The 2026 Valentine’s Guide
Westside Access. Local Flavor. Zero Tourist Traps.
Valentine’s Day on the Westside is often a choice between the hyper-expensive "white tablecloth" scene and the chaotic tourist energy of the beach. For the Roaming LA community, the real move is the attainable upgrade: experiences that feel curated and high-end but skip the pretentious cliches.
Whether you’re heading out with a date or running with a crew, here is your 2026 playbook.
The "Check-In" Edit: Westside Staycations
Why fight traffic when you can just valet and stay?
Photo: Unsplash
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Hotel Casa del Mar (Santa Monica): This is the gold standard for a local getaway. It includes a spa/wellness center, breakfast overlooking the sand, and overnight valet. It’s a resort experience without leaving the Westside.
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The Shay (Culver City): For a more modern vibe, head to the rooftop. Their restaurant, Butterfly, is hosting a "Noche Romantica" with live music and a special menu. It’s elevated, design-forward, and overlooks the entire basin.
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Hotel Erwin (Venice): If you want to lean into the Venice energy, this is your home base. It’s a front-row seat to the boardwalk with a vibe that's more "boutique beach house" than stuffy hotel.
The Table: Atmosphere Over Audience
These spots are cool enough to impress, but approachable enough to actually enjoy.
| Venue | The Play | The Vibe |
| Baltaire (Brentwood) | 4-Course Prix Fixe ($225/pp) | Mid-century steakhouse glamour. High-end, but feels like a neighborhood haunt. |
| Fitoor (Santa Monica) | Elevated Indian Soul Food | The new "it" spot on Ocean Avenue. High-energy, candlelit, and bold. |
| Kassi Beach House (Venice) | Coastal Greek Vibes | Located at Hotel Erwin. Think poolside chic, shared plates, and great music, all on a rooftop overlooking Venice Beach. |
| Felix Trattoria (Venice) | The Bar Seats | If you can snag a spot at the bar, it’s the ultimate "insider" move. |
The "Pro Move": Two Ways to Play It
1. The Gjusta Sunset Pivot
Photo: Unsplash
If the restaurant reservations are a nightmare, do the local skip. Swing by Gjusta in Venice, load up on their smoked fish, fresh bread, and a bottle of natural wine, then head to a quiet patch of grass at Tongva Park. It’s the ultimate move—attainable, high-quality, and totally private.
2. The Georgian Room Hideaway
Photo: Unsplash
For those who want to stay out late, head beneath the iconic turquoise Georgian Hotel. The Georgian Room is a subterranean "speakeasy" with 1930s decor and live jazz. It’s dark, moody, and completely detached from the typical Ocean Avenue tourist scene.
Beyond the Dinner Table
Skip the Ferris wheel. Do this instead.
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The Private Harbor Float: Skip the big dinner cruises. Rent a private electric Duffy boat in Marina del Rey. Pick up a board from Wally’s Santa Monica, bring your own playlist, and navigate the channels at sunset. It’s private luxury you can actually book on short notice.
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The Venice Canal Stroll: It’s a classic for a reason. Go after dinner when the lights are reflecting off the water and the crowds have thinned. It’s the most cinematic free walk in the city.
The Roaming LA Verdict
In 2026, the coolest way to celebrate is to keep it effortless. Don't fight the city—just find the right corner of it.
