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 menus, activities for all, and romantic date night ideas. Celebrate by booking wine tasting and painting classes, or fill your days with long beach walks or mountain hikes 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.
EVENTS & SPECIAL OFFERS
Valentine’s Day Weekend Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour, Now through Feb. 12 from 11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Looking for a unique and delicious way to spend Valentine’s weekend this year? Join Eat This, Shoot That! Food and Drink Tours for a Funk Zone food and photo tour! Taste Santa Barbara’s best food and drinks on this foodie adventure through the city’s most eclectic, art-driven neighborhood. To make your weekend extra sweet, enjoy an extra special treat at the end of every tour.
Cost: $145/person, $135/non-drinkers
“Selling Kabul” at The New Vic, Now through Feb. 12
Treat you and your Valentine to the off-Broadway hit, “Selling Kabul,” this Valentine’s Day Weekend at The New Vic. This nail-biting story of abiding family love centers on an Afghan man, who was an interpreter for the U.S. Army, hiding out from the Taliban. Showtimes vary by date.
Cost: $40-$84/person
Valentine’s Day Decor & Gifts from The Vintage Fox, Now through Feb. 14
Love is in the air … and on the shelves at The Vintage Fox. Peruse the shop’s collection of Valentine’s-themed treasures, including vintage cards, Valentine’s décor and fine jewelry. Looking for a gift as unique and enduring as your love? The shop’s multi-themed room offers a wide selection of vintage finds, all hand-selected with expertise and sure to impress your special someone.
Cost: Varies by item
Valentine’s Day In-Room Rose Enhancements, Now through Feb. 14
Celebrate love in Santa Barbara with luxurious floral accommodations. Enhance your stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach this Valentine’s Day with in-room or in-suite rose enhancement options exclusively from Feb. 8-14.
Cost: Starts at $2,500
Old Fashioned Friday and Love Potion Class, Feb. 10 from 7-9 p.m.
Join Pura Luna Apothecary and Finch & Fork for a love potion masterclass and celebrate Black History Month and Valentine’s Day. During this class, you will learn how to boost desire through herbs, spirits and food. Enjoy bites, bourbon, music from Talitha Gabrielle, gift bags, plus amazing giveaways throughout the evening. Tickets include your first old-fashioned or zero-proof cocktail, food bites and the herbal aphrodisiac class.
Cost: $65/person
Valentine’s Day Weekend Sweets, Treats and More, Now through Feb. 14
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort has few exciting activities for you and your sweetie to experience this Valentine’s weekend. By day, Fess Parker Tasting Room turns into a pop-up flower and dessert shop for anyone needing a gift for a loved one or family member. By night, The Set will have a selection of three delicious three-course meals and live music will set the mood Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday (Valentine’s Day) in the lobby or The Set for all to enjoy (live music times will vary).
Cost: Varies by activity
Romantic Spa Treatments, Now through Feb. 28
For those in search of a serene escape, Rosewood Miramar Beach offers the ideal wellness retreat for Valentine’s Day with three heart-warming treatments available exclusively during the month of February: the Fall in Love with Extreme Facial, Be Mine Rose and Citrus Massage and CBD Foot Scrub and Love Massage.
Cost: Varies by treatment
Chocolate Truffle-Making & Wine Pairing Workshop, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.
Led by raw vegan chef Dana Crowley at Sunkissed Pantry, this class teaches you how to make your own chocolate truffles from sustainable ingredients. Enjoy a full chocolate tasting and pair it with good-for-the-soul, sustainably made wines. Guests will leave this event with a beautiful box of vegan, organic raw chocolate.
Cost: $85/person
Star Party at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Feb. 11 from 7-10 p.m.
Join Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History astronomy staff and members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit for a romantic evening under the moon, nebulas, galaxies and more. The Palmer Observatory will open its doors and its roof to share a remarkable view of the wonders of the night sky through our state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope.
Cost: Admission is free
Valentine’s Vino Vinyasa, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of relaxing and unwinding with your galentines, friends or significant other at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective and in collaboration with CorePower Yoga. Come experience a Zen-filled yoga session led by the talented team at CorePower Yoga, followed by a night of relaxation and fun with wine, cheese and charcuterie. Tickets to this event include yoga instruction, wine and nibbles from The Lark and a live DJ set by PTRK.LMR.
Cost: $25/person
Not Today, Cupid! Anti-Valentine’s Day Party, Feb. 14 from 7-10 p.m.
Single this Valentine’s Day? Join Café Lido at Mar Monte Hotel for a liberating, Anti-V-Day Party on Feb. 14. Enjoy live music from a DJ, anti-Valentine’s Day drink specials, small bites and good vibes.
Cost: Admission is free, price varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Celebration with Shawn Thies and Friends, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
One of California’s best-kept secrets, Shawn Thies, has been vocalizing up and down the coast since the age of 14. Influenced by Americana, Celtic, folk, jazz, rock, pop and choral music, Thies is often compared to vocalists such as Alison Kraus, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy and Judy Collins. She will be joined on stage with George Friedenthal, Randall Tico, Maitland Ward, Bill Flores and David Hunt for a special Valentine’s Day performance at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club.
Cost: $20/person
SBIFF Presents: American Riviera Award honoring Brendan Fraser, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.
A Valentine’s Day with the stars is certainly one to remember. Partake in a romantic dinner at nearby Bouchon before witnessing the glitz and glam of the red carpet in person. This year, Brendan Fraser will be honored with the American Riviera Award at the 38th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Fraser will receive the award at an in-person conversation hosted by Arlington Theatre about his career, leading up to this year’s performance in the upcoming A24 film, The Whale.
Cost: $30
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: $950/two people
Valentine’s Day Amenities at San Ysidro Ranch, Feb. 14
Indulge in an idyllic stay at San Ysidro Ranch this Valentine’s Day with special welcome amenities (sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, a charcuterie board and heart-shaped cookies), a romantic turndown service and picture-perfect activities for you and your special someone to enjoy.
Cost: Varies by service
SPECIAL MENUS
Château d’Yquem Dinner at Caruso’s, Feb. 10 from 5:30-9 p.m.
Hosted among one of the most pristine beaches in California, you are invited to an exclusive eight-course wine dinner featuring world-renowned winery, Château d’Yquem at Caruso’s. Culinary director of Rosewood Miramar Beach, Massimo Falsini, and Caruso’s chef de cuisine, Shibani Mone, will present an exceptional menu that celebrates ingredients from local purveyors, fishers and farmers that will make for an exquisite gastronomic experience along The American Riviera®.
Cost: $2,250/person
Pre-Order Valentine’s Day Specials at Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, Now through Feb. 13
Bob’s Well Bread Bakery presents its Valentine’s Day baked goods for pre-order or in-house dining, where guests can order Valentine’s Day baked specialties of Heart-Shaped Linzer Tarts, Heart-Shaped Strawberry Pastries, Signature Levain and Ciabatta, as well as the full menu of café favorites.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at The Revere Room, Now through Feb. 14
Spark romance this Valentine’s Day with an intimate dinner for two at The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Along with a la carte offerings, the chefs have prepared two exquisite four-course, prix fixe menus with wine pairings to make for an intimate and memorable meal. Feb. 10-13, indulge in the “Love Birds” shareable menu and on Feb. 14, treat yourselves to the restaurant’s special Valentine’s Day menu.
Cost: “Love Birds” menu ($150/two people), Valentine’s Day menu ($145/person)
Valentine’s Day Tasting Flight at Pali Wine Co., Now through Feb. 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a curated tasting flight of wines to sip and share with the ones you adore. Enjoy Pali Wine Co.’s special Lovers’ Flight now through Valentine’s Day evening with a special someone or your best group of friends.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe and Chef’s Tasting Menu at Caruso’s, Now through Feb. 17
Celebrate love along The American Riviera® with a dinner for two at Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Indulge in a four-course, prix fixe dinner with available wine pairings courtesy of our sommeliers. Alternatively, treat you and your sweetie to a culinary journey with the chef’s tasting menu, an eight-course menu with available supplements plus wine pairings, to make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Cost: Chef’s tasting menu ($275), prix fixe menu ($165)
Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at Firestone Winery, Feb. 11 from 5-8 p.m.
Plan an idyllic evening with an unforgettable Valentine’s dinner the weekend before Valentine’s Day right in Firestone Winery’s romantic cellar. Start the evening with a special pour of sparkling wine while soothing music by Lindsey Marie sets the stage for a perfect dining experience. Then, enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Valley Piggery, paired with Firestone wines. Firestone Winery has thought of every detail for a memorable evening so you don’t have to.
Cost: $175/person
Heart-Shaped Pizzas for Valentine’s Day Weekend at Bettina, Feb. 11-14
Dine on heart-shaped pies, crisp salads, cheesy arancini and cocktails galore at Bettina. Don’t fuss with dishes this Valentine’s Day—take the opportunity to dress up and hit the town for a delightful treat. Finish off the meal with a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie, or olive oil cake with thyme and orange zest. It’s amore!
Cost: Varies by menu item.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Augie’s, Feb. 14 from 4-9 p.m.
Spend this Valentine’s Day with your sweetie savoring a three-course dining experience at Augie’s Santa Barbara. Taste your way through the evening with a selection of unique Mexican cuisine, and enjoy an exceptional service and romantic ambiance. For the wine-lovers, a wine pairing will be offered for an additional $49.
Cost: $119/two people
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Rare Society, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
If Valentine’s Day feels like a fake holiday with just roses and chocolate, let Rare Society be the antithesis of pink and red hearts with a gorgeous meal to luxuriate over. Start with oysters on the half shell and then dive into one of the meat options of cuts of dry-aged ribeye, Australian wagyu or classic filet mignon. Opt for family-style meat boards, dubbed The Associate and The Executive, which offer guests to sample multiple cuts of beef alongside a variety of house-made sauces. Desserts are a must on Valentine’s Day and the butter cake with sour cream ice cream is better than any box of candy.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Bouchon, Feb. 14 from 5-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy rose petals, candlelit dinner and an intimate ambience this Valentine’s Dinner at Bouchon Santa Barbara. Chef Murphy offers a seasonal wine country dinner menu in a three-course format, with a first, main entrée and dessert. Choose from the entire menu, including the chef’s romantic specials.
Cost: $125/person
Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner at Opal Restaurant & Bar, Feb. 14 with seatings starting at 5 p.m.
The three-course menu at Opal Restaurant & Bar is sure to set the mood this Valentine’s Day, with appetizers like duck confit and portobello mushroom ravioli and entrées like show-roasted short ribs and fresh seafood paella.
Cost: $75 or $85/person, depending on menu selections.
Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day Dinner at Stonehouse, Feb. 14
This Valentine’s Day, treat you and your sweetheart to Stonehouse’s special four-course pre-fixe menu. Dishes include a sweet corn and lemongrass bisque, Snake River Farms wagyu striploin tataki, seared Maine diver scallops and herb-crusted Colorado rack of lamb. And, opt for a wine pairing as an exquisite addition to your meal.
Cost: $250/person, $200 (vegetarian), $120 wine add-on
“Wild About You” Valentine’s Day Menu at Finch & Fork, Feb. 14
Finch & Fork’s “Wild About You” Valentine’s Day menu is a four-course dining experience featuring local Central Coast wild-foraged ingredients. Enjoy a selection of dishes including a wild green salad, kabocha squash tortellini, roasted rabbit and a pine nut tart. A wine pairing add-on is available for purchase to compliment this wildly unforgettable meal.
Cost: $110/person
Valentine’s Day Celebration at The Manor Bar, Feb. 14 from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Retreat to the handsome surroundings of The Manor Bar at Rosewood Miramar Beach this Valentine’s Day for live music, handcrafted cocktails, delectable hors d’oeuvres and tasty selections from the bar’s coveted wine list.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, Feb. 14
Spend your Valentine’s Day in the Santa Barbara hills at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, where love is in the air and the views are endlessly romantic. The three-course prix fixe menu is a celebration of land, sea and love. Enjoy Dungeness crab cake with lemon fennel aioli, branzino for two or seafood risotto with rock shrimp and bay scallops. To finish, indulge in a sweet Valentine’s dessert.
Cost: $250/couple
Valentine’s Day Specials at The Lark, Feb. 14
Executive chef Jason Paluska has curated a special Valentine’s Day menu to celebrate the perfect date night at The Lark. Dive into a Santa Barbara spiny lobster risotto featuring crispy artichokes, kumquat, chili oil and seagrass. Pair this dish with a specialty cocktail like the “Brass Buttons” or “Cupid in Chaps” and finish your meal with a Blood Orange Bombolini. Regular menus and offerings are also available.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Specials at La Paloma Café, Feb. 14
Plan a special Valentine’s Day evening at La Paloma Café. The Valentine’s Day menu includes local spiny lobster campechana and a Mexican salted chocolate tart by executive chef Jeremy Tummel. The specialty cocktails “Itza” and “Popo” are inspired by La Paloma’s mural in the bar of the love story of Itza and Popo.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Treats at Helena Avenue Bakery, Feb. 14
This Valentine’s Day, pick up something extra sweet for you and your sweetheart, friends or yourself at Helena Avenue Bakery. Heart-shaped cookies and other Valentine’s Day themed pastries and candies will be available at the market.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Drink Special at Pearl Social, Feb. 14
Sip on Pearl Social’s Valentine’s Day cocktail curated by Gus Landeros. “Heart-Shaped Box” is made up of Creme de Noyeaux and Cacao, vodka, lemon, egg white, prosecco and a chocolate-covered cherry.
Heart-Shaped Pizzas at Lucky Penny, Feb. 14
All you need is love … and pizza! Stop by Lucky Penny this Valentine’s Day for a heart-shaped pizza, Valentine’s frosé and soft-serve with heart-shaped sprinkles.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Oku, Feb. 14
Join Oku for a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day. The chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fishermen to create dishes inspired by the colorful multicultural heritage of Asia with the best of what California has to offer. Pair your meal with an exciting craft cocktail or glass wine from their impressive wine list, and cheers to everlasting love.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Barbareño, Feb. 14 from 5-9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Barbareño! Chef Julian and chef Preston have designed a five-course tasting menu featuring chocolate from Twenty-Four Blackbirds throughout the entire meal. An optional wine pairing selected by wine director Lenka Davis features some of California’s best local wines to compliment your meal.
Cost: $95/person
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Morning Bird Walk at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Feb. 14 from 8:30-10 a.m.
Join birding expert Rebecca Coulter as she leads a group walk through the Garden for a morning of watching and listening for a variety of birds. During this walk you may see several types of bird species that migrate to our region for the winter. Both beginner and experienced birders will appreciate the diverse and beautiful birds that make their home around the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Cost: $30/person
Valentine’s Day Island Adventure, Feb. 14 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Create an unforgettable memory with your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a once-in-a-lifetime sea cave kayaking adventure with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales on the ferry ride over and enjoy a day of kayaking through sea caves, hiking to breathtaking vistas and viewing the abundant wildlife on this bucket list excursion to Channel Islands National Park.
Cost: $169/adult + ferry transportation ($63), $158/child (12 and under) + ferry transportation ($50)
Valentine’s Day Wine Tour, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
What better way to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day than with a wine tasting excursion in scenic wine country? Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours takes care of all the details while you bask in the beauty of breathtaking sights and sip the distinctive flavors of the Santa Ynez Valley. Experience wine tastings at three local wineries, lunch in the Santa Ynez Valley, door-to-door shuttle service and a knowledgeable guide for the day.
Cost: $195/person
Valentine’s Day Sunset Kayak Tour, Feb. 14 from 3:45-5:45 p.m.
What’s more romantic than a serene sunset kayak through the Santa Barbara Harbor and beyond? Enjoy views from the water of our seaside town as you glide along the coast, and take in the gorgeous sunset with your sweetie. Santa Barbara Adventure Company will provide expert guidance on this easy to moderate two-mile tour.
Cost: $89/person, including gear.
Valentine’s Day Sunset Cruise with SunSwept Sailing, Feb. 14 from 4-6 p.m.
Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day private sunset sail along the beautiful Santa Barbara Coast aboard the sailing yacht, Kelpie. SunSwept Sailing‘s Valentine’s Day special includes a bottle of bubbly, a picnic platter and local artisan chocolates. You and your special someone, two couples or a group of galentines can enjoy the serenity of the pacific ocean as you sail along the American Riviera.
Cost: $675
Valentine’s Day Champagne Cruise, Feb. 14 from 4-6 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by sailing into the sunset with loved ones or friends aboard the Double Dolphin. Tickets include bottomless champagne and serene ocean views galore.
Cost: $110/person. This cruise is 21+
Candlelit Sound Bath and Reiki, Feb. 14 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join Santa Barbara Botanic Garden this Valentine’s Day for the Cosmic Love Ceremony, a one-hour sound journey and meditation full of healing and love. Open your heart and relax your mind into new levels of love and compassion on the most romantic day of the year.
Cost: $30/person
Yang Flow to Yin, Feb. 14 from 6-7 p.m.
All are welcome to join Santa Barbara Beach Yoga for this Valentine’s Day for a one-hour grounding, centering and mindful experience. The class will begin with a moving, breathing meditation (Asana and Pranayama practice) to circulate your Qi, then you’ll ground down and explore sensations in the body by holding a few seated Yin shapes, before resting in Savasana.
Cost: $25/person
Private Valentine’s Day Cruise, Feb. 14
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by sailing into the sunset with loved ones or friends aboard one of Santa Barbara Sailing Center’s yachts (captain included!). Catering and champagne are available for purchase.
Cost: Rates begin at $384/hour
