We’ve got a few ideas to make sure love—and not your plan—is the only thing in the air this Valentine’s Day in Phoenix.

 

1. Enjoy a romantic dinner

Phoenix chefs are pulling out all the stops for a fine dining experience. If you’re looking to woo your sweetheart over wine pairings and gourmet three-course meals, check out our Valentine’s Day dinner events—and don’t forget to make a reservation.

J&G Steakhouse
Treat your valentine to dinner at J&G Steakhouse.

 

2. Watch a sunset

Make it a picture-perfect end to the day with one of Phoenix’s famous sunsets. We’ve got a few suggestions for romantic places to catch the evening sky, including hiking spots, patios and the state’s only revolving restaurant.

February 14 also happens to be free admission day at the Desert Botanical Garden. Take a stroll with your sweetheart and admire the skies above the garden's beautiful collection of arid plants 'til 8 p.m.

Desert Botanical Garden
Romance, desert-style. Photo by Adam Rodriguez/Desert Botanical Garden. 

 

3. Mix a cocktail

If it feels like you’re concocting a love potion, you’re doing it right. Find something sweet to sip on this big list of cocktail recipes, straight from the menus of local resorts and restaurants.

Sanctuary cocktail
Stir up your own Eastern Raspberry Sidecar from Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort.

 

4. Indulge in chocolate

You can thank chocolatier Richard Cadbury for inventing the heart-shaped box and irrevocably pairing chocolate with Valentine’s Day tradition. Profess your love for the sweet confection over the weekend with a couple’s trip to the Carefree Festival of Fine Chocolates and Fine Art. For a day trip, The Chocolate Lovers’ Festival departs from Verde Canyon Railroad and features an on-board chocolate fountain.

Carefree Festival of Fine Chocolate
Go nuts at the Carefree Festival of Fine Chocolate & Fine Art.

 

5. Cruise the lake

Go for a trifecta of romantic notions—dinner, sunset, and gliding over a shimmering lake— with Lake Pleasant Cruises' two-hour sunset dinner, complete with live music, delicious dinner buffet and cash bar.

Lake Pleasant Cruises
Did we mention the pleasant evening breeze? Photo via Lake Pleasant Cruises.