Scratching your head about what you can do for your special someone for Valentine’s Day? It’s time to break the cycle of drugstore chocolates, flowers and cards. Sure, you can buy gifts, but why not do something that will create amazing memories?   

Looking for things to do and places to go? There’s so much to do in California, and we’re here to help make things a little bit easier this Valentine’s Day.

Here are our picks to help make V-Day special!

Spend a night – or a weekend – away at the Sonoma Coast Villa for a relaxing taste of Italy and, of course, a little romance! Nestled in the pasturelands of Bodega Bay, this luxurious resort offers you the elegance of country living. Book the Honeymoon Suite, the largest room, with a California King-sized bed, large fieldstone fireplace, patio courtyard and an oversized marble walk-in shower. A variety of packages are offered. There’s the Luxurious Getaway Package with a two-night stay in a deluxe villa, gourmet breakfast, private three-course dinner, limo service and two 75-minute full body massages. Choose the Wednesday Get-a-Way, which includes a private three-course dinner, wine tasting and gourmet breakfast. Sonoma Coast Villa also has its own Courtyard Spa, which offers massages, body wraps and more, all by appointment only. For more information, call (888) 404-2255 or visit www.scvilla.com.

Romance in the skies! Take a hot air balloon ride with your special someone. The Sweetheart Flight is a private, exclusive flight for two that includes champagne and breakfast at Meadowood. Flights begin at sunrise in the scenic upper Napa Valley (Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Calistoga) and span about an hour. Bonaventura Balloon Company offers a number of packages in conjunction with local bed and breakfasts, spas and resorts. These packages include the Ultimate Wine Country Escape, perfect for any wine enthusiast with activities following your balloon ride (painting, photography, etc.). For more information, call (800) 359-6272 or visit www.bonaventuraballons.com.

A sweet for your sweetie…and yourself! San Francisco has a number of candy shops that are filled with tasty treats. Here are two you must visit to sample what they have to offer! Fiona’s Sweetshoppe at 214 Sutter Street has a mouthwatering selection of delicious English, Scottish and other treats from around the world – everything from hard candy soft candy, chewy candy, toffee candy, chocolate candy and even magical candy. For more information on Fiona’s Sweetshoppe, call (415) 399-9992 or visit www.fionassweetshoppe.com.

The other sweet shop is The Candy Store at 1507 Vallejo Street, offering a wide range of sweets, sours, gummies, gumballs, licorice and chocolates! The store also carries hard-to-find nostalgic items and the latest from new artisan confectioners. For more information, call (415) 921-8005 or visit www.thecandystoresf.com.

These ideas are perfect for any couple – or for anyone who is single and wants to have a fun time with their friends!

Happy Valentine’s Day!