A Romantic Weekend in Boulder

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.

Consider this weekend itinerary full of ideas for romantic things to do in Boulder.

Ideas for Day One

Take a Stroll on Pearl Street 

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. 

Stargaze at Fiske Planetarium

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 the music of Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan or others.

Rent Bikes and Cruise Around Town

Check out a BCycle e-bike from one of the public stations or rent bikes from a local bike shop. Next, visit Lolita’s Market & Deli, across the street, to pack up some provisions. Then enjoy a leisurely ride right through the heart of town along Boulder's many bikeways and multi-use paths, stopping for a picnic along the way in one of the city's immaculate parks. Scott Carpenter Park makes an excellent stopover, with a grassy hilltop and views of the Flatirons.

Indulge at Piece, Love and Chocolate

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.

Get Above It All at Panorama Point

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. 

Dine Around with Local Table Tours

Together, you’ll love delving into Boulder’s foodie philosophies or cocktail scene while on Local Table Tours' A Taste of Downtown Boulder tour. The friendly and knowledgeable guides make it entertaining, plus the food and drinks are some of the most delish in Boulder.

Ideas for Day Two

See Sunrise Like Never Before

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. Flagstaff Summit Road is open seasonally from May 1 to Oct. 30, but during the winter months, you can park at Realization Point and walk uphill to the amphitheater (it's a 0.8 mile walk). For a more accessible option, previously mentioned Panorama Point offers spectacular east-facing views and can be reached via wheelchair.

Have Breakfast to a Soundtrack

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 swing jazz (call ahead to confirm). 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.

Create a Stained Glass Keepsake

Make a new memory together at Colorado Glass Works' date night class. You'll get to bring home a beautiful stained glass memento from your experience. All materials are included in the class fee that covers both of you, so you can just show up together and have fun.

Stage an Escape

There’s nothing like a little teamwork to get you on the same page. The Boulder Escape Room 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.

Be the Couple That Cooks Together

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.”

Steal Away to a Speakeasy 

Duck into License No. 1 (downstairs at the historic Hotel Boulderado) for some 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. 

See a Film at Boedecker Cinema

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.

Go on a Nighttime Guided Hike

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!

10 Romantic Restaurants

Boulder has a romantic eateries galore. Here's a small selection to try.

• Flagstaff House Views for days, over-the-top service and an epic wine list delivered via iPad.
• Bramble and Hare A small, woodsy dining room with soft lighting and divine dishes sourced from the chef’s own farm. 
• Corrida A dazzling upscale Spanish restaurant in the sky (or at least it feels like it, at the top of Pearl West building with views for days). In the winter, they have private alpenglobes on their rooftop patio.
• 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).
• Dagabi Cucina Simmering, fragrant Spanish sauces and rich flavors in an unassuming North Boulder location.
• Frasca Food & Wine A MICHELIN-starred restaurant and James Beard Foundation Award winner, with sumptuous food inspired by Northern Italy.
• The Kitchen (upstairs) A cocktail lounge separate from their main downstairs dining area, with big windows, excellent wines, soft lighting, rustic wooden accents and a roaring fireplace.
• Gemini A sweet spot on Pearl with exposed brick walls and delicious cocktails, wine and tapas.
• Postino A classy-yet-cozy wine bar that offers a build-your-own charcuterie board and gorgeous patio seating.
• Basta A quaint MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient with a wood-fired pizza oven and award-winning cocktails.