Day 1: Ease In & Unplug

Start slow, connect with nature, and wrap the day in relaxation.

Morning

• Sunrise stroll at Sprague Lake – a gentle, romantic walk with mirrored mountain views.
• ​Grab coffee & breakfast at Inkwell & Brew or Kind Coffee – cozy, locally loved, and riverside.

Late Morning / Afternoon

• Paddleboarding or tandem kayaking on Lake Estes – a fun way to float into vacation mode. Rentals available at Lake Estes Marina.
• ​Pick up a casual lunch in town and enjoy it near the water or along the Riverwalk.

Late Afternoon

• Melt into a couples massage at Elements of Touch Wellness Spa – nestled beside Fall River and perfect for deep relaxation. Or, opt for a serene experience at Qi Lounge Spa, another peaceful spot known for its calming atmosphere and attentive care.

Evening

• Dinner downtown (try Bird & Jim or The Rock Inn for great food and atmosphere).
• Optional: End the night with a drink at The Barrel, where twinkly lights, mountain air, and craft brews set the vibe.

Pro Tip:
Book your massage in advance — Elements of Touch tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Ask for a riverside treatment room for bonus ambiance.

Day 2: Playful Exploring & Mountain Flavors

Today is all about local charm, shared discovery, and food with flair.

 Morning

• Saddle up for a horseback ride through meadows and pines with National Park Gateway Stables or Sombrero Stables.

Midday

• Stroll hand-in-hand through the shops and boutiques of downtown Estes Park. Pop into Macdonald Book Shop, Trendz, Earthwood Artisans, or Kind Coffee’s retail space for thoughtful gifts, art, and cozy vibes.
• Want to blend a little culture into your walk? Follow the Art Beat of Estes Discovery Trail — a self-guided tour highlighting the town’s public art and murals. It’s a fun, free way to experience the creative pulse of Estes at your own pace.
• Duck into local galleries like Aspen & Evergreen or The Studio Fine Art & Framing for even more inspiration.

 Afternoon

• Relax with a wine tasting at Snowy Peaks Winery or the ultra-cozy Seven Keys Lodge (they often have live acoustic sets).

 Evening

• Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse – lodge charm, mountain views, and an ideal date night setting.
• Cap it off with a cocktail at The Stanley Hotel's 217 Wine Bar for that classic Estes ambiance.

Pro Tip:
Check the events calendar at Snowy Peaks or Seven Keys Lodge before your visit — they often host live music, trivia nights, and food trucks that can turn happy hour into a spontaneous date night.

Day 3: Alpine Vibes Your Way

Take it as mellow or adventurous as you’d like – today is choose-your-own-mountain-escape.

 Morning Options

• Drive up Trail Ridge Road and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center when it opens at 10 AM. It’s the highest paved road in the U.S., and you can sip coffee at the top of the world with panoramic views. (Not comfy with the full drive? No problem – try a peaceful loop around Sprague Lake.)
• For a bigger hike with a gentle challenge and waterfall payoff, hit the Ouzel Falls Trail in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park.

 Midday

• Lunch on the patio at Ember – creative cuisine in a cozy, tucked-away setting.
• Looking for more patio picks? Check out our full guide to Estes Park patios

 Afternoon

• Wrap up your trip with a scenic drive or another short stroll through town before heading home — refreshed, reconnected, and already dreaming about your next visit.

Pro Tip:
Dress in layers for Trail Ridge Road — even if it’s 75º in town, the temps at the top can dip into the 40s (with wind). Bring a light jacket and take your time with the drive — there are scenic pull-offs that are perfect for impromptu photo ops.