22 Date Ideas in Denver to Make a Good First Impression
While you might think you’ve run out of date ideas in Denver, there’s a good chance you’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to all the amazing things you can do with your partner in Colorado’s capital. Between the incredible outdoor adventures and trendy nighttime spots, there are countless ways to impress your date in Mile-High City.
Whether you’re planning a first date or a romantic anniversary date, take a peek at our list of daytime and nighttime date ideas in Denver, and don’t miss our favorite unique go-top date spots, too!
Day Date Ideas in Denver
In a city as thriving as Denver, you better believe there are some cute places to visit for an unforgettable day date! Check out our suggestions below:
1. Hit the Trails
Lace up your hiking boots and explore one of Denver’s many local trails with your date. If you’re a couple of novice hikers just looking for a pretty view, pack a picnic and enjoy the short and easy 1.6-mile Bear Creek Trail, but if you want something more challenging, hike along the 11.30-mile Chicago Lakes and Summit Lake Trail. Trust us; the views are totally worth the trek!
2. Go to the Gardens
For a peaceful afternoon where you and your date can enjoy some quiet one-on-one time, head to Denver Botanic Gardens. Home to 24 acres of gardens and collections, you two can meander through perfectly manicured arrangements, such as the Victorian Secret Garden, Ornamental Grasses Garden, Ponderosa Border, June’s PlantAsia, and beyond.
3. Gallery Hope in Sante Fe Arts District
Sante Fe Arts District is a go-to date spot for couples who like to lose track of time browsing different kinds of artwork. For this date idea, map out your day and spend it hopping from one gallery to the next in this arts district—be sure to add SYNC Gallery, D’art Gallery, and NKollectiv to your list!
4. Paddle Around Smith Lake
Looking for a fun first date idea in Denver? Rent a pedal boat at Smith Lake in Washington Park! Cruising around the lake is a great way to break the ice while enjoying the park from an entirely different perspective than usual.
5. Ride the Rapids
If you’re an adventurous duo, book a white water rafting excursion together! Clear Creek, just 35 minutes from Downtown Denver, features some of the best white water rapids around, where you and your date can make a splash together!
6. Sample Something Sweet
Can’t decide between grabbing coffee or ice cream? Then, why not both? When you and your date make your way to Eiskaffee, you can merge iced coffee with your favorite ice cream flavors, resulting in the most delectable dessert drinks! Take your delicious concoctions on the go and enjoy moseying around the nearby Capitol Hill attractions.
7. Challenge Yourselves to an Escape Room
Solving puzzles together is easily one of the best ways to see if you and your date are compatible. Head to Escapology to test your knowledge (and your relationship) and choose between one of the seven themed private rooms, like the Budapest Express, Arizona Shootout, and Mansion Murder. After making it out alive, toast your success at the on-site lounge and restaurant.
8. Get Your Caffeine Fix
For a low-key date idea that’s great for introverts, meet at Dandelion Coffee, which is not only a lovely cafe but a plant shop, too. Order a round of mochas, enjoy some good conversation together, and then browse the plant selection—you might both just end up expanding your own plant collections!
Nighttime Date Ideas in Denver
Forget dinner and a movie, and instead, check out some of these fun and romantic nighttime date ideas in the Mile High City:
9. Get in on the Secret
Skip your favorite dive bar and search for the entrance to Retrograde Bar instead. Venture over to the Frozen Matter ice cream shop and locate the special freezer door that leads to a secret cocktail lounge! Behind the unmarked freezer door, you’ll discover a spaced-themed speakeasy with an out-of-this-world selection of handcrafted cocktails.
10. Cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field
When baseball season rolls around, get two tickets to see the Rockies take the mound. This date idea in Denver is sure to be a home run as you share an evening rooting for the home team, singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and noshing on peanuts and cracker jacks together!
11. Get Tickets to Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is surely one of the most scenic venues in the nation, making it the ideal place to take your date for an evening of live music. Get tickets to a performance, and don’t forget to admire the stunning natural red rock scenery surrounding the stadium.
12. Make Dinner Reservations at The Fort
For a romantic dinner for two, get a table at The Fort, where you’ll enjoy “American Indian and Mountain Man” inspired fare, from elk and bison to trout and quail. To make it even more special, dine on a Friday or Saturday night when the house flute player serenades guests.
13. Putt Around
You’ve tried mini-golfing before, but have you and your date ever putted your way through a glow-in-the-dark course? Well, now you can! At Monster Mini Golf in Centennial, this monster-themed course features hand-painted glow-in-the-dark artwork and a DJ spinning tunes while you and your honey compete for the best score.
14. Enjoy Some Fine Dining
If you’re celebrating something special, then you may want to spend date night at The Capital Grille. This elegant restaurant, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, features a decadent surf-and-turf menu with everything from oysters and lobster tails to filet mignon and bone-in ribeye. But whatever you order, just be sure to leave some room for dessert!
Unique Date Ideas in Denver
Sick and tired of the same old go-to date spots? Then get a little creative and try some of these unusual and unique date ideas in Denver that are sure to leave a lasting impression:
15. Go Indoor Climbing
Denver is considered a mecca for rock climbers, but if you and your date are still learning the ropes, spend an afternoon scrambling up 19,000 square feet of climbing walls at The Spot. This indoor climbing gym even serves some beer on tap if you and your date get thirsty after all that climbing.
16. Expand Your Vinyl Collection at Wax Trax
For those couples who live and breathe all things music, check out the vinyl at Wax Trax Records. Dating back to the 1970s, this vintage record shop is a haven for music lovers, as you and your date can spend hours browsing the vast collection. Then, for your second date, you can invite your honey over to spin your newest additions on your own record player!
17. Go Vegan at City O City
For another unique date idea in Denver, switch things up and head to City O City for an all-vegan meal. Regardless of whether you’re vegan or not, you’ll both enjoy sampling the veggie-centric, plant-based fare at this sustainably-conscious eatery.
18. Join a Chocolate Factory Tour
If you really want to treat your date to something unique, get tickets to the Inventing Room Dessert Shop for a Wilka-Wonka-inspired glimpse into the world of candy-making. During this quirky tour, you’ll receive science demos, candy samples, and a look into the future of desserts.
19. Relax at a Beer Spa
A beer spa? Yes, you read that right. Oakwell Beer Spa welcomes couples to rest and rejuvenate in its warm, bubbly beer baths! Then, after a peaceful soak together, you and your partner can head to the on-site taproom and further relax with some pints.
20. Try Your Hand at Axe Throwing
You can’t get much more unique than an evening of tossing back drinks and axes! At Axe Whooping, you and your date are invited to learn the art of throwing axes at the largest indoor axe facility in the state. Take turns trying to hit the target and enjoy some drinks and laughs along the way.
21. Carve up the Slopes
Just because it’s wintertime in Colorado doesn’t mean you and your date can’t enjoy some outdoor fun. For this outdoorsy day date idea in Denver, head just 36 miles out of town to Echo Mountain, where you two can spend the day hitting the slopes. Whether you bomb the bunny slopes or brave the black diamond trails together, this will surely be a memorable date.
22. Tap into Your Artistic Side
Sip some wine and let your creativity run wild! For this unusual date idea in Denver, book a class at Sipping N’ Painting, where you’ll receive painting lessons paired with drinks as your instructor shows you how to craft your very own masterpieces. At the night’s end, you and your crush will head home with your own painted canvases as souvenirs from your special date.
