Love is in the H-Town Air: A Valentine’s Day Guide

Love the great outdoors? Houston has no shortage of green spaces and parks for you to visit and explore.

Cupid Cruise

On February 14 or 15, enjoy a romantic cruise with memories you’ll never forget! Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s pontoon tour boat for a cozy cruise with your Valentine. Special beverages and chocolate bites will be provided during a romantic evening boat ride with spectacular views of downtown Houston. 45-minute tours depart at 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm. Departure location: Allen’s Landing, 1019 Commerce St, Houston TX 77002. Reservations required. Cost: $40/person.

Radiant Romance at the Houston Botanic Garden

On February 14, celebrate love and connection in a memorable way at Radiant Romance, a complete Valentine’s Day package — with sips, bites, and lights all in one place — for couples or family/friend pairs and groups 21+ at the Houston Botanic Garden. The afternoon begins at 4:30 p.m. with featured tastings of themed cocktails, beer, and wine from William Chris Vineyards, Queen Bee Distilling, and Giant Texas Distillers. Choose a memento from one of the festive artist stations — caricature artist, calligraphy, or DIY corsage/boutonnière making — and enjoy live music from DJ DelSur. Snap fun photos in front of our Valentine’s-themed backdrop and in the Garden’s Woodland Glade outdoor event space. Light bites and sweet treats will be available to purchase, as well. Then, be among the first to enter the Radiant Nature trail at 6:30 p.m., and fall in love with more than 50 large-scale Chinese lantern installations as you explore the mile-long trail through the Garden’s Global Collection, Culinary Garden, and natural ecosystems. Date night doesn’t get more Instagrammable than this!

Where to begin? With its world-class performing arts district and internationally recognized museums, Houston has a vast array of choices for couples who love the arts.

On Februrary 14, from 6 to 8 pm, take a Valentine Twilight Tour at Rienzi for a romantic date with your Valentine. Enjoy an enchanting evening with live music, light hors d’oeuvres, and wine—all set against the beautiful backdrop of twilight in the gardens. For an extra dash of romance, let guest calligraphers create a personalized love note for your special someone. Then take a picturesque stroll around the property and learn about the Rienzi collection in the galleries from docents stationed throughout the house. Tickets: $50 adults, $45 MFAH members.

Jazz on Valentines at MATCH on Februrry 14 (8 pm) is always a good bet. Sit back and relax as The Raquel Cepeda Jazz Quartet serenades you with timeless American, Brazilian and Latin love pieces. If you enjoy painting or just want a quirky, good time, on February 14, you should participate in Valentines Painting with Cats at El Gato Coffeehouse. Participants can enjoy the company of cats while painting or penciling a picture of cats in love.

Love & Make Workshops
Speaking of senses, what about a candle or fragrance DIY class to celebrate Valentine's or Galentine's Day? From February 12 to February 16,  Love and Make in Rice Village offers the chance to step outside of the box and make something unique and memorable with and for those you love. Your noses will be put to work in the fun and creative DIY classes that include candle making and fragrance blending. The on-site classes run about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also other workshops including virtual, kid, mobile and private sessions. Supporting local businesses is very romantic!

Omni Houston Hotel invites you to enjoy at their Mokara Spa Serenity for Two package (February 1 - 28). This Valentine’s season, share a calming spa experience with someone special, restoring balance to body and mind while easing stress. Upon arrival, enjoy a signature Mokara cocktail in the serene relaxation lounge. Then, unwind together with your choice of a 50- or 80-minute Mokara Signature Massage, blending Swedish and deep tissue techniques for a personalized experience. End with a chef-inspired dessert to share. Take home two complimentary Omni robes (based on availability) and a bottle of wine to continue your wellness journey home. Call (713) 624-4876 to book today!

Check out the ZaSpa’s Romantic Ritual for two at Hotel Zaza Museum District and Hotel Zaza Memorial City. While you and your significant other relax, you’ll enjoy a side-by-side foot soak, sea salt scrub, hydrating shea butter body wrap, hot oil scalp massage and full-body customized massage. If you’re feeling extra amorous, make it a full staycation and enjoy a night at either Hotel Zaza location.

Let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Your kids deserve some Valentine’s Day love too and there are plenty of fun activities to show them how much you care. Celebrate Valentine’s over the weekend with the Houston Zoo. Want to find a wildly sweet gift this Valentine's Day? Check out the Houston Zoo's unique Valentine's Day Gift Guide. For more kids’ activities, just browse our Things To Do With Kids Guide.

Valentine's Day at Toro Toro

Celebrate your love with a memorable Valentine’s Dinner at Toro Toro, Richard Sandoval’s acclaimed pan-Latin steakhouse. You will indulge in their favorite steak and seafood, complemented by creative cocktails and an extensive wine list from around the world. Available from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Don' t forget to ask for La Bomba Experience to end your dining experience on a sweet note with a delicious and interactive dessert.

Uchi
James Beard chef Tyson Cole will wow you with his special Valentine's Day omakase menu at this fantastic sushi spot in Montrose. Beef tartare and softshell crab maki are just two highlights from this 10 course prix-fix menu ($375 for two). Optional beverage pairing - add a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rosé to your experience for $120. Visit the Uchi website to make a reservation.

Perry's Steakhouse and Grill: Candlelight or To Go
Enjoy a candlelit date night at Perry's Steakhouse and Grill or avoid the crowds, skip the cooking and order a romantic meal at home. From February 12 to February 16 (4 pm - close), Perry's is offering a special Valentine Candlelight Dinner for two in house ($185/couple) or to go ($155/couple). Indulge in filet mignon, lobster tails, and chocolate dipped strawberries. A credit card is required to hold reservations.

Celebrate Love at Trattoria Sofia

Whisk your special someone away to Italy—if only for one romantic, unforgettable evening. Nestled in the heart of Houston, Trattoria Sofia is one of the city's top hidden treasures, offering an intimate and enchanting ambiance perfect for celebrating love. On Friday, February 14, enjoy a delectable 3-course prix-fixe dinner crafted to delight the senses, all for $80 per person. From the first sip of wine to the last bite of dessert, every moment will be a celebration of romance. Call 713.804.0429 or find them on OpenTable to book your reservation.

urbanCHEF Classes
urbanCHEF was founded in 2005 when Chara Gafford wanted to bring the hands-on cooking experience of a traditional culinary school to the casual cooking classes she was teaching. Today, Gafford offers in-person, online and private cooking classes to people of all ages. On Febrary 14 or February 15, grab your significant other and plan an evening with an in-person cooking class (6:30 - 9:30 pm). Enjoy preparing an elegant menu of Grilled Certified Angus Beef Steaks with a Lump Crab Cream Sauce, Herb-Butter Basted Hasselback Potatoes, and Roasted Vegetable Shadowbox Tarts. The class will conclude by making Crepes with Cream, Chocolate, and Berries. $230 per couple.

VIEW MORE RESTAURANTS OFFERS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY.

For a cozy Valentine’s we encourage booking a night at one of Houston's luxury hotels and experiencing the gift of a getaway. Wine, Italian food and luxury linens should be the way to everyone’s heart.