Local favorites for dinner dates, outdoor adventures, and everything in between.Valentine’s weekend doesn’t have to mean one set plan (or one set vibe). We asked our team to share their
Love Local: Our Team’s Top Valentine’s Weekend Picks
Dated: February 13 2026
Views: 334
Local favorites for dinner dates, outdoor adventures, and everything in between.
Valentine’s weekend doesn’t have to mean one set plan (or one set vibe). We asked our team to share their go-to ways to spend the weekend—whether that’s a reservation-worthy dinner, a coastal bike ride, a harbor cruise, or a casual morning that turns into an all-day date.
Here are the team-approved picks, with links so you can plan your weekend quickly.
Marla & David’s Favorites
A classic dinner date
Dinner at Cafe Zack
A cozy, feel-good spot when you want a proper sit-down meal that still feels relaxed.
The Ojai day-trip date (bike + lunch + a stop on the way back)
Bike the Ojai Valley Trail
Lunch at Pinyon Ojai
Stop by Ventura Spirits on the return
This is an ideal “make a day of it” plan—fresh air, good food, and a fun local stop before heading home.
Saturday morning turned into a full-on date
Start at the Downtown Ventura Certified Farmers Market
Brunch at Immigrant Son Caffé
Stroll the market, grab what catches your eye, then settle in for brunch.
Laura’s Picks (Conejo Valley + a wildcard)
The “make it a night out” dinner
Dinner at Paul Martin’s American Grill in Westlake Village
A polished choice when you want a classic date-night setting.
Cozy Italian, always a good idea
Dinner at Farfalla Trattoria in Westlake Village
Great for lingering over a meal and keeping the night simple.
Bonus idea for sports fans
Catch a game: Los Angeles Dodgers Schedule
If you’re the kind of couple (or friend duo) that loves an event night, this is an easy “plan the whole evening around it” option.
Bill’s “Sunset + Lifestyle” Lineup
The sunset date (iconic for a reason)
Sunset at Shoals at The Cliff House
Arrive a little early, grab a seat with a view, and let the evening do the work.
Sunsets anywhere
A reminder we love: you don’t need a big production—pick a viewpoint, a beach walk, or a quiet overlook and keep it simple.
E-bike rides with a destination
Bill & Yolanda love the “E Bike ride somewhere for a glass of wine or happy hour” format—easy, active, and still feels like an occasion.
The Ojai “Pink Moment”
Make it a moment at Ojai Valley Inn
If you’ve never planned a date around sunset in Ojai, this is the weekend to do it.
Regena’s Picks (adventure-forward, with great food built in)
Dinner + go-karts (yes, really)
Dinner at Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood
Then race at K1 Speed Thousand Oaks
This is a fun change-up from the usual dinner-only plan.
Hike + a well-earned dinner
Hit the trail: Piedra Blanca Trailhead (Los Padres National Forest)
Dinner after at Boccali’s
A perfect pairing if you want fresh air first, then a relaxed meal.
Coastal brunch + a ride
Brunch at Beach House Tacos
Then cruise the coast: Ventura Promenade
Simple, local, and very weekend-friendly.
Doug’s “Local, Easy, and SoCal” Favorites
Coffee + a beach walk
Grab coffee at Frontside Cafe
Then walk it off with a beach stroll
Low effort, high return. Great for early risers (or anyone who wants a calm start).
Harbor sandwiches + boat time
Sandwiches from Harbor Mart
Boat rental at Vision Electric Boats Rental (Portside Ventura)
Pick up food, get on the water, and you’ve got an instant Valentine’s weekend memory.
Happy hour + a “stay-in” steak night
Happy hour at Topa Topa Brewing Co. (Colt St.)
Then pick up steaks at Five Points Meat Market
If your ideal date ends at home with a great meal you made yourselves, this is the move.
A quick note before you go
Valentine’s weekend tends to fill up fast—especially for dinner reservations—so if one of these ideas stands out, it’s worth locking it in early. And if you’re heading outdoors, bring layers (coastal evenings can cool off quickly).
Happy Valentine’s weekend—however you celebrate it.
David Remedios
David Remedios is a second-generation local real estate professional who has called Ventura home since 1975. With more than 40 years of experience in the Ventura County real estate market, David bring....
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