Nothing says romance like the clink of two glasses of bubbly. But ‘cheers’ are no longer relegated to lingering gazes over a candlelit table for two; this Valentine’s Day, there are myriad options around Laguna Beach for savoring sparkling wine with your sweetheart. From active excursions to classical concerts, the local landscape is teeming with options for all kinds of couples.
For the Adventurers
Paddle around Laguna Beach’s marine reserve and sip some vino while you’re at it: La Vida Laguna is offering a complimentary toast of Freixenet cava in a private cove near Emerald Bay during this Valentine’s Day excursion. The two-hour stand-up paddleboard and kayak route starts at 12:30 p.m., snaking along the north Laguna coastline with a visit to Seal Rock, a haven for sea lions. (lavidalaguna.com)
For the Musicians
Champagne will be available for purchase pre-show and during intermission at Laguna Beach Music Festival’s Sunday performance at Laguna Playhouse—plus, glasses can be taken into the theater. The 3 p.m. concert features artistic directors Jennifer Koh and Shai Wosner, and pairs two of Beethoven’s sonatas with the world premiere of a commission by New York-based composer Anthony Cheung. (lagunabeachmusicfestival.com)
For the Traditionalists
Of course you can never go wrong with a table for two, and Stonehill Tavern at The St. Regis Monarch Beach is offering a five-course dinner with optional wine pairings for a classic experience on Feb. 14. Plus, if you order a bottle of Champagne for the table, you’ll receive a limited edition David Yurman bracelet not available in-store or online. A quick slip on the wrist is a perfect way to start this meal highlighted by salt-baked heirloom beets paired with Domaine Tempier Bandol rose and dry-aged striploin with Casella 1919 cabernet sauvignon. (stregismb.com)
For the Restful
Spend your Valentine’s Day rejuvenating at Surf & Sand Resort’s Aquaterra Spa, where the Ready for Romance couples massage includes a glass of Gloria Ferrer brut rose. The treatment comprises a 30-minute bath, half-hour scrub and cocoon wrap with a relaxing scalp massage, and an hour-long massage highlighted by a custom blend body butter: Soothing rose maroc paired with patchouli oil and ylang-ylang is said to enhance both the relaxation and romance. (surfandsandresort.com)
For the Girls
Gather your girlfriends for a getaway at The Inn at Laguna Beach or Laguna Beach House, where special GALentine’s Day packages come with a bottle of Cupcake Vineyards prosecco upon arrival. Two-night stays at either boutique hotel Feb. 12-13 also include in-room massages and blow-outs, and a $40 Uber credit so you can keep sipping bubbly at all of Laguna’s oenophile establishments. Plus, late checkout means you don’t have to get up early to savor mimosas at Sunday brunch. (innatlagunabeach.com; thelagunabeachhouse.com)
—Written by Kristin Lee Jensen
