5 min readJan 19, 2026

What to Do for Valentine’s Day in LA and Nearby California Cities

“Love doesn’t need a grand gesture, it needs the right moment.”
And preferably one that doesn’t include circling the block for parking.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular wedding dates in California, with couples choosing February 14 to say “I do” surrounded by roses, candles, and just a little bit of chaos. Weddings and romantic events on this day come with unique logistics, moving guests from churches or ceremony spaces to photo shoot locations, restaurants, and reception venues, all while traffic and timing are working against you.

At TourVango, we’ve spent years providing hands-on Sprinter van transportation for Valentine’s Day weddings, proposals, and romantic events across California. Based on what we’ve seen (and survived), we’ve gathered the cities and venues that truly shine on February 14. Whether you’re planning a wedding, an anniversary, or a thoughtfully impressive date, this guide covers romantic activities, memorable date ideas, and the unique Valentine’s Day vibes of Los Angeles and nearby California cities for 2026.

Romantic Dates in Los Angeles Your Girlfriend Will Love

As Pablo Picasso once said, “Love is the greatest refreshment in life,” and in California, Valentine’s Day offers plenty of ways to refresh your relationship from romantic dinners and hands-on experiences to river cruises and seaside escapes. Whether you’re keeping things low-key or quietly impressive, the most memorable plans are often the ones that feel effortless.

To be fair, Valentine’s Day in LA starts at the table. Romantic restaurants are the backbone of February 14 here, offering unforgettable dining experiences such as:

Rooftop restaurants with sweeping skyline views
Oceanfront dining where the sound of waves sets the mood
Celebrity-chef restaurants featuring artfully crafted, indulgent menus

If your idea of romance involves candlelight, atmosphere, and impeccable plating, Los Angeles delivers.

But LA couples rarely stop at dinner. Valentine’s Day is prime time for professional photo shoots, whether it’s before cocktails or after dessert. Scenic backdrops like Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier and the beaches of Malibu turn a simple date into something frame-worthy. This style of Valentine’s celebration is especially popular for anniversary milestones, proposals or couples who believe romance should come with evidence.

Beyond dining and photos, LA offers experiences that feel personal rather than performative. Think spa days where phones stay off, live jazz nights that feel straight out of a movie, intimate theater performances or comedy shows that prove laughter really is romantic. As the saying goes, “A couple that laughs together stays together.”

For Couples Who Get Married on Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day tends to get loud in Los Angeles, especially if you intend to get married on this day. Restaurants overflow, prices jump, and what should feel romantic can quickly turn into a full production. But romance doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best celebrations happen just outside the spotlight, on the water, or at scenic city spots.

Even today, love takes a little planning: picking the perfect spot, capturing those special moments, and making sure everyone gets there on time.

For couples tying the knot on February 14 2026, professional photo shoots are a major part of the wedding-day experience in Los Angeles. Beaches, elevated viewpoints, and iconic streets will turn wedding photos into cinematic keepsakes. Many couples elevate the shoot by renting a classic car, using it as a stylish prop that adds a timeless, romantic touch at each location.

Photo plans often include family members and guests as well. Moving a group between the ceremony, multiple photo locations, and restaurants or reception venues can be challenging on such a busy day. In these cases, renting a Sprinter van becomes a practical and elegant solution, allowing everyone to travel together comfortably, stay on schedule, and keep the day flowing smoothly without disrupting the romance.

What to Do on Valentine’s Day in Glendale, CA

If Los Angeles feels like too much, Glendale is famous for its quieter, more intimate cousin and that’s exactly the appeal. Valentine’s Day here feels calmer, warmer, and far less rushed.

Many couples give their preference to elegant parties and romantic dinners and annual Valentine’s Day concerts at venues like the Hilton Glendale, where celebrations feel refined rather than overcrowded.

The city also lends itself to hands-on date ideas, like a couple’s cooking class where teamwork replaces small talk, or a peaceful stroll through a local botanical garden where the pace naturally slows down.

Glendale proves that romance doesn’t need noise to be memorable, sometimes it just needs space.

Valentine’s Day Events in Sacramento for Couples

Sacramento offers a Valentine’s Day experience that’s unexpectedly charming. One of the most romantic options is a dinner cruise along the Sacramento River, where city lights reflect on the water and the evening feels both romantic and special. Generally this event lasts about 2 hours and can include a plated dinner with views of the city lights reflecting on the water a setting that feels both romantic and special. Prices for dinner cruises are around $90–$95 per adult (plus tax, docking fees, and gratuity.)

Beyond the river, couples can explore local attractions, cozy wine bars and historic streets that feel tailor-made for February romance. Sacramento’s Valentine’s vibe is relaxed, scenic and refreshingly unpretentious, perfect for couples who prefer connection over spectacle.

Gondola Ride in San Diego to Impress Your Partner

If romance had a zip code, San Diego would make a strong case for it. With ocean air, palm-lined streets, and sunsets that feel scripted, the city is the ultimate coastal Valentine’s escape. February 14 brings special gondola rides and flagship cruises, offering a floating dinner-date experience that’s hard to top.

The Gondola Company offers Saint Valentino Cruises on February 14 , intimate Venetian‑style gondola rides through the Coronado Cays that typically last about 50 minutes and start around $235–$270 for two people, with chocolate and roses included and upgrades like live music or a singing gondolier available.
For a classic dinner‑on‑the‑water experience, Flagship Cruises & Events runs Valentine’s Day dinner cruises on San Diego Bay with a 3‑course meal, live music, and sweeping skyline views; prices usually begin around $109.50+ per person for dinner or $99.50+ for a champagne brunch, with departures in the early afternoon and evening.
City Cruises also offers a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise departing in the early evening (around 6:30 pm–10:00 pm) with plated meals and views of the harbor starting from $$117.15 to $292.61 per person.

And if being on the open water isn’t your partner’s thing, a simple romantic walk along Coronado Beach or La Jolla Cove works just as well because in San Diego, even “doing nothing” feels impressive.

And if being on the water isn’t your partner’s thing, a simple romantic walk along the beach works just as well because in San Diego, even “doing nothing” feels impressive.

For wine lovers the local winery scene offers a romantic alternative to traditional dinners and cruises. With dozens of boutique wineries spread across areas like Ramona, Escondido and Rancho Bernardo, couples can sip, savor and explore at an unhurried pace. Many of these vineyards offer romantic tasting rooms, scenic views and cozy outdoor spaces that feel tailor-made for a February 14 celebration, perfect for sharing a glass, lingering over conversation and letting the day unfold naturally.

Which City Is Best for Your Valentine’s Day Date?

The official, universally accepted answer is Paris, France, obviously. But if you’re staying closer to home and still want to impress, San Diego wins for coastal relaxation, while Napa Valley near San Francisco takes the crown for wine-country romance.

San Francisco itself is packed with Valentine’s charm. From iconic viewpoints to playful traditions like the annual Great Pillow Fight at Justin Herman Plaza, the city knows how to mix romance with fun. For couples who prefer music over flowers, candlelight concerts throughout the city offer an intimate alternative that feels timeless and personal. Timeless evenings with prices often starting around $35–$40 per person.

Love, California-Style

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be louder, bigger, or more expensive to be meaningful. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a proposal or a quiet date that still feels special, the right city and the right planning make all the difference. And in California, romance isn’t about the gesture. It’s about the moment… and getting there without stress.

When and Where Are the Emmys in 2026?

So, when are the Emmys 2026? The main ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The 78th Emmy Awards will take place at the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. That gives us the Emmy Awards 2026 date and answers where are the Emmys held this year: right in downtown Los Angeles, where finding television stars is considerably easier than finding cheap parking.

Who Is Hosting the Emmys in 2026?

The Emmys 2026 host is Mariska Hargitay, best known for her long-running role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. After spending decades handling fictional New York crime scenes, hosting one of television's biggest nights should be relatively peaceful.

Keep in mind that a host announcement is not the same thing as a complete presenter list. The full lineup of people handing out trophies should only be treated as confirmed when officially announced.

Where to Watch the Emmys 2026

Wondering where to watch the Emmys 2026? You have two main options in the United States. The September 14 ceremony will air live on NBC and stream live on Peacock. That's for the main Emmy telecast. The Creative Arts Emmys have their own dates and broadcast arrangements, which we'll get to below. In other words, don't turn on NBC a week early and wonder why everyone forgot to show up.

What Shows Are Nominated for Emmys 2026?

The Emmy nominations 2026 stretch across a huge number of categories, so listing every nomination here would turn this guide into a small novel. Instead, let's focus on three of the biggest program races: Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, and Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. These are official Emmy nominees 2026, not winners. The trophies haven't been handed out yet, no matter how confident your favorite show's subreddit may be.

Drama Series Nominees

The Outstanding Drama Series race includes eight shows:

The Diplomat
The Gilded Age
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Paradise
The Pitt
Pluribus
Slow Horses
Your Friends & Neighbors

It's a crowded field, with established Emmy competitors sharing the category with newer shows. But nominations are nominations, we'll save the crystal ball for the prediction section.

Comedy Series Nominees

Outstanding Comedy Series also has eight contenders:

Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Margo's Got Money Troubles
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
Widow's Bay

Yes, The Bear is still in the comedy category. At this point, arguing about it has practically become its own annual Emmy tradition. These primetime Emmy nominations 2026 include longtime awards regulars alongside newer competitors, but all eight enter September as nominees not winners.

Limited or Anthology Series Nominees

The Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category is a slightly shorter list:

All Her Fault
The Beast in Me
Beef
DTF St. Louis
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Those five make up the category. Television movies compete separately, so they shouldn't be mixed into this list. Now comes the more dangerous part: trying to guess what the voters will actually do.

Who Will Win at Emmys?

First, the important disclaimer: these are Emmy predictions 2026, not results. Until somebody opens an envelope onstage, a prediction is still a prediction-even if an awards expert says it with tremendous confidence. Variety awards editor Clayton Davis has identified The Pitt as his predicted winner for Outstanding Drama Series. The medical drama enters the race as a major contender, but Pluribus and the rest of the field mean nobody should start engraving anything early.

For comedy, Davis's pick is Widow's Bay. That makes the race particularly interesting because Hacks remains a formidable rival. Hacks is hardly unfamiliar with Emmy attention, while Widow's Bay represents the kind of fresh challenger that can make an awards night much less predictable. In Limited or Anthology Series, Davis predicts Beef. The big competition is DTF St. Louis, creating another category where the favorite doesn't have a clear walk to the podium.

That's what makes Emmy Awards 2026 predictions fun. Everyone gets to be an awards expert for a few weeks, and then an envelope gets opened and reminds half the internet that confidence is not the same thing as accuracy. The actual Emmys 2026 winners won't be known until the awards are presented.

Who Votes for the Emmys?

So who actually decides which shows get those little gold statues? Not Twitter. Not your group chat. And definitely not whichever family member keeps insisting their favorite show was “robbed.” The answer to who votes for the Emmys is the Television Academy's eligible National Active members.

The Academy describes the Emmy as a form of peer recognition. Its membership includes television professionals organized into specialized peer groups representing different areas of the industry. National Active members vote on nominees and winners in categories connected to their areas of expertise. That means television professionals are essentially judging the work of other television professionals. The Emmys are therefore not a public fan vote. Watching every nominated show in a single weekend may earn you impressive couch endurance, but unfortunately it does not earn you an official ballot. There is another distinction worth knowing: you do not have to be a Television Academy member to submit eligible work for Emmy consideration or to receive an Emmy Award. Voting eligibility and award eligibility are two different things.

What Are the Creative Arts Emmys?

If the main Emmy telecast is television's big night, the Creative Arts Emmys are where you discover just how many people it takes to make that television look and sound so good. The Creative Arts Emmys 2026 recognize a huge range of television achievement. Categories include cinematography, costumes, picture editing, makeup, hairstyling, sound editing and mixing, visual effects, animation, production design, music, and voice-over performance.

When Are the Creative Arts Emmys 2026 and How Can You Watch?

And despite the name, they are not exclusively “technical awards.” The Creative Arts ceremonies also include selected performance and programming categories. Basically, television doesn't magically appear after someone yells “Action!” A small army of talented people has been very busy. The 2026 Creative Arts ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, at the Peacock Theater. That puts them more than a week ahead of the September 14 main telecast. If you want to watch from home, the schedule is different from the main Emmys. An edited presentation combining the first two nights will air on FXX on Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It will then be available to stream on Hulu the following day.

So keep the dates straight:

September 5-6: Creative Arts ceremonies.
September 12: Edited Creative Arts broadcast on FXX.
September 13: Creative Arts presentation available on Hulu.
September 14: Main Emmy ceremony live on NBC and Peacock.

Television loves a complicated timeline. Apparently awards season does too. The Emmys 2026 arrive on September 14 with Mariska Hargitay hosting, NBC broadcasting, Peacock streaming, and some seriously competitive television waiting for its moment. The Pitt, Pluribus, Hacks, Widow's Bay, Beef, DTF St. Louis, and plenty of other shows enter the Emmy season with nominations. Predictions may point toward certain favorites, but they're still forecasts until somebody is standing onstage holding a trophy.And don't forget the Creative Arts Emmys. Those ceremonies happen September 5 and 6, with their edited broadcast arriving before the main show. So pick your favorites, prepare your snacks, and practice your best “I knew they were going to win” face. Even if you absolutely did not.

Is September California Wine Month?

Yes. California Wine Month runs from September 1 through September 30, 2026, placing the celebration right in the middle of harvest season for many California wine regions.

There is no single California Wine Month festival. Instead, the month brings together events across a state whose wine regions stretch hundreds of miles.

That variety is part of the fun. One weekend might mean a walk-around tasting in a city, while another could include wandering through a vineyard, talking with a grower, attending a winemaker dinner, joining a harvest activity, or listening to live music with a glass in hand.

Visit California lists special tastings, vineyard tours, winemaker dinners, grape-harvest experiences, seminars, blending workshops, festivals, and food-and-wine pairings among the experiences offered during the month.

California Wine Month 2026 dates

The simple answer is September 1–30, 2026. The more useful answer is that every festival has its own calendar. Some of the biggest California Wine Month 2026 events happen on a single day. Others fill an entire weekend or stretch across a full week. That makes September a good month for anything from a quick Saturday outing to a longer road trip through several California wine regions. If you are building a multi-stop itinerary, check the official event schedule before booking. Special dinners, tastings, tours, and limited-capacity experiences may have completely different hours from the main festival.

California Wine Month 2026 food

Come for the wine, but do not overlook what's on the plate. Food is a major part of many California Wine Month experiences. Depending on where you go, that could mean a formal winemaker dinner, a curated food-and-wine pairing, small bites during a tasting, or festival food enjoyed between live performances. California Wine Month programming across the state includes both winemaker dinners and food-and-wine pairings, but offerings differ significantly by destination.Before attending, check whether food is included with admission or sold separately. For smaller dinners and winery experiences, reservations may also be required. Travelers with allergies or other dietary needs should confirm available options directly with the organizer or participating venue.

LAWineFest 2026

Wine tasting in L.A. without the drive to wine country? LAWineFest 2026 makes that an easy weekend plan. The 21st annual festival takes place September 12–13, 2026, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. Expect California and international wines, craft brews, ciders and other drinks alongside live music, food trucks, and local vendors. The event is 21+ only.

Saturday, September 12: General Admission runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., while VIP ticket holders get early entry at 1 p.m.Sunday, September 13: General Admission and VIP entry run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Standard gate prices are listed at $100 for General Admission, $150 for the VIP Garden, and $25 for a Designated Driver ticket. Advance and promotional tickets may cost less. For example, current partner offers show discounted single-day tickets starting around $55–$60 for General Admission and $90–$95 for VIP, so it is worth checking the official LAWineFest ticket page before paying at the gate. General Admission includes festival entry, unlimited wine and craft brew tastings, and a commemorative LAWineFest glass. VIP tickets include the General Admission experience plus access to the separate VIP Garden, where guests can sample boutique and premium wines, enjoy bites, and use additional seating and dedicated restrooms. VIP attendance is limited to 400 guests per day. Food is not an afterthought either. Food trucks and other vendors will be serving throughout the festival, making it easy to break up the tastings with something to eat while catching live music or browsing local exhibitors.

If you are looking for wine events in Los Angeles that feel more like a relaxed weekend festival than a formal tasting, LAWineFest is one of the easiest California Wine Month events to add to your September plans.

LAWineFest Tickets, Parking, and Transportation

Planning to drive? LAWineFest offers offsite parking for $16 at Providence Hospital/Providence High School, about one mile from the festival venue. A free shuttle will run between the parking area and LAWineFest throughout both event days. Groups also have another useful option: the Designated Driver ticket. It is intended for guests who want to attend LAWineFest without participating in the wine tastings, such as the person driving the group home. The ticket provides festival admission beginning at 2 p.m., but does not include alcoholic tastings.

This makes it possible to enjoy the food, entertainment, and festival atmosphere even if you are skipping the wine or volunteering to be the responsible one for the day.

Two Harbors Wine Fest 2026

There are wine festivals, and then there are wine festivals where your tasting room comes with sand and an ocean view. The Two Harbors Wine Fest takes place September 12, 2026, on the beach in Two Harbors on Catalina Island, with General Admission tasting from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $106.25 and include tastings from participating wineries, a souvenir wine glass, complimentary appetizers, live entertainment, and access to the Avalon Rotary Silent Auction. The event is 21+ only. Since the festival is literally on the beach, the organizer recommends comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Wine in one hand and sand under your feet? Not a bad Saturday.

Getting there takes a little more planning. Boat transportation is not included with a regular ticket. Catalina Express runs from San Pedro to Two Harbors, while visitors staying in Avalon can take the Cyclone. Transportation-and-event packages are also available.And because the event can sell out, this is one California Wine Month plan you probably should not leave until Friday night.

Lodi Grape Festival 2026

Wine gets the spotlight in September, but in Lodi, the grape gets the whole festival. The Lodi Grape Festival 2026 runs September 17–20 with carnival rides, food, live entertainment, vendors, exhibits, and the festival’s famous grape and commodity murals. It’s a four-day celebration built around San Joaquin County’s grape-harvest tradition.

Regular admission is $15 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 6–12, and free for kids 5 and under. Even better, the festival has some wallet-friendly deals: guests 16 and under get in free Thursday, everyone gets free admission Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday you can bring two cans of food and get in for $2 before 2 p.m. Want to plan ahead? The official ticket page currently lists 2026 presale admission for $9.50 and an unlimited-ride carnival wristband for $33, both valid for one day. Parking is $12 in official festival lots and is credit/debit only. So yes, you can come for California Wine Month, but staying for carnival rides and $2 admission is completely understandable.

Alexander Valley Wine Week 2026

Prefer wine country without the giant festival crowds? Alexander Valley Wine Week takes a more flexible approach. Running September 21–27, 2026, the event spreads across wineries in Alexander Valley and Healdsburg. There is no single festival ticket or all-access wristband. Instead, each winery handles its own reservations, tours, tastings, and special experiences. That means you can build your week around what actually sounds fun, think vineyard hikes, tractor tours, wine-blending sessions, sensory seminars, winemaker tastings, and harvest celebrations. Some local lodging partners also offer special Wine Week stays.

Just remember: this is not a “show up and wander in” kind of event. Pick the wineries and experiences you want, then book directly with each one in advance.

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival 2026

If your ideal September weekend includes wine, food, live music, grape stomping, and a little Sonoma history, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival checks a lot of boxes.

The festival runs September 24–27, 2026, with events spread across Sonoma Valley. Friday features a $125 Harvest Immersion Experience at Sangiacomo Family Wines, followed by the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner, where individual tickets are $250.

Saturday is the big festival day on Sonoma Plaza. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the daytime festival is free to attend, with live music, food, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, a vintage car show, wine, and beer.

Registration costs $75 per team of two and includes the grape stomp plus a T-shirt. Participants can request a preferred time slot -10 a.m. - noon, noon - 2 p.m., or 2–4 p.m. although exact times are not guaranteed. Registration closes September 22, 2026.

So yes, for $75 you and a friend can literally stomp grapes in Sonoma. Shoes may never be the same.

Plan Your California Wine Month 2026 Experience

California Wine Month is basically September giving you five very good excuses to make weekend plans. You can sip your way through L.A., trade the city for a beach tasting on Catalina Island, celebrate harvest season in Lodi, go behind the scenes in Alexander Valley, or finish the month surrounded by Sonoma traditions. Better yet, the dates are spread out enough that choosing just one is completely optional. Just match the event to the kind of day you actually want. Beach and wine? Two Harbors. Big festival energy? Lodi. Winery experiences? Alexander Valley. Sonoma classics? Valley of the Moon. Then handle the less exciting part before you go: tickets, transportation, hotel rooms, age requirements, and reservations. A little planning now means more time enjoying the wine later and less time standing in a parking lot wondering where the shuttle went.