How to Enjoy Your Valentine's Day in Monterey County

Looking to add a dash of romance to your Valentine's Day plans? Look no further than the enchanting wonderland of Monterey Bay in sunny California! This coastal gem is the ultimate destination for lovebirds seeking an unforgettable romantic escape. With its breathtaking natural beauty and many exciting activities, Monterey Bay promises to ignite the flames of passion and create cherished memories.

As you gear up for this extraordinary day of love, be sure to embark on your journey with excitement. Don't forget to ring ahead and secure your reservations at these incredible venues to ensure a hassle-free and dreamy Valentine's Day celebration. Now, let's dive into the details and discover the romantic treasures awaiting you in Monterey Bay!

Intimate Wine Tasting

Monterey is renowned for its top-notch wineries and inviting wine-tasting rooms. Why not whisk your beloved away for a captivating wine-tasting experience at one of the region's cozy tasting rooms or wineries? Carmel-by-the-Sea boasts enticing options like Silvestri Vineyards and Galante Vineyards. There's a wealth of other remarkable wine-tasting rooms scattered throughout Monterey County, including the Bargetto Winery Tasting Room in Monterey and Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley.

For an extra-special touch, bring your partner to The Wine Experience this Valentine's Day weekend. Here, you can learn the art of blending wines and even craft a custom label for your unique blend! Priced at $89 per couple over Valentine's Day weekend, it's an experience you won't want to miss. Be sure to RSVP with your preferred time, and a $5 deposit is required. Taxes and gratuity are settled at checkout. Don't forget to explore our recommended wineries and wine-tasting rooms for an exquisite journey through flavors and love.

Make sure you check our recommended wineries and wine-tasting rooms.

Soothing Wellness Spas

Pamper yourself and escape from reality for a little while at one of the serene wellness spas located all over Monterey County. If you want to spend quality time on Valentine's Day with your significant other, you can schedule an appointment for a couples massage at one of the top-notch spas.

Romantic Dining

Monterey Bay boasts an array of dining experiences tailor-made for romance. Our diverse range of restaurants offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, with some crafting special romantic-inspired menus.

For a cozy and charming atmosphere, Treehouse Cafe in Carmel beckons with its lovely veranda and an à la carte menu that promises a stress-free dining experience. From Thai and Greek to Italian delicacies, you're in for a treat in this romantic and welcoming environment.

Meanwhile, Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey invites you to celebrate Valentine's Day at Jacks Monterey, starting with a drink in their cozy fireside bar followed by a four-course prix fixe dinner, complete with Petit Filet Mignon and wine pairings. Priced at $74.95 per person plus tax and gratuity, or an additional $50 per person to include suggested wine pairings, reservations are highly recommended at 831.649.7830.

If you find yourself in Carmel, Mission Bistro awaits with its creative and delicious dishes, perfect for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. The elegant atmosphere, coupled with the attentive staff, guarantees an exceptional dining experience.

Lucia Restaurant & Bar at Bernandus Lodge & Spa extends a heartfelt invitation to celebrate an evening of romance with a delectable, four-course, swoon-worthy menu inspired by seasonal favorites. For reservations, call 831.298.5389 and secure your spot in this exquisite dining experience. Don't miss the chance to elevate your Valentine's Day celebration with an unforgettable culinary journey!

For the ultimate romantic dinner, look no further than Whaling Station Steakhouse, offering a diverse à la carte menu featuring delectable steak and seafood options, an extensive wine selection, and handcrafted cocktails. Secure your table by calling 831.373.3778 today and create lasting memories.

Valentine's Day Treats

Paris Bakery invites you to celebrate Valentine's Day with all your loved ones with special seasonal treats! They have many heart-shaped desserts to enjoy, including ganache cake, black forest cake, fraisier (strawberry) cake, lemon raspberry mousse cake, mini princess cakes, mini pearl noire mousse, chocolate dipped strawberries, cupcakes, cake pops, and a variety of cookies.

Capture Your Love

Capture the beauty of your special moments together with a personal photography session at Monterey Bay. Whether you're strolling hand in hand along the beach, commemorating your love with a romantic proposal, or creatively immortalizing other life events, Memories by the Sea ensures these precious memories never fade.

Recreational Activities

Monterey is a haven for active folks who like to move around, so your options are endless if you have a penchant for recreational activities. From scuba diving and biking (and yes, you can also eBike) to skydiving, hang gliding, whale watching, and hiking, depending on the weather, you'll surely have something to do. Pacific Grove Adventures offers various guided bike and kayak tours that start from the one-of-a-kind location at Lover's Point Beach and Park.

What could be more romantic than spending your Valentine's Day hiking with the person who means the most to you in the world while packing a yummy lunch and a wine bottle? Monterey County's landscapes are truly mesmerizing. Popular hiking destinations include Point Lobos State Reserve, Jacks Peak County Park, Pinnacles National Park, and Garland Ranch Regional Park. If hiking is not your thing, you can still take your food and wine to Carmel Beach and enjoy the day with your loved ones overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

For those yearning for a nautical adventure, embark on a Love Boat Bay Cruise on Princess Monterey, departing from Monterey Wharf at 4:30 pm. Tickets are priced at just $25 per person, with the option to purchase beer and wine onboard.

For those looking for fun tours, check out these recommended tours.

Endless Options

No matter what you would like to do on Valentine's Day, Monterey County offers you a great experience in a relaxing environment while enjoying the majestic views of mother nature. Be safe, be responsible and enjoy your stay!

For lodging and accommodations, we highly recommend Hofsas House in Carmel, along with other delightful options listed in our recommended hotels section. Your romantic journey in Monterey Bay awaits!