The month of February symbolizes many things for different people. For some, it’s a day to celebrate the love they have for their partner and for others it’s a holiday to express their utmost gratitude for their friends and familiaes. However you choose to celebrate the holiday of love, Downtown Chula Vista is the perfect spot to make your Valentine’s Day the most special one yet!
Morning Breakfast
The South Bay neighborhood is great for a lot of things but especially for a romantic date for two! If you want to make the holiday a daytime celebration, start by strolling along Third Avenue with your partner until you get to Agave Coffee & Café. There, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of organic, locally roasted espresso coffee and loose-leaf organic teas. The cozy café also has a wide assortment of morning delicacies ranging from filling meals, such as the Chilaquiles Supreme or the Soy Chorizo Egg Burrito, to on-the-go breakfast bites such as an Avocado Toast or a California Bagel.
Afternoon Activities
After a well-needed breakfast, it’s time for some couple bonding time. Bring a blanket and a speaker to Memorial Park for a romantic picnic. For artistic couples, you can paint your favorite memory of each other and for the bibliophiles, you can read each other’s favorite book. If picnics aren’t your cup of tea, book some tickets to watch an entertaining play hosted by the OnStage Playhouse. With shows all year round, you can enjoy the latest in the arts and entertainment scene.
Drinks on Me!
Downtown Chula Vista is also widely known for their up-and-coming local craft breweries and cocktails! Head down to the 3 Punk Ales Brewing Co. and get a taste of their award-winning brews. Whether you decide to expand your hops palate with some of the new beers on tap or stick to their tasty signature drinks, it’ll be a fun experience to share together.
For those who choose to sip on a fun cocktail, look no further than the newest cocktail lounge in the neighborhood. Lime in the Coconut is meant to transport you to your favorite tropical destination through it’s cocktails, island bites, and lush décor. Sip on themed cocktails such as a Toes in the Sand, made from Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Luxardo Liquer, fresh pressed grapefruit juice, housemade “Lime in the Coconut,” signature coconut cream and a housemade grenadine. Pair your choice of cocktail with one of their delicious plates such as the Bao Flight consisting of your choice of Kalua pork, chicken, tocino pork belly, tofu, sauteed mushroom radishes, pickled red onions, and kaiware sprouts.
Dinner for Two or More!
Finally, you need to end the night with a romantic dinner and Third Avenue has plenty of places for the occasion! One can never go wrong with authentic Italian food from Italianissimo Trattoria. The little Italian getaway spot is one of the most romantic in all of San Diego with a relaxed yet elegant dining area and iconic Italian cuisine. Start the evening with the Burrata or any of the other delicious appetizers on the menu. Continue with a crowd-pleaser: the Linguine Vongole made with sauteed clams in a garlic white wine sauce. And don’t forget to ask for their dessert menu for a sweet treat after the meal!
A Valentine’s Day dinner doesn’t just have to be for two, it can be for the whole family! Farmer’s Table in Chula Vista is a family-friendly restaurant meant to be the spot for all the great family gatherings. With a robust menu featuring both American and Italian cuisine and incorporating only organic ingredients, Farmer’s Table Chula Vista will have something for everyone to enjoy. The adults at the table have a variety of hearty meals to choose from ranging from an 8oz. Filet Mignon served with mashed potatoes, broccolini, and a cabernet reduction wine, to a pan seared Salmon with a chili glaze and served with creamy ginger Yukon potato and broccolini. The young ones who are picky eaters can also enjoy some delicious dinner staples! The kids’ menu features simple plates such as a personal cheese pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, and a cheeseburger, perfect for any kid to enjoy.
Valentine’s Day Shopping
End your beautiful date spent in Downtown Chula Vista with a gift found in the very neighborhood you’re in! If your partner loves streetwear, Art n Rec embodies the subculture lifestyle through their unique pieces of clothing, accessories, skateboards, and more. Looking to gift an experience they’re sure to enjoy? Treat your loved one out by giving them a luxury haircut and styling at Shear Envy Salon or a fresh trim at The Locker Room Barbershop.
Up Next
Valentine’s Day isn’t the only thing that Downtown Chula Vista will be celebrating this month! Funded by a grant from Supervisor Nora Vargas, Downtown Chula Vista is more excited than ever to debut the new website and communal gathering spaces. Starting this month, the South Bay neighborhood will be bringing out tables, chairs and umbrellas with the new logo and placing them along Third Avenue to create more spaces for people to enjoy the beautiful neighborhood.
We can’t wait to see you around the neighborhood this month!
For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.
