With Valentine’s Day approaching, there are several ways one can surprise a sweetheart, and there are fun activities for those who are single. Being single does not mean staying home, because there’s a chance of meeting someone new.
Here are some local V-Day events, whether it’s with your valentine or friends.
The Couples’ Guide to a Romantic Valentine’s Day
1. Ride horseback through the trails leading to a view of the Hollywood sign at Sunset Ranch. The Valentine’s Day special offers a two-hour evening tour to Mt. Hollywood, catered BBQ and live country music. Information on dates, prices and trails are on their website.
Address: 3400 N. Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 469-5450
2. Solve a murder mystery whilst you cruise along the Long Beach coast with your significant. Enjoy a four-course meal before getting down to business in cracking the case. Information on their mystery cases, prices and dates are located on their website.
Address: 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: (866) 496-0535
3. Re-enact the scene from “500 Days of Summer” by enjoying an iconic view of Downtown L.A. at Vista Hermosa Park. The park has a bench similar to the one from the film. “500 Days of Summer” is a romantic comedy that you can enjoy, if you decide to just Netflix and chill.
Address: 100 N. Toluca St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
4. Make it a scary Valentine’s Day with the film “The Silence of the Lambs” presented by Street Food Cinema, which premiered 25 years ago on Valentine’s weekend. It is a story of a twisted romance where an FBI agent has to catch a serial killer with the help of an incarcerated killer. The film screen at L.A.’s landmark, the Million Dollar Theatre, on Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. There will be festivities before the movie begins, including specialty cocktails and beer, a Cupid’s Corner, Valentine photo booth, DJ and much more. Ticket information and list of activities is found on Street Food Cinema’s website.
Address: 307 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
5. Spend the day at Catalina Island, which has all kinds of activities such as zip lining, kayaking, snorkeling and biking. A round-trip discount to Catalina Island is offered on Groupon’s website for almost half-off it’s regular price.
Address: 1046 Queens highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Singles’ Guide to Fun
1. Bowl a strike at Jillian’s at Universal City Walk where groups of friends can also karaoke or play arcade games. This is the place to be to chill even if you’re single on Valentine’s Day.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
2. Take an educational trip to the L.A. Natural History Museum, L.A. County Museum of Art, the Broad Museum, or the Last Bookstore. These places each offer a unique experience.
3. Mingle while you listen to live music at Howl at the Moon where you can meet new friends or bring a group of old friends to dance the night away.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
4. Take the time to see a new movie alone or with a friend. Movies coming out this weekend include “Deadpool,” “Zoolander 2” and “How to be Single.” Check your local theater for times.
5. Bike around Venice Beach where you can stop and check out interesting vendors and unique street art. Lengthen your bike ride 20 minutes and check out 3rd street promenade with more shops and places to eat.
Some CSUN students have this special day planned out to a tee, or at least, have some ideas in mind.
Junior sociology major Jessica Garcia, 22, said her plans consist of going out to dinner in the evening with her boyfriend of three years. The two plan to spend the first half of their day at the Los Angeles Marathon.
“My boyfriend is running the L.A. Marathon,” Garcia said. “I am going to cheer him on.”
Junior mechanical engineer major Cesar Rojas, 23, said he will be attending the L.A. Marathon as well.
“I will accompany a friend to the L.A. Marathon and then just out with friends,” Rojas said.
Senior journalism major Alex Gillman, 22, said he’s been with his girlfriend since October 2015 and has a couple options in mind to make their first Valentine’s Day special.
“[I am] either surprising my girlfriend with horseback riding, [or] going to the aquarium,” Gillman said.
