Things to Do in the Sacramento Area This Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air, which can mean only one thing: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Celebrated each Feb. 14, the holiday began as a feast day celebrating St. Valentine, but has since morphed into a worldwide celebration of love and romance. Although we usually associate romantic love with Valentine’s Day, there’s no reason it can’t be a reason to celebrate friends and family as well!

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, most people think of red roses and boxes of chocolate (and perhaps that little blue box, if you’re lucky). But there are plenty of other ways to celebrate love; after all, not every couple is the lovey-dovey type. From fancy dinners out to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day. Following are some options.

For Romantics

There’s no better way to express your romantic love than by treating your someone special to a gourmet meal. Luckily, several spots in the greater Sacramento area are offering special Valentine’s Day menus this year. Following are options to consider.

Allora | East Sacramento

Photo courtesy Anna Wick/Anna Wick Photography

Allora in East Sacramento is one of the most romantic spots in town. Their special Valentine’s Day menu comprises seven courses, each with an Italian influence. Seasonal dishes include smoked paprika bucatini with lamb pancetta and filet and lobster. You can even add a wine pairing to go with each course.

Fenton Harriott Wines | Placerville

Photo courtesy Fenton Harriott

How about a romantic meal in a wine cellar? The special Pairs and Pairings event at Fenton Harriott Wines in Placerville on Feb. 11–12 features an elegant five-course dinner paired with unreleased wines. A live violinist will also be onsite to help set the mood.

Revolution Wines | Midtown

Photo courtesy Revolution Wines

Midtown Sacramento’s urban winery, Revolution Wines, is hosting a special Valentine’s Dinner on Feb. 14. The four-course, pre-fixe menu includes dishes like short ribs and cioppino, as well as vegan options. They’re also offering a special wine pairing from their unfiltered wine selection, which includes sauvignon blanc, rosé and merlot.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Train | West Sacramento

Photo courtesy Sacramento River Train

The River Fox Train, which boards in West Sacramento, is offering a special Valentine’s Day ride this year, which includes a gourmet meal on the rails! You can listen to old-fashioned love songs by a strolling musician while enjoying a three-course meal. You can even add on a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates.

House of Oliver | Roseville

Photo courtesy House of Oliver

House of Oliver in Roseville is also offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner this year, on both Feb. 13 and Feb. 14. The menu includes prime rib, garlic shrimp bruschetta and raspberry mouse for dessert. You can add wine pairing or indulge in one of the special Valentine’s Day cocktails, which includes a chocolatini. As always, there will be live music to enjoy while you dine.

For Fun Seekers

There’s no reason you have to spend Valentine’s Day in a fancy restaurant. If you’re the type that prefers a little action over a lot of indulgence, following are some ideas.

Valentine’s Day 5K | East Sacramento

Start the weekend of love off right with a 5K to get the blood pumping. The Valentine’s Day 5K, held at McKinley Park in East Sacramento, is hosted by Sistas Go Hikin’, an African-American run outdoor group that schedules hikes throughout Northern California and beyond.

Latin Dance Couple’s Night | Elk Grove

Ever wanted to learn how Latin dance? Now, you and your partner can learn together at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Elk Grove. They’re hosting a special group class for Valentine’s Day, complete with strawberries and champagne. Best of all, you don’t need any experience!

Sacramento River Cruise | Old Sacramento

Hop aboard a riverboat in Old Sacramento for the “Alive After Five” cruise along the Sacramento River on Feb. 14. There’ll be a live DJ, dancing, a full bar, and small bites available for purchase during the 1.5-hour event. Cocktail attire is requested, and only those 21 and over are permitted.

Axe Throwing | Various Locations

Photo courtesy The Smart Axe

Nothing says love like throwing an axe. Ok, that may not be true, but it does make for a fun date night. At The Smart Axe, you can practice your throwing skills while attempting to hit a giant target. They even have wine and beer onsite, and with locations in Rancho Cordova, Davis, Folsom and Roseville, there’s sure to be a one near you.

For Friends

Don’t have a significant other? There’s no reason you can’t celebrate the love between friends this Valentine’s Day — which, incidentally, also marks the very unofficial holiday of Galentine’s Day. Following are some things to do with your gal pals.

Sample Chocolate

This special Valentine’s Day-themed virtual event hosted by the Crocker Art Museum allows participants to sample the ultimate treat: chocolate. Gather your besties and pick up your chocolate samples ahead of time, then long onto Zoom to learn all about the delicacy from experts at Guittard Chocolate Company. You’ll learn about the subtle details of different varieties and experience the progression of flavors.

Go Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is a great experience no matter who you’re with, but it’s especially fun with friends. Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 12–13, there are several special events in the greater Sacramento area. The Placer Wine Trail has several wineries that offer wine and cheese pairings and live music, and the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg has food trucks, live music, and of course, tastings.

Go Shopping

Several Valentine’s-themed popups are being held throughout the greater Sacramento area this Valentine’s Day weekend. In Old Sacramento, Warehouse Creative, a collective of local artisans, is hosting “Besties & Bubbles,” on Feb. 12–13, with pop-up vendors, a festive photo booth and wine tasting. Superbum Plant Company in East Sacramento is also hosting an event on Feb. 12, featuring several sweets vendors in addition to their selection of plants, vintage items and locally made artisan goods.