Whether you Galentine, Family-tine or Valentine there’s always something to do in Santa Barbara
As you know, we are fans of Santa Barbara, what you didn’t know, is that we are suckers for valentine’s day. Who doesn’t love love? It may be a hallmark holiday, but we re here for it. We put together a list of some local things to do on Valentine’s day in Santa Barbara, most of the activities are around food, shocker, we know.
If you are brunch people, then why not start the day of love with a Valentine’s day brunch at Scarlett Begonia? They are offering a three course Valentine’s Day Brunch. Check it out and make tour brunch reservations here.
For those who prefer to Valentine’s out with the whole family, even little kids…
The new and very family friendly Brass Bear Uptown is offering something for everyone. The big kids get a four course meal and it’s a-la-carte for the kiddos. Play at your own risk, they will have a bouncy house AND face painting available for the little’s entertainment. Parents, you might actually get to sit and eat! Make your reservations for V day today. Brass Bear doesn’t just do Valentine’s, they offer a lot of different family friendly pop-up events, some with supervised kid play. Check the Pop-ups here.
P.S. We like to call family valentines, Family-tines.
Send the kids to a party while you enjoy a romantic evening at The Ritz Carlton. While the kid’s are partying at a supervised Valentine’s Kids Bash,The parents can dine on a prix fixe dinner with breathtaking ocean view at the on property restaurant Angel Oak.
If you want all the romance and to spend all the money, then San Ysidro’s Stonehouse four course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Dinner Experience will definitely do it for you. The ambiance, the food, the service are sure to set the right mood for your Valentine’s Day Dinner.
If you want something a little less boug that the Stonehouse, but are still looking for an elegance then you should check out Opal’s Valentine’s Day Dinner. Make a reservation for their three course prix fixe menu at Opal Restaurant. See the menu options and reservation details here.
Romance, bubbly, candles, rose pedals and more…
The Original California Bouchon in Santa Barbara (no relation to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro) is always romantic but they bring out even more to get you in the Valentine’s mood. Offering a three course format, but not a tasting menu, you choose an appetizer, main course and dessert. Check it.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just one meal, create Valentine’s memories with local experiences
Take a Food Tour with Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours. We love Valentine’s day and we want to hang out with you. We also want to feed, entertain you and celebrate love. Everyday is a day of love and fun and local food for us.. Check out all the tours you can choose. If you want to make it extra special, make it private or don’t and take a taco tour or the OG downtown tour. Take all our tours and feel all the love.
Enjoy a valentine’s spa day with Float Spa. The spa day will include chocolates truffles and bubbles. You can’t get much more romantic and relaxed than that! For more info on Float’s Valentine’s Spa Day of relaxation click here.
If you are looking for a post lunch, pre dinner activity then…
Lotusland might be perfect. They are offering a late afternoon of love. A sip and stroll through the gardens. You will be serenaded by a local musician, given bubbles to drink and receive a professional picture of you and your love (s). If that doesn’t put you in the mood for, you know or a nap, I don’t know what will. Make a reservation here.
Make Chocolate Truffles not war
Do you like chocolate? Ever think about making chocolate truffles? I didn’t until I crossed paths with local chocolate company, Menchaca. They are THE Chocolate Experience makers. This one is Valentine’s Day specific, but they also offer a lot of fun experiences on other days. Learn more and book here.
Heart Shaped Pizza Anyone? 
Who doesn’t love a heart shaped pizza on V-Day? I know I do. So here are a few places that will and might make them for you.
Lucky Penny can give you heart shaped pizza AND froze all Day on Valentine’s Day. Montecito Pizzeria, Bettina will make your pizza into a heart on Valentine’s Day, because that is what you do on Valentine’s Day. It is just something you have to do. But don’t forget to request your pizza come as a heart. See interview with Bettina owners here. Rusty’s pizza always offers heart shaped pizza on the day of love. Get our order in early otherwise, you can expect a very long wait. See more here. Local take and bake Valentino’s has offered heart shaped pizzas on Valentine’s Day for as long as I can remember. You order your pizza, take it home and make…pizza and love. Side note, their sammies are bomb.
You may be able to convince Revolver Pizza, Pizza Mizza/Mizza, Olio Pizzeria and maybe a few others MIGHT make you a heart shaped pizza on valentine’s day! You never know until you ask!
Valentine’s Day Night Drag Bingo
Pearl Social can hook you up with an evening of Drag Bingo. The fun evening of drag bingo is hosted by the lovely, local Vivian Storm!
Unmatched and looking for a match? Saturday before V-Day …
Single and Mingle with some wine and other singles at a newer Funk Zone winery, La Lieff put on by Santa Barbara Matchmaker – Amador Matchmaking – Tickets are going fast.
There are plenty more Valentine’s dinners and activities and stuff, we just wanted to highlight a handful of ideas , trying to hit a little something for everyone. Things we like and things we would do ourselves.
We love the love.
Now go book a tour.