Sometimes the nicest Valentine’s Day dates can be the simplest: you and your loved one, a nice meal, perhaps a favorite bottle of wine and, maybe, if you’re lucky, a nice view, too, or a table at your favorite restaurant.
If you’re someone who appreciates the great outdoors, there’s lots of romantic spots in the SCV where you can host a picnic.
But now with the return of outdoor dining, there are a number of options where you can take that special someone for a candlelight dinner, whether it’s under a tent, on a patio or you decide to take it to go.
The good news is, Friday night, the forecast calls for temperatures that could reach the low 70s and dip into the 50 degrees range at night, with clear skies. Unfortunately, there is a decent chance (40%) of rain Saturday night, which increases Sunday evening (66%), according to the forecast. But the silver lining to the clouds and COVID-19 is that due to the large-scale shutdown and then reopening, and the space limitations put on restaurants, more and more places are planning on first-come, first-served seating — so you have a better-than-usual chance of getting a table this close to the holiday.
Salt Creek Grille
“We’ll have plenty of room,” said Salt Creek Grille owner Greg Amsler, whose restaurant is one of several always mentioned as top date spots in the Santa Clarita Valley.
The mall-adjacent spot has an intimate outdoor patio area with heating lamps perfect for a cozy, intimate dinner, and a killer menu planned for Cupid’s big day.
“We’re doing our regular menu, which you can find online, and also we have a takeout special which are dinners for two,” he added, mentioning a filet mignon that comes with a shrimp and scallop skewer as a “surf and turf” combo, as well as a lobster ravioli special.
The specials come with sides, a house salad and, of course, a red velvet lava cake for the holiday.
Salt Creek Grille is located at 24415 Town Center Drive. It can be reached at (661) 222-9999.
The Old Town Junction
The Old Town Junction also earns a spot at the top of date restaurants due to its upscale feeling and very walkable surroundings on Main Street in Newhall — as long as the weather abides.
Chef Daniel Otto remained tight-lipped about the special price fixe menu being planned for Valentine’s Day weekend, which is set to be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in case you want to celebrate all weekend — or would prefer to get in on Friday before the weather gets a little wetter.
The restaurant usually advertises its special deals on the restaurant’s Instagram account. You can follow them at @OldTownJunction.
The Old Town Junction is located at 24275 Main St. It can be reached at (661) 702-4888.
Piccola Trattoria
Piccola Trattoria is taking reservations, and as one of Canyon Country’s more romantic spots for dinner — and always a top contender for Best Italian Dinner in the SCV — there’s a decent chance they might be filled.
But the restaurant has a great selection of wines, an outdoor setup perfect for a date and a great selection of very authentic Italian cuisine.
The restaurant is planning to offer its regular, excellent a la carte menu, which is also available online.
Piccola Trattoria is located at 18302 Sierra Highway. It can be reached at (661) 299-6952,
Bella Vida SCV Senior Center fun
If you’re looking for a place where you can still cut a rug and dance the night away, the Senior Center has a daytime Valentine’s Day event planned just for you and your significant other.
The Valentine’s car concert being hosted by the Senior Center is an in-your-car dance party with Doc Rock-It to celebrate Valentine’s eve.
Doc Rock-It is a cover band that plays songs everyone loves from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
The event is free to attend, but those wishing to do so must register online or by calling the Senior Center. The concert is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb 13.
The SCV Senior Center is located at 27180 Golden Valley Road. It can be reached at (661) 259-9444.
Something different?
If you decide to forgo the restaurant route, there are Valentine’s Day options that won’t break the bank:
A hike and a picnic
While this might be a better option for Saturday, due to the weather. But Santa Clarita has countless places where you can take someone you care about for an intimate dinner.
The Hike Santa Clarita app can tell you how to get to a number of secluded spots, including a waterfall at Whitney Canyon, which is a reward for the 2.9-mile hike. If you’re looking for something closer, there’s also a few parks that overlook the SCV.
Get creative
Pinot’s Palette in Granary Square offers a place where couples can sit down and enjoy a couple hours together, as well as a nice glass of wine, too.
Pinot’s Palette is located at 25850 McBean Parkway. The phone number is (661) 260.0846
Board & Brush and Painting with a Twist offer a similarly fun and tactile experience that can be a fun way to share your love.
Board & Brush is located at 24417 Main St. The phone number is (661) 202-3044. Painting with a Twist is located at 24201 West Valencia Blvd Space No. 3422. The phone number is (661) 414-6454.
Virtual show/movie night
With theaters, live shows and movies not necessarily an option at the moment, you might be able to find fun virtual events.
However, you may just consider take-out from any of the restaurants mentioned here and a relaxing evening at home. But, don’t forget to add in your favorite cocktails.
