Things to Do on Valentine's Day in Pleasant Hill

01/16/25

Here is a list of creative ways to spend time with your special someone on the most romantic day of the year in the Bay area.

These days, we need more things to celebrate, wouldn't you agree? So even if you're not the romantic type, why not do something special to celebrate your love this year? Here are a few ideas for how you might spend Valentine's Day in Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa County, and the Bay area. Whether you're looking to watch the latest romantic comedy at a movie theater or seeking a culinary adventure, Pleasant Hill features unforgettable date ideas for all couples.

one woman sits on a bench while another lays with her head in her lap and enjoy each others company in Pleasant Hill, CA

1. Start Your Day With Something Sweet

Spoil your sweetheart with a sweet start to your special day. Some of the best donuts in the East Bay can be found right here in Pleasant Hill at Donut King on Contra Costa Blvd.

Every kind of pastry snob will find something to fall in love with here, from traditional cake donuts and fluffy raised donuts to crisp apple fritters, buttery croissants, and much more.

If donuts aren't your thing, no worries. Check out other our other sweets spots in Pleasant Hill. Grab a cone to go at Cold Stone Creamery, a mango matcha at Happy Lemon, or a butter pecan supreme croissant from Paris Baguette.

2. Get Your Hearts Pumping out in Nature

After your sweet breakfast, put that sugar and caffeine high to good use in the great outdoors. Love is good for the heart and exercise is too! In February, the Bay area is pleasantly cool but never too cold— perfect for activities such as hiking and biking. Here are a few of our favorite areas for strolling, biking, and hiking in the Bay area and around Pleasant Hill.

Dinosaur Hill Park

"Dino Hill," as it is referred to by locals, features 13 acres of open space in Pleasant Hill with stunning views of the East Bay and Mt. Diablo. Dinosaur Hill Park is a great place for strolling, hiking, and sunset watching.

The Contra Costa Canal Trail

A great place for cycling or running is the Contra Costa Canal Trail, which runs adjacent to an old irrigation canal connecting Pleasant Hill with the nearby towns of Martinez, Walnut Creek, and Concord. This 4-mile paved trail also connects to other trails, such as California State Riding and Hiking Trail, the Briones-to-Mt. Diablo Trail, the Iron Horse Trail, and the Delta De Anza Trail. For a map of the trail, click here.

Muir Woods National Monument

This extremely special spot is about an hour's drive from Pleasant Hill and the other East Bay suburbs, but if the two of you are true nature lovers, it's well worth the trip. In Muir Woods, you can join hands and stroll through an old growth coastal redwood forest, marvelling at some of the tallest and most majestic trees on the entire planet. This primeval forest serves as both a refuge and a living laboratory, where we can get back in touch with the natural landscape, ourselves, and each other.

3. Sip Your Favorite Beverages Together

If you are feeling thirsty after all that exercise, you'll be happy to know that the East Bay area offers plenty of watering holes. Check out the Contra Costa Beer Trail that runs through the East Bay area and Pleasant Hill to sample an impressive variety of local ales from brewers such as Morgan Territory Brewing and Epidemic Ales. If wine is more your thing, you are only a hop, skip, and a goblet away from Sonoma Valley Wine Country. Check out our wine-tasting blog to learn more.

4. Enjoy a KID-FREE Valentine's Day - We'll Take Care of the Childcare

Parents, this one’s for you! The Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District is hosting Friday Night Fun to keep your kids entertained while you enjoy a well-deserved evening out. From 6–9 PM, kids aged 4 to 15 can enjoy crafts, games, pizza, popcorn, movies, and more at the Teen Center (147 Gregory Lane). With the amazing staff taking care of the fun, you can relax and make this Valentine’s Day all about you. It’s just $35 for an evening of guilt-free parent time!

5. Reserve a Table at a Romantic Restaurant

Your relationship isn't bland, and your food shouldn't be either! This Valentine's Day, let your tastebuds do the traveling. Experience mouthwatering eats, sweet treats, and more at one of Pleasant Hill's eateries and restaurants.

  • For a romantic three-course dinner, Crescent Bistro is serving a special Valentine's menu featuring Crab Bisque, Surf & Turf, and a dreamy dessert to end your meal on a sweet note. Choose from à la carte options or indulge in all three courses. Known for its focus on freshness, nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch—this bistro is all about quality and charm.
  • Looking for an elevated evening? Wence’s Restaurant is rolling out a magical Valentine's celebration from February 14th to 16th, complete with a special menu and live music by Diego Frias on Valentine’s Day from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. It's the perfect spot to pair delicious cuisine with a side of ambiance.
  • For a playful twist on date night, pick up a heart-shaped pizza from Melo’s Pizza & Pasta. This Contra Costa County staple has been serving up love in the form of handmade Italian dishes for decades, and their Valentine's Day pizza is a local favorite.
  • If fine dining is your love language, reserve a table at Zio Fraedo’s for their Valentine’s Prix Fixe menu available February 14th and 15th. With entrees like Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction and Burrata Ravioli Pomodoro, it’s a meal designed to impress.

6. Plan for the Ultimate Shopping Experience

Pleasant Hill is home to thriving shopping hubs that cater to all tastes and lifestyles. Make this Valentine's Day special by treating your special someone to the latest fashion trends and styles. Stroll through charming paths that are lined with iconic and popular brands. Don't miss making your way to a spot like The Veranda, which offers a day that's filled with gliding across an ice rink and watching a romantic film at an onsite movie theater.

7. Stay the Night in Pleasant Hill

After your full and romantic day, you need a nice, soft place to rest your head, and Pleasant Hill is here for you! Check out local lodging options here. We hope that you find lots of love and lots TO love in Pleasant Hill and the surrounding area on Valentine's Day this year.

Cheers...to the two of you.

table for two with wine glasses, bottle, cheese, and grapes
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