This Valentine’s Day may look different than years past, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate that special someone in Denver. Whether you want to splurge on a fancy night out or go lowkey and save some dough, the standard meal and a movie are tired anyway. 2021 has forced us to get creative to spice up date night, ditch the predictable flowers and store-bought chocolates for something a bit more memorable at these unique date spots in Denver.

Make and Take Garden Valentines with the Botanical Gardens

One of the best ways to enjoy the season of love is to head out and stroll around the Denver Botanic Gardens. Featuring one of the top five floral displays in the country, there’s a lot to see and do, even in the dead of winter. Enjoy the tropical house or stroll through the rare plants.

This year, the Botanic Gardens is offering Make and Take packages to create your own Valentine’s garden with natural flowers and seeds. Learn to create a beautiful garden in your own home and let your love bloom – literally. This particular program is geared towards families and kids, but who says adults can’t have fun too? The current schedule is an outdoor event on the 14th, but if the weather is icky, you can take your crafts to-go. Reservations required, $15.

Book a Cozy Table at One of Denver’s Best Eats

Larimer Square has long been one of the best date night spots in Denver. Currently closed to vehicular traffic, the string lights, historic buildings, and upscale eats make it a night to remember in one of Denver’s best outdoor dining districts. With a variety of high-end options, you’ll get a private, socially distanced table that’s perfect for an intimate night out. Choose from one of Denver’s top tables like Bao Brewhouse, Bistro Vendome, Cru Wine Bar, or the ever-popular Rioja. Or, book one of the sexy igloos or outdoor yurts popping up all over the city. A few of our favorites include Annette, The Wolf’s Tailor, and Daughter Thai Kitchen.

Perfect Pairings at Home and on the Town

If you’d rather test your prowess in the kitchen, February 11 through 15th, you can indulge in a culinary adventure with Cook Street School of Culinary Arts. Called “Cooking with Cupid,” you’ll get all the ingredients delivered to your door to learn to cook a beautiful meal from a professional chef in the comfort of your own home with optional wine pairings. For another fun option, Colorado Sake Co. + Denver Sushi House regularly hold sushi and sake rolling and live streams you can do via Zoom. They’ve also recently expanded to include dim sum date nights and other fun DIY classes. For a paired evening out, Strange Craft is putting together chocolate and beer tastings in their Biergarten that’s the perfect budget-friendly Valentine’s Day to enjoy some of that Colorado sunshine, brews, and a sweet nightcap.

Dillion Ice Castles

Take a road trip to the mountains to explore the magical wonderland that is the Dillion Ice Castles. Like Frozen come to life, this award-winning attraction is an elaborate ice sculpture you can stroll through. Beautiful in the daytime for photos, dusk is even more impressive when the castle comes to life with a stunning light display. Reservations are strongly recommended for both weekday and weekend visits. 

Romantic Sunset (or Sunrise) Hike

Who says you have to spend a lot of money for a memorable date in the Mile High? Get out, get the endorphins going, and stretch your legs at one of the many hiking trails near Denver. Pack plenty of layers, a blanket, and a thermos of hot cocoa (or something stronger) to snuggle up as the sun sets over the mountains. Get cozy as things heat up and you forget about the dropping temperatures. If you’re into roughing it, you could even make it an overnighter for some winter camping action.