Simple moments, mountain views, and time that actually feels like time
Some trips are packed with plans. Estes Park is better when you slow down.
Set your own pace. Start with a sunrise hike or an easy morning coffee. Take your time. The kind of place where the clock stops mattering. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply carving out time together, this is where connection comes naturally.
Winter or any time of year, snowy or sunny, slowing down just feels easier here.
Here are a few simple ways to spend that time well.
Relax and recharge
Book a massage. Take a long soak. Spend an afternoon somewhere quiet.
• The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa for soaking tubs, couples treatments, and full spa days
• Estes Park Massage for relaxed side-by-side sessions
• Aspire Spa at The Stanley Hotel for a polished spa experience with massages, facials, and quiet relaxation spaces
Traveling with friends instead of a partner? Group spa days work just as well for girls’ weekends or celebrations.
Share a great meal
Take your time. Order dessert. Stay for another drink.
For a more elevated night out, try:
• Twin Owls Steakhouse
• Ember Restaurant & Bar
• Hunter’s Chop House
• Outlaws & Legends Steakhouse
• Cascades Restaurant
• Bird & Jim
• Nicky’s Steakhouse
Some restaurants, like Outlaws & Legends, operate seasonally, so it’s always a good idea to check hours before you go.
Or keep it simple with takeout and a fireplace night in.
Stay somewhere you’ll actually want to hang out
Where you stay shapes the whole trip. Think fireplaces, kitchenettes, river views, and slow mornings.
Fireplaces and quiet nights
• Castle Mountain Lodge
Cabins with fireplaces, kitchens, and hot tubs nearby or in the room. Ideal for couples who want privacy and a cozy setting.
• Boulder Brook on Fall River
Riverside studios and suites with balconies, kitchenette options, and hot tubs nearby.
Walkable and weekend ready
• Silver Moon Inn
Steps from downtown shops and dining. Great for couples or small girls’ trips.
• Estes Park Condos
Extra space with full kitchens. Easy for friend groups or longer stays.
Cozy and locally owned
• Aspen Winds on Fall River
A nostalgic, mom-and-pop lodge with private outdoor space along the river.
• Kinnikinnick Motor Lodge
Budget friendly, renovated, and known for its fire pits and outdoor seating.
Quiet retreats
• RiverSong Inn Retreat
A peaceful bed-and-breakfast feel just outside the bustle.
• Estes River Retreat
Private and tucked away, perfect for fully unplugging.
Get outside
Step into Rocky Mountain National Park for a walk, snowshoe, or scenic drive. Loop Lily Lake. Watch the light change on the peaks. No big agenda needed.
Keep it light and local
Mix in something fun and low key.
• Live music at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern or American LegionÂ
• A tasting flight at Snowy Peaks Winery or 217 Wine Bar
• A chocolate making class at the Stanley Chocolate Factory
• Browsing at Macdonald Book Shop or a relaxed downtown stroll
Simple evenings tend to be the ones you remember most.
Make it a weekend
Stay an extra night. Walk a little slower. Leave room for nothing at all.
That’s usually when the best moments happen.
