San Diego Valentine's Day Guide: For Singles

The New Year's Eve party came and went, and you suffered through the awkwardness of not having a beau to kiss at midnight by petting the host's cat - such a friendly feline!

But here is February, and with still no romance in sight, your Valentine's Day options seem reduced to desperate prowling at a get-together with other lonely hearts or eating ice-cream on the couch in front of the television.

The latter option obviously is the more dignified one, but it just seems so unfair; you're not desperate for love, you live a fun, fulfilling life with a packed social calendar, and you don't feel ready to settle down with only one romantic interest. What is it about February 14th that is designed to make anyone not in a committed relationship feel bad about themselves?

Well not you, not this year!

This San Diego Valentine's Day you are going to go out and have fun just like you would on any other Thursday night, and you are going to do it looking fierce, being flirty, and without a significant other to slow you down.

Looking Fierce

For women, looking fierce often starts with what is not immediately apparent - the garments under the party frock.

Bella's Fine Lingerie in Coronado offers intimate apparel that is sexy instead of sleazy, a beautiful confidence booster under your cashmere separates. The service in the shop is impeccable and bra fittings are offered to ensure proper fit. Once you have the appropriate undergarments, it's time to search for the perfect party outfit. (1222 First Street, #4, Coronado 92118, 619.435.6595)

Bella Mema Boutique in Little Italy has beautifully made, fashion-forward clothes from lines such as Voom, Vintage Betty, Lure, and Lovestruck. Owner Jenn Zipp buys limited amounts which just about guarantees that not only will you make a sensational entrance, but no one else at the party will be wearing anything like it. Can't find what you're looking for? Call the store: Jenn will be happy to look for clothes especially for you on her next buying trip. (2027 India St., San Diego 92101, 619.231.1044)

Rumors Boutique in La Jolla has clothes with serious sex appeal for both the men and women in your crew. A red Pegah Anvarian dress will empower the sexy single woman on Valentine's Day while guys can keep it casual in a pair of Brown Label jeans.

Men and women looking for a little more edge for their Valentine's Day wardrobe can head to steady BOUTIQUE Downtown. These party clothes communicate an intellectual sexiness and are perfect for people with a strong sense of style. If you're a guy who's more beach than urban however, check out Buzz Clothing Downtown. Jackets, sweaters, and pants will dress up the normally-casual dude so he's guaranteed to get in anywhere. It's Valentine's Day fellas, leave the trainers at home!

Get Flirty

Once you're dressed to party it's time to find one. Gather your single friends and head out for a night on the town that couples sequestered in restaurants over romantic dinners will secretly envy.

Speaking of the green-eyed monster, Envy at the Ivy Hotel hosts the Singles Soiree, a special Seduction Thursday holiday event, with DJs Este and Fresh One on Valentine's Day.

While you may have spulged on your designer duds to sport on the 14th, no need to worry about expensive pre-partying or paying cover. Become a DiscoverSD Insider and enjoy a hosted VeeV bar from 9-10pm, and complimentary entry until 10:30pm. At this Singles Soiree, Lipstik dancers and cocktail servers will rock lingerie by Fredrick's of Hollywood, and all VIP guests will receive complimentary gift bags from Fredrick's - with romantic treats to complete the night. For more information on Singles Soiree, read the details here.

To become an Insider, email your guest list requests to vip@discoversd.com.

Nothing will get you in the mood for Seduction Thursday better than the Human Canvas Valentine's Day special at Confidential, hosted by DiscoverSD.com. An acclaimed local artist will paint her vision of Valentine's Day on the nude dual canvases of guest male and female models right before your eyes. While you watch live human art in the making, sip complimentary Peroni drink specials and hosted hors d'oeuvres from 7-9pm. Despite the chic locale and risqué entertainment, this event is not confidential - simply send your guest list requests to vip@discoversd.com.

Dancing, cocktails, and body painting at Envy and Confidential are the perfect high-energy pairings to the W Hotel's earlier Spin the Bottle event. From 6-8pm sip cocktails, nibble on sweets, and play spin the bottle in the Living Room and all-new Karma Lounge. A more sophisticated crowd gathers at Jack's La Jolla where the Level 3 Beach Bar is now open for business.

If you're looking for a little urban edge without the dancing this Valentine's Day, head back downtown to the East Village Tavern & Bowl where the bowling is fun and the sports bar vibe will keep the Valentine's Day couples away. Further north, Bar Pink Elephant in North Park offers bubbles, booths, and Singapore slings. Hip young things mix with neighborhood regulars and love-struck couples celebrating themselves will most likely not be in attendance.

Party All Night

You're looking good and you're having fun, why let last call stop you? Your party posse has probably picked up some people along the way - take your new friends back to your hotel room to continue the all-night revelry. If you spent the night partying at Envy, head to your room in the Ivy Hotel. If you splurged and got the Valentine Package your Envy experience was VIP, and you'll have champagne and strawberries to serve to your fellow partiers upon return.

Or party like a rock star (embrace the cliché!) and book one of the Rock Star Suites at the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel, perhaps the suite designed by the Black Eyed Peas? If you had fun at Jack's La Jolla keep the party going by investing in an apartment at the Hotel Parisi. Their luxurious suites and superior service will ensure that your place is your friends' after-party location of choice.

If you prefer to limit the after-party to one night only, visit Tower 23 Hotel in Pacific Beach and book the Sweet Suite for you and your friends. Urbanites who party outside of the Gaslamp will be at home in a room at the Lafayette Hotel, as most of their friends will probably already have a suite booked for some fun after a night spent at the Red Fox Steak House.

Alas, another Valentine's Day over with. But unfortunately, with your hot new outfit and fun-loving attitude, you may have met someone over the course of the night and ruined your chances of being single for Valentine's Day 2009! Not to worry - couple-hood has its own perks for this romantic holiday. To plan ahead, read the details here.