There’s no sweeter way to celebrate your favorite people this Valentine’s Day than over a shared dessert (or grab one for yourself – there’s plenty of love to go around!).
We’ve outlined some of the tastiest treats in Santa Monica at varying price points you’ll love and paired them with activities to round out the perfect date-day or night.
Under $5
Cookie Good
Ringing in around $4 per cookie, Cookie Good, owned by husband & wife duo Ross and Melanie Canter, is the warm, gooey love story you’ll want to share with your nearest and dearest. Grab a seasonal flavor, or for the more adventurous foodies among us, try the Cookie Good staple: the neon orange CHEETOS flavor.
Located across the street from Douglas Park, pack a picnic, grab some cookies and enjoy an ooey-gooey, romantic date-day accompanied by the ducks and turtles at LA County’s largest municipal pond.
DK’s Donuts
Local staple, DK’s Donuts, has been around for 40+ years with good reason. With dozens of flavors under $5/piece, stick with a classic glazed or switch it up with a specialty “Double Decker O-Nut,” a croissant/donut hybrid.
To make the day even more special, book a staycation at The Gateway Hotel Santa Monica 或 The Ambrose Hotel – both only a 10-minute walk away – and enjoy your donut free of any regularly scheduled responsibilities.
$5-$10
Sweet Rose Creamery
For locally sourced, small-batch ice cream, it doesn’t get better than Sweet Rose Creamery. With flavors like Yuzu Basil Sorbet or Bonito Coffee, you’ll find each milky bite filled with ingredients from California’s own backyard – all priced at a mere $7/scoop.
Grab a cone or frozen novelty like the chocolate-covered banana or animal pudding pop for a portable snack option to stroll down Main Street.
Funnel Cakes
What could be more lovey-dovey than the whimsy and unadulterated joy of an amusement park? Take your friends, family, partner or yourself to the only amusement park on a pier – 太平洋公园! While you’re there, check out some rides, the Pacific Wheel which is the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, and of course – grab a funnel cake!
Cosmic Funnel Cakes, for under $10 you can enjoy a fluffy, deep-fried funnel cake topped with your choice of strawberries, chocolate, whipped cream, caramel, powdered sugar or all of the above! Insider scoop: ask to top your funnel cake with a scoop of California-born Lappert’s Ice Cream.
$10-$15
Élephante（大象
Pair breezy beach views and the chic interior of Élephante（大象 with a meringue-based pavlova. Featuring white chocolate mousse, passionfruit and ice cream, the light, airy dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth while leaving room to try a tiramisu, chocolate torta, affogato or specialty cocktail, too.
Round out the evening with a walk next door to Laemmle’s Monica Film Center to catch a brand-new blockbuster in a historic, 80+ year old space.
Blue Daisy Café
If you’re ready to start your day sooner rather than later, pop by Blue Daisy Café for a sweet brunch on their beautiful outdoor patio or in their charming dining room. Featuring an extensive menu of sweet and savory options, we recommend trying the dark chocolate and powdered sugar crêpe. You can even bring your loved ones who don’t love gluten and upgrade any crêpe to be gluten-free.
Once you’re done, head out and bring on the glam by shopping at 圣莫尼卡广场. Whether you’re in the market for clothes, candles, jewelry or simply an afternoon of window shopping, stroll hand-in-hand around the 80+ stores and restaurants at this beloved, Downtown Santa Monica stop.
Splurge-worthy
卡波
For a truly intimate, romantic evening studded by flickering candlelight and the warmth of an indoor fireplace, visit 卡波. A modern Italian restaurant, you can find delicate dessert items like the “Crostata di Frutta” or rich, decadent chocolate confections like the “Soufflé al Cioccolato”. If you’re in the mood to sip your sweets, check out the 111-page wine menu that features over five pages of dessert wines.
Located in a restored, 1928 automobile club building, you’re a mere block away from a romantic, evening stroll along 圣莫尼卡州立海滩, with the twinkling lights of the Pier as your Valentine’s Day backdrop.
梅利斯
For some of the best dining in the world, make a reservation at Chef Josiah Citrin’s “梅利斯”. The recipient of two Michelin stars, Mélisse is an intimate, 14-seat restaurant. Featuring a 2.5-hour chef’s tasting menu experience, you will journey through refined culinary techniques, classic wines and desserts for the ages all accompanied by world-renowned hospitality.
The menu features seasonal ingredients so while the exact dessert is subject to change, you’ll be sure to find something to love within the 18-course dinner menu.
And if you’re looking for a financial pallet cleanser in the early evening, take a stroll to 3rd Street Promenade and visit “The Dinosaurs” – a free and accesible art installation from 1989 featuring stainless steel, copper and foliage-based sculptures – accompanied by some post-dinner people watching.
To explore more dessert dining options, check out Santa Monica food & beverage offerings (pro tip: sort by cuisine or neighborhood to find your perfect match!).
