Whether you spend the day showering your loved one with gifts and surprise at-home experiences; clinking Champagne flutes at your favorite local restaurant; or lounging on your couch with chocolate and a bottle (or two) of cabernet—we've got you covered.
Here's our curated list to a perfect Valentine's Day 2020 in O.C.—whatever your plans may be.
When you're done perusing this list, check out how to celebrate Valentine's Day 2021 in our other markets: Aspen, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Silicon Valley, and Washington D.C.
A Pop of Pink from Louis Vuitton
A little Louis for the lady? The house of Vuitton’s expert craftsmanship shines in this mini version of the Rose des Vents handbag in precious crocodilian. Brilliant alligator leather enchants in rose tourmaline pink, while its gold padlock and iconic key bell reflect the French designer’s DNA. Eight other colorways are on offer for those who prefer a more muted look.
See also: 9 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts For Her
An Alluring Scent from Cartier
In homage to the freedom and boldness of wild roses, Cartier’s perfumer Mathilde Laurent created three fragrances reflecting three strokes of the flower for the maison’s high perfumery. Choose from Pure Rose for the Les Épures de Parfum Collection (a fully naked rose), L’Heure Osée for Les Heures de Parfum (a pink rose), and Oud et Pink for Les Heures Voyageuses (a shocking and androgynous rose in a tuxedo). We’re partial to the L’Heure Osée iteration, seen above, which Laurent describes as an “unprecedented pink in touch with its time, with what is fresh and pop, as iconic as Warhol’s style.”
Something Sexy from Agent Provocateur
Ignite the flames of romance with help from the experts at Agent Provocateur. Founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré and Serena Rees, the British brand is known for its striking lingerie, corsetry, nightwear, hosiery, accessories and more. Each item teams exquisite craftsmanship with playful and alluring design. Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Moss have all starred in campaigns for the daring retailer, and its Cupid plunge underwired bra and coordinating thong are the perfect gifts for your significant other (or yourself!) this Valentine’s Day.
Something Cozy from Eberjay
Wrap yourself in Eberjey’s haute red Raquel Heartbreaker short robe. Kimono sleeves with lace accents reflect its stylish silhouette while luxuriously soft modal fabric soothes. The Raquel collection also includes a coordinating chemise, bralette and thong for those who want to complete the look.
A Red-Hot Heel from Jimmy Choo
Make jaws drop in Jimmy Choo’s Bing 100 patent red pumps. Made in Italy, the mules sparkle with a crystal detail strap and 3.9-inch heel ideal for date night.
See also: 6 Thoughtful Valentine's Day Gifts For The Man In Your Life
Penelope Pots Floral & Event Design
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5862 Bolsa Ave., Suite 104, Huntington Beach / Website
Owner and creative director Jackie Miller knows how to woo someone with the perfect bouquet. Opt for fresh or dry floral arrangements, available for pickup, delivery or shipping, depending on the arrangement. With hundreds of stunning designs to choose from, you're bound to find the perfect mix for even the choosiest special someone.
Marchè Moderne
7862 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach / Website
Start the day off right at Marchè Moderne. The brunch from chef-owner Florent Marneau and his wife, Amelia, the pastry chef, is decadence at its finest thanks to Everything Coconut brioche French toast with coco-mango gelato.
Insider’s tip: Ask about the off-menu Marche Fleur cocktail.
Knife Pleat
3333 S.Bristol St., Coasta Mesa / Website
For the finest in French fare, Michelin-starred executive chef Tony Esnault and renowned restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi (his wife) have blown diners away with their penthouse-level jewel box of a restaurant at South Coast Plaza.
Insider’s tip: Request table 43 and order the chef’s favorite dish: olive-crusted halibut with tomato confit pollen.
Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach / Website
While it’s tough to beat the oceanfront views, Las Brisas’ refreshed interiors certainly give the exterior a run for its money. The breezy, beach-chic dining rooms complement new seafood-driven menu items from executive general manager Michael Gaines. Highlights include a “for two” section on the lunch and dinner menus, plus entrees like Mediterranean branzino, butter-poached lobster and more.
Selanne Steak Tavern
1464 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach / Website
Social distance in style at Selanne Steak Tavern. Guests can indulge in a new, customized, multicourse gourmet dinner (from $400 per person) in an ultraprivate dining room adjacent to the main restaurant. Ready to accommodate parties of two to 12, the experience is led by executive chef Vince Terusa. Advanced sommelier Vito Pasquale selects award-winning wines to pair with delicacies like duck rillette, 40-day dry-aged steak tartare and barramundi.
See also: 7 Gift Ideas For A Fun-Filled Galentine's Day
Nothing Says 'I love you' More Than a Surprise Luxury Staycation...
Surf & Sand Resort
1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach / Website
This time of year calls full attention to SoCal’s endless summer. Ideal temperatures and stunning sunsets are on full display at Laguna Beach’s Surf & Sand Resort. Its new Suite Life package offers up to four guests a private three-course dinner from executive chef Ron Fougeray, including wine and cocktail pairings, on a private suite deck overlooking the ocean. An outdoor massage for two and a welcome spa package curated by the resort’s spa director round out the luxe offerings.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point / Website
Known for its incredible culinary experiences and private beach club, Dana Point’s Monarch Beach Resort joins the Waldorf Astoria family with an official rebranding. The 175-acre property, which boasts 400 rooms and AAA Five Diamond certification, is a welcome addition to the Waldorf Astoria portfolio.
Montage Laguna Beach
30801 S Coast Hwy. / Website
A romantic getaway doesn’t have to mean flying to a different time zone. Book your staycation at Montage Laguna Beach resort and feel a thousand miles away without having to leave Orange County. Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway with your lover in a suite with an ocean view, so you can spend your afternoons sharing Tea for Two or laying in the sun by the Mosaic Pool.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 S Pelican Hill Rd. / Website
At the Resort at Pelican Hill, every part of your romantic getaway is guaranteed to be borderline dreamy. For the nights you can’t pull yourselves away from the hotel room, the resort has reimagined roomservice to bring the kitchen’s gourmet food and, of course, bubbly right to your door. To relax in the morning, treat yourself and your partner to one of the resort's man massage therapy options.
Hyde Park Jewelers
Under the guidance of CEO Michael Pollak, Hyde Park Jewelers has positioned itself as a powerhouse of design and craft precious. Those frosted offerings include diamond-clad pieces from the likes of Temple St. Clair, whose 18K Color Theory earrings feature a ring of glimmering rubies around a hot pink cabochon tourmaline. A diamond-encrusted bale and the brand’s signature triple gold granulation add glitz to the holiday-appropriate color palette.
Lugano Diamonds
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but this Valentine’s Day, show your man how much you adore him with Lugano Diamonds alluring Men’s Collection. The Red Wine Cufflinks—featuring 15-carat rubies surrounded by a halo of diamonds—are the perfect gift for him. If you're shopping for her, pick up the equally elegant Peekaboo Earrings. What’s more appropriate for the holiday than vibrant pink diamonds?
Photography by: Courtesy of brands
