Best Areas to Stay in Denver
Denver is an obvious choice for a romantic couples trip. It’s a great place to stay if you want the convenience of a larger city, while still being close enough to the mountains for a day trip. If you’re looking for an ideal destination with lots of activities and great restaurant options, this is where you want to be!
Pro tip: Denver is much more spread out than visitors often expect. I highly recommend renting a car – especially if you plan to venture deeper into the mountains. Relying on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can get expensive quickly, and it may be difficult to find a ride from some mountain areas.
If you’re looking for a more economical option, I suggest checking out Turo. It’s basically the Airbnb of car rentals and is very popular here.


Highland Neighborhood or Near Union Station
This area offers a lot to explore nearby. Highlights include:
- Dairy Block – a quirky market with dining options, bars, and boutiques.
- Larimer Square – a charming strip of historic buildings where Denver was founded. It’s especially romantic after dark when string lights line the street. Perfect for a romantic evening, dinner date, and an after-dinner stroll.
You’ll also find several museums nearby. If you need a rainy-day plan, Meow Wolf is the perfect spot to visit. It’s a surreal interactive art experience – make sure you leave plenty of time to get lost in the magic! (I personally love it there.)
Heads up: 16th Street Mall might pop up in your search, but you aren’t likely to hear a local recommend it. It’s a little rundown and feels touristy, plus it’s been under construction for a long time. Side note: I don’t believe all touristy spots are bad! There are plenty of touristy activities in Colorado that are genuinely worth it.
For a truly unique and romantic experience, consider visiting Oakwell Beer Spa. You and your partner can rent a private room with a soaking tub infused with barley and hops, your own rain shower, and an infrared sauna. I took my partner there for his birthday – it was incredibly relaxing and very romantic. They even provide robes so you can leave your room to grab or refill your glass with a local craft beer on tap. It’s a spa-meets-brewery concept that makes for a fun and unforgettable treat. Don’t miss adding some time in the zero-gravity massage chairs after you soak – it’s so worth it!

Want to Stay Near Denver (But Not in the Heart of the City)?
If you’d like something a little quieter, I recommend Littleton, Golden, or Boulder.
Littleton, Colorado
Downtown Littleton is absolutely adorable. It has an old-town Main Street with a welcoming atmosphere and cozy vibe. You can easily spend half a day walking Main Street, exploring shops, bars, and restaurants.
Some of my favorites:
- iN-TEA – a fantastic tea shop
- Penzey’s Spices – grab a souvenir or special gift for anyone who loves to cook.
This is one of my personal favorite areas near Denver – perfect for a short trip or weekend getaway. Just note: Littleton is quite large and mostly suburban, so I highly recommend staying specifically near Main Street downtown.

Golden, Colorado
Golden has a similar cozy feel to Littleton but with a quirky, western twist.
Why I love Golden:
- Easy mountain access.
- Red Rocks Amphitheater is nearby – a true bucket-list destination. Even if you don’t attend a concert, the rock formations are stunning. (That said, locals will tell you it’s worth getting tickets no matter who’s playing.)
- Smooth Alpaca Experience is located near Red Rocks. It’s an alpaca ranch where you can meet the sweetest alpacas up close. I absolutely adored this experience!
Golden is also just 20 minutes from one of our primary scenic photoshoot locations – the ideal opportunity to experience Colorado’s iconic Red Rock features for an intimate experience. This is the perfect addition to any romantic getaway. (P.S. If you’re booking a photoshoot with us, I highly recommend our hiking add-on!)
Looking for more adventurous outdoor activities? Try tubing down Clear Creek. I spent a summer on this creek and it’s so much fun! You can rent tubes from Adventure West River Tube. If tubing isn’t your thing, you can also rent an E-bike and explore the area.

Boulder, Colorado
Boulder has a lively college-town vibe with a gorgeous mountain backdrop.
Here’s what not to miss:
- The Flatiron Mountains – absolutely iconic and very accessible.
- Dushanbe Teahouse – a beautiful, ornate teahouse that was built in Tajikistan (Boulder’s sister city) and reconstructed here. It’s seriously delicious and amazing for breakfast!
- Pearl Street Mall – a charming pedestrian mall packed with boutiques, galleries, and cafes.
We also offer romantic scenic mountain photoshoots for couples in Boulder! The views of the Flatirons are incredible, and our locations are very easy to access. We’d love to show you around.
Whether you’re staying in a romantic cabin just outside of town or at one of Boulder’s boutique hotels, this is a great area for a balance of outdoor adventure and relaxing moments.

Prefer a Romantic Getaway Deeper in the Rocky Mountains?
If you’re dreaming of natural beauty and fresh mountain air, here are a few incredible options for your romantic weekend escape in Colorado:
Vail, Colorado
Vail is an insanely romantic destination. I recommend staying as close to Vail Village as possible… think Hallmark movie vibes!
Why Vail is amazing:
- Wonderful European-style charm year-round.
- Skiing in winter, but honestly, I adore visiting for a summer escape.
- The village becomes especially magical at night when the twinkle lights are on.
For a truly memorable experience:
- Ride the gondola up the mountain at sunset for breathtaking scenery.
- Find the hidden speakeasy Chasing Rabbits – fun for a daytime cocktail and arcade games (I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the food or going in the evening).
If you have time for a nature focused day trip, visit Piney River Ranch for a romantic getaway. It’s about 45 minutes from Vail Village with a slightly adventurous drive (I’d say off-roading adjacent) – but sooo worth it! You can hike, canoe, or paddleboard with breathtaking mountain views. They also offer glamping tents or cozy cabins on their property if you’re looking for a more rustic, off-the-grid getaway.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is another great mountain town with natural beauty that’s easy to reach from Denver.
In Breck, you’ll find:
- Snowmobile tours in winter.
- Skiing (of course!).
- Hiking, mountain biking, and ATV rentals in the summer.
Main Street Breckenridge is especially magical when it’s snowy – grab a hot chocolate and wander through the shops for a romantic evening at your own pace!
Breckenridge is also incredibly close to one of my personal favorite locations for a custom photoshoot with us! Dillon reservoir and Sapphire point overlook are stunning areas to explore for a scenic mountain photoshoot with a true Colorado feel…. or maybe even a romantic proposal. These spots are picture-perfect and a great way to treat your partner to a thoughtful surprise. If you’re looking for an adventurous and romantic getaway wrapped into one, this is it.

Tips for Planning your Perfect Romantic Getaway
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time together:
- Choose your setting: Whether you love the rocky mountains, hot springs, or lively towns, Colorado has a little of everything.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, mountain weather changes quickly – and being prepared makes everything smoother.
- Plan a mix of activities and downtime: Some of the best memories come from slowing down. Think: morning coffee on the porch, or a post-hike massage.
- Surprise them: Whether it’s a special gift, a spa appointment, or a couples photoshoot, it’s the little gestures that turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

Final Thoughts
I’m confident you’ll find your perfect destination for a romantic getaway in our corner of the world. No matter where you stay in Colorado, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy adventure, romance, and meaningful time with your partner. You could be enjoying a moment in the Flatirons, soaking in a beer spa, tubing down a river, or glamping by an alpine lake – there’s truly a romantic escape here for everyone.
One of my favorite things about Colorado is how easy it is to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. You might find yourselves cuddled up in a cozy cabin at a boutique resort with no real agenda, or your time could be spent simply indulging in a late breakfast with views of the Rocky Mountains. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reconnect, and create the kind of memories that stay with you – whether you’re celebrating something special, planning a surprise proposal, or just carving out time to breathe.