Valentine's Day Couples Activities in California

Spending time in California's diverse wilderness makes for a romantic Valentine's Day on a budget.

With all the cities and landscapes in California, couples have no shortage of activities available to them to celebrate the holiday of love. Valentine's Day activities don't have to be expensive, and taking advantage of the diversity of the state is one way couples can celebrate their love.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

If you and your loved one live within a few hours of the coast, make a day of the drive and head out to see the sights from the Pacific Coast Highway. Running the length of the state, PCH offers incredible views and plenty of places to stop for photo opportunities, snacks, sightseeing and picnics. Pack a romantic picnic lunch or dinner and drive the coast making sure to time it right so that you can stop to watch the sun set from a cozy vantage point. Extend the day by packing a picnic lunch and having surprise reservations at a fancy ocean-side restaurant for a candle-lit dinner to the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline.

Climb the Heights

Many major cities in California have mountains within the city limits or very nearby. Head out to the mountains for a dawn hike to hear the sounds of nature if your significant other is a morning person. If it's better fitting to your loved one, give her a hearty breakfast in bed with plenty of healthy energy to sustain both of you for an afternoon of hiking. Pack swimsuits if your hike will take you to a river or waterfall, or pack a bottle of your favorite wine and some glasses to watch the sun begin to set at the top of your hike before heading back down. Pack some flashlights in case you decide to stay until the sun has set completely to ensure a safe walk back.

Cozy Up in a Cabin

If you want to get away for a weekend this Valentine's Day, look into renting a cabin or condo in the mountains for a snowy getaway with your significant other. It's easy to forget that sunny California still has snowy mountains in February, so sneak off to a cabin, light a fire in the fireplace and cozy up for a romantic Valentine's weekend. If you and your significant other are athletic or adventurous, rent skis or snowboards. Even if you're not very good at snow sports, falling down together might bring the two of you closer.

Visit One of the Big Cities

While it may seem counterintuitive to a romantic getaway, if you live in the country or suburbs, make a weekend of it with your loved one by heading into a big city for a few days. Even if you live in one of the major cities of California, head to one of the others for a weekend to see the sights and appreciate the diversity of the state. Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego all offer very different attractions, specialty foods and landscapes, so take advantage of the excuse to get away to see more of the beauty California has to offer.

References

• DowntownLA.com: Five Ways to Fall in Love