Although it is supposed to be a time of joy and love, Valentine’s Day has been known to strike fear into the hearts of people across America. Some people shudder at the idea of having to be romantic just because the calendar demands it, while others fear the impossibly high price tag that accompanies many Valentine’s Day plans.

But this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little research and maybe some advance preparations, you can make this day special and unique for your partner whether or not you plan on splurging. 

For the Romantic: Skip stuffy restaurants with overpriced menus and instead surprise your date with a visit to Angels Knoll, where you can sit on the landmark bench from the movie "500 Days of Summer." Once you get to the quaint little park, enjoy the extraordinary view of downtown. Make sure to go early because the park closes at 5 p.m. 

• Save: Give your date a real treat by paying just 50 cents to take the historic Angels Flight railtrain up to the hilltop park. Afterwards, stop by Pitfire Pizza during their happy hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. for some half-priced gourmet pizzas.
• Splurge: Swing by Bottega Louie on your way to Angels Knoll to pick up a gourmet picnic. Grab a couple of salads or sandwiches from the front display case, and finish off the meal with some of their famous macaroons or other beautiful desserts.  

For the Art Lover: Los Angeles is known for its vibrant art culture, and the city is packed with special events to celebrate love and art. 

• Save: Valentine’s Day coincides with the monthly Downtown L.A. Art Walk, so take advantage of this lovely coincidence and check out the galleries of some of Los Angeles’s best artists for free. Refuel at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area before continuing to soak up more of the late night magic of downtown. 
• Splurge: Visit LACMA to take advantage of its special late night hours and special "Love Hurts exhibit." Head over to the Grove for some delicious post-museum fuel, or if you feel like pulling out all the stops, treat your date to the RED pop-up dinner that is inspired by the Love Hurts exhibit.  

For the Kid at Heart: Just because you’re learning how to be a mature grown up at school, doesn’t mean that you can’t goof around in your real life! Change up the traditional Valentine’s Day routine by surprising your date with some light-hearted fun and games.  

• Save: Head down to Sherman Oaks Castle Park to strike up some friendly competition with mini golf, arcade games, and batting cages. Up the stakes by coming up with a wager for the loser to fulfill. 
• Splurge: Go down to Santa Monica Pier to ride the ferris wheel and roller coasters, win your date a prize from the carnival games, and finish off the evening with an old fashioned sundae from Soda Jerks. If you don’t want your date to end, kick off your shoes and take a stroll along the beach or the third street promenade. 

For the Movie Buff:  L.A. is just miles away from Hollywood, and surrounded by incredible opportunities to experience movies in their very best light. 

• Save: Check out this list of movies filmed in Downtown L.A. and walk to the filming sights of some of your favorite movies. Grab food from whatever exciting food trucks you happen to bump into on your way. 
• Splurge: Go see a movie at the historic ArcLight Hollywood theatre and grab dinner at the Umami Burger or enjoy the special Valentine’s Day menu at The Hungry Cat or M agnolia.

Reach Staff Reporter Sara here.