All Things Love

A Santa Barbara Valentine’s Day guide

By Nathalie Tovar

February in Santa Barbara is filled with love, laughter, and romance. Whether it be an intimate dinner with your special someone or a night out with the girls, there is something special for everyone to enjoy. Here is a curated list of local dining, memorable experiences and handpicked gifts for the perfect 2026 Valentine’s Day.

Dine and Wine

1. San Ysidro Ranch 

   

At the Plow & Angel Speakeasy located in San Ysidro Ranch, the Valentine’s Day love extends beyond just February 14; all month long, a specialty cocktail menu is available for guests to experience under a ceiling of glistening heat ornaments. Rose of Rio, a Código Tequila Rosa, cachaça, pink guava, rose petal, lime beverage served in a rose-shaped glass, and the Sakura Clover Club crafted with Nikka Japanese Gin, raspberry wildflower honey, sakura cherry blossom vermouth, and lemon are just a couple of the highlights Plow & Angel is offering for the month of romance.

2. Marisella

   

Craving a relaxed and intimate romantic night? Enjoy an oceanfront, four-course dinner at Marisella at The Ritz-Carlson Bacara on February 13 and 14. With a menu crafted by Chef Danny Grant, celebrate Valentine’s Day with delicious Fried Ravioli Amuse, Hamachi Crudo, Squash Agnolotti, and many more specialty dishes. 

Reservations are required, made via the Marisella website. 

3. Finch & Fork

   

Downtown Santa Barbara’s Finch & Fork will serve a three-course Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe Dinner on Saturday, February 14. The menu features starters such as the Corn and Crab Chowder with crab salad, frisee, and confit tomato, as well as entrees like the Black Bass with charred fennel, parsnip pureé,  and braised greens. The dinner closes on a sweet note with a Chocolate Decadence dessert topped with pistachio crumble, a perfect finish to a special Valentine’s night. 

Reservations are available on OpenTable.

4. Little Mountain

   

Look no further than Little Mountain in Montecito for an intimate and memorable evening on February 14. Their exclusive Valentine's Day tasting menu curated by Chef Diego Moya offers a four-course, wood-fired experience designed with an elemental approach that highlights locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful technique. 

Reservations are open through the Little Mountain website. 

5. Pico

   

   Photo by Silas Fallstich

In the heart of Los Alamos, Pico is offering a four-course family-style dinner made for two on February 14, with various food and drink selections suitable for sharing with a special someone. House favorites including Avocado Crudo, Finley Warm Broccolini and Kale Salad, and Flourless Chocolate Cake will be on the menu and can be perfectly paired with wine or house craft cocktails like the Frankie The Girl with Japanese strawberry gin and Santa Barbara aloe liquor. 

Reservations can be made on Tock. 

6. The Lark

   

The Lark in The Funk Zone is hosting an exclusive and memorable dining experience on February 14. Their special menu includes Cast Iron-Roasted Church Brothers Broccolini with preserved lemon vinaigrette, stracciatella and marcona almond, as well as Superior Farms Lamb Ribs with saffron yogurt, Meiwa kumquat, nicoise crumble and mint. With Strawberry Cobbler for dessert and a Rose Martini, a blend of flavors and romance awaits. 

Reservations can be made on OpenTable. 

7. Loquita

   

Commemorate Valentine’s this year at Loquita, Santa Barbara’s beloved Spanish dining experience. From Yellowtail Crudo with Strawberry Citrus Sauce, mojo verde and strawberries asadas to Tartar de Wagyu with piquillo emulsion, mustard-bone marrow dressing, crispy capers and pan de cristal, the menu is easy to fall in love with. Right on theme with the night, Hers and His Negronis invite couples to sip and celebrate February 14 together. 

To save a spot, reservations are available on OpenTable. 

Sweet Escapes

1. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara, Golden Cinema Package

   

From February 4 to 14, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara presents an immersive stay designed for film lovers, in partnership with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: the Golden Cinema Package. The package invites guests to enjoy luxury accommodations, a Soak in Cinema in-room bath ritual, and priority screening tickets with access to festival film screenings, ideal for those who wish to spend February together in a blend of comfort and excitement. 

2. Pali Wine Co., Galentine’s Crafts and Wine Flights

   

Platonic love is just as worth celebrating as romantic love, and Pali Wine Co. will be hosting both Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day events.  On February 13, “A Crafty Babes Galentine’s Day Market,” will be open to the public from 5-8 p.m. with no reservations required. The event will highlight 10+ local small businesses alongside live music, wine, and DIY crafting experiences. The festivities continue on to February 14 with Pali’s Lovers’ Flight, a four-wine tasting experience designed for two. Curated by Pali’s Level 2 Sommelier in Santa Barbara, the flight features sparkling wines, large-format Pinot Noir pours, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a guided walk-through of each wine.

Tokens of Love

1. Westerlay Signature Heart Orchid 

   

Meticulously shaped into a heart with two brightly colored orchids on each side, this elegant arrangement is a timeless symbol of love and beauty. Grown locally in Santa Barbara, this Westerlay Orchid makes for a thoughtful and long-lasting Valentine’s Day gift.

2. True Love Always Corazón Brillante Necklace

   

Just like its namesake implies, the Corazón Brillante Necklace is a diamond-adorned heart necklace that shines brightly as a stylish yet simple statement of love. With an adjustable dainty chain, it is the ultimate gift for your loved one that will pair well with any outfit for Valentine’s Day. 

$530

3. Déhance Hollyhock Belt

   

Made with a classic silhouette and beautiful Italian calfskin suede, a Déhance Hollyhock Belt makes a practical gift for Valentine's Day. Customizable from the hardware to the leather lining and color, make a belt you know your partner will love and cherish for years to come.

Hollyhock Belt Silver and Suede Chocolate Silver variant, $325