I’ll be honest, planning trips ahead of time is not my preference.
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Spontaneity is more my speed, from a last-minute coastal drive right before the start of a long weekend to a hotel room booked only after I’ve passed through a new town. But there’s always room for growth, right?
If you’re a natural planner — or trying to be a better one — plenty of California destinations are already dishing out Valentine’s Day deals. Even better: You’ve got a little over four weeks to put together an itinerary, whether a romantic couple’s retreat or a group getaway.
A great trip doesn’t need to be over the top: It could simply allow you to see an old destination in a new way. Notably, the team at travel booking platform GetYourGuide says one of their top-booked activities already for February is a Lake Tahoe sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay.
Here is some inspiration for your Valentine’s Day, from experiences to hotel stays and more:
Flight deals
Going
Beloved flight aggregator Scott’s Cheap Flights has rebranded to Going but is still offering the same curated collections of super cheap fares. Signing up for the alerts is a great way to start perusing good deals in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day; you can use code GETGOING30 through Jan. 16 for 30% off a Going Premium membership.
Southwest
On the heels of a holiday scheduling debacle, Southwest has announced a 2023 Travel Sale with one-ways dropping to $49 if you book by Jan. 12. The deals are valid on trips taken from Jan. 31 through May 17.
Aer Lingus
If Ireland sounds like your kind of February getaway, make sure to check out Aer Lingus’ New Year Sale. The carrier is offering roundtrips to Dublin for as low as $499 from San Francisco. (Current dates for that price include Feb. 17-26).
Hotel deals
Nestled in Sonoma wine country, this luxury resort can offer mushroom foraging and wine tours for Valentine’s Day visitors willing to shell out to celebrate. Expect vineyards outside your balcony window and stunning views of Mt. St. Helena. You can snag a fourth night free, among other offers from the brand, with the promo code PRO4NF. Otherwise, you're likely paying more than $1,000 per night.
If you’re down to stay at least three nights, this South Lake Tahoe hotel will reward you with 20% off — and up to 25% off for stays of four nights or longer. Alternatively, you can use promo code COUPLING for up to 30% off romantic suites Sundays through Thursdays and get a free bottle of wine upon arrival, according to the website. The budget-friendly deal drops prices to just over $200 per night.
Head to La Jolla for a Champagne welcome before a romantic couple’s dinner with a string quartet at this wellness-focused resort near the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course. The “Romance in the Garden” package also includes free parking and is valid Feb. 10-12. Deluxe rooms look to run just over $500 per night with the deal.
Couples looking to splash out on the holiday can book a 3,200-square-foot, three-level Gable & Lombard Penthouse suite (yes, as in Clark and Carole) high above the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. It boasts a rooftop patio and private elevator access, plus you can mosey down to the onsite restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton. Of course, any suite may do, and right now, they're 20% off when you use promo code SUITER, ranging from $400 to about $1,200 per night.
Is it really a Valentine’s Day roundup if you don’t include a totally outrageous proposal? The SoCal city of Oceanside continues to surprise with new offerings all around town, and this two-night, $16,000 experience for Top Gun fans is no exception. First, you’ll receive matching jackets and sunglasses. Then, you’ll go skydiving and enjoy a rooftop bottle of Dom Perignon. Finally, you’ll be paired up with a professional surfer for lessons in the waves before being sent home with a David Barr board as a keepsake. You’ll stay in the hotel’s Ethereal Suite and also visit the locally famous "Top Gun House" that's now home to a pie shop. The package includes transportation to and from airports in San Diego or Orange County. Book by calling (760) 227-5080.
Cruise deals
City Cruises
Depart from one of several California ports for a three-hour Valentine’s Day dinner cruise with onboard entertainment. Upgrade for even more accouterments, including Champagne and roses. The package is available via City Cruise ships from San Francisco to Newport Beach, with daytime brunch cruises also offered in some locations. Use code Vday15 for 15% off the $160 base price, which will increase if you opt for upgrades.
Rental car deals
Car rental company Sixt is marking down its vehicles by 30% for reservations made this month. The offer is valid on premium, luxury and “extraordinary” rentals for up to 27 days.
Luggage deals
Monos
The hip luggage brand will celebrate V-Day with a 20% off sale on already marked-down items, including toiletry cases and loungewear. Use code LOVE2023 from Jan. 16 to Feb. 14.
