Struggling to think of the perfect plan for that special someone or your BFF on Valentine’s Day? Keep reading for the best date and hangout ideas in the Tucson area to make the most of theday of love!
Who doesn’t love love? Whether you’re in a committed relationship, navigating the exciting complexities of a new “situationship” or going through life as a confident single, Feb. 14 is the perfect day to put an extra little spotlight on celebrating that special person, or people, in our lives. Don’t let a lack of plans stop you from making this Friday special! Keep reading for the best places to go in Tucson for a Valentine’s or Galentine’s date!
Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink
Conveniently located in Downtown Tucson, Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink is a modern Italian eatery, serving pizza, pasta and a selection of craft beers, wines and drinks. With its dimly lit environment and high vintage ceilings, the atmosphere alone is perfect for a romantic date night. Share a Reilly’s signature ricotta toast while sipping on cocktails, then finish the night off with tiramisu in a jar and take a stroll down the artsy Downtown Tucson streets to end the date on a perfect note.
They are open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to10 p.m and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Make sure to visit their website to make reservations or check what else they have to offer!
Session Yoga
Tucson’s Foothills Hot Power yoga studio is available to all experience levels to practice in a safe and fun environment. The studio offers hot power vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, sound baths and specialty workshops designed for all. Owner Maya Kempton, who opened the Foothills branch in 2023, knows her yoga studio is the perfect place to be on Valentine’s Day.
“Our amazing community, experienced staff, empowering flows and fire playlists make us special,” Kempton said.
Session Yoga is hosting a Valentine’s Day Heart Opening Yin class Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Foothills location, providing a unique opportunity to add some movement into your Valentine’s Day plans. “Come solo, with your bestie or partner — all levels are welcome,” Kempton said.
Visit their website to learn more about Session Yoga.
North Italia
Looking for a warm, lively restaurant serving a variety of Italian specialties and great cocktails?
North Italia, 2995 E. Skyline Drive, is the perfect spot to take your date or friends for a taste of great Italian food in a charming and cozy environment. Nestled up in the hills with a beautiful view of the desert sky and Tucson mountains, North Italia is celebrating this Valentine’s Day by offering a special 3-course dinner, featuring a range of exciting cocktails and new menu items.
North Italia is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner Sundays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to10 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Get a full sense of what they offer by visiting their website.
The Screamery
The Screamery offers handcrafted ice cream with a wide range of flavors and combinations to suit every taste.
Roxanne Tunnicliffe, a junior at the University of Arizona, recently went on a date at The Screamery and recommends it as a great place to go for Valentine’s Day. “I liked the amount of ice cream flavors they had and it was a good place to have a conversation because it wasn’t too busy,” Tunnicliffe said.
The Screamery, located at 2545 E. Speedway Blvd, Suite 145, is open this Valentine’s day from noon to 11 p.m. Take the opportunity to chat with your best friend or your date over a scoop of your favorite sweet treat creation to add just a little something special to your Valentine’s Day.
Postino Wine Cafe
A popular spot among UA students and locals alike, Postino Wine Cafe is known for its Board and Bottle nights, offering a board of bruschetta and a bottle of wine for $25 after 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. Located at 2500 E. Grant Road, Postino is close enough to campus that students looking for a place to take that special someone will find the perfect night nearby.
Isabella Kelton, a UA junior, has been to Postino with both a date and her friends and highly recommends the restaurant as an ideal location for Feb. 14. “You can spend hours there with your besties for Galentine’s,” Kelton said. “I’ve also been on a date there, and it was probably the best date because the music was light and you could see other people there on a date as well. The lighting also set the tone for the date which was very romantic!”
Kelton highly recommends the bruschetta board as the perfect staple for a date or girls’ night. “Specifically the warm artichoke bruschetta,” Kelton said. “It is wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Check more about Postinos on their website.
Sabino Canyon
Tucson is known for its beautiful scenery, and the Sabino Canyon area, in particular, offers a wide range of hikes depending on your preferred length and difficulty level. This outdoor activity is a great way to get out into nature with a loved one, especially before Tucson’s temperatures begin to rise in the coming months. The Bear Canyon to Seven Falls is a particularly popular trail in Sabino Canyon, ideal for a few hours of walking and one of the best ways to catch sight of the pools at the base of the falls, a rarity in the dry Tucson desert. Sabino Canyon offers a unique alternative to the traditional dinner date.