Valentine's Day Guide Extra

Here's an expanded list of things to do on the most romantic of days.

Courtesy of Gourmet Chocolate Walks

For a good family activity, check out the Lindsay Wildlife Museum for special activities offering a family-friendly view on animal relationships. 31 First Ave., Walnut Creek, (925) 935-1978, wildlife-museum.org

A spa treatment is always a good way to kill some time. Valentine’s Day, Burke Williams has special treatment packages that include one complimentary service of up to $120 in value and will feature locally produced sparkling wine, hors d'ouerves, and chocolates by Bittersweet Café. 730 Camino Ramon, Ste. 200, Danville, (925) 362-0104, burkewilliamsspa.com

Whether it’s a dandelion or a dozen roses, flowers are a non-negotiable part of Valentine’s Day. For something a little extra special in the flower department, check out Tulipmania, the annual display of all things tulips. Pier 39, San Francisco, pier39.com/Events/events.htm

For something a little crazier, Attitude Aviation out of Livermore Municipal Airport offers customizable hour-long flights in Waco biplanes (think open cockpit crop-dusters), in which two passengers sit side-by-side in the heated front seat while the pilot steers in the back. $395 for two; Livermore Municipal Airport, (925) 456-2276, attitudeaviation.com

White Oak Orchids is one of the last big orchid growers in California and this 25,000 square foot nursery with views of the ocean is located in Pacifica and offers a huge selection for orchid lovers. 1204 Linda Mar Blvd. unit A,
Pacifica, 650-355-8767,  whiteoakorchids.com

With locations in Danville and Oakland, Bittersweet Chocolate Café has your sweet tooth covered with a variety of chocolate delicacies ranging from truffles to hot chocolate to pastries. 730 Camino Ramon, Suite 120, Danville, (925) 837-9900, 5427 College Avenue,
Oakland, (510) 654-7159, bittersweetcafe.com

The Chabot Space and Science Center will create a simulated space mission to Mars in which couples are “stranded” on a spacecraft and need to use teamwork to fix it. The package includes admission to the planetarium, exhibits, chocolates, and fizzy Martian beverages. $80 for members, $85 non-members 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, (510) 336-7300, chabotspace.org

Chez Pannise, that Berkeley mainstay, will be offering special Valentine’s Day menus both upstairs and downstairs, along with live folk music. 1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 548-5525, chezpanisse.com

Just in the mood to sink into a good movie? The folks behind My Big Fat Greek Wedding are planning to release another comedy, the new movie Valentine’s Day entitled, I Hate Valentine’s Day. 

Pleasanton's Rose Hotel has a Romance Package that includes one night’s stay, chocolates, a bouquet of roses, champagne, free breakfast, and a private whirlpool tub. $305/night; 807 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 846-8802, rosehotel.net

Check out the Oakland and San Francisco flower markets. They cater to professionals, but individuals are welcome to visit these wholesalers and their flower-stuffed warehouses. Get there early though; they tend to sell out quick. 821 Jefferson St., Oakland, (510) 836-2200, eflowerwholesale.com; 640 Brannan St., San Francisco, sfflmart.com

For a more extravagant experience, check out San Francisco’s Chocolate Tours for Lovers: $150 per couple gets you a designer chocolate heart t-shirt, two “Chocolove” bars, and a bottle of port, in addition to the stops at seven chocolate boutiques during the three-hour downtown walking tour. gourmetwalks.com