velvet cake to finish.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at Bouchon, Feb. 13-15 starting at 5 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend at Bouchon with a special three-course format of its full seasonal dinner menu, available Friday through Sunday. Choose any first course, main and dessert from the menu — including holiday specials — served in a festive, romantic setting.
Cost: $125 per person
Valentine’s Weekend Tasting Experience at Caruso’s, Feb. 13-14 at 5 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Caruso’s with an eight-course chef’s tasting menu for two, featuring a complimentary champagne welcome and curated take-home amenity. Optional supplements and wine pairings are available to elevate the experience.
Cost: $325 per person
Four-Course Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at The Revere Room, Feb. 13-14 starting at 5 p.m.
Rekindle romance this Valentine’s weekend at The Revere Room with an intimate four-course dinner designed to delight with every course. Optional wine pairings are available to elevate the evening.
Cost: $155 per person
Valentine’s Day Weekend at Ama Sushi, Feb. 13-14 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Elevate Valentine’s weekend at Ama Sushi with two special dining experiences inspired by the Ama women divers of Japan’s Ise-Shima region. Choose between a six-course prix fixe dinner or a chef’s omakase, both featuring seasonal seafood like clams, scallops and lobster — each offering an intimate, artful way to celebrate.
Cost: $235 (omakase) or $185 (prix fixe)
Valentine’s Day Brunch at Stonehouse, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Champagne Brunch at Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, featuring a three-course prix-fixe menu and free-flowing Champagne, Prosecco, mimosas, bellinis and fresh juices. Set on the garden patio with live guitar music, it’s a relaxed and romantic way to spend the afternoon.
Cost: $275 per person
Valentine’s Day Lovers’ Flight, Feb. 14 from 12-8 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Pali Wine Co.’s Lovers’ Flight, a four-wine tasting curated by their Level 2 sommelier. Enjoy sparkling wines, large-format Pinot Noir pours, chocolate-covered strawberries and live music, with a guided tasting throughout the day.
Cost: $50-$80 per person
Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Harbor Restaurant, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Harbor Restaurant with a four-course prix-fixe dinner featuring choices in every course. Set on the Santa Barbara Pier, it’s a romantic evening with sweeping ocean views.
Cost: $95 per person
A Taste of Spain Valentine’s Dinner, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.
Loquita marks Valentine’s Day with a Spanish-inspired dinner highlighting seasonal ingredients and coastal flavors. The menu moves from refined starters to fideuà de pulpo, finishing with a classic olive oil cake accented with citrus and almonds.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Specials at The Lark, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
The Lark marks Valentine’s Day with a seasonal menu focused on clean flavors and thoughtful technique, from vegetable-driven starters to slow-cooked lamb and a strawberry cobbler finish. A Rose Martini is available alongside the holiday offerings.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Stonehouse, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate four-course dinner at Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, featuring refined cuisine in a romantic garden setting. It’s a timeless and elegant way to toast the evening.
Cost: $475 per person
Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at Barbareño, Feb. 13-15 from 5-9 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend at Barbareño with a four-course prix-fixe menu highlighting seasonal, California-inspired flavors. Enjoy choices like ahi crudo, coffee-marinated duck or achiote-rubbed yellowtail, plus decadent desserts, with an optional wine pairing available.
Cost: $120 per person
Valentine’s Day Sunset Dinner at Glenn Annie Golf Club, Feb. 14 from 5-7 p.m.
Treat your special someone to a romantic Valentine’s evening at Glenn Annie Golf Club with sunset views, candlelit tables and a chef-curated three-course dinner. Designed for couples, this intimate experience pairs elevated cuisine with a warm, elegant ambiance — with dinner for two and prosecco included.
Cost: $160 per couple
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Finch & Fork, Feb. 14 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a three-course prix fixe dinner at Finch & Fork by chef John Vasquez, showcasing fresh, seasonal Santa Barbara ingredients. Optional $40 wine pairings are available to elevate each course, with menu highlights ranging from beet citrus salad and corn crab chowder to smoked tenderloin, black bass and a rich chocolate dessert.
Cost: $132 per person
For the Love Birds: Prix Fix Dinner at Blackbird, Feb. 14 from 5-10 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate five-course prix-fixe dinner at Blackbird by chef Travis Watson, featuring elevated takes on classic dishes. Designed for sharing and savoring, the experience is available with an optional wine pairing.
Cost: $159.12 per person
Heart-Shaped Pizza for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14-15
Lucky Penny offers a simple Valentine’s twist with heart-shaped pizzas available in classic cheese or pepperoni. Enjoy one on the Funk Zone patio or take it to go for an easy, low-key night in.
Cost: Varies
Coastal California Valentine’s Dinner, Feb. 14
Valentine’s dinner at Paloma leans into cozy Coastal California comfort, from roasted beets with avocado and rose vinaigrette to sourdough cavatelli alla zozzona with pork belly and prosciutto ragù. A chocolate crème caramel offers a rich, shareable finish.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Activities
Bouquet-Making at Loubud Wines, Feb. 7 from 1-4 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s season at Loubud Wines with a festive afternoon of bubbles, blooms and sweet treats. Tickets include a glass of Brut Rosé, signature sugar cookies by The Witchy Baker, and a hands-on bouquet-building experience with friends. Plus, enjoy sugar cookies all weekend and 15% off bottles of Brut Rosé throughout Valentine’s Day weekend.
Cost: $40 per person
Galentine’s Day Market, Feb. 13 from 5-8 p.m.
Shop from more than 20 local vendors at this Galentine’s Day market at Pali Wine Co., featuring thoughtful gifts, DIY experiences, wine tastings and live music. Hosted by Beachside Babes Market.
Cost: Free to attend
Valentine’s Dance for All Abilities, Feb. 13 from 7-9:30 p.m.
The Carrillo Ballroom comes alive with a love-themed celebration for the annual Valentine’s Dance for All Abilities. Hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department’s Adapted Recreation program, the evening features DJ music, themed refreshments and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere designed for friends, families and couples to celebrate together.
Cost: $10 per person
Holidaze Burlesque Presents: Unlucky in Love, Feb. 13 from 8-11 p.m.
Holidaze Burlesque brings its Valentine’s show, UnLucky in Love, to Pearl Social for an evening of cocktails, intimate performances and vintage-meets-modern flair. The night continues with a late lounge set from Val-Mar Records, keeping the mood relaxed and stylish well after the curtain call.
Cost: $25-$35 per person
Valentine’s Day Sauna Experiences, Feb. 13-15
Soul Care Studio + Sauna celebrates Valentine’s Day weekend with shared infrared sauna experiences designed for two. Available for a limited time, the Indulge and Renew packages include 25- or 45-minute sessions, thoughtful in-room gifts, and optional cold plunge add-ons for a restorative reset together.
Cost: $75-$100 per person
Valentine’s Day Sip & Stroll, Feb. 14 starting at 9 a.m.
Spend Valentine’s Day at Lotusland, one of Santa Barbara’s most romantic settings, with a champagne-infused stroll through its iconic gardens. Enjoy live music throughout the day, with three sessions available: 9-11 a.m., 12-2 p.m., and 3-5 p.m. Ages 21+ only. Space is limited for an intimate experience.
Cost: $95 per person
Valentine’s Day Candle-Making Workshop, Feb. 14 starting at 11:30 a.m.
Spend Valentine’s Day getting creative at Candle Bar 111 with a hands-on candle-making workshop for couples. Guests craft a custom candle, enjoy a glass of bubbles and truffles from Twenty-Four Blackbirds, and receive 10% off retail purchases. Candles are ready for pickup after cooling, with shipping available.
Cost: $75 per person
Free Valentine’s Day Concert, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate afternoon of classical music as the Santa Barbara Music Club presents a romantic concert inspired by love in all its forms. The program spans solo viola works, lyrical piano collaborations and a charming set of 19th-century German art songs, moving from playful and expressive to tender and bittersweet.
Cost: Admission is free
Valentine’s Day Champagne Cruise, Feb. 14 from 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sunset sail aboard the Double Dolphin, featuring golden-hour views and a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re with a partner or friends, enjoy bottomless champagne as you cruise into the evening. Ages 21+ only.
Cost: $131.50 per person
Memorable Nights at The Manor Bar, Feb. 14 starting at 4 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Manor Bar with handcrafted cocktails, elevated bites and selections from its standout wine list. Live music sets the tone for a relaxed, romantic evening.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Suzanne Vega: Flying with Angels, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
See Suzanne Vega live at the Lobero Theatre for a career-spanning show featuring favorites like “Tom’s Diner,” “Luka,” and “Marlene on the Wall,” plus songs from her latest album, Flying with Angels. She’ll be joined by longtime guitarist Gerry Leonard and cellist Stephanie Winters for an intimate night of music.
Cost: Starting at $49 per person
