Love is in the air! And we’ve got you covered with our list of Durango date night ideas. This list goes beyond the classic dinner-and-a-movie combo (though we wouldn’t argue that’s a good one!) Trying something new can help keep the spark alive in a relationship, strengthening you and your partner’s connection. 

Maybe you and your date are feeling crafty, and creating a glass work of art sounds appealing… Or perhaps you are the outdoorsy-adventure couple, and your idea of a perfect date is snowshoeing, skiing, or tubing. Feeling more indulgent? Treat yourselves with hand-selected chocolates or a soothing couples massage. And for couples looking to get down on the dancefloor, how about a live music concert?

Whatever your fancy, the important thing is that you’re enjoying quality time with your partner in local Durango style. 

Dinner Kennebec Cafe

Location: Off Highway 160 heading west. 4 County Road 124 Hesperus, CO 

Hours: Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Closed Mondays & Tuesdays.

What to expect: The Kennebec is an inviting restaurant where classy meets casual. The Mediterranean-inspired menu focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. Enjoy local art inside, and views of the La Platas from the patios outside. Come for a fun ‘theme night’ and enjoy ‘Wine Down Wednesdays’. Reservations only every day.

Build Chocolate Boxes at Animas Chocolate Co.

Chocolate at Animas Chocolate Co.

Location: 920 Main Ave., Durango, CO

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

What to expect: Local, award-winning chocolate made meticulously in small batches. You can watch the chocolate makers working in the factory, then enjoy a hot drink from the full espresso bar. Create a customized truffle assortment for your date, and surprise them with artisan flavors such as Absinthe, whiskey, chili pepper, sea salt, caramel, and rose.

Ice Skating at Chapman Hill

Location: 500 Florida Road, Durango, CO

Hours: See website for full rink schedule. 

What to expect: Fridays 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays 5:15-6:45 p.m. the rink at Chapman Hill comes alive with DISCO NIGHT! The refrigerated rink offers excellent skating conditions all winter. Concessions are available and birthday parties are their specialty. In the summer, the rink converts to roller skating. 

Cross Country Skiing on Old Lime Creek Road 

Location: North of Durango, just past Purgatory Resort off of Highway 550 (there’s a second access point between Coal Bank and Molas Passes)

What to expect: This old mining road offers a mellow — yet rewarding — trek, winding along with the Needle Mountain range. This area of the Weminuche Wilderness is known for getting above-average snowfall. You’ll see spectacular, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks wherever there’s a clearing in the pine and aspen forests. 

Tubing at Ski Hesperus

Location: 11 miles west of downtown Durango along Highway 160. 9848 Highway 160, Hesperus, CO

Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Monday - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

What to expect: Feel like a joyful kid again with this playful date night option. Marmot Hill, the slope used for tubing, features multiple lanes at just the right pitch. Challenge your date to a friendly race! Please note: you’ll have to walk back up the mountain. No personal tubes are allowed, rentals are available. 

Snowshoeing at Vallecito Nordic Center

Snowshoeing at Vallecito Nordic Ski Club

Location: Along the southern shores of Vallecito Reservoir. Forest Rd 603 & Ellington Ln, Bayfield, CO

What to expect: Prepare to be spoiled with ten miles of gorgeous nordic trails. All grooming is done by generous volunteers of this nonprofit organization. Free for public use (including dogs!), though donations are accepted at the trailhead, which is just below Old Timers campground. 

Make a Necklace at Get Fused

Making Jewelry at Get Fused

Location: 640 Main Ave., Durango, CO

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

What to expect: Step into a wonderland of glass and get to see your date’s creative side! Get Fused is part art studio, part retail gift shop. Check out what local artists have designed. Once you’re feeling inspired, create a unique piece of your own with complimentary instruction. Call ahead to set up a time; walk-ins welcome, space permitting. 

Couples Massage at Woodhouse Day Spa or Durango Hot Springs 

Locations: 

Hours:

  • Woodhouse Day Spa: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m - 6 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Durango Hot Springs: Daily 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

What to expect: This date is for those seeking total relaxation and luxury. At either of these beautiful spa environments, get pampered side-by-side with a couple’s massage tailored to your and your date’s needs. Let tension dissolve away…

Go to a Show at Animas City Theater 

Location: 128 E College Dr., Durango, CO

Hours: See website for show listing.

What to expect: Catch some live music, a movie, or other performing artists at the ACT — voted #1 Music Venue by Best of Durango. This venue boasts two bars and a spacious dance floor. There are performances to suit every taste, whether you're looking for an intimate, laid-back experience, or an upbeat, funky one.

Conclusion

You don’t need to skip town to have a magical outing with your significant other. All of these date night ideas are right here in our neck of the woods. Mix it up with something you haven’t done before! Variety is the spice of life, after all…

Lastly, no date is no reason to not enjoy any of these great little excursions. Take yourself out! Or show some love to a friend and invite them along. Romantic or not, you can see there’s no shortage of creative ways to spend a memorable date night in Durango.