Romantic Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! Treat your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day by pulling out all the stops with these romantic date ideas.

Valentine’s Day is a time to show your loved ones how special they are. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a thrilling adventure, we’ve put together a list of romantic date ideas to bring you and your loved one closer this Valentine’s Day.

Credit: Bandwagon, LLC.

1. Go Where Love is Handcrafted

Start Valentine’s weekend with an easygoing daytime date at the Gallup Flea Market. Held every Saturday, the market is a place to slow down together—share a meal, browse handmade jewelry and art, and discover thoughtful gifts created by local Native American artisans. Enjoy foods you won’t find during the workweek, support local vendors, and take in the color, creativity, and sense of community that make this market special. It’s a simple, meaningful way to spend time together and celebrate love in Gallup

2. Admire Local Art

Stroll through the ART123 Gallery to admire a wide range of artworks from Native American and local artists including paintings, photography, sculptures, and contemporary jewelry. A new show rotates through each month giving visitors a chance to experience more art. ART123 Gallery is open Tuesdays - Fridays from 2 pm - 6 pm and Saturdays from 12 pm - 6 pm!

Richardson's Trading Company is offering a Valentine's Day sale located at 222 W Highway 66, Gallup, New Mexico 87301.

3. Picnic in the Park

Nestled among the stunning red sandstone cliffs that define Gallup’s scenic landscape, a Valentine’s Day picnic in one of the area’s beautiful parks—such as Red Rock Park—offers a romantic and memorable way to celebrate with your sweetheart. Pack your favorite foods and a cozy blanket, then enjoy a peaceful meal together surrounded by Gallup’s inspiring outdoors, where dramatic rock formations and high-desert views create a breathtaking backdrop. After your picnic, take a scenic walk or explore nearby trails to soak in the natural beauty and rich culture that draw visitors to Gallup’s outdoor spaces.

Catch a new movie premier at the Historic Theatre.

4. Catch a Show

Take movie night up a notch and catch a show at El Morro Theatre. Be sure to dress up and take a picture at this historical theatre. Check the theater’s website to purchase tickets, see the most current movie and live performance schedule here. El Morro Theatre is hosting a weekly Five Dollar Fridays at the historical theatre.

Red Rock 10 - Allen Theaters offers a military discount every Wednesday, buy one get one free movie ticket at Red Rock 10 every WEDNESDAY with a valid military id. Check the theater’s website prior to visiting to see the most current movies here.

5. Bowl a Perfect Game

Get ready for some friendly competition at Gal-A-Bowl, Gallup’s family-owned and operated bowling alley. Use the time between frames to chat and share some laughs with your date. Gal-A-Bowl will be open for Valentine's Day for limited hours and League play.

6. Skate the Night Away

Spend the weekend skating hand-in-hand with your sweetheart around the rink at Skate Connect. Tie on a pair of skates and show off your moves as you skate under a disco ball. The Skate Connect is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

7. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

Nothing says romance quite like an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner at one of Gallup’s restaurants. Watch the sunset through wall-to-wall windows while savoring impeccable Mexican-American fare at Anthony’s A Taste of the Southwest. Order for the table and share delicate plates of high-quality vegan foods or enjoy the Valentine's Day Salmon Special, the Lamb Rack Platter, or the Lamb Leg Steak dinner at the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant. Or, enjoy inventive specials and delectable pasta dishes with craft beer at Fratelli’s Bistro.

Exterior of the El Rancho Hotel in the evening with bright neon signage for "Hotel el Rancho" and "CHARM OF YESTERDAY ... CONVENIENCE OF TOMORROW"

Book a Staycation.

8. Book a Stay

Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday this year so turn your celebration into a long weekend getaway.

Book your stay at the historic El Rancho Hotel and relax in the intimate, western themed rooms and 49er Lounge with your loved one. The restaurant still prepares classic Mexican, American, and New Mexican food. Built in 1937, R.E. Griffith’s El Rancho Hotel once served as Hollywood’s home away from home, as casts and crews filmed at nearby locations.

Treat your special someone to a Valentine’s Day Romantic Night Escape at the Hilton Garden Inn Gallup. Celebrate love with our thoughtfully curated Sweetheart and Cupid Packages, paired with a special Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two at the Garden Grille & Bar. Join us on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for an evening filled with romance, comfort, and unforgettable moments. To reserve your experience, call 505-722-9600 or visit us at 1530 West Maloney Avenue in Gallup, New Mexico. Availability is limited—make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate dinner for two at the Garden Grille & Bar for $80 plus tax. Begin the evening with your choice of bruschetta or warm artichoke dip, then savor a decadent entrée selection of a 10 oz New York strip steak paired with fried coconut shrimp, or North Atlantic grilled salmon finished with house herb butter. The Sweetheart Package includes a one-night stay in a standard king room, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, dinner for two, and breakfast for two. Advanced reservations are required. The Cupid’s Package includes a one-night stay in a romantic king suite, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, a fresh floral arrangement, dinner for two, breakfast in bed for two, and a complimentary late checkout at 2 PM. Advanced reservations are required. Only available on February, 14, 2026. To make a reservation, please call directly 505-722-9600 and press 0 for the front desk.

9. Grab some Brunch

After a rejuvenating night at a local hotel, ease into date-day with a delicious brunch at any of our local restaurants. Cocina De Dominguez has a breakfast menu from eggs with hash browns to carne adovada and huevos rancheros, this family-owned restaurant is the perfect place to start the day. Nothing starts the day better than a delicious (chile laden) breakfast from Jerry's Cafe, 406 West Coal Avenue, their Christmas, stuffed breakfast sopapilla is a dish one must try at least once in their lifetime. Jerry's is a local Gallupian favorite, be prepared to waited at least 25 minutes for a table.

For the month of February treat yourself and your loved ones to a Cupid Kiss Latte. A creamy, chocolatey, raspberry, espresso drink topped with real dried raspberries can be found at Camille's Cafe.

10. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Treat your loved one to incredible aerial views of the desert and an adrenaline rush during a hot air balloon ride from X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures.