Local Valentine's Day opportunities for you and your sweetheart

If you find yourself wanting to ditch the painful cliché of a Valentine's Day candlelight dinner for two, you are in luck. Southern California may have more in store for a pair of lovebirds than one would expect.  

One way to have an exciting and unique V-Day is with an authentic Gondola cruise in Newport Harbor.  

Capture the romanticism and tradition of Italy on the canals of our own extended backyard.  Typically, on this lovers' holiday, three is a crowd. 

But if the third is your own personal Italian gondolier gliding you and your loved one on the moonlit canals of the Pacific, three people might not seem so bad.  

The gondola price this Valentine's day is $85 for two.  Go here for more information, and do not hesitate because reservations are limited. 

If a gondola for two does not exactly tickle your romantic fancy, upsize to a yacht with Newport's own Starlight Dinner Dance Cruise.  

Indulge in a four-course dinner included with a private table for your group, dancing, drinks and entertainment, all while admiring the scenery that this 3-hour yacht cruise presents.  

Weekend rates start at about 77 dollars per person, not including conditional discounts.

Go here for details and bookings.

If you are not looking to spend all of your Christmas money on one night, or give your casual Valentine an overly eager impression, ditch the waters and head to the elegant, yet pleasantly cheaper coastland. 

 Visit the local state beach, Corona del Mar, and stroll along the waters, snag a fire pit (who's to say hot dogs and s'mores aren't romantic?) and adventure on the large rocks that line the inlet. 

With Corona del Mar you get a romantic, oceanic atmosphere, without the costly prices that the boat rides charge.

If the thought of long walks on the beach, and cuddling up in a gondola while being serenaded down the open waters makes your stomach turn, you have not been forgotten. 

Venture into the uncharted this Valentine's day with a twisted interpretation of the celebratory day of hearts and candies.  Join several other frightened foregoers at the two-day event hosted by the famously frightful Sinister Pointe attractions.  

Sinister Pointe has been hosting events in various Southern California locations since 1996, and this year it graces us with a haunted presence in our very own neighboring city of Brea. 

For $60 a person, the evening includes a three-course meal, two-hour frightening show, prizes, and "a little something special for all who attend."  

Sinister Pointe will be holding a second showing of their Valentine's day event on February 18th for those who were unable to celebrate the holiday this past Tuesday.

Go here for more information and reservations if you dare.