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These romantic things to do in Houston will transform a major urban center into an intimate escape for two as you and your special someone explore everything the city has to offer.
From meals at award-winning restaurants to strolls among masterpieces, these 19 fun things for couples to do will bring you and your partner closer than ever.
After all, Houston is home to diverse cuisine, dozens of art museums, and world-class fine arts. What could be more romantic than that?
Pssst: If you want a romantic getaway in town, check out these romantic hotels in Houston!
19 Romantic Things to Do in Houston
So stop wondering what to do in Houston as a couple, and start planning your lovely getaway for two!
Get cozy over coffee at one of Houston’s hippest cafés
Located in the super-cool Montrose District, Siphon Coffee burst onto the caffeine scene in 2014 and has been going strong ever since.
Their claim to fame is a unique slow-brewing method that uses halogen burners to help the tasting notes shine. Luckily, this order is made for two–perfect for sharing with a date.
Even those who don’t drink coffee will find plenty to love, thanks to a sustainable, farm-fresh menu featuring standouts like empanadas and a spread of homemade pastries.
Visiting later in the day? Siphon has a rotating menu of locally-brewed beers and small-batch wines from around the world, plus happy hour deals Monday-Friday from 4-7 PM.
Experience the wonder of James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace
Not only is this one of the most romantic things to do in Houston–it’s also one of the most unique!
Every day, at sunrise and sunset, this art installation at Rice University transforms into a magical show of light and natural beauty.
Use it as a space to reflect and be alone together, or share a pair of headphones and listen to music you both love.
Admission is free, so it’s a great cheap date idea in Houston, but make sure to show up 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time so you can claim a spot inside. The show lasts around 40 minutes.
Watch a concert at the Houston Symphony
With a host of world-renowned directors and its status as one of the country’s oldest performing arts organizations, the Houston Symphony is a must-see for any couple that appreciates the finer things in life.
They hold a wide variety of shows year-round, from outdoor concerts at Miller Theatre to immersive experiences at the dazzling Jesse H. Jones Hall.
Check the website before your visit to snag tickets to any one of their fabulous upcoming events!
Share an adrenaline rush at iFly Indoor Skydiving
If you and your partner are tired of the classic dinner, drinks, and movies kind of evenings, switch things up at iFly Houston, a state-of-the-art indoor skydiving destination.
Flight packages start at $85, which includes 2 flights of roughly 60 seconds each per person. Although you won’t be able to get in the air at the same time as your date, you’ll get to cheer them on from the ground!
Make a meal at Well Done Cooking Classes
Next to going out to eat, one of the most fun things for couples to do is cooking together!
And no need to worry if you’re not handy in the kitchen because Houston’s premier casual culinary school can guide you each step of the way.
Every Thursday-Saturday, Well Done offers themed social/date night cooking classes like “Three Course Dinner,” “Dinner Party,” or “Specialty Class.”
Whichever you choose, you, your date, and your new dinner party companions will bond over the making (and enjoying) of a delicious multi-course meal.
There’s an option to include beer and wine pairings or simply BYOB!
Learn together in the Museum District
A museum visit may not seem like the most obvious of romantic things to do in Houston, but some couples bond best over new knowledge and a hearty intellectual debate.
If that sounds like you and your special someone, then take advantage of this Southern city’s incredible wealth of educational institutions!
Houston boasts more than 150 of them throughout the city, but 19 of the most popular are conveniently located in one charming downtown neighborhood.
Highlights of the Museum District include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Rothko Chapel, and the Contemporary Arts Museum.
Read next: 17 Romantic Getaways in Houston (And Nearby!)
Picnic at Eleanor Tinsley Park
Picnicking is already an activity guaranteed to send sparks flying, so pair it with city skyline views like the ones you’ll find here and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect afternoon.
In addition to sprawling lawns where you can spread out your blankets, Eleanor Tinsley Park also boasts beautiful gardens, paved bike paths, a sand volleyball court, and the Lock Bridge, where you can admire the trinkets left behind by past lovers visiting the area.
Bring your own padlock and add it to the fence to commemorate your unbreakable connection.
Watch a film under the stars at the Rooftop Cinema Club
Bringing together night skies, sweeping downtown views, and cult classics, this activity is easily one of the most romantic things to do in Houston.
The Rooftop Cinema Club features a carefully-curated selection of older classics and new releases, so you’re sure to find a movie you love.
For some screenings, they also incorporate fun activities, like games, Q&As, and sing-a-longs.
So buy some popcorn to share, snuggle into a loveseat for two, and soak in all the views–of the film, the city lights, the stars, and your loved one by your side.
Take a romantic stroll at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
This 155-acre non-profit center has everything you need for a lovely afternoon.
Wander 5 miles of trails while searching for native flora and fauna, check out the interactive exhibits and activities of the Discovery Room, and explore the various habitats found throughout Houston.
As you stroll, you’ll pass through forests and meadows and alongside tranquil ponds, all while enjoying the solitude of nature and each others’ company.
Say cheers over craft beers at Walking Stick Brewery
Houston is brimming with craft breweries, but perhaps none are as charming or picturesque as Walking Stick.
Inside this lovely venue, you and your date will be greeted by cozy tables, floral decorations, and (of course) a long list of delicious beers on tap.
To make the outing more intimate, share a flight of their best-sellers and find your new favorite.
In the mornings, you can also snag breakfast bagels. Afternoons and evenings, a rotating food truck line-up guarantees that a good meal is always within reach.
They host a number of events that are worth dropping in on–Sunday yoga, Tuesday run club, occasional trivia, and live music performances on most weekends.
Indulge in a luxurious dinner at Da Marco
Romantic date ideas don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, an intimate meal at a romantic restaurant is just what you need.
And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Da Marco, one of Houston’s most beloved dining destinations (which means a lot in such a culinary hotspot).
This romantic spot is known for its elegant atmosphere, excellent wine selection, and, of course, the gourmet Tuscan menu.
We hear the truffle pasta, veal chop, and grilled octopus are all well worth an order. Then, wrap up the evening by splitting a delectable panna cotta or chocolate cake.
Read next: Best Wine Bars in Houston
Tandem kayak down Buffalo Bayou
Did you know that Houston used to be called the “Bayou City?” It earned the moniker for the 10 winding canals that run in and around the city.
Perhaps the most famous, though, is Buffalo Bayou–which meanders right through Downtown Houston and is surrounded by gorgeous green spaces.
To get out and explore the city in a unique way, rent a kayak and head for the water, where you can paddle through some of Houston’s best views as a team.
The whole paddle trail runs for 26 miles, although you can traverse smaller segments in trips ranging from 1.5-4 hours.
Tandem bike along White Oak Bayou Trail
Prefer land to water? Swap the tandem kayak for a tandem bike and enjoy some of the many paved hiking and biking trails to be found around Houston.
The White Oak route is one of the longest continuous trails in the city (stretching for nearly 17 miles), boasting scenery that alternates between skyline-filled overpasses and secluded natural landscapes.
There are plenty of places to rent bikes if you don’t have one of your own, as well as a recently-launched bike-sharing program.
Get a spa treatment for two at the Petite Retreat
For couples that enjoy a proper pampering (and really, who doesn’t?), this is easily one of the most romantic things to do in Houston.
The Petite Retreat is well-known for its couples packages, of which they have many. Keep things simple with a jacuzzi soak for two, which includes concierge service, wine, and optional add-ons like rose petals and cheese plates. Are you swooning yet?
Or, go all-in with the 6.5-hour “Happily Ever After” package. This includes all kinds of treatments and massages, plus a bottle of prosecco and lunch or dinner at the spa.
Want to turn it into a learning experience? You can opt for a “Couple’s Tutorial Session” to learn their signature massage techniques, then practice your new skills at home later.
Read next: Best Hotels in Houston with a Jacuzzi in the Room
Have a couples’ photoshoot at the Waterwall
As one of the most romantic places in Houston, it only makes sense that this landmark has scored a spot on our list.
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park features the city’s most photographed site–a dramatic, 64-foot urban waterfall.
A staggering 11,000 gallons of water cascade down the stone sculpture every minute, making for some stunning snaps.
In fact, it’s a popular place for proposals and wedding ceremonies, so you’ll feel the sparks flying.
In the surrounding area, grassy lawns and live oak trees create a warm, shady space to stroll, picnic, or just enjoy Houston’s famously warm weather.
Explore the solar system at Space Center Houston
Houston is known for many things, but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is the Space Center.
The city is a major hub for space exploration. All US human spaceflight, Space Shuttle missions, and activities aboard the International Space Station are coordinated and monitored from Houston.
On a behind-the-scenes tour of the Space Center, you can gain a deeper understanding of human space exploration, including visits to Mission Control and the astronaut training facilities.
Dance the night away at Mo’s Place
Many people visit Texas hoping for cowboys, rodeos, and honky-tonks galore. Luckily, there’s plenty of that Wild West culture to be found, even in the biggest city centers.
Mo’s Place is beloved for its spacious dance floor, friendly bartenders, and fabulous line-up of both up-and-coming and well-established country music artists.
If country isn’t your thing, they also have karaoke nights and guest DJs. Just check the calendar on their website to see who’s on the roster during your visit.
Cheer for the local team at the Toyota Center
Houston’s resident NBA team, the Rockets, is always fun to watch. If you’re visiting during basketball season, then snag some tickets to a game and enjoy all the energy that takes over the city.
More interested in other sports? Houston also boasts strong baseball, football, and hockey teams. Just check to see who’s playing before you go.
Whichever event you attend, you can always hope for an appearance on the Kiss Cam!
Create your own vintage wine at Sable Gate Winery
We wrap up our list of the most romantic things to do in Houston with a tried-and-true date night classic–wine tasting.
After all, Houston is not far from the best grape-growing regions in the state, and the city is full of unique, locally-made bottles.
But why not take things one step further? At Sable Gate Winery, you can go beyond the standard evening of sampling and actually make your own wine, which you’ll then bring home with you!
Select one of their wines in fermentation, then bottle, cork, and personalize it with a custom label declaring your love. Just make sure to book this experience in advance, as they require a reservation.
More Romantic Things to Do in Houston
- Learn together at the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in America
- Learn about space exploration at Houston Space Center
- Appreciate wildlife at Houston Zoo
- Stroll around the Buffalo Bayou Park, a wonderful green oasis
- See the stars at the George Observatory
- Ride a bike together at Hermann Park
- Learn new skills at Houston Axe Throwing
- Camp together at Brazos Bend State Park
- Discover upcoming events at Discovery Green
- Catch a theatrical performance at the Hobby Center for the Performance Arts
Final Thoughts on Fun Date Ideas
We’re sure you can have lots of fun together with all the fun date night ideas we suggested above.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back date or an adventurous experience, you’re bound to find it in Houston.