Make Reservations Now! Valentine’s Day is 14 Days Away!

Feb 1

By Emily Young MA ‘16

Single or taken, if you want to go anywhere in LA on Valentine’s Day, you need to make reservations….NOW. Check out my list of fun filled LA Valentine’s Day ideas.

1. Dinner for Two

Sorry fellas, but if you are in a relationship this responsibility usually falls on you. Valentine’s Day on a Sunday is going to be PACKED. Expect to call 2 or 3 restaurants for openings. First, narrow down what type of cuisine and how much you are willing to spend. Then let the Google search begin.

Pro Tips:

For a cheaper option change it up by doing a Sunday Valentine’s Day Brunch and cooking dinner at home.
Use OpenTable to sneak your way into “fully booked restaurants.”

2. Dinner for Crew

Yes the food is important, but if you’re out celebrating Valentine’s Day with your crew it’s all about the atmosphere and having a good time. Look for restaurants that allow you to bring in your own wine to cut costs or check out these fun Anti-Valentine’s Day happy hour extravaganzas.

3. Beach Babes

Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, it makes for the perfect beach day. You can make an entire day out of biking the Strand, checking out the sights and trinkets in Venice, strolling through Manhattan and stopping by the Manhattan Beach Creamery for some Sweets, or just enjoying the sun and the waves. Make sure you head down to the beach early to get a parking spot.

4. LA Zoo with Beau

Put a fun Valentine’s Day twist on your trip to the Zoo at the LA Zoo’s annual adults-only wildlife fundraiser, Sex and the City Zoo. The evening includes an informative guest lecture, animal walk-abouts that let you observe small animals up-close and a wine-and-dessert reception, or a four-course dinner.

5A. The LA Marathon…..if you really LOVE Running

Yes the LA Marathon is on Valentine’s Day. There isn’t a better way to justify all the chocolate you will consume on Valentine’s Day.

5B. …..or the Undie Run

If your relationship with running isn’t as strong for those participating in the LA Marathon do the Cupids Undie Run. It’s a “brief” one mile run followed by a fun after party. The party starts at noon at the Belasco Theatre and the run kicks off at 2pm. The event is aiming to raise $3.5 million for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, so its exercise for a good cause. Check it out!

6. Artsy

Compete with all those Valentine’s Day Instagram photos by posting photos of real art. LACMA, the Getty or check out the new contemporary art museum The Board downtown.

7. Sweet Sweeter and Sweetest

Why buy an ordinary box of chocolate, when you can go make a custom box. Here’s a list of the LA’s Best Chocolate Shops. YUM!!!

8. Zealous Zoolander vs. Deadpool Date

Why choose when you can double feature? Go to the Santa Monica Promenade AMC for reclining seats at an inexpensive price. Book your tickets in advance online!

9. Heartthrob Hike….Or Leave your Lover in the Wilderness

Escape from downtown and go on a hike for Valentine’s Day. Here are some of my favorite hikes.

Bridge To Nowhere (I recommend Bungee jumping if you hike all that way)
Bronson Canyon @ Griffith Park
Coral Canyon
Eaton Canyon
Escondido Canyon
Hollywood Sign Hike
Hermit Falls @ Chantry Flats
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook @ Topanga
Mount Baldy
Newbury Park
Runyon Canyon
Solstice Canyon / Rising Sun Trail
Trump National Golf Course Ocean Trails

10. And finally….The LA Gun Club

If you’re over the whole Valentine’s Day scene, let off some steam responsibly at The LA Gun Club. Who knows maybe they’ll have some cupid targets you can aim at or be willing to hang up some old pictures of your ex.

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