Top 7 Valentine's Day Spots

The ultimate getaway for Valentine's Day, this gorgeous property spanning five lush acres is where to go for the sweetest escape. Originally opened in 1963, this oasis hidden right off the Sunset Strip has played host to just about every rock star imaginable. And now, with the recent addition of beautiful villas, an indoor/outdoor restaurant and spa, this retreat is ripe for romance. A special five-course menu will be served all weekend long (($165 per couple) along with Sunday Champagne Brunch for just $38 per person. There are also plenty of discounted hotel & spa packages, including the Valentine's Day package which includes four hours of on-site babysitting for two kids! Check out the hotel's website for all the details.

Who says you can't afford a trip to Napa this V-Day? Whisk your sweetheart to Wine Country (by way of Westwood) at this neighborhood gem that offers fine dining that's approachable, value-oriented and oh yeah, delish. Chef Gillard has prepared a romantic and rustic $50 menu featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients like pan-seared whitefish, roasted rack of lamb with ricotta-stuffed heirloom peppers and sweet finishers like chocolate truffle cake, strawberry cream and rose-scented creme brulee. Guests can also order off the regular a la carte menu too.

Head downtown to one of the city's most enduring architectural wonders and get lost in love of literature ... and each other. Home to the third largest collection of books and periodicals in the country, this gorgeous landmark provides plenty of cozy nooks for reading the most romantic stories ever written. Best of all, this is one date that won't cost you a thing.

Forget the pricey trip to Italy. You can still get a molto romantico getaway with an authentic gondola ride ... through the waterways of Naple Islands. For Valentine's Day weekend (Friday thru Sunday), Gondola Getaways is offering an hour-long ride with complimentary take-home wine glasses (you can bring your own bottle of wine--there's no corkage and an ice bucket will be provided), a rose and a photograph to capture the moment forever. And at just $100 per couple, it's a romantic experience that won't leave your wallet heartbroken.

Treat your sweetie to a first-class experience this Valentine's Day with an escape to Gold Class. For $150 per couple, this one-of-a-kind theater is offering two movie tickets, three dishes (app, entree, dessert), three drinks per person and a complimentary rose and chocolate.

This fun outdoor skating rink in Downtown Santa Monica has extended its operations till February 15th, making this the perfect place to spend Valentine's Day with that special someone. The 8,000 square-foot rink (yes, it's made of real ice) and 400-square-foot rink for children ages six and under, will be open till midnight all weekend long. $10 admission includes skate rental.

If you'd rather not celebrate Valentine's Day at all, then this is your lucky year because February 14th also happens to be Chinese New Year! So if you have the eye of the tiger, go ahead and take the challenge to discover hidden Chinatown secrets in this fun urban adventure brought to you by Out of the Box events. You can form teams of up to 6 people and bring a digital camera for the photo challenges. It's the perfect way to kick off the Year of the Tiger! Event starts at 2pm, $25 per person with prizes for the winning team. Call 323.799.1374 to register or see the <a href="http://www.outoftheboxevents.net">event website</a> for more details.

This new gourmet bistro and noodle bar from the folks behind Crustacean in Beverly Hills is celebrating the day of romance with a special five-course menu ($79 per person). Starter options include filet mignon potstickers while entrees range from Maine lobster to Wagyu short ribs. Call for reservations.

Part of Ventura County Winery Association's "Valentine 'n Wine" passport event, Cantara Cellars is one of seven wineries that will open its doors for the fun-filled weekend of touring and tasting. You can visit participating wineries, taste award-winning wines and enjoy special food pairings at many locations. Event tickets are valid Friday February 12th through Monday February 15th. Each ticket holder is entitled to receive one regular wine tasting flight at each participating winery. Tickets may be purchased at participating wineries for $35 in advance, $40 during the event weekend.

For those of you in the Inland Empire, it doesn't get much better than Sunday Champagne Brunch at the historic and beautiful Mission Inn. With a delicious new menu and lovely indoor and outdoor seating area, the family-friendly restaurant is open earlier on Valentine's Day from 9am-2pm. Adults $34, children age 5-11 are $20, kids age 4 and under are free.