All Things Orange County

Unique and Romantic Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Orange County

Unique and Romantic Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Orange County

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Find the perfect way to celebrate it! 

Looking for some Unique Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Orange County? Celebrate your love with truly memorable experiences. From exhilarating car rides to intimate dinners beneath the stars, we’ve curated a diverse selection of options to suit every taste and budget. Love is in the air, and if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day experiences in Orange County, here are our top picks. 

OC T-Rex, an exotic car rental brand, and Newport Beach eatery Lido Bottle Works have come together to offer a distinctive Valentine’s Day experience—Dine and Drive. This exclusive experience begins with a thrilling ride in OC T-Rex’s 14RR model, a three-wheeled marvel ideal for casually cruising along the scenic Newport Beach waterfront, soaking in awe-inspiring ocean vistas as the sun begins to set. Following this adventure, you can enjoy an intimate dinner at Lido Bottle Works, a lively eatery in the charming Lido Marina Village. To win this one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day experience, head over to OC T-Rex’s Instagram page for more information on this giveaway.

​​This Valentine’s season, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, invites guests to indulge in a series of indulgent experiences. RAYA, the resort’s signature restaurant boasting panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, is serving a decadent Valentine’s and Galentine’s Dinner featuring exquisite dishes. Moreover, the resort is reviving its beloved Heart Tea, a collaboration with the renowned Parisian tea house Palais des Thés. Additionally, for the first time, the resort is welcoming the acclaimed New Orleans cocktail bar—Cure, to Bar RAYA. Founded by Neal Bodenheimer, Cure is recognized as a pioneer of the New Orleans craft cocktail scene, having been named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars and awarded a James Beard Foundation Award. If RAYA’s booked you might like one the these 7 Rooftop Bars to celebrate.

Pali Wine Co.’s Anaheim outpost sets the stage for an enchanting Valentine’s Day celebration. On Friday, February 14th, couples can savor a three-course prix fixe menu for two, priced at an budget-friendly price of $55. This culinary journey commences with a crisp and refreshing Caesar salad, followed by a delightful choice between the savory N’duja ravioli or the vibrant lemon zucchini pasta. The romantic ambiance extends throughout the weekend with specially curated Valentine’s Day wine flights. These flights showcase the exquisite portfolio of Pali Wine Co., with a focus on playful natural wines that capture the spirit of love. 

Escape to Pelican Hill, a picturesque resort nestled on 504 breathtaking acres of Newport Beach. This Italian-inspired sanctuary offers two luxurious accommodation options—well-appointed bungalows and elegant villas, perfect for a romantic getaway. Couples can play a few rounds of golf at the Pelican Hill Golf Club, which houses two stunning 36-hole courses overlooking the ocean. After your game, savor mouthwatering Californian cuisine at the Pelican Grill.

If you’re looking for a passionate Valentine’s Day celebration, make your way to Habana, the celebrated Cuban restaurant with locations in Irvine and Costa Mesa. This eatery boasts an intimate ambiance and Cuban charm along with a meticulously curated prix-fixe dinner ($78 per person) served with a glass of champagne. Highlights include the ​​ceviche tropical, croquetas de jamon y queso, lechon asado, plantain crusted chicken, and a decadent heart-shaped bread pudding.

Following a $55 million renovation, Hyatt Regency Irvine now boasts king bedrooms and extended-stay suites offering a sumptuous and cosy haven for Valentine’s Day. The guest rooms feature chic interiors, arresting artworks, and spacious living areas. Couples can relax at the hotel’s welcoming pool area, complete with private cabanas, poolside bar service, and fire pits. Warehouse 72, the property’s new eatery and bar, serves delicious food and cocktails. Additionally, the expert concierge organises special touches like rose petals, champagne, and customized in-room decor. Located near Disneyland, South Coast Plaza, Irvine Spectrum Center, and Newport Beach, the hotel offers easy access to a range of attractions and activities.

Sushi Ii in Newport Beach is helmed by Chef Susumu Ii, who has curated a bespoke multi-course Omakase available exclusively on Valentine’s Day. Priced at $280 per person, this offering promises to be a kaleidoscope of flavors, with each course exhibiting Chef Ii’s Japanese culinary expertise. From delicate nigiri and sashimi to beautifully plated small plates, this Omakase will be an exquisite showcase of Japanese cuisine.

This Valentine’s Day, partake in a fun adventure with Dana Wharf Whale Watching. Couples  will sail towards a gorgeous sunset, sip on complimentary champagne or a refreshing beverage, savor chocolate treats, and keep an eye out for incredible marine life with their sweethearts. For the ultimate romantic touch, you can book a private whale watching tour as well.

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at Mayor’s Table, ​​Lido House’s signature dining venue in Newport Beach. Chef Riley Huddleston has whipped up a special 3-course menu featuring shared appetizers like designer oysters and Hawaiian blue fin hash, followed by a choice of entrée (wine country lamb or macadamia and furikake-crusted ono). Couples can also opt for an optional ricotta gnudi course and conclude with a shared chocolate brownie. Priced at $65 per person, the menu can be enhanced with wine pairings for an additional $40. The eatery, with ​​its focus on seasonal, chef-driven cuisine and an open-action kitchen, is a foodie’s paradise.

Binge on Sweet Treats at Stella Jean’s Ice Cream and Pop Pie Co.

Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream have curated a delightful selection of Valentine’s Day specials. At Pop Pie Co., romance comes in Heart Shaped Hand Pies in flavors like ​​​​Ube Coconut and Strawberry-Blood Orange, and White Chocolate Raspberry and Matcha Pie. For couples seeking a creamy indulgence, Stella Jean’s Ice Cream will be offering two special Valentine’s Day flavors—the Banana Split and the Molten Lava Cake. These treats will be available on February 14th and 15th, or until sold out, at the Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s Costa Mesa locations on 17th St, and the standalone Stella Jean’s location at The Lab Costa Mesa.

Located in the Sherman Library and Gardens, this restaurant boasts a beautiful backdrop for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Savor a decadent four-course prix-fixe dinner ($100) crafted by Chef Jessica Roy, including her signature buttermilk chive and gruyere biscuits. Choose from delectable options such as lobster bisque, radiatore pasta, and flourless chocolate torte. Moreover, the eatery’s garden-side seating and live music provides the perfect setting for a leisurely celebration.

Sometimes good-ol chocolates do the trick. Li-Lac Chocolates, NYC’s oldest chocolate house since 1923, offers a range of Valentine’s Day gifts. Handcrafted daily in small batches at their Brooklyn factory, Li-Lac retails premium gourmet chocolates with a focus on quality. For an extravagant display of love, consider the Giant Chocolate Valentine Heart, boasting 210 pieces of milk and dark chocolate squares in an assortment of flavors like French Cream, Hazelnut Truffle, and Lemon Chiffon. Li-Lac Chocolates ships worldwide. 

Happening Nearby

Couples can experience the magic of Firefly, Los Angeles’ well-loved destination for romantic dining. Their quaint patio, decorated with twinkling lights, sets the stage for a lovely evening. Enjoy a decadent three-course meal for $150 per person, featuring an amuse-bouche of chilled Dungeness crab salad, followed by a curated selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Additionally, guests can partake in a culinary journey with Firefly’s special Galentine’s Week prix-fixe menu. From February 8-16th (excluding Valentine’s Day), savor a three-course feast for $78 per person. Menu highlights include crispy pork belly and watermelon, miso cod, mushroom pappardelle, and white chocolate crème brûlée. 

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Situated in Downtown San Diego, Vistal is a stylish eatery offering unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant’s thoughtfully curated Valentine’s Day food menu ($109 per person) includes a selection of exceptional coastal dishes, crafted with the finest ingredients sourced directly from the San Diego Harbor in partnership with Chula Seafood and Positively Groundfish. Couples can soak in spectacular waterfront vistas and try dishes such as smoked bay scallops, local rockfish ceviche, California cheese and charcuterie, prosciutto wrapped local cod, wagyu flat iron steak, and black velvet chocolate cake. 

Set sail for romance this Valentine’s Day with a fun brunch cruise by City Cruises. Enjoy the coastal views of Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, or Long Beach while indulging in a brunch buffet, unlimited mimosas, and live entertainment. These two-hour cruises (from $105 per person) offer the ideal setting for a special celebration with your partner.

No matter your taste and budget, Orange County offers a plethora of romantic and fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. From exciting cruises and dreamy escapes to enchanting dinners and delicious treats, you’re sure to find the perfect experience to create memories with your loved one. So, embrace the spirit of love and make this Saint Valentine’s Day special. And don’t forget to book your experience in advance, as these options are quite popular!

Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra is a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based freelance journalist.
She studied Economics and English and currently writes about art,
culture and lifestyle for leading publications such as Travel +
Leisure, Vogue, GQ, Architectural Digest and more. An avid traveller
and design enthusiast, she finds inspiration in everything she
encounters, be it her immediate environment or her travels around the
world. Follow her on Instagram @pallywally_