Take Heart

The roses and chocolates are going fast, even at the 24-hour grocery store. The romantic restaurants are booked, and the line for “Titanic” is gigantic. What’s a last-minute, low-budget Romeo or Juliet to do this Valentine’s Day?

Relax. Even in this age of urban sprawl, Orange County still offers romantic getaways just a short drive away, from Laguna Beach’s “Top of the World” cliff drive to Skyline Drive through Tustin. For those lacking inspiration, here are tips from some of the county’s purveyors of romance and others on simpler ways to celebrate love.

Pascal Ohlats, the owner of Pascal restaurant and bakery in Newport Beach, says there are three ways to go. One, you can try to find a seat in a restaurant. His is booked. Two, he offers a gourmet picnic basket for $35 per person with “things that have a delicate flavor that you eat slowly, because that’s what a Valentine’s meal is about.”

Or, three, “To have a romantic time, I would take a nice bottle of champagne and sit on the beach, the wide, wild beach between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach,” he said, referring to Crystal Cove State Park. If it’s raining, “the most romantic meal I think you can have is at home. Just add a bottle of champagne and start a fire in the fireplace.”

Ranger Robin Harding agreed that Crystal Cove Park is “ a beautiful place to watch the sunset,” although she warned that folks might want to bring chairs if they plan to picnic, because storms have left the beach a bit rocky.

She especially recommends Rees Point, the southernmost entrance to the park, or Parking Lot 1 in Pelican Point, the northern entrance.

“You can walk down to the beach from Lot 1, or you can just stay in your car and watch if you want to,” she said.

The park charges admission and technically closes at dusk, but she said rangers don’t stand by with ticket books and romantic lingering is allowed “for a few minutes after the sun sets.”

Debbie Marshall, co-owner of Mr. Stox restaurant in Anaheim (booked solid Friday and Saturday), said her suggestions for alternative amorous plans include a trip to the new Getty Museum in Los Angeles or to Disneyland.

“Normally you think that’s for children, but on Valentine’s Day adults could go through the ‘It’s A Small World’ tunnel in a little boat. . . . You could kiss in the tunnel.”

Vivian Heredia, co-owner of the McCharles House tea room and restaurant in Tustin, is of like mind. While her restaurant will be serving a menu of heart-shaped basil sconettes and raspberry-glazed Cornish game for $50 per person, Heredia offers a simpler alternative.

“I personally feel even if you go pick a basket of wildflowers or put together fruit for a good friend, that can be romantic.”

If you choose a romantic hilltop for your picnic, be careful when you park.

Laguna Beach Sgt. Jason Krevetz said police won’t bother anyone on Cliff Drive overlooking the Pacific Ocean, “if there’s money in the meter.”

“The only time we bug people is if it’s 2 a.m. and the windows are steamed up,” he said. “We just want to check and make sure everything is OK.”

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Seven Heavens

Where to find a romantic view of Orange County:

1. Seal Beach Pier

2. Skyline Drive in Tustin, off Newport Avenue

3. Modjeska Grade Road, between Santiago Canyon Road and Modjeska Canyon Road

4. Ken Sampson Overview Park in Dana Point

5. Heisler Park in Laguna Beach

6. Crystal Cove State Park

7. Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar

Source: Times reports