Valentine's Day in Santa Cruz

shutterstock_couplewalkingonSCbeachGUIDE

The annual holiday that sends sales of roses and chocolates skyrocketing is finally upon us. So what do Santa Cruz-ans do to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Residents and visitors to the beach-side community can go the traditional route and book a romantic dinner at any number of the county’s fine dining establishments or they can buck the trend and do something completely unique and unexpected like attend a burlesque show or engage in some Twisted Tasting. Here is a selection of our top, uniquely Santa Cruz, things to do this Valentine’s Day.

Seafood Buffet at The Chaminade

Santa Cruz

The crème de la crème of romantic destinations, the Chaminade, with its hillside location overlooking Santa Cruz, has been earning spouses and partners brownie points since 1985. The world-renowned resort and spa is nestled on 300 acres and boasts Mission-style architecture and scenic trails for lovers looking for a rendezvous amongst the redwoods. On Valentine’s Day, the resort’s Sunset Restaurant is serving a luxurious seafood buffet with bottomless bubbly and live music.

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Twisted Tasting

Santa Cruz

Twisted Tasting is the Valentine’s Day event for those who like to combine romance and libations with supporting a good cause. With proceeds benefiting the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, attendees of this gala event will get to taste experimental, non-traditional and wild beers that showcase the talents of the regional craft brewing industry paired with locally produced, beer-inspired food.

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Malone's Grille

Scotts Valley

Located in Scotts Valley, Malone’s Grille is about to celebrate their 35th anniversary in March. Find out why locals and neighbors throughout the county keep coming back to this gem with their signature burgers and selection of American-style comfort food. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy dinner in their pink and red balloon filled dining room as the kitchen serves up specials including Horseradish Prime Rib and Almond Crusted Salmon in addition to their regular menu.

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Your Place

Santa Cruz

The destination for comfort food on the Westside, Your Place serves American classics with a twist for today’s discerning diners. Featuring local, organic produce, sustainable seafood and naturally raised beef, Your Place will offer a Prix Fixe menu, consisting of appetizer, soup or salad, entrée and their award-winning chocolate cake, on Valentine’s Day.

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Sin Sisters Burlesque at The Catalyst Club

Santa Cruz

Okay, so maybe your date has to be incredibly open-minded to appreciate hardcore ladies dressed in fishnets and pasties shaking what their momma gave them on Valentine’s Day, but this is Santa Cruz and we should all be more confident in ourselves to give it a go. The Sin Sisters are a local institution and they’ll be setting The Catalyst’s Atrium on fire Saturday. Strictly for the 21 and over crowd.

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Scenic Tour of the Monterey Bay

Watsonville

Call this the ‘check-mate’ of Valentine’s Day excursions. Specialized Aviation offers coastal tours of the Monterey Bay leaving daily from the Watsonville Airport. View the world’s most spectacular coastline, farmland, the Santa Cruz Mountains, swimming dolphins, and more from the comfort of one of their fleet of helicopters. Wine tasting, Big Sur, Carmel and airplane tours are also available.

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Romance in the Redwoods

Big Basin State Park

Nature can be a powerful aphrodisiac, just ask the deer and their mighty brood. For lovers of all stripes, Big Basin State Park has organized a host of activities for the Valentine's Day weekend. Visitors can take a romantic hike through old-growth forest, discover a waterfall, hunt for mushrooms or volunteer to clear a trail! Remember to bring a picnic lunch to share with your sweetie.

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Natural Bridges Migration Festival

Santa Cruz

Birds, butterflies, marine life, and some East Coast folks are known to pass through the area every year. This annual event celebrates all the wonderful creatures that spend time living (and loving) in Santa Cruz. Featuring family-friendly activities and games for the kids, spend part of Valentine's Day opening your heart to the beautiful nature that surrounds us.

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