Four women sit at an outdoor restaurant table in Costa Mesa, smiling and raising their drinks in a toast. Plates of food and drinks are on the table, as large umbrellas provide shade—a perfect moment for a Costa Mesa travel blog.

Unique Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day

Published Jan 14, 2026, 11:17am

If “just dinner” is your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day plan, let Costa Mesa spice it up this year. We’ve rounded up 14 unique ways to celebrate with your ride-or-dies. Expect all the fun, all the feels, and absolutely no regrets.

And since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, you’ve got all weekend to celebrate and stay in the city! Scroll for all the details.

1. Take a Paint Class at Inspired Art Wine

Two people sit side by side, smiling and holding glasses of red wine. Behind them is a colorful painting of a city skyline. They mimic the paintings shape with their arms, and art supplies are visible on the table in front of them.

Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Art and wine is a timeless combo and Inspired Art Wine is taking it up a notch. They offer painting classes (with wine), as well as wine-focused sessions where you can learn about tasting profiles and create custom labels. For Valentine’s Day, they’re hosting a painting class featuring the scene “London Walk,” perfect for the romantic occasion! Seats are limited, so book yours before they’re gone.

2. Make Custom Belts at Saltwater Leather

A person with curly hair works on a piece of leather at a wooden table in a workshop, surrounded by tools and materials, including a screwdriver and leather straps.

Get buckled up for a fun, hands-on date at Saltwater Leather where you’ll make your very own custom leather belts. Match your leathers for a “we’re-in-sync” look or mix different colors to show off your unique styles, opposites attract, after all. Choose the perfect buckle, then seal the deal by engraving your names on them! You’ll leave with a custom leather keepsake you can wear (and brag about) all year long.

3. Take Vintage Photo Booth Pictures

Two vintage photo booths stand side by side. One has people partially visible behind a blue curtain; the other shows a person’s legs below a dark curtain. Both booths have stickers and signage on their exterior.

You’ve seen it all over TikTok — now is the perfect occasion to try it. It doesn’t get more romantic or nostalgic than stepping into a vintage photo booth at Booth by Bryant. Snap a few pics before heading to dinner or hop in after a couple of drinks for some perfectly unfiltered fun. Sweet, silly, or slightly chaotic, these timeless black and white photo strips capture the kind of moments you’ll want to keep forever.

4. Book a Romantic Overnight Stay

A man and woman stand close together on an outdoor balcony at sunset, smiling and holding hands. The sun shines brightly behind them, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday which is the perfect excuse to celebrate all weekend! Check out these hotels offering romantic and luxurious getaway experiences.

Ayres Hotel – Valentine Package:

Sparkling Wine

4 Chocolate-covered Strawberries

2 PM Late Check-out

Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel – Valentine Package:

$100 F&B Credit per night

Breakfast for Two per day

Complimentary Bottle of Champagne upon arrival

Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking

Rose Petals

The Westin South Coast Plaza – Valentine Package:

Overnight accommodations

Welcome Amenity with locally sourced chocolates

Choice of beverage: bottle of champagne, sparkling cider, or wine

Complimentary breakfast for two (2) at The Great Room

Complimentary self-parking for one (1) vehicle

2pm late check-out (based on availability)

Galantine Package:

Overnight accommodations for you and your ladies

Festive Galentine’s décor to elevate your stay

Hand‑decorated Galentine’s sugar cookies — a sweet treat to share

“Espresso Your Friendship” DIY Espresso Martini amenities, perfect for crafting celebratory cocktails together

Whether you’re with your partner or your best friends, spending the night at a Costa Mesa Hotel is the best way to add a little extra love to the occasion.

5. Stay Classy with Dinner and a Show

A couple dressed in formal attire stands on a curved white staircase outside a modern glass building with pink umbrella-covered tables on the patio below.

Photo by @debophotos

Is there anything more iconic than dinner and a show? Kick-off Valentine’s Day with a decadent 4-course prix-fixe meal at Silver Trumpet—think perfectly seasoned steaks and seafood, hand-crafted desserts, and more deliciousness. Then, take a romantic stroll to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for Michael Feinstein’s Valentine with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble performance.

6. Create a Custom Charm Necklace at Balboa Gold

A hand with pink painted nails holds a jewelry box displaying a gold charm bracelet with colorful charms, including hearts, lips, a lightning bolt, and eye designs. Other jewelry pieces are visible on the table in the background.

Photo by Balboa Gold

For a keepsake that stands out, head to Balboa Gold inside SOCO & the OC Mix where you and your besties can design your own custom charm necklace or bracelet. Choose from a selection of meaningful charms, initials, and gemstones to match your personal style. Hanging with your boo? Book a permanent jewelry appointment to make it official with a forever bracelet!

7. Enjoy a Special Dinner in Costa Mesa

Chic, modern restaurant interior with round tables set for dining, elegant beige chairs, a stylish bar with high stools, and contemporary lighting hanging from the ceiling. Shelves with bottles and orchids decorate the bar area.

Photo by Knife Pleat

Knife Pleat: Treat your special someone to a Michelin‑recognized experience at Knife Pleat with a luxurious French tasting menu, available on February 13 and February 14. If you can’t make dinner, their Valentine’s Day Afternoon tea will be offered on February 14th from 11:30 to 2:00 PM.

Silver Trumpet:Celebrate love effortlessly with a 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring a choice of starters, including roasted candy cane beets, seafood bisque, or French onion tart; elegant entrées such as lobster raviolo, black cod, or Hudson Valley duck breast; and a decadent pink velvet cake to finish.

Sevilla: Enjoy a fun atmosphere of live Latin music and Spanish cuisine at Sevilla. Their special four-course menu features dishes like warm goat cheese dip, lobster paella valenciana, and orange tart with raspberry meringue for dessert.

The Capital Grille: Enjoy an evening designed for effortless romance, featuring Seared Tenderloin with Butter-Poached Lobster Tails.

8. Treat Yourselves at South Coast Plaza

A woman in a black dress and leopard-print hat smiles while holding several colorful shopping bags, standing in front of a vibrant wall covered with large red rose patterns.

Photo by South Coast Plaza

This Valentine’s Day, shopping at South Coast Plaza is more than just a retail therapy session—it’s a love affair. With luxury brands, boutiques, and delicious eateries, you’ll find the perfect gift (or treat yourself—no judgment here). Don’t forget to grab a complimentary rose and stop by Laderach for artisanal chocolates that’ll make your heart—and taste buds—melt.

9. Be Inspired at OCMA

A modern building with angular white architecture is surrounded by palm trees and greenery under a clear blue sky, with sunlight streaming from the left. Urban buildings are visible in the background.

Orange County Museum of Art is the perfect unexpected spot for a memorable date night. Stroll hand in hand through the galleries, exploring California and international masterpieces. Did we mention admission is free?

10. Learn Some Moves at Café Sevilla

A man and a woman dance together in a lively, crowded indoor setting. The woman smiles, wearing a black outfit, while the man leads her. Other people dance in the background, creating an energetic atmosphere.

Photo by Café Sevilla

This Valentine’s Day, spice things up with a Salsa & Bachata dance class at Café Sevilla! No reservations required—just bring your dance partner and some comfy shoes for a night of fun. Start with salsa, then move on to bachata, and put your new skills to the test while dancing into the early morning, until 1:00 am. It’s the perfect way to turn your date night into an unforgettable dance party!

11. Axe Your Ex at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales

Dimly lit indoor venue with wooden picnic tables, dark walls, and axe-throwing lanes. Colorful red and blue lighting creates a dramatic atmosphere. Horror character posters and names are displayed above each lane.

Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales

Break free from Valentine’s clichés and axe your ex this February 15th at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales! You read that right. Bring a printed or digital picture of your ex and let out your frustrations by throwing some axes. Make sure to enjoy their wide selection of craft beers while you are there.

12. Take a Wheel Throwing Class at ARTime Barro

Two people wearing aprons stand and smile in a pottery studio, holding clay pieces. Behind them, large letters on the wall spell ARTIME BARRO. Pottery wheels and stools are visible in the foreground.

Photo by ARTime Barro

For a couple that likes a hands-on approach, we recommend taking a wheel-throwing class at ARTime Barro. Learn core techniques for using a pottery wheel alongside your favorite people with lessons for all levels given by lifelong ceramic experts.

13. Unwind at Facial Lounge

Two women in black shirts give facials to clients lying on treatment beds under white blankets in a bright spa room, with hanging plants and soft lighting creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Photo by Facial Lounge

The first few months of the year can be a stressful time, so unwinding on Valentine’s Day is as valid as any date. We recommend booking organic vegan facials at Facial Lounge in Costa Mesa, a spa and lounge where even a few hours can feel like days of relaxation.

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Four young adults smiling and walking together outside a modern building; one woman in a red hat leads the group, while the others chat and follow, carrying shopping bags.