Valentine’s Day is coming up this Monday and if you are drawing a blank for how to spend your day, Bark has options for you! We have compiled a list of the best movies to watch, the best gifts to give, a playlist for every relationship status and some great date locations around Marin and San Francisco. Even if you aren’t in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people you love in your life — and we have you covered for ways to celebrate!

Movies:

“About Time” -“About Time” is the perfect blend of comedy and romance that will be worth your time to watch. It follows Tim 

(Domnhall Gleeson), who learns he has the power to travel through time, as he chases the woman he falls in love with, Mary(Rachel McAdams). Based on a seeming sci-fi concept, “About Time” stays true to an indie film with a serious heart. This is a story not just about romantic love, but about family and valuing those around you. “About Time” is available to stream on Netflix and scored a 7.8 on IMDb, making it a must-watch.

“Palm Springs” – “Palm Springs” is definitely not the classic Valentine’s Day movie, but it will guarantee some laughs and definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) are two wedding guests who get stuck together on an unlikely adventure. “Palm Springs” will ease any awkward first-date tensions because it is not the most romantic or steamy movie. Critically acclaimed, “Palm Springs” is a quirky and light-hearted rom-com, perfect to watch with a friend or perhaps, someone whom you’re more than friends with.

“The Princess Bride” – “The Princess Bride” is a classic and timeless adventure-romance that  will pull on your heartstrings and never leave you with a dull moment. Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the land, falls in love with her family’s farmhand but must marry an awful prince when her love is killed by a pirate. However, she is soon taken by a group of bandits and the film follows the adventure that ensues. Full of twists and turns, laughs and lots and lots of love, “The Princess Bride” is a movie that everyone needs to watch at some point in their life.

“10 Things I Hate About You” – Loosely based on Shakespeare’s play “Taming of the Shrew,” “10 Things I HateAbout You” is a charming film that is sure to leave you swooning and smiling. When the new kid Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) instantly falls for a girl named Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) on his first day of school, he is soon hit with the crushing reality that Bianca is forbidden to date until her completely undateable older sister Kat (Julie Stiles) dates as well. In order to get the girl of his dreams, Cameron hires bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to ask Kat out, which soon leads to something more. While slightly cliché, “10 Things I Hate About You” is filled with lovable characters and is the perfect movie for those who can’t resist a good enemies-to-lovers storyline.

Playlist:

Falling in love

• “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Haley Reinhart
• “Like or Like Like” – Miniature Tigers
• “Crush” – Tessa Violet
• “Butterflies” – Kacey Musgraves
• “i wanna be your girlfriend” – girl in red

Single and thriving

• “Single Ladies” – Beyonce 
• “No Scrubs” – TLC
• “ I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
• “Truth Hurts” – Lizzo

Breakups 🙁

• “Better Now” – Post Malone
• “thank u next” – Ariana Grande 
• “Potential Breakup Song” – Aly & AJ
• “traitor – Olivia Rodrigo 
• “Last Kiss” – Taylor Swift

Happily dating

• “Lover” – Taylor Swift 
• “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” – Frankie Valli
• “Out of My League” – Fitz and the Tantrums 
• “Marry You” – Bruno Mars 
• “18” – One Direction 

Date Locations:

Picnic at Rodeo – Casual but romantic, a sunset picnic at Rodeo Beach is a perfectValentine’s Day date idea. Only a 15-minute drive from Redwood, the picturesque Marin Headlands roll onto the Pacific Ocean at Rodeo. Grab dinner in Mill Valley or in Larkspur on your way out, lay it all on a picnic blanket on the beach and take in the beautiful scenery. If you’re up for it, you can hike up about a mile to the bunkers where you can get views of beautiful San Francisco and the ocean. Rodeo never disappoints with its gorgeous sunset, and you can walk up to a lookout spot of the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the sun slowly dip below the ocean.

Chestnut Street – For a night on the town, Chestnut Street in the Marina is the ideal place to spend the afternoon or evening. Start by grabbing dinner at any of the numerous restaurants on the block (Tacolicous is our personal favorite), but don’t forget your vaccination cards for dining in San Francisco. After dinner, try some delicious ice cream at Over the Moon Creamery, and if you’re feeling particularly bold, take the 10-minute stroll to the waterfront. With views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin, you can walk along the water or sit on the grass to appreciate the lights over the Bay as the sun sets. 

Northgate Ice Rink – If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to display your skating skills, the NorCal Ice Holiday Indoor Ice Rink is a great place to show off your moves. Located near Northgate Mall, and open until Feb. 27, it only costs $13 for admissions and you can rent a pair of skates. Who knows, maybe it’s the perfect place for your date to quite literally swoon into your arms! You can also head into the Northgate mall and check out the restaurants or the movie theater.

Gift Ideas: 

Chocolate from See’s Candies – There is nothing more classic than chocolates for Valentine’s Day! You can goto the local See’s at Town Center and pick up a box for your friend or significant other. They are always stocked around this time of the year, especially with perfect heart-shaped candies. If that’s out of your price range, no one will complain if you get them their favorite candy from Lucky’s or Safeway. 

Philz Gift Card – We all need a pick-me-up throughout the day, and what says “I Love You” like a gift card to one of the few places that will keep teenagers awake. These gift cards are always sold inside the store and can even be purchased online. They’re the perfect gift if you are looking for something affordable and one that will most definitely be appreciated. 

Photo collage – Want to share your favorite memories with your Valentine? Photo colleges are the perfect gift to show how much your friend or date means to you. Just drive over to your local craft store, grab some scissors and glue, and you’ll be on your way to a successful gift. This gift really highlights how much love you have for that special person in your life, and that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about.

Flowers – Looking to make someone’s day? Grabbing a bouquet of flowers —  from somewhere like Safeway for only $5 — is sure to put a smile on someone’s face. Paired with candy? Even better. 

No matter how you spend your Valentine’s Day, the holiday is all about celebrating with the people you care about and Bark wishes you a day filled with love!