When it comes to romance, Vegas has got you covered, with experiences that will bring your inner Casanova to the fore. Here, we highlight nine of the amazing things you can do during the holiday of love. (Reservations mandatory at many outlets.)
1. Finger-Licking Foodie Tours (Aria, 888.664.2414) For a decadent, delicious night, book a self-guided Aria tour on Valentine’s Day. Try signature dishes at three spectacular restaurants—Catch, Carbone and Jean Georges Steakhouse, and enjoy immediate seating and a virtual guide. Add a Maverick Helicopter flight over the Strip afterward to dazzle your eyes with the Strip lights.
2. Top of the World (The STRAT, 702.380.7711) Put romance on a whole new level with Valentine’s Day dinner and dishes such as smoked beef cheeks, beef Wellington, and brown butter blondies ($220 per couple; a la carte options are also available). To put the night over the top, reserve The STRAT’s Proposal in the Sky package, where for $475 you have 30 minutes on Level 112 and a host of props like champagne, strawberries and a personal butler.
3. Bouchon (The Venetian, 702.414.6200) No, it’s not France, but it’s a beautiful representation of it. The Valentine’s Day menu ($105; $40 optional wine pairing) features such items as potato gnocchi with hearts of palm and Romesco sauce, duck confit with foie gras, red wine-braised beef short ribs with braised Swiss chard, mushroom and spinach ravioli, and Cointreau crêpe cake.
4. Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (2 Cactus Garden Drive, 800.438.4356) Know how that tiny string of LED lights is so romantic? Imagine strolling through a half a million pink, red and white ones. During Lights of Love in the cactus garden at Ethel M Chocolates Henderson factory, all proceeds from the $5 reservation fee go to a food bank (EthelM.com/lights-of-love). For a more intimate affair, enjoy a couples’ tasting package, starting at $65 (with a box of chocolate to go) from Feb. 13-14.
5. Gondola Rides (The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian & The Palazzo, 702.414.4300) This is always on the list of the most romantic things to do in Vegas, and for good reason. There’s nothing like passing under a cloud-filled sky and floating past bridges or as your gondolier serenades you. Go on, kiss the girl (or boy)!
6. Area 15 (3215 S. Rancho Drive, 702.846.1900) Take your sweetie on a picnic at The Portal, a projection-mapped room in the new indoor entertainment district with Cloud9: An Immersive Indoor Picnic from Feb. 12-14. Couples get a picnic basket with champagne, a three-course meal and interactive activities ($300-$500).
7. Oscar’s Steakhouse (Plaza, 702.386.7227) Get whisked back to old-school Vegas Feb. 14 at this tribute to Las Vegas’ beloved mayor, Oscar Goodman. In addition to its normal menu, you can get a special three-course menu with choices of lobster ravioli, Skuna Bay salmon, filet mignon Rossini with foie gras, and red velvet cake ($79).
8. Esther’s Kitchen (1130 S. Casino Center Blvd., 702.570.7864) The whimsical nature of the greenhouse installations at this Arts District restaurant make for a very romantic night. Each one is outfitted with heat, carpeting, music and art to accompany your meal—and the delicious Italian dishes created by chef James Trees are just a bonus.
9. Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Paris, 702.948.6937) This famous restaurant at the top of the half-scale landmark offers plush red seating, views of the Bellagio fountains and incredible French cuisine from chef Jean Joho. Weekend brunch features a three-course prix fixe menu with add-ons like caviar or a grand seafood platter with lobster, clams, shrimp and oysters (and you know what they say about oysters).
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