SeeCalifornia.com

Adventuresome Valentines couples have plenty of ways to celebrate in California. From hot air balloon rides over wine country to scuba diving near the Channel Islands, you can make it as wild and crazy as you like. Ever tried surfing? Take a lesson together in the Pacific Ocean and try the sport on for size along with the wetsuit you’ll require because it’s too darned cold to surf without one right now. Or head for the mountains for snowboarding, skiing and romance in front of a crackling fireplace. Adventure is everywhere you look.

For the mildly active couple some great things to do include taking a walk or hike. Try strolling one of California’s amazing piers, taking a hike among the desert trails, or join in a snowshoe walk in the mountains.  You can even go to Disneyland for their Valentine’s Week celebration.

For the intellectual types, it’s a perfect time to explore an exciting, new museum. Last year we uncovered famous cupids portrayed in art from the state of California’s finest museums and collections open to the public. Be creative and head for the type of place that stimulates, be it an aquarium, Oakland Zoo animal love presentation or science museum.

For ride people, the rides weather is supposed to be warming up a few degrees in most cities this Valentine’s Day 2013. Gondola rides are usually sold out by now so you’ll need an alternate date. But whale watching, sports fishing, plane trips, trams, trolleys and cars are great modes of transportation that will take you to all sorts of places you can explore. Some destinations offer Jeep tours to access remote mountain locations, or you can take a boat to Catalina, hike on the Channel Islands or even take a short 3 day cruise along the coast to Mexico, for instance.

For diners, drinkers and pleasure seekers, head for wine bars, bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries to share a love of great foods and beverages. Eating out is one of the most popular events for this occasion and the hotels do an especially nice job of serving seductive menus. It’s the easiest way to celebrate the day while still having to work and get up early the next morning.

For  gift-seekers, blow your loved one away by going on a shopping spree… together. Be prepared to spend money for a wanted gift. Open-ended shopping may get you into trouble so it’s best to set parameters such as types of stores (you obviously don’t go to a Mercedes car dealer if you can’t afford it.) Whether its sexy lingerie or silk sheets for the bed, or even a furry pet such as a cute dog,  make sure that the person wants that gift as a love offering. Sometimes they may NEED an item but don’t want it to count as a present.

And if all else fails, get the box of chocolates or the dozen long stemmed roses or bouquet of flowers. Top it off with, “We’re going on a trip–you pick it!”  Santa Barbara is a romantic destination, and San Diego can’t be beat!