What to Do on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day can be tricky. For those in the throngs of a new romance, do you plan the typical romantic dinner night out? Or how about those who have been in a relationship for years; what can you do that’s different and brings a spark to the romance?

Here are a few ideas that will help you plan a Valentine’s Day to remember. And if you aren’t able to plan a special event on the day itself (Valentine’s Day does fall on a Monday) use these hints to arrange some couple time whenever you like. Remember, every day can be Valentine’s Day with the one you love.

• Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. Would you like to really connect with your partner? Then spend a romance inspired weekend at this luxurious resort in Carlsbad. Start off by relaxing and unwinding with a couple’s massage in the Spa’s Couple’s Suite. The Couples Renew Rose Massages or the Couples Renew Journey, which comes with chocolate-covered strawberries and an additional hour in the Suite (why, I have no idea), are sure to rejuvenate your romance. Later, dine at Vivace, with its five-course menu of regional Italian cuisine for $80, or at the Argyle Steakhouse featuring California specialties starting at $49. You’ll never want to leave the resort, especially with its Sunshine Sale inviting guests to stay a third night free when booking two nights. Pack your bags, honey—we’re going on a romantication! Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, 7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, 760-448-1234, parkhyattaviara.com.
• Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza (at home). Face it, Valentine’s Day this year is on a Monday. Not the best day for romance. And if you have kids, a night out may not be on the calendar. So avoid the childless, couple-filled restaurants this Valentine's Day and bring home some of Sammy's Take-Home Pizza Kits, complete with Sammy's signature fresh pizza dough, homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and a choice of your favorite toppings. Sammy's Valentine's Day Pizza Kits are available for $5, $6 or $8 for traditional, whole wheat or gluten-free crust, respectively. Add fresh basil or spice it up with pepperoni for an additional 95 cents each. The kits are available at all Sammy's locations Feb. 11-14 at Sammy's Carlsbad, Del Mar and La Jolla locations. Visit sammyspizza.com.
• Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be pretentious; go someplace that feels welcoming. Leucadia Pizzeria’s special Valentine’s Wine Pairing Menu is not only a food lover’s dream, but a bargain as well. For only $40 per person, couples will be treated to five courses of food and wine. Wine selections include glasses of cabernet, pinot grigio, zinfandel, beaujolais and gewürztraminer. Pair those with pork tenderloin and lamb rack lollipops. Bonus bites are a lobster mac and cheese amuse-bouche, pear and mint intermezzo with ginger shortbread, and a finale of dark chocolate cups filled with framboise macerated local berries. Space is limited, so make your reservations. Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, 315 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760-942-2222, leucadiapizza.com.

• Valentine’s Day Wine Tour. La Jolla Wine Tours is offering a special romantic Valentine’s Tour with fine wines and gourmet food tastings at five stops in La Jolla. And I would think some chocolate might be involved along the way. The special three-hour guided walking tour is a lovely way to spend time together with your loved one along the beautiful coastline. The walking tours start at the with free parking available. The all-inclusive price is only $65 and is by appointment only. For those who plan belatedly, or just want Valentine’s Day to last the entire month, this special tour runs through the end of February. La Jolla Wine Tours, 858-551-5115 or lajollawinetours.com.

• Bike & Kayak Tour. Sun, fun and romance awaits those adventuresome couples looking for ocean excitement. is offering special half-day Valentine’s Day packages. Ocean kayaking is a memorable way to view the treasured sea cliffs and caves along the La Jolla shore. Time your trip around sunset to truly make a lasting memory. Half Day Bike & Kayak Tours start at $75. San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours, 2222 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858-454-1010 or sandiegobikeandkayaktours.com.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!