The Official Guide of Things to Do in Houston for Couples

Dating in Houston is a world of fun. The city is blessed with lush green parks brought to life by Southern sunshine, swanky restaurants illuminated by candlelight, and plenty of alternative opportunities to let loose and fall head over heels in love. Remember, this is the largest city in Texas, so the date night options are extensive. Houston just so happens to be one of the most affordable big cities in America, meaning nobody is left behind in the game of love.

Here, you'll find activities to engage in across price points that span from complimentary to super swanky. Whether you're planning a first date with a Bumble match or simply treating a deserving spouse, we've got you covered. Here are the most fun and romantic things to do for couples in Houston, no matter the Texas heat.

In this article:

• Fun and Romantic Things to Do in Houston for Couples
• The Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston for Couples
• The Best Hotels in Houston for Couples

Fun and Romantic Things to Do in Houston for Couples

Believe it or not, there are many romantic things to do in Houston. From making reservations at the hottest date-night restaurant in town to booking an adventurous food tour, Houston is where lovers get their fill of delicious fare and more. Get to know each other with these awesome things to do on a first or 100th date. We even have luxe picks for your anniversary. Treat your spouse to a weekend of couple massages at a luxury resort spa, or enjoy a romantic night at the ballet.

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Go On a Boozy Ghost Tour

The best excuse for hand-holding. Explore downtown Houston's eerie past with Viator's guided ghost tour of the city's most haunted spots, combined with pub crawl for as much Dutch courage as y'all can muster. Remember, the best way to warn off spirits is to drink them.

305 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002

Let Cider Fuel Games Night

Switch ghosts for games at this brilliant arcade that's packed with over 275 unlimited play games for only $10 admission. At Cidercade's bar, you'll also find 48 taps of hard cider, seltzer and kombucha. Family-friendly during the day, the establishment is an adults-only bar after 8 pm.

2320 Canal St., Houston, TX 77003

Take a Food Tour

Sample dishes from all corners of the world with GetYourGuide's Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston. You'll feast on delights from Mexico, Italy and Vietnam, and travel between them via the largest tunnel system in America.

301 Miliam St., Houston, TX 77002

Feed Giraffes at the Houston Zoo

A stroll around the zoo provides ample opportunity to discover one another, and for an extra special chance to bond, get up close to the resident Masai giraffe family. You'll stand on the feeding platform with your date as the curious (and very loveable) giants come for their favorite snacks.

6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030

Tour the Underground Cistern

One for newbies discovering HTX, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is an underground, former water reservoir in Buffalo Bayou Park. Turn things down a notch in the cool and calming 87,500 square foot cistern with an informative group tour ($10) or incorporate it with a Sound Healing Meditation experience on weekends ($15).

105 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007

Enjoy a Spa Day

The best way to say 'I appreciate you' has got to be a weekend of pampering. The Trellis Spa within the Houstonian Resort is the ultimate getaway for two. Being the largest luxury spa in the state of Texas, the space resembles a majestic European villa with statuesque architecture and perfectly manicured gardens.

111 N Post Oak Ln., Houston, TX 77024

Get Dressed for the Ballet

With a hot and humid climate, Houstonians are always in search of a chance to get dressed up and enjoy an evening in a cool and air conditioned atmosphere. The Houston Ballet makes an exquisite anniversary night choice, particularly when paired with epic love stories such as Romeo and Juliet or Swan Lake.

601 Preston St., Houston, TX 77002

Attend a Candlelight Concert

Fever's original Candlelight Concerts have been a roaring success across the globe, and you can attend one right here in Houston. The team transform iconic venues with hundreds of candles, soundtracked by live music themed to the likes of Adele, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Mozart. For a full list of upcoming events visit their online schedule.

Locations vary.

Kayak Along Buffalo Bayou

Active couples will enjoy a day at Houston's urban green sanctuary. Come sunset, join Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours for a two and a half hour paddle along the lake, where you'll watch the warm Texas sun melt along the skyline.

333 S Jensen Dr., Houston, TX 77003

Relax With a Picnic at McGovern Centennial Gardens

Herman Park's eight-acre botanical garden is a fairytale oasis in the heart of the city, and a scenic spot for picnics. Pack your darling's favorite wine and cheese, get grab and go sandwiches from Local Foods, or have Milk Bar deliver a box of ice cream for the ultimate spread.

6100 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030

Join a Rooftop Party

The former USPS office has radically transformed into POST Houston, an entertainment venue, food hall, gallery and more. Head to the rooftop for their skylawn, a completely free five-acre urban rooftop park and sustainable organic farm. Grab a seat and soak up the views, and stick around for the slew of free events, DJ sessions and parties that take place on select weekends.

401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston for Couples

Looking for date night restaurants in Houston isn't a tough task. Between tasting menus and omakase options, there are plenty of delicious and celebrated spots for a romantic night out.

Le Jardinier, Museum District

When you combine French fine dining with Houston's Museum of Fine Arts, you know it's going to be an elegant affair. Le Jardinier serves vegetable-rich meals that perfectly balance well-being and indulgence so you can say oh la la without the guilt. For a hint of the south, try the poached gulf shrimp with cucumber herbal yogurt and radishes, and for dessert share a selection of plant-based ice cream scoops with your beau, they're creamier than you'd expect.

5500 Main St., Houston, TX 77004

Kiran's, Upper Kirby

Houston's well known for East Asian cuisine, but South Asian kitchens are cooking up an equally delectable pot of sauce. Kiran's is an Indian palace of a destination, where tandoor salmon, chicken jalfrezi, korma and more are cooked and presented to perfection. Chef Kiran Verma's even hailed as the local 'godmother of Indian fine dining', and takes inspiration from the Awadhi style of cooking over slow fire for a delicate cut in taste and texture.

2925 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098

5kinokawa, The Heights

One of the coolest dining experiences in the city you'll find up to seven couples a time here at this intimate omakase dinner. Take a multi-course ride that spotlights ingredients flown directly from markets like Toyosu in Japan, with chef and his team guiding you through each cut including wagyu. BYOB is encouraged and you'll leave with new pals for double date nights.

3119 White Oak Dr., Houston, TX 77007

The Best Hotels in Houston for Couples

Couples will come across properties of all sizes (and styles) across Houston for a romantic getaway. Some may prefer a nature-filled experience, in which case a short drive away from the city is required. Others may simply want to perch at a property with pools. Below, we round up the best hotels in Houston for couples.

Marriott Marquis Houston, Downtown

Marriott Marquis Houston, Downtown

Though the Marriott Marquis is in the middle of everything (and connected with a convention center), its sheer size, including a multitude of pools, gives it an almost resort-like feel for couples. Here, you'll find infinity pools, the world's largest Texas-shaped rooftop lazy river, and watering holes aplenty. Select a high-level room for views over Minute Maid Park and you'll forget you're even in the city. An expansive spa offering facials, mani-pedis, and massages seal the deal.

1777 Walker St., Houston, TX 77010

The Houstonian Hotel, Uptown

This gigantic property boasts 27-acres of Uptown land, with much of it covered in woodland should romantic evening strolls be on the agenda. Hotel guests receive complimentary access to the Houstonian Club, and their Mediterranean-style spa is one of the largest luxury spas in Texas. Treat yourselves to one of their beautifully outfitted suites: you won't need to travel far to get back after dinner. Four on-site restaurants and classic bars mean delicious date spots close by or room service for ample time within your boudoir.

111 N Post Oak Ln., Houston, TX 77024

InterContinental Houston, Texas Medical Center

The InterContinental Houston is one of those rare properties in Texas that's bestowed an AAA Four Diamond Award, meaning exceptional service at every turn. Here, you'll check into one of 354 elegant rooms and suites that come outfitted with modern tech, Nespresso machines, and bubbly Agraria bath products. For a hotel within a hotel experience, book Club Continental access for elevated dining, lounge use and views.

6750 Main St., Houston, TX 77030

Postcard Cabins Brazos Valley, Navasota

Postcard Cabins have gone viral on social media and there's an outpost right here in Houston. Navasota is one-hour's drive away from downtown, but transports guests a world away. Cell phone lock boxes, a shelf of books, a fireplace and natural surroundings mean disconnecting from tech. Pack Let's Get Closer cards (or if you fancy laughs, Cards Against Humanity) into your AWAY Everywhere Zip Backpacks. Trust us: internet access won't be needed all weekend.

17777 Deer Run Rd., Navasota, TX 77868

Blossom Hotel Houston, Texas Medical Center

A beautiful lunar-inspired property, Blossom opened in 2022 with 276 guest rooms in minimalist style, and they're pet-friendly so you needed leave those fur babies while on romantic vacation. Cuddle up with a movie on their 50" Samsung smart TVs, or head downstairs for bites and a craft cocktail at rendezVu, a social hub in the lobby lounge. A Japanese restaurant and dessert bar are scheduled to launch in 2023, and other amenities include Peloton fitness center, rooftop pool and Mercedes-Benz shuttle service

7118 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX 77030