Life

9 Last-Minute Valentine's Day Date Ideas
by Kristine Fellizar
Fotolia

If you're in a long-term relationship, you've probably already celebrated a Valentine's Day or two with your partner by now. But just because you've been with your significant other for forever, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the day of love just as much as you did the first time. If you haven't already made plans, it's not too late. You don't have to make Valentine's Day a "been there, done that" thing. There are tons of great last-minute date ideas for long-term couples you might be interested in.

The great thing about being in a long-term relationship during Valentine's Day is you're already in a relationship on Valentine's Day. I mean, obviously right? But just think of it. You already have each other. There's none of that last-minute scrambling singles have to do in order to find a date, if they don't already have one. After all, there is a reason why dating apps like Tinder continue to see spikes in usage on V-day over the years.

There's also none of that added pressure new couples face in order to make sure the date is just the right amount of perfect for where they currently are in their relationship. But you're already at a place in your relationship where you're comfortable with each other. So here are a few Valentine's Day date ideas for you and your long-term partner, no real planning in advance necessary.

1

Take A Cooking Class

Caitlin Cooper, a New York-based matchmaker at Three Day Rule suggests taking a cooking class as a last-minute date idea. Places like Sur La Table offer classes for couples year-round. Right now, they have some great Valentine's Day themed options like an Italian romance to desserts.

"They also have some great classes leading up to Valentine’s day if you want to take them in advance together and, instead, stay in for a romantic evening at home. A trip to Tuscany was never so cheap!" Cooper says.

2

Check Out A Sexy Art Exhibit

Since it's Valentine's Day, why not check out an art exhibit that will help get you in a sexy mood? "If you’re craving something that’s not just off the beaten path, but also fueled by the forbidden, then LUST at Lot45 Bushwick is your gig," Cooper says. "Amidst live art installations, you and your lover can eat food off of nude models, play with strangers in dungeons, engage in your first cuddle puddle,' and feel the heat in the hot-wax play area."

If you're nowhere near New York, see what kind of Valentine's day themed events you can do locally.

3

Visit A Planetarium

"Whoever said that science isn’t sexy has never studied the stars," Cooper says. Visiting a planetarium like the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth & Space in New York can be both educational and romantic. Some places may even offer up some Valentine's Day festivities with cocktails. If there aren't planetariums around you, you can always set a blanket outside and look up at the stars together. If weather permits, of course.

4

Do A Couple's Yoga Class

Some places like the Yoga Garden in San Francisco offers couple's yoga classes followed by complimentary drinks. Synergy Partner Yoga also offers classes for couples. As Allison Gerrits, a San Francisco-based matchmaker for Three Day Rule tells Bustle, "You'll break down barriers, build trust and deepen your connection." You can pack up a bag to freshen up after class and have a romantic dinner.

5

Book An In-Home Couples Massage

By now, spas are usually pretty booked for Valentine's Day. But that doesn't mean you can't get a relaxing spa-like experience in your own home. With a company like Zeel, you'll be able to have the massage technique of your choosing in as little as an hour from the time you book.

You can book a massage for your partner as a gift, or you can choose a couple's massage for the both of you to share the experience together. Right now you can use the code VDAY25 to get $25 off your first massage.

6

Take A Romantic Stroll Outside

It's a great option for something to do after dinner. It can be through a garden or the beach, if you live near it. You can walk, talk, and just be together without any frills. It's something simple and perfect for couples who've been together for a long time.

7

Grab Some Desserts

You can totally skip the fancy dinner at a restaurant and go straight for dessert. The Chocolate Bar at Cafe Flueri in Boston, for instance has an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet for those of you with a sweet tooth.

8

Take A Long Drive Somewhere

One of my favorite dates ever was something completely unplanned. I agreed to go out on a date with a guy I had been friends with for some time. Truth be told we really didn't know what we were going to do so we decided to just wing it. We ended up spending the afternoon just driving along the Pacific Coast Highway just talking, getting to know each other and singing random songs that came on the radio.

I wouldn't suggest this for people just getting to know each other, but it's great for couples who've been together for a while. You can have a destination in mind or not. You can even stop at cool things you see along the way. Overall, it's an easy way to have an unplanned adventure together.

9

Play Hooky And Just Enjoy The Entire Day Together

This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday. Life gets busy and sometimes when you're in an LTR, romance can take a backseat. So instead of waiting for dinner when everyone's done with work, take the day off and spend it with your partner. Go on a picnic. Have a little staycation. You can even just stay in bed all day — make a day out of it.

Whether you decide to stay at home or go out this Valentine's Day, it's not about what you have planned for the day. All that really matters is you're spending some quality time with the one you love most.