The Ultimate Romantic Getaway Guide to Estes Park: A Local’s 2-Day Itinerary

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, engagement, proposal, or simply escaping to the mountains together, Estes Park is one of Colorado’s most romantic destinations. After living in Estes Park for nearly 50 years, my wife and I still enjoy romantic weekends here, and this guide includes many of the same places we love to visit. From cozy cabins and unforgettable restaurants to wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures, here’s how we’d spend the perfect two-day romantic getaway in Estes Park.

At a Glance

Best For: Romantic getaways, anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals, and weekend escapes

Ideal Trip Length: 2–3 days to fully experience Estes Park together

Distance from Denver: Approximately 1.5 hours

Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for warm weather, wildlife viewing, and mountain scenery. Winter offers a quieter, cozy mountain escape.

Must-Do Experiences: Rocky Mountain National Park, wildlife viewing, downtown Estes Park, a scenic adventure (ATV, eBike, Jeep, or horseback ride), and a romantic dinner

Where to Stay: Cozy riverside cabins, mountain lodges, and romantic hotels near downtown and Rocky Mountain National Park

Dining Tip: Make dinner reservations at least one day in advance during summer and holiday weekends.

Local Tip: Slow down and enjoy the experience. Some of the best memories come from watching elk near Lake Estes, walking the Riverwalk, or sharing a scenic drive through the mountains.

Why Estes Park Is One of Colorado’s Most Romantic Destinations

There are plenty of beautiful mountain towns throughout Colorado, but there’s a reason so many couples choose Estes Park for anniversaries, honeymoons, engagements, weekend escapes, and even weddings.

The scenery is breathtaking. Wildlife roams freely throughout town. Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in North America. Cozy cabins sit beside rushing rivers, downtown Estes Park is easy to explore on foot, and some of Colorado’s best mountain dining is only minutes away.

It’s no surprise that Estes Park has become one of the country’s premier wedding destinations and welcomes couples from across the nation every year.

After living here for nearly 50 years, my wife and I still find ourselves planning romantic weekends in Estes Park. We enjoy the same things many visitors do—walking along the Riverwalk, spotting elk around town, sharing a great meal, taking scenic drives, and finding new ways to enjoy the mountains together.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, this itinerary includes many of the places we’d recommend to our own family and friends.

Where to Stay for a Romantic Getaway

One of the things that makes Estes Park unique is the incredible variety of lodging. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply escaping for the weekend, you’ll find accommodations that fit nearly every style.

Here are three of our favorites.

Inn on Fall River

If you’re looking for peaceful riverfront accommodations, Inn on Fall River is hard to beat. Located just outside downtown on Fall River Road, it’s close enough to everything while still feeling quiet and secluded.

The river, mountain views, and relaxing atmosphere make it one of our favorite recommendations for couples.

Castle Mountain Lodge

Castle Mountain Lodge combines rustic mountain charm with modern comfort. The cabins provide plenty of privacy while remaining only minutes from downtown Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

It’s a wonderful choice for couples who want easy access to restaurants, shopping, and outdoor adventures.

Rustic River Cabins

If your idea of romance includes sitting beside the river after a day of exploring the mountains, Rustic River Cabins delivers exactly that experience.

Comfortable cabins, peaceful surroundings, and a beautiful riverside setting make this another excellent choice for couples.

Check out this comprehensive blog on where to stay in Estes Park

The Perfect 2-Day Romantic Getaway

If someone asked my wife and me how we’d spend a romantic weekend in Estes Park, this is almost exactly what we’d recommend.

There’s certainly more to do than can fit into two days, but this itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, incredible scenery, great food, and quality time together.

Day One

Breakfast

Start your morning with breakfast at one of Estes Park’s longtime local favorites.

Our recommendations are:

• Notchtop Bakery & Restaurant
• The Egg of Estes
• Big Horn Restaurant

Each offers generous portions, friendly service, and the perfect way to begin a day in the mountains.

Morning Adventure

Now it’s time for the fun part.

For couples, we have two favorite recommendations.

Option One (Our Favorite)

Ride eBikes Around Lake Estes

If you’re looking for a relaxing morning together, rent a pair of eBikes and cruise around beautiful Lake Estes.

The ride is easy, scenic, and one of the best places in town to spot elk. You’ll enjoy incredible mountain views while riding at your own pace, making it easy to stop for photos or simply enjoy the scenery together.

It’s one of the most relaxing experiences in Estes Park and one we frequently recommend to couples.

Book an ebike rental in Estes Park today

Option Two

ATV Adventure Together

Looking for something more adventurous?

Our favorite ATV experience for couples is the Johnny Park Experience.

This isn’t about driving fast.

It’s about sharing an unforgettable adventure together.

You’ll travel through mountain forests, climb to spectacular overlooks, and often have opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

One of the reasons couples love this experience is that it combines breathtaking scenery with memories you’ll still be talking about long after your vacation ends.

Book an ATV rental in Estes Park To learn more, check out the best ATV trails in Estes Park

Lunch

After your morning adventure, head into downtown Estes Park for lunch.

Two of our favorites are:

Claire’s Restaurant

Located beside the river, Claire’s is one of our favorite places to enjoy a relaxed lunch before spending the afternoon exploring downtown.

Ed’s Cantina

If you’re craving Mexican food with mountain-town atmosphere, Ed’s Cantina is always a great choice.

Both are within walking distance of downtown shopping and the Riverwalk.

Explore Downtown Estes Park Together

After lunch, spend a few hours exploring one of the most enjoyable parts of Estes Park.

Many first-time visitors assume downtown Estes Park is simply a collection of souvenir shops.

That may have been true years ago.

Today, downtown Estes Park has become an attraction in itself.

The entire district is walkable and easy to explore. Unlike many mountain towns where shopping and dining are spread across multiple areas, downtown Estes Park is concentrated into one welcoming district that’s connected by the beautiful Riverwalk.

Spend the afternoon browsing locally owned boutiques, outdoor apparel stores, art galleries, sweet shops, wine tasting rooms, and whiskey tasting rooms. Along the way you’ll often hear live music playing in Bond Park, especially during the summer months.

One of our favorite things about downtown is that you never know what you’ll discover around the next corner. You may find a local artist demonstrating their craft, stumble across a festival in Bond Park, or even spot a herd of elk relaxing nearby.

This is one of those places where slowing down is part of the experience.

Relax with a Local Craft Beer

Before dinner, stop by one of our favorite breweries.

Avant Garde Aleworks

Avant Garde Aleworks has become one of our favorite places to relax after a day of exploring.

The atmosphere is comfortable, the beer selection is outstanding, and it’s the perfect place to slow down before dinner.

Grab a flight, sit outside if the weather is nice, and simply enjoy spending time together.

If craft beer isn’t your thing, downtown also offers several wine tasting rooms, whiskey tasting rooms, and cocktail bars within walking distance.

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

A romantic getaway deserves a memorable dinner.

These are the restaurants my wife and I recommend most often.

Embers

Upscale dining, exceptional steaks, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm mountain atmosphere make Embers one of the best date-night restaurants in Estes Park.

Twin Owls Steakhouse

Located inside a historic mountain lodge, Twin Owls combines incredible food with one of the most unique dining settings in town.

It’s especially beautiful in the evening.

Hunter’s Chophouse

Known for excellent steaks, seafood, and attentive service, Hunter’s Chophouse is another favorite for anniversaries and special occasions.

Local Tip

Make reservations at least one day in advance during summer.

These restaurants frequently fill well before dinner, especially on weekends and holidays.

Check out our blog on where to eat, drink, and endulge in Estes Park

End the Evening with a Stanley Hotel Ghost Tour

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Stanley Hotel is one of the most iconic attractions in Estes Park.

The evening ghost tour combines fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and just enough mystery to make it a fun experience for couples.

Even if you’re not interested in the paranormal, simply walking the historic grounds at sunset is worth the visit.

It’s a memorable way to finish your first day together.

Day Two

Wake up, grab another great breakfast, and experience a completely different side of Estes Park.

One of the reasons couples return here year after year is because no two days ever feel the same.

Breakfast

If you visited Notchtop yesterday, try one of the other local favorites today.

Our recommendations remain:

• The Egg of Estes
• Big Horn Restaurant
• Notchtop Bakery & Restaurant

You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park

One of our favorite romantic drives is Old Fall River Road.

Unlike Trail Ridge Road, this historic one-way gravel road follows a mountain stream as it climbs through forests, waterfalls, and alpine scenery before ending near the Alpine Visitor Center.

Along the way you’ll often have opportunities to see elk, bighorn sheep, and occasionally moose.

It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Rocky Mountain National Park and one we recommend often.

For a comprehensive guide to wildlife viewing, check out our wildlife viewing in Estes Park blog.

Local Tip

During the timed-entry reservation season, you’ll need the appropriate Rocky Mountain National Park reservation if you’re entering during reservation hours.

Reserve your entry well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Estes Park

Take an Easy Hike Together

Not every hike needs to be a full-day adventure.

If you’re looking for an easy walk with incredible scenery, we recommend:

• Bear Lake
• Sprague Lake

Both are relatively easy, offer beautiful mountain views, and provide plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the scenery together.

They’re also excellent places for engagement photos or simply taking a quiet break together.

Continue the Adventure

If you’re not quite ready to head home, there are still plenty of ways to make your romantic getaway even more memorable.

One of the reasons my wife and I still enjoy visiting these places after nearly 50 years is because there’s always something new to experience.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply enjoying time together, these activities are a wonderful way to extend your getaway.

Ride Horses Through the Mountains

For couples looking for a classic Colorado experience, horseback riding is hard to beat.

Rocky Mountain Gateway Stables offers guided rides through beautiful mountain scenery that are perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.

If you’re planning your trip through Backbone Adventures, ask us about our 10% discount available for Rocky Mountain Gateway Stables.

Horseback riding offers a slower pace that allows you to appreciate the scenery, enjoy each other’s company, and experience Estes Park from a completely different perspective.

Explore Even More Together

Every couple enjoys something different, which is one of the reasons Estes Park is such a wonderful destination.

If you still have time, consider adding one of these experiences to your itinerary.

Jeep Rental

Spend the day exploring mountain roads, scenic overlooks, and hidden trails at your own pace.

One of the biggest advantages of renting a Jeep is the freedom to stop whenever you discover a spectacular view or wildlife.

Book a Jeep rental in Estes Park

Polaris Slingshot

Looking for something completely different?

Take a scenic drive through the mountains in a Polaris Slingshot.

It’s a unique experience that’s perfect for sunny Colorado afternoons and one you’ll be talking about long after your trip.

Book a Slingshot rental in Estes Park

The Perfect Place to Pop the Question

If you’re planning a proposal, there may not be a more beautiful place than Estes Park.

Some of our favorite locations include:

• Lake Estes at sunset
• Lily Lake
• A scenic overlook along Old Fall River Road
• Many Parks Curve
• A quiet overlook during the Johnny Park ATV Experience

If possible, consider hiring a local photographer to quietly capture the moment.

It’s a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Why Couples Return to Estes Park Year After Year

One of the things we’ve learned after living in Estes Park for nearly 50 years is that people rarely visit just once.

They come for a honeymoon.

Then they return for an anniversary.

Years later they bring their children.

Eventually they return again as empty nesters.

Estes Park has a way of becoming part of people’s lives.

Even after living here for nearly five decades, my wife and I still enjoy spending weekends together exploring downtown, spotting wildlife, sharing dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, taking scenic drives through Rocky Mountain National Park, or simply relaxing beside Lake Estes.

That’s what makes Estes Park so special.

It isn’t just a destination.

It’s a place where memories continue to grow.

Planning Your Romantic Getaway?

Use our interactive map below to plan your perfect weekend.

We’ve included our favorite hotels, restaurants, breweries, scenic drives, romantic activities, and attractions to help you experience many of the places we recommend to friends and family.

Planning More Adventures?

While you’re planning your romantic getaway, you may also enjoy:

• One Perfect Day in Estes Park
• Where to See Wildlife in Estes Park
• Best ATV Trails Near Estes Park
• Things to Do Near Rocky Mountain National Park
• Where to Stay in Estes Park
• Where to Eat in Estes Park

Frequently Asked Questions