Banana Slugs. Mating. Yay. Courtesy of Scott Peden / Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

You’re not fooling anyone guy. Like nearly every other male on the planet, you would rather do something cheap and low-key in lieu of a grandiose event that is likely to sweep your girl off her feet (no matter how much she is expecting it).  Problem is: You know that a romantic night out will make your significant other happy and you really, truly want to make that other happy.

Well, I’ve got great news.

You can have a cheap and relaxing Valentine’s Day and romanticize (and impress) your date at the same time. This upcoming Sunday at 11 am at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, a docent will be leading a 1 1/2 hour tour on one of the park’s most popular trails. On the tour, aptly named “Romance in the Redwoods”, the guide will show you the mating rituals of the birds, banana slugs, newts and, yes, trees, that take place in the redwood forest. On top of that, you’ll get to spend a romantic day in, what I think, is one of the most romantic settings in the world.

Whether you just go for the short hike or you decide to spend an entire day among the tranquil trees, I’ll tell you this: I can’t imagine a better way to spend Valentine’s Day.

A guest walks between two trees at Big Basin State Park.