Don’t want to spend much money on Valentine’s Day this year? Here are some ideas to celebrate love without a lot of loot at places around Southern California.
North Hollywood: Celebrate Valentine’s Day and create a beautiful LOVE sign perfect for decorating your home or gifting to someone special. All materials will be provided. 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 at the North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library, 5211 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood. 818-766-7185 or lapl.org/whats-on/events/valentines-day-sign
La Palma: Make your own Valentine’s Day cards for the special Valentines in your life. Cards will be provided to decorate with hearts, stickers, and more All supplies will be provided. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 at La Palma branch library. 7842 Walker St. La Palma. 714-523-8585 or www.ocpl.org/libraries/la-palma
Chatsworth: Share your love for crafts making a Valentine’s Day card for someone you wouldn’t otherwise. Give the gift of new friendship to someone in the room, someone in the library or someone in your universe. 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 at Chatsworth Branch Library, 21052 Devonshire St., Chatsworth lapl.org/whats-on/events/valentines-day-cards-new-friends
Downey: Take your honey or anyone else to the Downtown Downey Night Market for Galentine’s Day. There will be 70 vendors, food trucks, kids activities, live entertainment and Galentine’s activities. Check out the Free Galentine’s Day Photo Booth and get a free digital copy (or buy a print). Sponsored by Angel City Market. 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. 11002 Downey Avenue Downey. angelcitymarketla.com
Laguna Beach: Bring a picnic and a tablecloth for a romantic meal. The easiest picnic option is the beautiful ocean view Heisler Park, which has a ring of parking spaces around it. It has concrete picnic tables with incredible ocean views, if you’re lucky enough to snag one. And even a romantic gazebo to gaze out at the water. Otherwise, bring a folding table and chairs, or just spread your tablecloth on the lawn. If you’re not allergic to getting sandy, there are a few charming coves to explore also. If you want something more secluded, check out Table Rock Beach, located down a flight of stairs in South Laguna near the Coyote Grill. Feb. 14 (or whenever you want), 31561 Table Rock Drive, Laguna Beach.
Los Angeles: Enjoy “A Baroque Valentine” with the award-winning L.A. Baroque Orchestra. Classical music, an introduction to period instruments and more. Bring your loved ones. 4-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, El Sereno Branch Library, 5226 S. Huntington Drive, Los Angeles. 323-225-9201 or lapl.org/whats-on/events/baroque-valentine-la-baroque-orchestra
Riverside: Join up for “Crafternoon and Chill,” chill afternoon of crafting at the library. Make your own Valentine’s Day Puzzle Piece Heart Wreath while watching a special Valentine’s Day-themed movie. 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, Orange Terrace Library, 20010-B Orange Terrace Parkway, Riverside. 951-826-2184
Torrance: A great place for a picnic is the Los Arboles Park, also known as Rocket Ship Park. The hilly location offers an incredible view that can include as far away as the Getty Center, the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Park Observatory, depending on the weather. It’s located on 6 acres and includes a playground and 3-story-tall metal “rocket ship.” You could make up a poem to go with the ship. The view is especially expansive at sunset. Friday, Feb. 14 (or any day), 5101 Calle de Ricardo, Torrance.
Beverly Hills: If you want to feel like you’ve dropped into “Bridgerton,” take your loved one to Greystone Mansion. The stunning grounds and stone stairs and balustrades evoke earlier eras, when aristocrats ruled and the rest of us just obeyed. This house did belong to aristocrats — the Doheny family — who left it to the city of Beverly Hills. It’s now a city park and you can park and walk around the grounds for free. It’s the perfect place to hand over your special valentine. Sadly, the city won’t let you picnic or drink wine there, but it’s still worth a look. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 (or any day), Doheny Greystone Park, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills. greystonemansion.org
Riverside: On the morning after Valentine’s Day, go to the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center to help create delicious treats, engaging puzzles, and fun toys for the cats and dogs at the shelter. The shelter says every puzzle, treat, and toy helps keep the pups happy, active, and stress-free while they wait for their homes. Volunteers can then pass out what they’ve made to the animals. Sges 14 and older. No need to register, just show up. Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, 6165 Industrial Ave, Riverside. volunteer@petsadoption.org
And happy day!