Romantic Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! Treat your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day by pulling out all the stops with these romantic date ideas.

Valentine’s Day is a time to show your loved ones how special they are. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a thrilling adventure, we’ve put together a list of romantic date ideas to bring you and your loved one closer this Valentine’s Day.

Credit: Credit: Bandwagon, LLC.

1. Book a Stay

Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday this year so turn your celebration into a long weekend getaway.

Book your stay at the historic El Rancho Hotel and relax in the intimate, western themed rooms and 49er Lounge with your loved one. The restaurant still prepares classic Mexican, American, and New Mexican food. Built in 1937, R.E. Griffith’s El Rancho Hotel once served as Hollywood’s home away from home, as casts and crews filmed at nearby locations.

2. Start with Brunch

After a rejuvenating night at a local hotel, ease into date-day with a delicious brunch at any of our local restaurants. Cocina De Dominguez has a breakfast menu from eggs with hash browns to carne adovada and huevos rancheros, this family-owned restaurant is the perfect place to start the day. Nothing starts the day better than a delicious (chile laden) breakfast from Jerry's Cafe, 406 West Coal Avenue, their Christmas, stuffed breakfast sopapilla is a dish one must try at least once in their lifetime. Jerry's is a local Gallupian favorite, be prepared to waited at least 25 minutes for a table.

For the month of February treat yourself and your loved ones to a Cupid Kiss Latte. A creamy, chocolatey, raspberry, espresso drink topped with real dried raspberries can be found at Camille's Cafe.

3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Treat your loved one to incredible aerial views of the desert and an adrenaline rush during a hot air balloon ride from X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures.

4. Catch a Show

Take movie night up a notch and catch a show at El Morro Theatre. Be sure to dress up and take a picture at this historical theatre. El Morro Theatre will be featuring "Captain America: Brave New World" on February 14, 2025. Check the theater’s website to purchase tickets, see the most current movie and live performance schedule here. El Morro Theatre is hosting a weekly Five Dollar Fridays at the historical theatre.

Red Rock 10 - Allen Theaters offers a military discount every Wednesday, buy one get one free movie ticket at Red Rock 10 every WEDNESDAY with a valid military id. Check the theater’s website prior to visiting to see the most current movies here.

5. Bowl a Perfect Game

Get ready for some friendly competition at Gal-A-Bowl, Gallup’s family-owned and operated bowling alley. Use the time between frames to chat and share some laughs with your date. Gal-A-Bowl will be open for Valentine's Day for limited hours and League play. The venue will be open at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025.

6. Skate the Night Away

Spend the weekend skating hand-in-hand with your sweetheart around the rink at Skate Connect. Tie on a pair of skates and show off your moves as you skate under a disco ball. The Skate Connect is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

7. Get Up Close with Wildlife

Visit Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary for the opportunity to see wolves up-close. The sanctuary offers a guided group tour twice daily or register for a specialty tour for a hands-on, educational experience. Join the Wild Spirit team as we shower our rescues with love and adoration during our annual Give Your Heart to the Wolves live stream enrichment event! Live streaming event is at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2025. If you'd like to purchase a valentine for your favorite rescue, you can do so here! The public may come visit the wolves in person after March 1, 2025.

8. Discover Hidden Treasures

Begin celebrating Valentine’s Day by shopping the Saturday before, with a treasure hunt at Gallup Flea Market. Occurring every Saturday, the flea market is a great place to discover a unique gift for your sweetheart. At the market you will find unique handmade goods by the local Native American artisans. There is a wide variety of amazing foods that are not available during the work week. This is one of the largest artist based markets in the country.

9. Admire Local Art

Stroll through the ART123 Gallery to admire a wide range of artworks from Native American and local artists including paintings, photography, sculptures, and contemporary jewelry. A new show rotates through each month giving visitors a chance to experience more art. Currently on exhibit is the 7th Annual Artist Challenge group show, opening February, 8, 2025. Check back for more information about this annual tradition, featuring an upcoming Valentine's Craft-Tea.

Richardson's Trading Company is offering a Valentine's Day sale located at 222 W Highway 66, Gallup, New Mexico 87301.

10. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

Nothing says romance quite like an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner at one of Gallup’s restaurants. Watch the sunset through wall-to-wall windows while savoring impeccable Mexican-American fare at Anthony’s A Taste of the Southwest. Order for the table and share delicate plates of high-quality vegan foods or enjoy the Valentine's Day Salmon Special, the Lamb Rack Platter or, the Lamb Leg Steak dinner at the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant. Or, enjoy inventive specials and delectable pasta dishes with craft beer at Fratelli’s Bistro.

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