Valentine’s Day Getaways from Los Angeles

Flowers. Chocolate. These are some of the things you treat your loved one with on Valentine’s Day. Why not be a little adventurous for Valentine’s Day this year and check out these spots for a romantic getaway.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas may be known as sin city, but it’s a town for lovers as well. Las Vegas provides a number of things to do, all easily located on the strip. You can start off your night with a dinner at a number of the upscale restaurants or buffets. Once you have your fill, you can take a walk down the strip. Make sure to stop by the Bellagio water fountains, a beautiful sight to see with music and a magical water show. If you want to make your night extra special, feel free to check out one of the Cirque du Soleil productions such as KA or LOVE.

If you’re single and down to mingle, you can still enjoy a night out with friends. Choose from one of the many dance clubs to dance the night away.  However, Bob Arno of Thief Hunters, suggests that even while having fun in the dance clubs, you should be careful and stay on the lookout for pickpocketers. It’s also wise to be aware of irregular behavior in casinos, so that a fun night doesn’t become a nightmare.

“I am a proponent for travel, I think it’s one of the most insightful things a person can do,” remarked Arno. “But you also have to be prepared a tad.”

San Francisco

San Francisco is a vibrant place to visit, full of natural beauty. If you decide to drop on by, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bay Area. A few notable sights include the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. For those romantics, a drive up to Twin Peaks will be well worth the trip. Twin Peaks overlooks San Francisco and gives you a spectacular glimpse of the urban areas.

San Francisco is also known for being eclectic and multicultural. The city is buzzing with so many options for entertainment and dining. Not only is it bustling with gastronomy, such as the different eateries in the South of Market (SOMA) district, but it’s known for its many destinations for shopping as well.

“My favorite part of San Francisco is Malcolm Street with the little bars and little corridors,” said Ariel Saliva, a resident from Antelope Valley. “There are places for people to meet and a sense of community.”

Santa Barbara

If you’re in the mood for something relaxing, Santa Barbara is the place to be. Santa Barbara is the home of beautiful wine country, affluent culture, and Spanish architecture. Examples of architecture include the Old Mission of Santa Barbara, which is the queen of all missions.

For breathtaking scenery, head to Santa Barbara’s Botanical Gardens and the Montecito Bluffs. The Bluffs have dazzling waterfront views and are home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey. About an hour away, you can also get a view of Europe with Solvang, a quaint town that features wine tasting and delicious danishes.

“I think Santa Barbara would make a great romantic getaway because while the town is so lively and full of fun things to do, the entire atmosphere is wrapped up in intimacy. It is like you and your significant other are the only people in the world,” commented Melissa Chan, a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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