Valentine’s Day provides a perfect opportunity for the couples to seek out a romantic evening, but this holiday certainly should not exclude the singles, either. Whether coupled up and looking for an intimate one-on-one dinner or simply looking to enjoy a night out in Jacksonville with your friends, the following list of fun ideas is a great place to start. 

Jax Cooking Studio: Valentine’s Day Treats
Learning how to cook surf and turf is a fun-filled activity for both couples and friends. Jax Cooking Studio will set the stage with a prepared list of ingredients, menu, and post-cooking dining opportunity. For the sweeties, it may serve as an added perk that they set up a special table afterwards for the dining portion of the night. If you are an epicure, this is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day with someone special. 2:30-5 p.m. $85-$170. Jax Cooking Studio: 14035 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; jaxcookingstudio.com // @jaxcookingstudio

Wicked Barley “Beer Dinner”
More on the casual spectrum for a Valentine’s Day outing, Wicked Barley’s “Beer Dinner” serves as a perfect opportunity for friends and couples alike. With a five course dinner, five ounce pours, a brewery tour, and live music, consider purchasing a ticket for a unique Monday night treat. The ambiance at Wicked Barley is cheery and pleasant, so you cannot be steered wrong. 4- 11 p.m. $150. Wicked Barley Brewing: 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL; wickedbarley.com // @wickedbarleybrewing

“Paint your Heart Out”
Painting With a Twist is hosting multiple Valentine’s Day-themed classes through February 14, and they are expected to be a fan favorite for the attendees. If interested, it would be wise to hop on your ticket purchase now, as they are selling out quickly. With “date night,” “family fun,”and “Galentine’s Day” classes, there are options for all. 12 -9 p.m. Jacksonville Fruit Cove, Ponte Vedra Beach, and San Marco Locations; paintingwithatwist.com // @twist.jax

Gusto Italian Restaurant and Accompanying Romantic Music
For lovers looking to indulge in the romantic atmosphere that Valentine’s Day brings, Gusto Italian Restaurant is spicing things up. Aside from their hearty menu, they will have romantic melodies played by “Carlos and His Piano”. Have a romantic evening with your partner as you sip on delightful cocktails and indulge in the tortellini with vodka rosé sauce, a very positively-reviewed entree. 6- 9 p.m. Gusto Italian Restaurant: 1266 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; gustojax.com // @gustorestaurants

Valentine’s Day Brunch
For anyone looking to start celebrating Valentine’s Day a bit earlier than the traditional evening dinner date, Jax Beach Brunch Haus is a popular spot in Jax Beach for the brunch lovers. There will be a mini-meal special and drink specials on Valentine’s Day. Note: They do not take reservations. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jax Beach Brunch Haus: 610 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach, FL; jaxbeachbrunchhaus.com // @jbbrunchhaus

A St. Augustine Valentine’s Day
With the St. Augustine Lighthouse located within walking distance of the downtown St. Augustine plaza, consider the 30-45 minute drive out to St. Augustine for a fun-filled night with your friends or significant other. You can work your way up to the top of the lighthouse, take in the beautiful views of historic St. Augustine, and walk over to one of the many restaurants in their downtown plaza for a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. $15+. St. Augustine Lighthouse: 100 Red Cox Dr., St. Augustine, FL; staugustinelighthouse.org // @stauglighthouse

“Big Band Bash Dinner & Dance Benefit Gala”
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart or close friend than a Benefit Gala? Amelia Island Jazz Festival is hosting the 10th annual “Big Band Bash Benefit Gala,” with dinner and dancing. Enjoy yourself while raising funds for this year’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival. Featuring the Dynamic Les DeMerle Orchestra with Bonnie Eisele,  popular cover songs will be performed throughout the night, while you enjoy a delectable dinner and a night out. 6:30 -10 p.m. $90. Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island: 2700-1 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL; ameliaislandjazzfestival.com // @ameliaislandjazzfestival