Categories
All About Texas, Events, Food & Drinks, Our FavoritesPublished January 22, 2026
Valentine's Day in Austin: Date Ideas to Celebrate Hearts Day
Valentine’s Day in Austin: Date Ideas & Ways to Celebrate February 14
Valentine’s Day in Austin is an opportunity to celebrate love with delicious food, fun activities, and special events. Whether you’re planning a classic romantic dinner, a memorable adventure, or something totally unique, Austin’s vibrant scene has something for every kind of couple.
🍽️ Romantic Restaurants & Special Valentine’s Meals
Austin’s restaurants go all out for Valentine’s Day with prix-fixe dinners, seasonal menus, and cozy settings perfect for date night. Consider one of these unforgettable dinner options:
• Elegant Prix-Fixe Dinners
- Laurel at Hotel Viata – Tuscan kale salad, prime ribeye for two, and cannoli desserts in an intimate setting.
- Juniper – A four-course chef’s menu with beet tartare, black truffle risotto, and citrus pavlova, plus wine pairings.
- CARVE American Grille – Specialty dishes like wagyu meatloaf cupcakes and miso-buttered salmon with a festive atmosphere.
• Classic & Cozy
- Sazan Ramen – A relaxed but special Valentine’s experience with entrees, drinks, mochi desserts, and champagne toasts.
- Serenade at W Austin – Four-course prix-fixe with wine pairings and seasonal cocktails on February 14 and 15.
⏰ Tip: Book reservations early — many Valentine’s menus sell out quickly.
🎨 Fun & Unique Date Activities Around Town
If dinner isn’t all you want this Valentine’s Day, Austin offers lots of fun experiences to make the day memorable:
• Outdoor & Active Dates
- Mount Bonnell Sunset Picnic – Pack a picnic and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Austin together.
- Peter Pan Mini Golf – A playful date with quirky putt-putt and BYOB vibes.
- Lady Bird Lake Swan Boat Ride – Glide together on the water with skyline views.
• Creative & Relaxed Adventures
- Viva Day Spa Couples Massage – Treat yourselves to a relaxing couple’s spa experience.
- Live Music Night – Explore Austin’s legendary venues for a live show after dinner.
- Drive-In Movie – Catch Valentine’s classics at Austin’s mini drive-in theaters.
🎉 Events Around Valentine’s Weekend
Austin’s calendar often includes special Valentine’s events that can add extra magic to your plan:
• Seasonal Celebrations
- Black History Month Events – Throughout February, Austin features cultural celebrations, exhibitions, and performances citywide, offering a meaningful way to combine Valentine’s plans with community events.
• Creative Date Workshops
- Painting With A Twist – Join a Valentine’s-themed paint session and create a shared keepsake together.
• Outdoor & Music Events
Austin’s event calendar also highlights concerts, festivals, and performances throughout the year — perfect if you want to extend your Valentine’s weekend plans with something fun to do together.
💡 Extra Tips for Valentine’s Day in Austin
• Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
If you’re planning something romantic without splurging, consider a scenic walk along Lady Bird Lake boardwalk or an ice cream stroll on South Congress — classic and memorable options.
• Plan Ahead
Valentine’s dinner reservations and special experiences often book quickly. Aim to plan or reserve at least a week in advance for the best options.
• Explore Beyond Dinner
Mix dinner with an activity — like a sunset picnic, spa visit, or creative class — for a full day of experiences.
Valentine’s Day in Austin is more than just dinner — it’s a chance to create memories with food, adventure, and culture. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s together or your tenth, the city’s mix of romantic, quirky, and fun options means there’s a perfect plan for every couple.
Sources:
https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/blog/post/valentines-day-in-austin/
https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/blog/post/date-ideas-in-austin/
https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/blog/post/austin-event-guide/
