5 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Murrieta

Every year, the holiday of love shoots in on Cupid’s arrow and lovebirds scramble to come up with creative Valentine’s Day plans. For procrastinators, as Feb. 14 gets closer, last minute pleas to hostesses for a dinner reservation and a dozen roses seem to fit the bill. Why not surprise your valentine this year with something a little different? This year, think outside the box of chocolates.

The great news is, we’ve done the dirty work for you and you don’t even have to travel far to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day. For those living in Murrieta, there are several romantic options to consider. Here are the top five romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas in Murrieta.  

Romance in the Vines

You don’t need to head to Temecula to enjoy a vineyard experience this Valentine’s Day. Murrieta is home to Boorman Vineyards Estate Winery. The property, nestled on the Santa Rosa Plateau at the south end of the Santa Margarita Mountains, paints a beautiful picture to a romantic day.

Enjoy a private tasting inside the winery or outside if weather permits, with owners Todd and Rosie Boorman.

“The tasting is casual and complimentary,” Rosie said. “Tastings last about an hour. We only serve premium red wines; that is our specialty.”

Because Boorman is a private estate winery, all tastings are made by appointment only. However, the winery is open weekdays and weekends. Appointments are still open for Valentine’s Day, but contact the winery to confirm availability. If you are celebrating early, why not consider scheduling a private tasting the weekend before Valentine’s Day. 

For more information, visit BoormanVineyards.com.

Need for Speed

Who ever said Valentine’s Day has to be about teddy bears holding hearts and mushy greeting cards? For some sweethearts, nothing gets their heart racing faster than a little competition. Enjoy a non-traditional Valentine’s Day racing the Pole Position Raceway right here in Murrieta. Indoor kart racing is a definite way to get your Valentine to chase after you for 16 laps.

The Pole Position experience normally costs $19.95 per person, but as a lovely Valentine’s Day only special, they are offering couples buy one, get one half off, according to manager Chris Stevens. The special race includes races, food, drinks and apparel.

Pole Position does not take reservations; all racing is on a first come, first serve basis. On Valentine's Day, the track will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Enjoy each other’s company in a thrilling way this year, one that will definitely make your heart race. Visit Polepositionraceway.com to find out more.

Romance in the Hills

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to truly enjoy starry-eyed time with that certain someone special. Load up your bikes in the car or just slip on some comfortable athletic shoes and take a drive up Clinton Keith Road to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. The Reserve Foundation office won’t be open on Feb. 14, because it is normally closed on Mondays, however, visitors can still enjoy a hike on their own or visit the weekend preceding Valentine’s Day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

The 8,300-acre ecological reserve makes a great place to take a bike ride to a lookout spot or walk to a picnic area and enjoy lunch together. While you take in the beauty of the hills and roam the area, make sure to explore some of the oldest standing structures in Riverside County: two adobe bunkhouses that were inhabited by cowboys dating back to 1846. These adobes are covered by the shade of a 400-year-old oak tree. If you haven’t yet visited the reserve, this Valentine’s Day weekend will be the perfect opportunity to do so. The cost to visit the reserve is $2 per person.

If you and your darling enjoy photography or want to spend time together learning something new, the Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation will be hosting a “Level II Photography with Nature in Sight,” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 12, with instructor and award-winning photographer Dick Cronberg. According to Ginger Greaves, foundation executive director, “The community classes are designed to enhance experiences in nature.”

Additional class dates are available. The cost is $30 per person. To register, visit Srpf.org.

Partner Pampering

Everyone deserves a little pampering, especially on Valentine’s Day. One of Murrieta’s originals, Murrieta Day Spa, is a Southern California favorite. The spa, located on the corner of Ivy and Plum streets in Historic Downtown Murrieta, displays its charm from the elegant exterior to the warm and inviting staff. Upon checking in with the front desk attendant, you and your valentine are taken to the luxurious powder rooms where you can safely lock up your belongings, dress in a spa robe and enjoy the many amenities of the Murrieta Day Spa, in addition to any treatments that you choose to partake in. The spa recently opened a new couples’ room and a foot reflexology decompression room.

Monique Suraci, owner/celebrity hair stylist, said she enjoys offering her clients special Valentine’s Day packages.

“I believe it’s important to recognize our loved ones and Murrieta Day Spa is the perfect place to do that. Anyone can come and enjoy a fantastic day of relaxation with a variety of services from massages, facials, pedicures and our outdoor mineral pool,” Suraci said.

Time spent at the Spa with someone special is sure to relax and rejuvenate any couple. One of the Spa’s limited-time Valentine’s Day specials includes two specialty massages, two lunch entrees and two beverages for $199. All spa guests are free to swim in the outdoor mineral pool, soak up the sun poolside and enjoy complimentary teas and coffee. Whether you want to spend time at the spa with someone special or just purchase a gift certificate for a Valentine’s Day package, this is one experience everyone falls in love with. To book a relaxing Valentine’s Day experience, visit Mdayspa.com.

Classic Valentine

Regardless of all the romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas that you can plan, nothing is more timeless than dinner and a movie. Spend time reconnecting with your sweetheart while you enjoy dinner together. Murrieta has a variety of restaurants to choose from. From upscale to casual, from ethnic to American, there is something for every pallet.  You don’t have to spend a lot on dinner to have a romantic evening. The key to a truly meaningful Valentine’s Day date is to embrace the time spent together, talk, laugh and relax. If you are looking to deviate a bit from your usual date-night restaurant, but want to keep cost down, try changing to an ethnic restaurant. Murrieta has everything from Cuban to Thai, from Chinese to Indian. You can spice things up just by exploring a new taste. Click here to see Murrieta Patch's restaurant directory.

After dinner, head over to The Movie Experience and enjoy a flick together. Soon-to-be released movies that will be available on the big screen just in time for Valentine’s Day include: "Just Go With It," starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman; "The Eagle," starring Channing Tatum; and for any parents not able to get a babysitter, there is of course "Gnomeo and Juliet."

No matter how you choose to spend what is considered the most romantic day of the year, remember what really counts is how you spend time with one another. The good thing is there are several wonderful options right here in Murrieta. You don’t have to drive far to try something new and enjoy quality time with someone you love.