Anyone who says that Valentine’s Day isn’t worth celebrating probably hasn’t seen the options for doing so in San Diego.
Across the county, there are special events for lovers taking place throughout the weekend. And don’t forget: Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so there’s no excuse to stay home.
Here are just a few of the options for getting festive this weekend.
Museum of Illusions: Opened just last year in the Gaslamp, the Museum of Illusions is full of optical illusion-themed exhibits and hands-on experiences. For the week of Valentine’s Day, it will introduce new themed visuals. There will also be heart-shaped origami, chocolate treats and a love path where guests can write notes to strangers. Visitors in pairs can also hit the gift shop with a 14% discount. Feb. 7-15. Museum of Illusions, 665 Fifth Ave., San Diego. $29. moisandiego.com
Cupid’s Skate Party: Gallagher Square will be the scene for a temporary outdoor roller-skating rink on Valentine’s Day weekend. Lovers and friends can rent skates and book skate times at 2, 4, 6 or 8 p.m. in the rink for $15 per person. Outside the rink, there will be shopping and photo opportunities as well as live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage. Visitors can also purchase treats and drinks. A special Galentine’s Day-themed night will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday and Sunday is family day. 2 to 10 p.m. Feb. 12-15. Gallagher Square, Petco Park, 840 K St., San Diego. $12. padres.com/events
Top of the Hyatt: Couples are invited treat themselves with a package deal and an ocean view. Top of the Hyatt will serve flatbread, Veuve Clicquot champagne and dessert. Feb 13-15. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, 1 Market Place, San Diego. $125 per couple. hyattexperiences.com/grand-hyatt
Chaunte Wayans: Lovers who need a laugh can find one in La Jolla. Chaunte Wayans, of the famous Wayans family, will do several stand-up shows this weekend as part of the Therapy in Session tour. 7 and 9:30 Feb. 13-14, 7 p.m. Feb. 15. The Comedy Store, La Jolla, 916 Pearl St, La Jolla. $28.88. thecomedystore.com/la-jolla
Love Birds Discovery Table: Want to learn a new love language? Find out more about how birds show affection in the wild with everything from dancing to feather displays. Visitors can also take to the walking paths in the bird and butterfly garden. 9 a.m. to noon. Feb. 14. Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, Bird & Butterfly Garden, 2310 Hollister St., San Diego. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/calendar.html
Pali Wine Co. is offering a unique wine flight experience on Valentine’s Day. (Kimberly Motos)
Pali’s lovers’ flight: Pali Wine Co. is serving a guided four-wine tasting experience on Valentine’s Day. Sample sparkling wines and pinot noir as well as enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries and live music. Wine lovers can also buy a bottle to-go from Feb. 9 to 15 with a 20% off discount. 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Feb. 14. India St., San Diego. $50 per person or $80 for two. paliwineco.com
Valentines Day cake pops: Learn to make cake pops that you can enjoy all weekend at this workshop. This class is great for beginners and supplies for six cake pops will be provided. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Craft on Third, 282 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $50. craftonthird.com/events1/valentines-day-cake-pops
Partner dance classes: Moonshine Beach and instructors Ray and Tiffany Wilson will host a special partner dance class on Valentine’s Day. Participants will learn two-step basics, dips, spins and other fundamentals. 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 14. $10 per person or $15 per couple. moonshinebeachsd.com
Floral arrangement workshop: Participants in this class will create a bouquet in a vase that they can give away or keep for themselves. This workshop will guide locals through making a glass vase with alcohol inks that they will fill with fresh flowers. All supplies will be provided. 1 p.m. Feb. 15. CoLabCrafts, 143 West Grand Ave., Escondido. $49.87. colabcrafts.com/workshops-1
Arrival from Sweden: A traveling ABBA cover band from Sweden will hit the stage in San Diego to perform some of the band’s greatest hits. The group was founded in 1995 with ABBA original musician Rutger Gunnarsson. 7 p.m. Feb. 16. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. San Diego. Ticket start at $43.05. sandiegotheatres.org
Heart in Harmony Sound Healing: Locals can get in touch with nature at this one-hour sound healing opportunity. San Diego-based sounder healer Jazmine Amelia and practitioners from My Sound Bath Collective will lead the way. Participants are recommended to bring a pillow, blanket and yoga mat and to arrive 15-30 minutes early. 5:30 or 7 p.m. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $55 for members, $60 for nonmembers. tickets.sdbg.org/wellnessfy26/heartinharmony