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

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day for celebrating partners, significant others and of course, family. There are plenty of ways to celebrate your loved ones throughout the entire week. Let us show you that H-Town is definitely for lovers.

February is the shortest month of the year, but potentially the most anxiety-ridden. Why? Valentine’s Day. Fear not, whether you’re happily coupled up or single in the city, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, so there are plenty of weekend options for ample ways to celebrate. Our below list is full of activities no matter your interest, budget, or relationship status.

The Outdoorsy Pair

Love the great outdoors? Houston has no shortage of green spaces and parks for you to visit and explore. Sign up for Valentine's Cupid Run on the Bayou! From February 11th - 19th, runners can choose 5K, 10K, half or full marathon distances at their own pace and time. 

Houston Botanic Garden
One of the newest and most exciting additions to Houston’s must-see attractions is the Houston Botanic Garden. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, the garden ignites all of five senses, sound, sight, smell, touch and even taste. With 132 acres of splendor made up of themed gardens including Global, Culinary, Stormwater Wetlands and the Coastal Prairie, you and yours can spend the daily strolling through beautiful flowers. How can it get more romantic than that? Spend the day at Houston Botanic Garden. Each trail provides a new discovery. What better way to spend the day than the sweet aromas that the garden provides?

Buffalo Bayou Private Boat Tour
Imagine floating down Buffalo Bayou, enjoying a quiet ride amongst the scenery while you enjoy some food and drink. Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s pontoon boat will take up to 10 guests on a private 1.5-hour ride along Houston’s historic waterway. The tour runs near downtown and into the industrial side of the city. For an extra $175 you can also add a knowledgeable historian to your tour. Sit back, relax and enjoy the float.

The Art Aficionados

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.

Take a twilight tour at the Rienzi for Valentine’s Day date night! Enjoy a glass of wine, listen to the sounds of live artists while discovering the romantic narratives in the galleries. “Jazz on Valentines” at MATCH 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, you must participate in 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 V-Day? 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, fragrance blending, soap making and bath bombs. 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!

Couples Who Relax Together, Stay Together

ZaSpa at Hotel Zaza

Looking for a more sensual ritual? Look no further than 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. Treat yourself!

THE FUN FAMILY

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. For more kids’ activities, just browse our Things To Do With Kids Guide.

FOOD IS LOVE

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 ($300). A to-go version is available for $200. 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. February 14, Perry's is offering a special Valentine Candlelight Dinner for two in house ($185/couple) or to go ($145/couple). Indulge in filet mignon, lobster tails, and chocolate dipped strawberries. A credit card is required to hold reservations.

Special Menu + Live Music at Trattoria Sofia
Spend the evening enjoying decadent Italian food in the heart of the Heights at Trattoria Sofia. From Friday, February 10th - Tuesday, February 14th, guests can enjoy the regular dinner menu or a 4-course prix-fixe menu. The restaurant is also providing the option ordering a flower arrangement for a sweet surprise for your loved one. On Valentine's Day from 6:00 - 10:00 pm, James Vincent Masanotti sets the tone with violin serenades.

Book on Open Table or call (713) 804-0429 to book your reservation and order flowers arrangements. Note that flower arrangements ($80) must be ordered 48 hours in advance.

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. Grab your significant other and plan an evening with the Virtual Dinner Class or the in-person Date Night Class. Show your kids some love and sign up for the kids’ Zoom cooking class. Cooking together, now that’s amore.

Romantic Hotels in Houston

Giorgio’s at Hotel Granduca
For a cozy Valentine’s happy hour at one of Houston’s most luxurious hotels, head to Giorgio’s at Hotel Granduca. Plush furniture complemented by soft lighting and inviting natural elements surround the iconic bar. Toast to your love by ordering a fabulous bottle of wine or one of the bar’s intriguing wine flights. Of course, you can always go the craft cocktail route. Similar to Zaza, we encourage booking a night at the hotel and having dinner the on-site restaurant, Ristorante Cavour. Wine, Italian food and luxury linens should be the way to everyone’s heart.

Omni Houston Hotel Galleria
Experience love and luxury at Omni Houston Hotel Galleria. Enjoy two mini bottles of Moet & Chandon Rosé Champagne paired with artisanal chocolates, late check-out and more to ensure your stay is the perfect romantic getaway.

InterContinental Houston - Medical Center
Package Description: The InterContinental Houston hotel is offering a Togetherness Package that includes luxurious accommodations. a four-course meal for two adults, and prosecco and chocolate upon arrival. The extra perk of this romantic package is the late check out for the following morning.

Hilton Nasa Clear Lake
Hilton's Celebration Package allows you to experience the gift of a getaway. The offer includes accommodations, a bottle of bubbles and a 2 p.m. late check-out.

Out on the Town

If you’re looking to explore Houston and its infinite culinary perks, we’ve got great restaurant lists broken down by neighborhood. Of course, check with each restaurant to make sure they are serving or have in-person dining. To narrow down your gastronomic V-Day itinerary click on the following neighborhoods that apply, The Heights, Downtown, Bellaire, EaDo, Museum District, Uptown, Midtown, West U, Washington Avenue and Montrose. Bon appetite!