Romantic Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

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.

4. Catch a show

Treat your best Gal to a movie and some ice cream.

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. Showing February 13–15 as part of our regular schedule. Solo Mio is a romantic comedy about love and unexpected second chances set in beautiful Rome — perfect for Valentine’s weekend.
Sweet Treats All Weekend! For Valentine’s weekend only, we’ll be offering Ice Cream Floats, Ice Cream Sundaes, and Ice Cream Nachos for sale during regular business hours — a fun, delicious treat to go with your movie night.

Enjoy classic ice cream treats while you watch or grab a float before your show!
Historic El Morro Theatre
207 West Coal Avenue, Gallup, NM.

Healing takes time…but pasta always helps.
Get your tickets now to experience #SoloMio THIS FRIDAY (2/6) at select #AllenTheatres! Show dates run 2/6 - 2/12

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. Valentine's Day weekend movie premiere is Wuthering Heights
Opens Feb 13, 2026.

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.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Bishop’s Mardi Gras

Enjoy a festive and elegant Valentine’s evening at Bishop’s Mardi Gras, an annual celebration featuring dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. Couples can enjoy music by Dzaki Sukarno and his full band, along with a special guest speaker, all in a lively, romantic atmosphere.

This Valentine’s celebration also supports the mission of the Catholic Peoples Foundation, making it a meaningful way to spend the evening together while enjoying a classic Gallup event.

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.

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.

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 Hilton Garden Inn Gallup on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for an evening filled with romance, comfort, and unforgettable moments. Availability is limited—make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

9. Grab some Brunch

Enjoy a Relaxed Sunday Brunch at Cheii’s Restaurant

Slow down and savor the weekend with a Sunday breakfast buffet at Cheii’s Restaurant, a great option for a relaxed and casual romantic brunch. The buffet features an omelet station, enchiladas, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, danish, and more. Served on Sundays, this brunch experience is ideal for couples looking to enjoy good food and quality time together before heading out to explore the rest of Gallup.

After a rejuvenating night at a local hotel, ease into date-day with a delicious brunch at any of our local coffee shops.

For the month of February treat yourself and your loved ones to a Cupid Hot Chocolate. A creamy, chocolatey, drink topped with whipped cream and chocolate 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.