Valentine’s Day ideas for couples
Looking to impress your date? Spice things up this Valentine's Day with these romantic and off-beat things to do.
Hoping to impress your honey on V-Day? Our guide to Valentine’s Day ideas for couples has a bevy of romantic things to do to help you get closer. After a romantic meal or a spa day, spend a day out with your SO or treat each other to a date night with one of these events. L.A. is a romantic city every day of the year, but it really does Valentine’s Day right (and so should you).
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Valentine’s Day ideas for couples
Go on a scandalous scavenger hunt at the Getty
This adults-only, nudity-driven scavenger hunt at the Getty (held the weekend of V-Day) is a comical two-hour quest that has guests searching for answers to riddle-like questions in the museum’s bare-it-all paintings and sculptures. Whoever answers the most questions correctly will pick up some sweet swag (gift cards, backpacks, street cred). No previous art knowledge is required.
Relive that famous spaghetti kiss from ‘Lady and the Tramp’
It’s famous for that spaghetti kiss—a legendary scene that Walt Disney almost cut out. But Lady and the Tramp has many other charming moments: the script evolved out of years of personal pet stories shared by the studio’s animal-loving writers and executives. A true labor of love. See it at El Captian around Valentine’s Day and you’ll be treated to a candlelit dinner before the movie, catered by Miceli’s (sold separately; call 818-845-3110).
Dance in a train station
Let loose and spend the night swaying and two-stepping to live music in one of L.A.’s historic architectural gems, Union Station. Come Valentine’s Day, the grand Ticketing Hall will transform into a dance floor and stage, where a live band will set the musical tone for you and your loved one from 8pm to 10pm.
Watch ‘True Romance’ in a stunning theater
Watch as a young Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette fall in love and try to outsmart the mob in director Tony Scott’s 1993 action- and-crime packed classic, True Romance. Who doesn’t love a good Bonnie and Clyde story? Plus, the film delivers an all-star cast with actors like Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, Samuel L. Jackson and Gary Oldman. In addition to the Cinespia-presented screening, expect live music, a DJ dance party, multiple bars and a photo booth to capture the moment with your Valentine.
Get frisky at Lucha VaVOOM
Lucha VaVOOM’s racy, raucous spectacle of wrestling, burlesque and various amazing sideshow acts may not seem a logical choice for a romantic night out, but if you’re looking for a high-voltage, lusty, entertainment-filled evening, this show has it all. This Valentine’s Day, the theme is Amor Prohibido (forbidden love).
Spend the night in Havana at Clifton’s
Clifton’s Republic is transporting Angelenos to Cuba’s capital city with daiquiris, champagne, salsa dancing, casino games and Cuban-inspired fare all night long. Valentine’s party-goers will receive 5,000 “Clifton’s Pesos” to play in the casino, with the chance to win prizes like a romantic night stay in DTLA’s Nomad Hotel.
Cozy up to a screening of ‘Casablanca’
Here’s looking at you, kid. Catch Humphrey Bogart at his most romantic in this WWII classic. He stars as Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner who runs into past love Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and has to make some tough decisions. Head to the Aero Theatre to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your honey, or go solo to mourn a star-crossed love. If nothing else, it’ll be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Craft your own chocolate treats at Eataly
Make all your cocoa-filled dreams come true this Valentine’s Day with a hands-on workshop at Century City’s Eataly. The Italian marketplace is serving up a Baci-making class with an expert from Perugina, the Perugia-based chocolate company known for its famed hazelnut-filled treat. Learn how to properly temper chocolate, make a Baci-inspired dessert, and enjoy a choco tasting. What better way to set the mood on V-day eve?
Solve a murder mystery at Maggiano’s
Order up a nice egglplant parmesan while engaging in detective work this Valentine’s Day at Maggiano’s Little Italy’s murder mystery dinner. Complete with diabolical clues, a room full of suspects and a sizeable spread of Italian fare, this thrilling investigation sure shakes up the traditional Valentine’s Day dinner. For $100 per person, you get an appetizer buffet, a plated dinner, two alcoholic beverages and a whole lot of entertainment. Be warned: your date could be the leading suspect.
Decorate a cake together at Cakemix
Skip dinner and go straight to dessert at this Valentine’s Day cake decorating session. Duff’s Cakemix in Pasadena offers couples the chance to decorate a six-inch round cake of six cupcakes together. Snacks and sweets provided, along with games and a raffle.
Share a bench and listen to tunes at Grand Park
Does it get more romantic than DTLA’s Grand Park? Alright, well, yes, it does. But with its picnic lawns, fountains and bright pink benches, the 12-acre urban oasis sets a lovely stage for a free Valentine’s Day concert. Listen to Lovers Rock reggae, pack a picnic or bring your date to the lineup of food trucks for soul-satisfying grub.
Looking to book a trip for two?
Best romantic getaways from L.A.
You don’t have to go far for some fun quality time with your significant other. Grab the cutie in your life and head to one of these romantic destinations near SoCal.