For those looking to go beyond the overplayed cliché of flowers and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, several local businesses offer memorable and unique gifts. From traditional shopping options to adventurous outdoor activities, couples can find romance in all corners of Silicon Valley.

Day Spas
A couples spa treatment is another option for relaxation and romance. Tova Day Spa located at the Fairmont Hotel offers Swedish, deep tissue and aromatherapy massages for couples. The Spa provides a Love Package for Valentine’s Day with a 20 minute aromatherapy bath and a 50 minute Swedish or deep tissue massage. An added bonus, luxurious rooms at the Fairmont are only steps away from the spa.

Pop Culture
For comic book and pop culture fans, SLG Art Boutiki in San Jose has the latest comic books, toys, graphic novels and more. Creative couples can use on-site T-Shirt printing for their own unique design, text or picture on a shirt. There are plenty of quirky and fun options.

Whale Watching
Valentine’s Day coincides with peak whale watching season as gray whales pass close to the California coast while they migrate to warmer waters. There are several outfits based in Santa Cruz and Monterey that allow for couples to experience the sea in a new way with chance encounters with whales, sea lions, otters and even sharks. Stagnaro Charter Boats offer Santa Cruz whale watching and are booking now for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Late Night Lovers
For those who enjoy music and staying out late the Valentine’s Super Love Jam at the HP Pavilion may be the perfect date night. Couples can start their Valentine’s Day celebration early and listen to the upbeat, R&B, and soulful tunes of the artists performing. The concert features music legends such as Heatwave, Zapp, GQ, Bloodstone, Peaches and Herb, The Originals, and more.  The concert is February 8 at 7:30 pm.

Chain of Love
For those looking to extend Valentine’s Day the Bike Party in San Jose may be the right outing. It’s a free and a fun way to start a romantic weekend.  Ride 15 to 30 miles side by side with a loved one through the South Bay. There is no registration and it is open to all who wish to attend. The bike party begins on Friday, Februrary 15 at 8 pm and may last until 12 am.

Unique Shopping
For more traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, Santana Row a variety of options. Owl’s are popping up everywhere lately, including in the kitchen. Owl measuring cups from Sur La Table may be the perfect gift for those who love owls and love to cook. For ladies, the stylish pullover sweater carried at U.O. is comfy, casual and cute with a loose fit and crisscross back. For the frequent traveler, the zip-up, blue checkered, reversible travel pillow at Hastens could be the perfect fit.