Southern California sets the stage for romance like few places can, and our 2026 Valentine’s Day picks prove it. From dramatic oceanfront resorts and refined coastal dining to laid-back beach towns and coveted escapes, these Southern California Valentine’s Day experiences are designed for couples who want something memorable, meaningful and beautifully curated. Whether you’re planning a full weekend getaway or a standout dining experience, this guide highlights the most romantic Valentine’s Day stays, dinners and experiences across SoCal.

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Need more? Read more: 10 unforgettable Texas Valentine’s Day experiences for 2026

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12 Southern California Valentine’s Day memory makers

Looking for something romantic to do in San Diego, Newport Beach, Palm Springs? We’ve got you. Check out our top BOSW picks for Valentine’s Day in SoCal.

Canvas Café and Lounge (Downtown San Diego, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A stylish downtown dining option offering a polished yet approachable Valentine’s dinner ideal for couples who want a festive night out without the formality of a luxury prix fixe.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s Day three-course prix fixe dinner on Saturday, February 14, priced at $75 per person. Starters include Burrata or Corn Soup with a crab cake croquette, followed by mains such as American Wagyu Hanger Steak & Fries, Beef Ragu Cavatelli, or the Catch of the Day. Dessert options include Lava Cake or chocolate-covered strawberries. The evening is complemented by Valentine’s cocktails like the Black Tie and Red Dress, along with wine bottle specials including The Huntress by Fableist Cabernet Sauvignon and Luminus Chardonnay.
Good to know: This Valentine’s dinner is offered for one night only. Reservations are recommended.
Website: Learn more Carte Hotel, Canvas Café and Lounge, Reservations

Covewood, San Diego Mission Bay Resort (Mission Bay, San Diego)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A waterfront Mission Bay setting paired with an elevated prix fixe menu designed for couples who want romance with a relaxed coastal backdrop.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner on February 14 from 5:00–10:00 p.m., featuring seasonal dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, Butternut Squash Risotto and Charred Octopus, followed by decadent desserts. Guests can elevate the evening with a three-course wine pairing for an additional $40.
Good to know: Dinner is priced at $85 per person, or $125 with wine pairing. Reservations are recommended.
Website: Learn more San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Covewood

Greenfinch Restaurant (La Jolla, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A garden-set, candlelit dining experience that feels intimate, romantic and quietly luxurious.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner on February 14 from 5:00–9:00 p.m., featuring seasonal starters and entrées like Short Rib Pithivier, Maine Lobster and Duck Mousse, finished with a Warm Brown Butter Cake. Optional wine pairings are available.
Good to know: Dinner is priced at $95 per person, or $120 with wine pairing. Reservations are recommended.
Learn more: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Greenfinch

Hilton San Diego Bayfront (San Diego, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A waterfront San Diego escape that blends elevated dining, playful cocktails and indulgent spa time into an easy, multi-stop Valentine’s experience.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s dining at Hudson & Nash on February 13–14 with à la carte specials designed for lingering, including elevated seafood, steak-forward entrées and indulgent desserts. Nearby, Odysea Waterfront Lounge adds a festive touch with Valentine’s-themed cocktails served with love notes, perfect for a pre- or post-dinner stop. For couples seeking deeper relaxation, eForea Spa offers a signature couples indulgence package featuring body treatments, massages, and complimentary champagne and chocolates.
Good to know: Valentine’s dining, cocktails and spa experiences are available during select times, and reservations are strongly recommended for the holiday weekend.
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/sancchh-hilton-san-diego-bayfront

Hotel Maya (Long Beach, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A relaxed yet romantic waterfront escape where marina views, live music and candlelit dining set the tone for an effortless Valentine’s weekend.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s prix fixe dinner at Fuego available February 13–14, featuring marina-view dining paired with live classical guitar, elevated seafood and steak entrées, and indulgent Valentine’s desserts, best enjoyed with celebratory Champagne or seasonal cocktails. The weekend continues with Fuego’s Cupid Brunch, offered Friday through Sunday, plus live jazz by the Francisco Reyes Trio on February 14–15 during brunch hours. Limited Valentine’s-inspired dinner specials return Sunday evening.
Good to know: Live music and prix fixe dining are available during select times throughout Valentine’s weekend, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Learn more: Hotel Maya

Montage Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A coastal luxury retreat where ocean views, elevated dining and an unhurried pace create the ideal setting for romance. Montage Laguna Beach offers couples a refined Valentine’s celebration rooted in connection, seasonal cuisine and relaxed coastal elegance.
Valentine’s highlights: Montage Laguna Beach invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with romantic dining experiences at both Studio Mediterranean and The Loft, available February 13–15. At Studio Mediterranean, guests can enjoy à la carte holiday specials inspired by seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavors, thoughtfully prepared to encourage lingering and shared moments. The warm, inviting atmosphere is complemented by live entertainment, setting the tone for an evening of conversation, cuisine and connection. At The Loft, Valentine’s dining continues in an intimate setting featuring beautifully composed à la carte holiday dishes, exceptional service and a relaxed ambiance designed for savoring time together over great food and a celebratory glass of wine.
Good to know: Valentine’s dining at Studio Mediterranean and The Loft is offered February 13–15 from 5:00–10:00 p.m. Reservations are required, and a 48-hour cancellation policy applies.
Website: montage.com/lagunabeach

The Resort at Pelican Hill (Newport Coast, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A timeless coastal escape where sweeping ocean views and refined dining create an effortlessly romantic Valentine’s celebration. The Resort at Pelican Hill offers couples the option to celebrate love over a sunlit brunch or an elegant evening dinner, each designed to linger and savor the moment.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s Day begins with an indulgent à la carte brunch at Coliseum Grill, served from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Couples can enjoy endless ocean views while selecting from a curated menu of delicate bites and decadent treats, including Lobster Arancini and a Strawberries & Cream Waffle, perfectly paired with champagne, wine or handcrafted cocktails. In the evening, Pelican Grill sets the stage for a romantic four-course Valentine’s Day dinner, featuring elevated dishes such as Baja Striped Bass and Wagyu Chateaubriand, followed by a showstopping Jubilee Chocolate Torte with almond ganache. Wine and cocktail pairings are available with guidance from the resort’s sommelier.
Good to know: Valentine’s brunch and dinner experiences are offered on February 14. Pricing includes house, staff and tax fees. Reservations are required and availability is limited.
Website: pelicanhill.com

Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: An iconic, adults-only Big Sur retreat where romance is woven into every detail. Designed for couples who value privacy, nature and intentional connection, Post Ranch Inn offers a timeless Valentine’s escape without crowds, gimmicks or distractions.
Valentine’s highlights: The Romance at The Ranch package pairs a three-night stay with two tasting-menu dinners for two at the cliffside Sierra Mar, daily breakfast, champagne upon arrival and a choice of private couples wellness experiences. Options include forest meditation, mindful movement, yoga or guided reflection, all set against sweeping Pacific Ocean and Big Sur mountain views. Days unfold slowly with infinity pool lounging, guided nature walks and golden-hour sunsets designed to foster reconnection.
Good to know: Post Ranch Inn does not offer a Valentine’s Day–specific package. Instead, its romance-focused experiences are available year-round, making it ideal for couples seeking a more immersive and enduring Valentine’s getaway.
Website: postranchinn.com

Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach (Manhattan Beach, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A relaxed yet romantic beachside escape in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach, where coastal charm, elevated dining and an easy overnight stay come together for a laid-back Valentine’s celebration by the sea.
Valentine’s highlights: Shade Manhattan Beach celebrates Valentine’s Weekend from February 13–17 with festive dining at zinc@shade, featuring the restaurant’s traditional menu alongside a special Lobster Risotto dish paired with Hampton Water wine. Couples can turn dinner into a full seaside getaway by booking the You & Me by the Sea romance package, designed to elevate an overnight stay with thoughtful touches and a lingering coastal vibe perfect for reconnecting.
Good to know: Valentine’s dining and romance packages are offered February 13–17. Reservations are recommended for dining at zinc@shade, and overnight packages are subject to availability.
Website: mb.shadehotel.com

Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: Set against a breathtaking oceanfront backdrop, Terranea Resort is a romantic Southern California coastal escape where sweeping Pacific views, thoughtful experiences and effortless luxury create an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration.
Valentine’s highlights: Terranea’s Valentine’s programming unfolds across the holiday weekend with a mix of playful, indulgent and cinematic experiences. Cupid’s Couples Archery, offered Friday through Sunday, invites couples to enjoy a private, guided archery session for two, complete with a specialty treat from Sugarfina and a half bottle of red or white wine. On Saturday evening, Bubbles and Bites transforms the Lobby Terrace into an elegant Valentine’s soirée featuring live music, a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne or Rosé, curated tableside bites, custom chocolate boxes and an interactive flower bouquet-building experience. The romance continues under the stars with an outdoor Valentine’s Day screening of La La Land, offering a cinematic moment set against the resort’s dramatic coastal landscape.
Good to know: Valentine’s experiences take place February 13–15 and availability is limited. Advance reservations are recommended for all holiday programming.
Website: terranea.com

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills (West Hollywood, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A polished West Hollywood escape where indulgent in-room touches and elevated dining set the tone for a long, romantic weekend.
Valentine’s highlights: Romance Package: A celebratory champagne welcome, $100 daily “Breakfast in Bed” credit, Pharmacopia Verbena Bath Salts for a relaxing soak, a daily in-room movie for cozy nights in, and a $25 daily minibar credit. Valentine’s dining at Boxwood: A special three-course prix-fixe menu available February 13–14 featuring elevated starters and mains, dishes served for two like Lobster Thermidor and Prime Beef Wellington, and indulgent desserts including Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake and Baked Alaska. The prix-fixe menu is $110 per person, with optional wine pairings available.
Good to know: Dining reservations are recommended for Valentine’s weekend, and menu offerings and pricing are subject to availability.
Learn more:  The London West Hollywood, Romance Package

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs area, California)

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A dramatic mountainside sanctuary offering refined desert luxury, sweeping Coachella Valley views, and thoughtfully layered romantic experiences.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s dining at The Edge Steakhouse, featuring a luxe, multi-course menu highlighting dry-aged steaks, elevated seafood and decadent desserts, all served with panoramic valley views. Couples can complement the evening with spa time at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, adults-only pool lounging, stargazing experiences, or elevate their stay with the Ritz-Carlton Club Experience for enhanced privacy and personalized service.
Good to know: This is a splurge-worthy Valentine’s destination ideal for couples seeking a full weekend escape. Reservations are strongly recommended for dining and spa experiences.
Website: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/pspps-the-ritz-carlton-rancho-mirage