The annual day of romance is almost upon us…and if you’re like most people, you’ve successfully postponed planning until the very last minute possible. While you should probably work on that…New Year’s Resolution 2022 maybe? Don’t worry; it’s totally fine. If you’re in Daytona Beach or the surrounding areas of Volusia County, we have you covered with a few ideas. 

Valentine’s Game Day at Dave & Buster’s

It’s all fun and games – until it’s Valentine’s Day. THEN it’s technically a date night. Take your sweetie on a surprise outing to Dave and Buster’s where you can enjoy some friendly competition, let loose, get out and LAUGH A LITTLE! The best thing about that is that you have fun, games, food and drinks all in one place. Dave & Buster’s has a great selection of sports bar-type bites like wings, burgers, fries, quesadillas, onion rings and much more as well as beers and cocktails. 

Dinner and Drinks at your Favorite Restaurant

Maybe it’s the most classic, albeit it cliché, outing for Valentine’s Day – but who doesn’t love dinner and drinks? There’s literally never a bad time for a delicious meal from your favorite restaurant and some great cocktails, wine or beers. For a traditional romantic outing, you don’t have to overthink it, especially when you’re in good company. If your date is a sushi fan, head to Wild Ginger Sushi at Tomoka Town Center where you can count on masterfully cooked Hibachi Steak, Chicken Katsu, sushi rolls, Pad Thai and much more. Maybe a margarita and some tacos are more your style? Plan for a Valentine’s Day dinner at Salsas Cocina Mexican Restaurant where you can dine on authentic fajitas, tequila-infused cocktails and drinks, tacos, enchiladas and more. 

Valentine’s Day Picnic at a Scenic Place in Daytona Beach

There’s something to be said about escaping the crowd and spending some one-on-one time with your sweetie in a special place. Especially during these times if your preference is to keep a healthy distance from others. Pick up a low-key meal to-go from Culver’s, Arby’s, Chipotle, Dominic’s Deli, Jersey’s Mike’s or Blaze Pizza and find a local landmark, national park or scenic spot where you can enjoy a romantic moment together. A picnic at a local historical site, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum would make for a great Valentine’s Day destination. Are you and your Valentine fans of art and science? Head to Daytona’s Museum of Arts & Sciences. Fun fact: this site is actually an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution! It is one of the largest museums in central Florida and has gorgeous onsite areas where you can take a break and have lunch together. Some other great options for outdoors, socially distanced dates include Tomoka State Park, The Daytona Boardwalk, or The Daytona Beach Main Street Pier. 

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated as a special day, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! There’s plenty of local, low-key ideas that don’t require you to move heaven and earth or to present your loved one with a monumental gift. These ideas are great ways to plan for some quality time without breaking the bank.