8 Romantic Small Towns In Colorado For A 3-Day Weekend
Colorado provides the finest backdrop for connecting and creating some magic. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to quiet small towns surrounded by pristine landscapes, take a moment away from life's distractions to rekindle the spark. Embark on a lavish weekend in Aspen’s upscale community while being pampered at a world-famous resort. Creative couples may choose to bond in Boulder, where arts and culture thrive. Whether traveling to the Swiss-themed town of Ouray or heading to picture-perfect Breckenridge, there are many towns in Colorado ideal for memorable escapes and shared adventures.
Aspen
Merging refined luxury with stunning alpine vistas, Aspen is a postcard-worthy Colorado town hugged by the Elk Mountains. Visit during the colder months and cozy up in this winter wonderland with a sleigh ride through the snowy paradise. Keep each other warm with a tour through Aspen Carriage and Sleigh and ride through Aspen's finest landscape of snow-covered forests and along the Roaring Fork River, with sleigh bells ringing, for the ultimate experience. In the warmer seasons, a carriage ride can be equally enchanting.
Take your love to new heights, literally, with a hot air balloon ride. With year-round flights, admire Aspen’s scenery in every season with Above It All Balloon Co. Celebrate an anniversary, plan a special proposal, or snuggle while being whisked away by Aspen’s fresh mountain air and panoramic views. Finish off the day with an intimate dinner at Element 47, a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant. Toast to the good times over a plate of Crescent Island Duck, Clam Risotto, or Mero Bass while relishing in the elegant ambiance.
World-famous, highly rated, and in a prime location, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a top choice for travelers. Get pampered at the RAKxa Wellness Spa, with a menu of indulgent treatments from couples massages to gentlemen’s facials and body wraps. Drift into the night with plush linens, a pristine guestroom, and the romantic backdrop of Aspen Mountain.
Estes Park
Estes Park offers an ideal setting for couples seeking to enrich their relationship through outdoor adventure and radiant natural landscapes. Ranging from half an hour to two-hour rides, trot through the Estes Park countryside with a trail ride at Sombreo Stables. Running from May until October, the seasonal activity is a phenomenal way to bond while basking in Colorado’s open air. Although Rocky Mountain National Park is a wonder in itself, the area is especially magical at night. Due to Estes Park's elevation, the park is a hotspot for stargazing. Be in awe at the moon and thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the night sky. Get a closer look with the on-site telescopes and join the ranger-led programs for a deeper dive.
Gentle rides are some of the best ways to connect while admiring what Colorado has to offer. Choose a curated playlist, grab a warm drink, and head out for a cruise down the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Take a few hours to drive by Lily Lake, Wild Basin, St. Malo’s Chapel, and the quirky town of Nederland. For unobstructed views of Estes Park, cuddle up on board the Aerial Tram. With the final departure at 5 p.m., fortunate visitors can soak in the evening’s golden glow as they ascend above the town.
For a stay that captures the romance, consider RiverSong Inn Retreat, known for its couples-focused getaways. As a cherished local Bed and Breakfast since 1922, RiverSong Inn Retreat provides an intriguing selection of elegant suites and rustic cabins across 26 acres of secluded grounds.
Ouray
Ignite a little romance in Ouray, the “Switzerland of America,” where soaring San Juan peaks, soothing hot springs, and alpine-village allure set the scene. Rejuvinate with a dip into the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Appreciate the stillness in the adult-only soaking section and unwind in the healing waters. After a restorative session, catch a live performance, concert, or movie screening at the Wright Opera House, an 1888 Victorian-style beauty. With a large variety of genres and events, there is a little something for everyone.
Fill up the camera roll at Box Canyon Waterfall and Park, a phenomenal spot for taking epic photos. With an easy trail that leads to a canyon with a crashing waterfall, the hike is pleasurable, easy, and background-worthy. Just a short five-minute drive away, book a room at the Historic Beaumont Hotel. Top-rated and renowned for hosting guests such as Oprah Winfrey and President Theodore Roosevelt, this accommodation is truly one-of-a-kind. While staying at this iconic treasure, savor a meal at the on-site Roosevelt’s Tavern. True to its name, the eatery takes guests back to the era of Theodore Roosevelt. Step back in time with the timeless interior and cocktails from the early 1900s.
Boulder
Brimming with a thriving arts and culture scene, Boulder is a dreamy Colorado escape for couples seeking a romantically charged creative outlet. Downtown Boulder is a prime hub for diving into the local scene, with streets lined with galleries, art installations, murals, and sculptures. During the summer, book a Public Art Walking Tour for a complete look at these fascinating creations. Take some time to chat about the contemporary art displayed at Nick Ryan Gallery. With ever-changing exhibits to keep things fresh, the collection of works is eye-catching and sparks conversation. Just a quick five-minute drive from the gallery, get cozy at dinner with delightful entrees at Oak at Fourteenth. Cap off the day with Wood-Fired Organic Salmon, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, or a Charbroiled Pork Chop. Share a Dark Chocolate Cake or Sicilian Olive Oil Cake for dessert and call it a day well spent in Boulder.
For accommodation that matches the amorous vibes in Boulder, stay at the St. Julien Hotel and Spa. Wrapped in upscale elegance, the hotel is a premier location near the iconic Pearl Street. Retreat to the spa for a restorative experience in the steam room or sauna, and take a dip in the hot tub. With spacious guestrooms and top-tier dining, St. Julien Hotel and Spa is a preferred choice for couples.
Bailey
Break free from city life in Bailey, a remote destination roughly an hour away from Denver. The town offers an unmatched setting for appreciating Colorado’s great outdoors. Adventure seekers will find solace in Pike National Forest. Spend the night under the stars in a cabin, or bring a tent for a closer-to-nature experience. Whether it be biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, boating, or just enjoying a picnic, Pike National Forest is a key location for getting active while connecting.
Take a break and raise a glass at Aspen Peak Cellars. Sample award-winning wines, tour the grounds, and catch live music on weekends. Throughout the year, grab some tickets for events at Aspen Peak Cellars. Join the locals and purchase tickets for trivia night, Holiday Wine Club Dinner, and a Barrel Room Tasting Experience. Stay a bit longer and make a toast at lunch or dinner in the breathtaking Tuscan-style dining room.
For an accommodation to match, Two Bridges Lodge fits in nicely with Bailey’s wilderness. Family-run since 2021, wake up to the calming sounds of the North Fork of the South Platte River. Spend some time relaxing at the Snowmelt Thermal Retreat, complimentary with the Riverside Suites. Conveniently in the Lodge building, restore mind, body, and spirit with the sauna, steam room, or cold plunge.
Trinidad
Only 20 minutes north of the New Mexico border, Trinidad is rich in Spanish influences and exudes a European atmosphere where residents embrace a slower pace of living. Spend a day or two wandering the impeccably striking Main Street. Browse the eccentric and rare collection at Coin Dancer Antiques. Pick up a previously-loved piece of furniture, glassware, or sculpture for the ultimate Trinidad souvenir. The token will always be a reminder of your time spent together. A few doors down, the A. R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art is another Trinidad treasure. Alongside works by Arthur Roy Mitchell, Harold Von Schmidt, and Harvey Dunn, the museum gracefully showcases Hispanic Folk Art and Native American Art.
Cherish time together at Trinidad Lake State Park. Be it biking, boating, horseback riding, or meandering along the trails, this area provides a memorable backdrop for deepening relationships through adventure. Lucky adventurers may cross paths with wildlife ranging from elk and mountain lions to diverse birds and reptiles. Do not forget to bring along a delicious lunch for a picnic by the sparkling 800-acre lake.
Be at the center of all the action at the Hilton Garden Inn. With close proximity to art galleries, museums, and just 5 miles from Trinidad Lake State Park, relish in comfort and convenience. Many guests compliment the hotel's cleanliness and accommodating staff.
Telluride
Telluride is a well-rounded gem in southwestern Colorado. With a supreme location in the San Juan Mountains, the town offers a little bit of everything, from a bustling main street to outdoor recreation and endless vistas. One of the paramount ways to revel in Colorado’s expansive rocky landscape is with a gondola ride. With four different stations to choose from, see Telluride and the surrounding area while luxuriating at sky-high levels. Equally as enchanting, the Bridal Veil Falls is another majestic Telluride feature. Be in awe at this 365-foot-tall natural wonder and take some photos with the crashing waters in the backdrop. As the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, Brial Veil Falls is a must-see attraction.
Adorable both inside and out, indulge in local specialties at The Butcher & The Baker. Satisfy all cravings, whether sweet or savoury, with locally sourced and handmade delights such as meats, cheeses, produce, breads, and baked goods. Nothing says love like a chocolate croissant, a slice of pie, or a comforting Sunday brunch after sleeping in.
A town as balanced as Telluride deserves lodging to match. With its historic roots, top-tier downtown location, and diverse on-site dining and drink options, the New Sheridan Hotel has been hosting guests since 1895. Challenge each other to billiards in The New Sheridan Historic Bar or sip coffee and dine with a view of the mountains.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge gives off major Hallmark movie vibes, especially when it becomes a winter lover’s paradise with a blanket of snow covering the aesthetically pleasing town. As one of America’s prettiest towns, Breckenridge is a top choice for a fairy-tale getaway. Containing water from the Rocky Mountains, savor award-winning spirits at Breckenridge Distillery. Learn the ins and outs of the industry with a distillery tour, Whisky Blending Lab, or Mixology class. Find a new favorite drink through the complimentary tasting or fuel up after a thrilling day at the on-site restaurant.
Make it a memorable and rare adventure with a heartwarming dinner while in Breckenridge. Housed in an old Victorian home, Hearthstone is steeped in elegance and beauty. Both inside and out, Hearthstone looks as if it's been plucked straight out of a movie or storybook. Chat over a fancy feast with offerings such as Charred Octopus, Alaskan Black Cod, Blackberry Elk, Dark Chocolate Decadence, and Maple Bourbon Crème Brûlée. One night, take a journey to the Alps at the Swiss Haven Restaurant. Serving traditional Swiss fare such as house-made apple strudel, bratwurst, spaetzle, and meat with a Provencal mushroom sauce or Paprika Stroganoff sauce, the establishment is a taste of Europe without leaving the United States.
Cute and cozy, the Fireside Inn is a beloved Breckenridge B&B. Each room is uniquely decorated and feels like home. Rustic yet with modern amenities, visitors can enjoy hot tub access, free Wi-Fi, and a free load of laundry for hikers. Guests report that the owners are very kind and accommodating.
Spark Some Romance in Colorado
Snuggle up, get cozy, and reconnect in Colorado. Whether it’s serene nature hikes, thrilling horseback rides, indulgent fine dining, or first-class spa experiences, the state delivers the perfect mix for couples’ getaways. Take love to new heights with a gondola ride in Telluride or a hot air balloon ride in luxurious Aspen. Gallop through the endless scenery in Estes Park or try award-winning wines in Bailey while chatting over a glass. Every corner of Colorado is packed with journeys ideal for couples to bond and rekindle their love.
