While some might chide that the ideal date for two Boulderites is a triathlon training session, the truth is, this town loves its traditional romantic outings as much as the next. There are plenty of options for fun (and yes, adventure), whether you’re coming to Boulder for Valentine’s Day, planning a romantic getaway together or just looking for Boulder date ideas.
Traveling single (or solo)? See our Weekend of You page for how to plan a relaxing escape and reconnect with numero uno.
There is just something romantic about holding hands, walking west between the historic buildings that flank Pearl Street, gazing at the Flatirons and stopping to watch street performers or to duck into a shop. In the evening, Pearl Street takes on a European feel, with folks out strolling, stopping to chat with each other, eating ice cream, sipping coffee on a patio or making their way to dinner.
The University of Colorado's Fiske Planetarium features a state-of-the-art projection system that will sweep you away into another galaxy. Recline in the darkened theater and be dazzled by the immersive images of outer space. Opt for a Stars and Lasers Galactic Odyssey or Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth) showing, or come for a Liquid Sky laser show set to Pink Floyd, the Beatles or Gorillaz.
Check out a B-Cycle bike from one of the public kiosks, or rent bikes from University Bicycles. Next, visit Lolita’s Market & Deli, across the street, to pack up some picnic provisions. Then enjoy a leisurely ride right through the heart of town along the beautiful Boulder Creek, stopping for a picnic along the way. Scott Carpenter Park makes an excellent stopover, with a grassy hilltop and views of the Flatirons.
Four words: floor-to-ceiling chocolate. At Piece, Love and Chocolate (where, we might point out, "love" is even in the name), choose from every conceivable flavor and shape of truffle, plus cakes, candies or hot cocoa. Have a seat in the little booth to enjoy. Write a love note to one another, fold it up and tuck it into a nook in the shop's exposed brick wall, where you'll see that others have stashed their sentiments over the years.
Wind your way up the hairpin turns on Flagstaff Road and pull over at Panorama Point for a breathtaking view of Boulder below: the red tile rooftops of the University of Colorado, tree-lined Pearl Street, the Boulder Reservoir and sprawling farmland beyond. After dusk, city lights twinkle and cars light up the highway from Denver.
Together, you’ll love delving into Boulder’s foodie philosophies or cocktail scene while on Local Table Tours' Taste of Downtown Boulder or Cocktail Tasting Tour. The friendly and knowledgeable guides make it entertaining, plus the food and drinks are some of the most delish in Boulder.
At the summit of Flagstaff Mountain is the unique, east-facing stone Sunrise Amphitheater. It's a popular location for weddings because of its gorgeous views stretching across the Boulder Valley to the Eastern Plains. Drag yourselves up before sunrise (trust us on this one), take a seat and watch nature put on a magnificent show as a new day dawns.
Photo ©Aidan Grey/Flickr Creative Commons.
On Sunday mornings from 10am to noon in the spring, summer and fall, Spruce Confections' charming courtyard on West Pearl Street is filled with the sounds of gypsy jazz. Order a freshly baked croissant and a latte and join the live band on the patio to feel as if you've been transported to Paris.
There’s nothing like a little teamwork to get you on the same page. The Enigma Escape Rooms experience challenges guests to solve real-time, interactive puzzles in order to escape from a locked room. Clever themes, inventive storylines and hidden clues make this a blast.
Take a peek at Food Lab's ever-changing schedule of cooking courses. Held in a sleek, modern kitchen space right on Pearl Street, Food Lab's classes regularly include couples-friendly sessions like “Date Night in Rome” and “An Evening in Bordeaux.”
Duck into License No. 1 (downstairs at the historic Hotel Boulderado) for some gypsy jazz and prohibition-era drinks. Or find a cozy corner at the Bitter Bar, with a hip West Pearl location and award-winning craft cocktails. The hidden-away Vapor Distillery is another option, serving inventive concoctions featuring the distillery's own spirits, made on site.
How about a groundbreaking art house film to ignite passionate conversation? Boedecker Cinema (fondly referred to by fans as “the Boe”), has a screening nearly every night of the week, sometimes accompanied by expert-led "talkbacks" following the show. It's located in the Dairy Arts Center, a hub for theater, dance and musical performances. Stop to browse the Dairy's lovely galleries, featuring the works of local artists.
Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks regularly offer night hikes through Boulder's stunning surrounding wilderness, with a naturalist as your guide. These are fun and fascinating, on themes that include stargazing, astronomy or the full moon — plus you'll have to huddle close for warmth!
• Brasserie Ten Ten Have an intimate tête-à-tête over a duck cassoulet or a steaming bowl of mussels and grilled baguette.
• Flagstaff House Views for days, over-the-top service and an epic wine list delivered via iPad.
• Black Cat A small, woodsy dining room with soft lighting and divine dishes sourced from the chef’s own farm.
• L’Atelier A place to enjoy an unhurried evening with expertly prepared French cuisine, while your every need is attended to by the expert staff.
• Via Perla Sit near the window for glimpses of the Flatirons, and melt into creamy, dreamy Italian dishes.
• Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro Fresh, local foods served with elegance inside the St Julien Hotel and Spa (convenient for stumbling back to your room after dinner).
• Spruce Farm & Fish A contemporary dining room inside the convivial, historic Hotel Boulderado (psst… there’s a speakeasy downstairs, too).
• PMG A wine-focused eatery with crispy, savory bites and an approachable wine list — tucked away down a side street from busy Pearl.
• Dagabi Cucina Simmering, fragrant Spanish sauces and rich flavors in an unassuming North Boulder location.
• Frasca Food & Wine A two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, with sumptuous food inspired by Northern Italy.
Here's where to treat yourself with Boulder's best chocolate spots
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