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.
Be sure to check back as more events will be added as details become available. Before arriving, please call and confirm all reservations in advance.
VALENTINE’S DAY MENUS
Love-Themed Menu at Plow & Angel Speakeasy, Now through Feb. 28
Throughout February, the intimate Plow & Angel Speakeasy will feature a specially curated love-themed menu, offering an indulgent selection of small bites, handcrafted cocktails and pours of Château Sainte Marguerite rosé.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Set, Feb. 14 from 3-10 p.m.
This Valentine’s Day, indulge in a romantic dinner featuring an artfully curated menu at The Set at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Savor dishes like Santa Barbara spiny lobster risotto with saffron aioli, herb-crusted king salmon with rice pilaf and lemon beurre blanc or red wine-braised short rib with creamy polenta and grilled white asparagus.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Roof Top Bistro & Bar, Feb. 14 from 4-9:30 p.m.
Savor a three-course prix fixe Valentine’s dinner with stunning views at the Roof Top Bistro & Bar at Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, featuring live music by Jokers Hand from 4-8 p.m.
Cost: $69 per person.
Valentine’s Day Special at Djinn, Feb. 14-15 from 4-10 p.m.
Celebrate love at Djinn in Hotel Californian with a Valentine’s Day rosé special. Share a bottle of Sainte Marguerite rosé and a charcuterie platter for two.
Cost: $100.
Four-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Stonehouse, Feb. 14 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at San Ysidro Ranch’s Stonehouse Restaurant with a prix fixe menu, featuring indulgent entrées like Santa Barbara spiny lobster and SRF wagyu eye of rib, plus elegant starters and desserts. Enjoy a charming photo booth, DIY bouquet station and memory jar, with an optional wine pairing to complete the evening.
Cost: $260 per adult, $95 per child (Wine add-on: $150).
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Bouchon, Feb. 14-15 from 5-9 p.m.
Bouchon sets the stage for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with rose petals and candlelight, offering a three-course seasonal menu of wine country cuisine. Guests can select from a range of options, including the chef’s specially crafted romantic specials.
Cost: $125 per person.
Valentine’s Day Three-Course Dinner, Feb. 14-16 from 5-10 p.m.
Celebrate love at Terra at The Steward with a three-course menu for $75 per person, including a complimentary cocktail and amuse-bouche.
Cost: $75 per person.
A Night to Savor at Costa Kitchen, Feb. 14 from 5-11:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Costa Kitchen at Mar Monte Hotel with a romantic dinner crafted by award-winning chef Sean Conway. Known for his 2024 Best Tri-Tip win in the 805 barbecue competition, chef Conway brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to a special four-course menu featuring truffle gnocchi, bluefin tuna crudo, bacon-wrapped filet mignon and decadent desserts.
Cost: $110 per person.
Valentine’s Day Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner at Opal Restaurant and Bar, Feb. 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Opal Restaurant and Bar, a beloved gem in the Arts Theatre District. Enjoy a special three-course menu with two pricing tiers ($79 and $89) and three seatings from 5-10 p.m. Couples receive a complimentary rose and a $10 gift certificate for a future visit.
Cost: $79 or $89 per person.
Valentine’s Day Five-Course Dinner at Finch & Fork, Feb. 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Finch & Fork with a special five-course prix fixe dinner highlighting Santa Barbara’s freshest ingredients. Start with fried brie or smoked mushroom toast, followed by a winter citrus salad or crab bisque. Savor butternut squash agnolotti before choosing between an 8oz 45-day dry-aged ribeye, 6oz California halibut or king oyster mushrooms for the main course.
Cost: $110 per person.
Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner at The Revere Room, Feb. 14-15
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate dinner for two at The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach, featuring a la carte options and a special four-course prix fixe menu. Enhance your dining experience with optional wine pairings for a truly memorable meal.
Cost: $145 per person.
EVENTS & SPECIAL OFFERS
Valentine’s Day at Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Feb. 4-15
A Valentine’s Day with the stars is certainly one to remember. Partake in a romantic dinner at nearby Bouchon or Olio e Limone before enjoying an extraordinary film at the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Cost: Varies by package.
Valentine’s Craft Market at Brass Bear Uptown, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find the perfect gift or enjoy a day together exploring unique creations from local artists and crafters at Brass Bear Uptown. Sip on beer, wine, and cocktails while savoring delicious food—something for everyone to enjoy.
Cost: Admission is free.
Galentine’s Day at the Ranch, Feb. 13 from 1-3:30 p.m.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day at San Ysidro Ranch with two unforgettable experiences! Indulge in a lavish afternoon tea experience with champagne, themed pastries, live music and a DIY bouquet station ($115 per person), or enjoy an evening at Plow & Angel Speakeasy with live music, psychic readings and themed cocktails.
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Palette of Love: Sip & Paint, Feb. 13 from 2-3 p.m.
Celebrate love and creativity at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s spa rooftop with a guided painting experience led by the artist-in-residence. Sip decadent wine as you and your partner create a unique masterpiece together in a relaxed, romantic setting (21+).
Cost: $75 per person.
Galentine’s Day at Kimpton Canary Hotel, Feb. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your closest friends at a self-care workshop at Kimpton Canary Hotel! Craft self-love-inspired treats with Trisha Cole, author of Life at the Dumpling, a guide to joyful living filled with recipes, poetry, games and inspiration.
Cost: $65 per person.
Meet Your Match: Cupid’s Comedy Night, A Valentine’s Singles Event, Feb. 13 from 5:45-9:30 p.m.
Find your perfect match at Cupid’s Comedy Night at The Red Piano! Enjoy an interactive icebreaker, a Q&A with matchmaker Lisa Amador, delicious appetizers by Chef Michael Amador, a complimentary drink, and a live comedy show—all in an intimate setting limited to 100 guests.
Cost: $65-$85 per person.
Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day Candle-Making Workshops, Feb. 13-14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Candle Bar 111 with a romantic candle-making experience. Craft a custom candle with exclusive vessels and fragrances, sip Paradise Springs rosé or a Tilden non-alcoholic cocktail and enjoy Jessica Foster truffles—all in a guided, hands-on setting designed for connection and creativity.
Cost: $75 per person
Valentine’s Day Truffle-Making, Feb. 14 from 11-7 p.m. (each reservation is two hours long)
Experience a unique and memorable Valentine’s Day with Menchaca Chocolates‘ truffle-making workshop, where you and your partner will create a heart-shaped wooden chocolate box and fill it with custom truffles. Decorate your boxes and design your truffles using a variety of chocolates and flavors in a cozy setting, complete with personalized hot chocolate and appetizers for dipping. The package includes everything needed for the couple: art supplies, chocolate box, truffles and refreshments.
Cost: $34-$69 per person.
Valentine’s Day Sip & Stroll, Feb. 14 from 12-5 p.m.
Experience a serene evening at Lotusland with a romantic “sip and stroll” through the grounds, enhanced by the soft melodies of live music from Bob Sedivy. Enjoy champagne as you explore the garden, creating a romantic setting for the day. The event includes a photo opportunity for couples, adding a special touch to your visit. This event is intended for guests aged 21 and over.
Cost: $85 per person.
Spa Romance Package at San Ysidro Ranch, Feb. 14
Treat yourself to a romantic day of pampering and relaxation with San Ysidro Ranch’s special romance package at its salon and spa. Reserved for two, guests will have exclusive use of the spa’s Love Birds treatment room, featuring a state-of-the-art chromotherapy soaking tub and steam shower. The experience begins with a full body aromatic exfoliation treatment, followed by a luxurious custom mineral bath with sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries.
Cost: $475 per person.
A Perfect Pairing: Red Wine, Chocolate & Love, Feb. 14-16
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Weekend at Jamie Slone Wines with a perfect pairing of exquisite red wines and handcrafted dark chocolate heart-shaped bon-bons from Jessica Foster Confections, hand-selected by Kym Slone ($14 add-on).
Paint & Pinot: A Valentine’s Day Wine Night, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m.
Join Danielle Renee Art for a Valentine’s Day sip-and-paint at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, where you can enjoy a guided painting session with all materials provided while sipping wines from Cambria Estate Winery in an elegant, cozy setting—perfect for a romantic date or a fun night with friends.
Cost: $35 per person.
Sweethearts & Self-Care Spa After Hours, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a luxurious wellness experience featuring Knesko Skincare at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Enjoy a glass of Rosé, hors d’oeuvres, spa access, a 15-minute Aescape massage and a take-home gift in a relaxing setting (18+).
Cost: $150 per person.
Want more inspiration for a romantic night out in Santa Barbara? Look no further than this nightlife guide.
