Reviving Romance in Balboa Park This Valentine’s Day

While a pet’s love is always unconditional (though a steady stream of treats never hurts), sometimes human love needs a kick in the pants once the “taking each other for granted” stage sets in. Hence, the reason for Valentine’s Day.

Humans, being almost as clever as animals, however, can spot the obligatory, insincere Valentine’s gift of grocery store-bought flowers and chocolates a mile away. That’s why it’s important to find new, creative ways to share romantic moments together.

So instead of watching a dozen red roses wither on the dining room table, why not view together hundreds of fresh, live orchid flowers blooming inside the Botanical Building? The current display features dozens of varieties in an explosion of colors that should be seen to be believed!

And rather than a box of sweets and dinner at Chez Portions So Small You Need a Magnifying Glass, pack your own picnic of favorite finger foods and find a “booth” with the best view in town (no reservations required).

In addition to prime spots in front of the Botanical Building, there are a number of more secluded picnic spots with views of the downtown skyline in and around the Pine Grove Picnic Area, Bird Park, and Golden Hill Park.

If the relationship needs an extra special show of material affection, the Balboa Park museum gift stores offer a wide selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves, men’s watches, and other accessories in the latest styles that you can’t find at the malls.

For locally handcrafted gifts and jewelry, the Spanish Village Art Center also offers truly unique items that will show you put real effort and thought into your gift—unlike last year’s stuffed teddy bear with “Be Mine” embroidered on its heart-shaped belly.