It’s the season of love, whether that means a romantic Valentine’s date or a Galentine’s hangout with your besties. If you’re looking for creative, low-stress ways to celebrate this Valentine’s weekend, we’ve rounded up a few ideas that are all easy to reach with MTS. Less driving and more quality time? We love it!
Blind Date with a Book
Plan a cozy, thoughtful date built around a little mystery. Head to the library or a local bookshop and pick out a book you think your partner (or friend) would love — but don't reveal the book! Wrap it up with a short summary or a few hints to the plot. Another idea is to write the first sentence on the cover. Add some snacks, stickers, and enjoy quiet reading time together.
Making it a group activity? Pull numbers and let everyone "take a book on a date" by taking turns picking out one of the book "dates."
Need help picking the perfect match? San Diego Public Library's MatchBook service offers personalized book recommendations from actual librarians (note: it may take some time). You can always ask a librarian or a friendly bookshop clerk, too.
Transit-friendly library stops:
- La Mesa Branch Library – La Mesa Blvd Station (Orange Line)
- Malcolm X Library – Euclid Station (Orange Line)
- Mission Valley Library – Fenton Parkway Station (Green Line)
- San Diego Central Library – 12th & Imperial (Blue, Green, or Orange Line)
- Otay Ranch Branch Library – Rapid 225
Prefer a bookshop vibe? Try these transit-friendly local favorites:
- Bluestocking Books – Routes 3, 10, 11, 120
- Hey Books – City College Station (Blue or Orange Line)
- Meet Cute Romance Bookshop – La Mesa Blvd Station (Orange Line)
- Mysterious Galaxy – Routes 28 or 35
- Verbatim Books – Routes 2, 6, 7, 10
Escape Rooms
Want something a little more high-energy? Take your date (or your whole crew) on an escape room adventure. Solving puzzles together is a surprisingly great way to bond, laugh, and see who really thrives under pressure.
Transit-accessible options include:
- Escapology Plaza Bonita – Routes 961, 968, 705
- Lara's Labyrinth – Old Town Transit Center (Blue or Green Line)
- Red Door Escape Room – Fashion Valley Transit Center (Green Line)
- Steal and Escape – 24th Street Station (Blue Line)
- The Escape Game – Convention Center Station or UTC (Green Line / Blue Line)
Music/Radio Bingo & Lotería
If you love games but want something a little different, Music Bingo is a fun twist on a classic. You get a bingo card filled with song titles, and snippets of songs are played as you guess what you're listening to. Fill out your card and call out bingo when you complete a row! Lotería offers a colorful, lively alternative to bingo - perfect for a Galentine's Day celebration.
Where to play:
- Good Bar – Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m. (Route 28)
- Lotería De Las Amigas at La Doña in Ocean Beach – Feb. 12, 7–9 p.m. (Route 35)
- Punch Bowl Social – Saturdays, 1–3 p.m. (City College Station)
Photo by Createasea on Unsplash
Spa Exchange & Matcha Dates
For a more laid-back celebration, try a spa-themed white elephant exchange. Everyone brings small self-care goodies—think face masks, bath bombs, nail wraps—and exchanges gift bags over matcha, tea, or coffee. It's relaxing, affordable, and perfect for catching up with friends.
Transit-friendly cafés to host your exchange:
- Chance's Coffee – Routes 1, 6, Rapid 215
- Divina Matcha – Routes 705, 929
- Lovesong Coffee – Routes 7, 10
- Selva Coffee House – Old Town Transit Center (Blue or Green Line)
- Tori Cafe – City College Station / Park & Market (Blue or Orange Line)
Photo by Iris Wang on Unsplash
Cupid's Skate Party
Gallagher Square at Petco Park will be turned into a vintage skate party for Valentine's Day weekend! Grab your skates, invite your partner and friends, and get ready for a fun skating outing! Get your tickets at the San Diego Padres MLB website.
Park and Ride at one of our transit stations, then take the Orange Line or UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley to 12th & Imperial, or take the Green Line to Gaslamp Quarter Station for an easy ride to the stadium.
Attend a Free Festival
In addition to being the month of love, it's also the start of the Lunar New Year. Attend one of these free festivals with your love or your besties for a fun day out!
- February 13–15: San Diego Lunar New Year Festival
- February 15: Lunar New Year Celebration
- February 20–22: San Diego Tết Festival
Whether you're planning a romantic night out, a Galentine's get-together, or something in between, celebrating love doesn't have to mean fighting traffic or searching for parking. With MTS, you can focus on the moments that matter - connecting, laughing, and making memories - while we handle the ride. Wherever your Valentine's plans take you, let transit get you there.
