GULF SHORES, Ala. — The day of chocolates, flowers and hearts is upon us. Valentine’s Day is the designated day to show your special someone you care, and the Gulf Coast provides a perfect backdrop for the love-filled celebration.

“Romance is the expression of love. It’s the action step of love,” author of “Enchanted Evenings: 323 Nights Out to Remember” Gregory J.P. Godek said of why romance is so important. “Without romance, love is merely a concept, an ideal, a nice idea. Romance is what brings love alive in the world.”

Godek’s book gives plenty of ways to put your emotions into action, and this Valentine’s Day is the time. All it takes is a little effort.

With the beach, the sand and a dim lit dinner as the perfect backdrop, it’s easy to have a great celebration here.

Take a walk on the beach, as Godek suggests. Or go a step further and have a picnic on the beach.

“What’s more inspiring than a magnificent sunrise or a spectacular sunset?” Godek asked. “Pack a breakfast, head for a quiet spot, and enjoy the sunrise together or make time for a sunset dinner.”

Make reservations at your partner’s favorite restaurant and arrange for a treat to be waiting when you arrive.

Grazie and Sunset Cork Room both have a romantic ambiance about them already. Most restaurants will be offering specials for the evening, call ahead and see what will be offered.

Godek suggests a restaurant crawl. Hit up a different establishment for each course: drinks, appetizers, soup, salad, main course, dessert and a night cap.

A stay-at-home dinner may be more fun than heading out to celebrate the day with other lovebirds.

Cook dinner for one another, each picking a course to do. Or create an extravagant meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

“Prepare a five-course dinner and serve each course in a different room of your home,” Godek said.

If cooking is not your forte, order takeout of a favorite meal or hire a chef to cook for you at home — there are options for every budget.

A romantic “stay-cation” could be the ultimate in a romantic getaway. Rent a condo or hotel where no one will know where you are and can’t disturb you.

ResortQuest Gulf Shores is offering a discounted weekend for Valentine’s Day.

“It’s an inexpensive way to do a get away,” Stephanie Blake, operations manager, said. “And we make it really nice.”

The romantic stay at a ResortQuest room includes a complimentary gift basket with romantic treats like chocolate and champagne waiting in the room.

Whatever you do spend this weekend to kickstart an ongoing series of care and generosity. If you and your partner have been down and out, make Saturday the day to revive your relationship.

Valentine’s Day Happenings

Don’t have anything planned yet for Valentine’s Day? There’s plenty of entertainment to go around: