Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and the pressure is on to make this year even more romantic than last. This can be challenging for many college students who are used to giving the standard gift of roses and a box of chocolate. So, how can a college student on a budget make Valentine’s Day special? Try visiting some of these local places for a unique experience.
Santa Monica Pier
Although the Santa Monica Pier may not be the ideal place to be alone with your sweetheart, it provides a fun environment with plenty to do and see. The pier offers a breathtaking ocean view that is especially romantic as the sun sets over the ocean. Once the sun goes down, the whole pier lights up and becomes vibrant with brilliant lights and throngs of people that give it a carnival-like atmosphere. Then there’s the Ferris wheel, where you and your date can enjoy a few moments alone while taking in a gorgeous view of the brightly lit city of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier also offers a variety of great restaurants for dinner, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Rusty’s Surf Ranch and Mariasol Cucina Mexicana.
Getty Villa
If you are looking for somewhere a little more outdoorsy to take your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, try visiting the Getty Villa located right off PCH in Malibu. The Getty Villa houses many unique collections of ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan art and artifacts that will keep you occupied for hours. The Getty Villa also has magnificent Roman gardens complete with flowers, fountains and seating areas that will truly make you feel like you and your date are in another time. The Getty Villa is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free, but parking is $15. You can reserve your tickets by visiting the Getty’s online site at www.getty.edu/visit/ or call (310) 440-7300.
LACMA
If you want to take your sweetheart somewhere interesting and artsy on Valentine’s Day and are willing to travel a little farther, LACMA is the perfect place to visit. LACMA is located in the heart of LA along Museum Row and holds extensive collections of art ranging from ancient times to the modern day. LACMA is also famous for its exhibit of street lamps that are brilliantly lit every night and provide a great place to take a short romantic stroll. LACMA is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are $10 to $15. You can visit the LACMA site at www.LACMA.org or call the ticket office at (323) 857-6000.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory in LA is the best Valentine’s Day spot if you are looking to spend a romantic night out amid beautiful scenery. Although you probably won’t see too many stars without a telescope, you will be able to take in an absolutely breathtaking view of LA at night. The glow of the lights from the cityscape and tiny cars below mixed with the majesty of the night sky above makes the Griffith Observatory an ideal spot for a date. The Griffith Observatory is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, call (213) 473-0800.
Point Dume Nature Preserve
If you are looking to get a little closer to nature with your Valentine’s date this year, try hiking the trail at Point Dume Nature Preserve. This scenic walk is only about 1.5 miles long and ends on the top of a hill with an incredible view of the Santa Monica Bay, the Malibu coast and the Santa Monica Mountains. Point Dume Nature Preserve is known for its beautiful sunset. At the bottom of the trail are isolated beach areas that make for an ideal romantic walk among the crashing waves and serene beach atmosphere. The Point Dume Nature Preserve is located in Malibu just off Westward Beach Road.
Escondido Falls
If you and your date are feeling a little more adventurous, the Escondido Falls hiking trail is the perfect Valentine’s Day excursion. This four-mile trail takes about two hours to complete and is for more experienced hikers; however, the amazing views along this trail of the woods, the Santa Monica Mountains and the ocean are well worth the extra effort. Escondido Falls is also famous for its awe-inspiring, three-tier, 150-foot waterfall at the end of the trail, which provides a perfect spot for a romantic picnic. Escondido Falls is located at 2700 Winding Way in Malibu.
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