36 Unique Valentine's Day Ideas for Everyone

While Valentine’s Day isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday whether you're part of a couple, hanging out with friends, or flying solo. We’ve figured out that the trick is just to celebrate the holiday in your own way.

To help you have a memorable February 14—whether you want to practice self-love or show your partner how much you care—we turned to relationship experts Sean Davis and Brenda Wade for ideas. The activities seriously run the gamut, including all-out pampering, charitable endeavors, cultural events, and laid-back things you can do with someone special, a friend, or on your own.

If you're ready to celebrate the day of love—whichever way works for you—these are 36 unique things to do on Valentine's Day.

Try a Wine-and-Dine Movie Theater

Upscale movie theaters like IPIC (with locations all over the U.S.) offer cozy seating and full wine-and-dinner service. While the price may be higher than a regular movie, elevated big-screen amenities like truffle fries and a glass of cabernet delivered directly to your seat kick up the movie-going experience, exponentially. Some theaters even have blankets—perfect for cuddling.

Space Out

The romance of stargazing isn't lost on planetariums. Many of them host couple's events around Valentine's Day, so do a little digging to see if one is happening near you. Clear skies are always in the forecast, no matter what Mother Nature conjures up outside.

Go to a Jazz Club

Listening to live music in a dimly lit jazz bar is simply sultry and intimate. Plus, you can usually snag a reservation if you’re up for cocktails and appetizers. Try the Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Blues Alley in Washington D.C., or Village Vanguard in NYC, just to name a few.

Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa

Wade suggests creating a romantic, relaxing environment in the privacy of your own home. This is a great solo activity, too. “Turn your bathroom into a spa with candles, music, and your favorite, refreshing adult beverage on ice,” Wade says. To make the date even more special, gift your loved one (or yourself!) a luxury robe, a new pair of slippers (Amazon has some great options!), or some gourmet chocolates to eat after a soak in the tub.

Plan a Special Hike

For those who love to hike, it might be tempting to visit the same trails over and over again. For a date that feels both special and familiar, why not take a hobby you both share and put a unique spin on it? For the holiday, you can pack Champagne to pop at the end of the hike or go in the morning to watch the sunrise from the peak. Alternatively, you can visit a trail that’s off the beaten path or one that ends near a brewery with great outdoor seating. 

Check Out a Burlesque Show

Even if you don’t know how to dance, you can get in the mood with some burlesque. Acts tend to be innovative and sultry, which is extra fun for a romantic date or a night out with friends. To find a show near you, check out your city's performing arts centers, university art departments (they often invite visiting acts to perform and don't require student enrollment to attend), as well as local live event venues.

Take Breakfast in Bed

This luxury shouldn’t just be reserved for hotel stays. Wake up an hour early, whip up something special like a childhood favorite or a twist on your most indulgent brunch order, and settle in for some undivided together time before you head off to work.

Highlight What You Love About Your Partner

For people who crave words of affirmation, hearing a list of “specific, nuanced” things that you love about them is incredibly important, Davis explains. This means things that go beyond mundane, everyday compliments. For a Valentine’s Day date to remember, brainstorm how you can incorporate a list of these things into a date or event. Maybe you simply write a letter to your significant other and present it with another special gift, or perhaps you can tell them after you both do something you love together, like hike, cook, or exercise. 

“Small gestures like that are the glue that holds relationships together, but they rarely get any mention,” Davis says. “You’ll be surprised at how seen your partner feels once you do this.”

Take a Mixology Lesson

Sip on something tasty as you learn how to make your favorite cocktails. Head to the exclusive Apothéke Academy in New York, for example, which features ingredients from the rooftop garden and farmers market, or a craft cocktail bar near you.

Recreate Your First Date

Go to that restaurant where you first met or the cocktail bar where you said cheers over martinis and reminisce over your first impressions of each other. Feel like celebrating with friends instead? Round up your pals and make it a group date.

Hire an In-Home Massage Therapist

Order a massage therapist duo to come to your home with an on-demand app like Zeel or Soothe. You'll enjoy a shared experience of relaxation and tranquility while letting any stress melt away—emerging refreshed and renewed with new energy to bring into your relationship.

Have a Themed Dinner

This one is pretty flexible, and the good news is you can alter it based on your partner’s favorite things. You could cook dinner based on your partner’s favorite movie or country. You could have a nostalgia-filled evening with all your partner’s favorite meals from childhood, paired with their favorite movies, shows, and music from growing up. You could make a three-course meal that’s based on you and your loved one’s most beloved restaurants to visit. The point here is to give a home-cooked meal some meaning and some thought and to make it personalized. It’s more romantic than you might think.

Bottle Your Own Wine

Wine tasting is great, but creating your own vintage? Even better. Places like The Wine Foundry in Napa let you stomp on your own grapes and take home your very own bottles. Northstar winery in Washington even lets you taste, blend, and bottle your own wine—complete with a custom label.

Chase the Sun

Grab a blanket and watch the night or morning sky. We know you want to snap a photo but turn your phone on silent and keep it out of sight instead. This is all about taking in the moment.

Take a Surprise Vacation Day

If your partner really values quality time, do everything you can to plan a date that emphasizes this, says Davis. “Clear your work schedule and contact your partner's employer ahead of time to see if you can clear theirs as well, then spend the day doing something you both enjoy,” he says. 

The key here, for people who crave quality time with their partners, is to simply prioritize being together with zero distractions. The details of the day itself aren’t all that important so long as phones are off, notifications are muted, and you only have each other to focus on. If you find yourself stressing about the specifics of a Valentine’s Day date but know your partner loves quality time, concentrate your energy on eliminating as many distractions as possible first and foremost.

Learn Something New

If your partner is all about trying new things, bringing in an expert to teach you both a new skill could be an exciting Valentine’s Day date. Hiring a virtual mixologist, chef, or dance teacher means that you can have this experience from the comfort of your own home. Before the big event, grab cocktails, have some appetizers, and light candles to make the evening feel even more like date night. Afterward, share a meal and laugh about the experience or maybe even book more lessons together.

Plan a “One Day” Day

You know all those things you and your significant other have always said you’ll do “one day”? You’ll order from the fancy sushi place one day. You’ll rent a convertible and drive to the coast one day. You’ll play tennis together one day. You’ll finally splurge on that new backyard projector one day, or make s’mores in the backyard, or ride bikes together at the beach. Why not take a handful of those things and work them into one day-long date? Present your partner with a schedule in the morning (pair it with a cappuccino for bonus points), and explain that there’s no time like the present, and you know they’ve always dreamt about doing these things. Then, let the fun begin!

Enjoy a Staycation

Who says you need to venture far to reap the benefits of travel? Play tourist in your own city and then treat yourself to a fancy hotel or chic Plum Guide or HotelTonight stay. Or try Outdoorsy, Hipcamp, or Under Canvas for something more nature-centric. There's nothing like a staycation to boost your appreciation for where you live!

Stage a Fun Photoshoot

It doesn’t have to be your engagement to take professional pictures together. And you don’t have to hire a photographer either. Armed with the latest smartphone technology, tripod, and tons of self-portrait tips, you're all the pro you need.

Serve Up a Valentine’s Day–Inspired Meal

Sur La Table, in particular, has a ton of cooking classesleading up to the big day, many of which follow a Valentine's Day theme. You can also try Cozymeal or Hipcooks for lessons or Eatwith to find like-minded food lovers to dine with.

“Stay at home with the right music and candles for mood, and cook a sumptuous meal together. Or, you can order in, but at least make dessert,” Wade suggests. “This is a time to enjoy creating together. Sit on cushions on the floor or on a couch where you can recline.” 

Create a Karaoke night

Depending on your mood, choose from the top love or breakup songs, or songs about independence, and let it all out. If you feel like belting it out in the comfort of your own home, karaoke apps like Smule or Yokee can help with that.

Read a Love Story

Classic romance novels include Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice (although Twilight is also a guilty pleasure). You can also cultivate inner empowerment for yourself and within all of your relationships with personal development books—because what's more romantic than showing up better for your partner?

Schedule a Paint Night

Unleashing your inner artist is always more fun with a beverage in hand, whether it be a glass of wine or a steaming mug of tea. To get started, check out Paint Nite events, which partner with local bars on the West Coast, Muse Paintbar in locations along the East Coast, or your local wine bar. This is a great plan for a fun night with friends.

Take a Road Trip

We all know that person who loves nothing more than a road trip—the playlists, the snacks, the wacky, off-the-beaten-path tourist traps. Sound like your sweetheart? Plan a road trip for V-Day! Stock the car with their favorite candy, snacks, and other treats, and pick a few locations on the map that you can drive to within the day. You can even build a playlist with songs that remind you of your relationship or set a timer, so that every 50 miles, you have your loved one grab a love note from the glove compartment.

Commission a Couple's Illustration

Hire an illustrator or graphic designer to create a custom sketch or illustration of you and your loved one. We like How Heart Thou, which donates 50 percent of proceeds to a good cause.

Set Up a Luxury Scavenger Hunt

If the perfect Valentine’s Day, for you, involves showering your loved one with expensive gifts (lucky them!), you might find yourself wanting to give them gifts in a way that’s a little more interactive and unique than just sliding boxes across the dinner table. In this case, consider building a scavenger hunt for Valentine’s Day. Each clue can either be a special gift or lead to a series of special gifts. You can also pepper in smaller gifts, like chocolate or cards, throughout the experience. It’ll feel like a game and an activity you both can experience together, so it’s a win-win.

Watch Your Wedding Video

Calling all married couples: This is the time to reminisce about your nuptials. (That’s right—your video is not just reserved for anniversaries.) We suggest you grab the tissues.

Make It a Game Night

Set up a round or two of poker or Cards Against Humanity, if that’s more your thing. Or, consider a classic board game for a dose of nostalgia. If you're feeling fancy, get dressed up and head to the casino for slots and blackjack.

Build a Bonfire

Stoke a roaring fire on the beach, at the park, or in your backyard. Enjoy the evening with just your partner, make it a double date, or invite all of the people you love to partake.

Watch a Love Story Unfold on Film

Whether it’s The Holiday, Love Actually, or something classic like Casablanca, a romantic narrative can put you right into a love-filled state of mind. Or go with a more recent pick on Netflix, which seems to be on a romantic comedy, movie-making spree. Case in point: To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Always Be My Maybe, and Set It Up.

Book a Ghost Tour

Enjoy a thrilling story and pull each other close when you feel a phantom chill. Historic neighborhoods, hotels, and local historical societies are a great places to narrow down your search for a spooky tour that suits your interests.

Head to an Amusement Park

Tap your favorite thrill-seeker for a day of riding all of the rollercoasters or getting nostalgic over a few revolutions on the carousel or Ferris wheel. If you can swing a weekday visit, you might even score a discount on tickets and find shorter lines.

Try a Tarot Reading

Seek out a local tarot card reader (this is just a Google away!). Or, tune into your intuition and host your own readings for each other, if you're celebrating with a partner, or with a group of friends.

Try an Escape Room Challenge

Get moving and work out your mind at the same time when you collaborate as a team to solve an escape room challenge. Escape rooms have grown in popularity in recent years, so you're bound to find one near you. This is also a great option to enjoy with a group of friends.

Create a Greatest Hits Tour

Pack the day with all of your favorite places to see, things to eat, and activities to do together around your home city. With so many of your most-loved activities stacked into one day, it's impossible not to create a memorable experience.

Pull a "Sweet Home Alabama"

There’s a reason why so many people remember the ring shopping scene from Sweet Home Alabama—you know the one where Patrick Dempsey’s character takes Reese Witherspoon’s character to Tiffany's, turns the lights on, and says she can pick one as he proposes? It’s pretty romantic. It’s also a little over-the-top, but it can be recreated on basically any budget. After sharing a coffee or some breakfast together, take your partner to their favorite store (a fancy jewelry store works, too) and ask them to pick out whatever they want.