Lubbock, Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a romantic getaway. But this West Texas city offers plenty of unique date spots and activities for couples looking to rekindle their relationship.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stargazing at Prairie Dog Town | Enjoy the night sky in a natural setting. |
| Cactus Theater Shows | Watch live performances in a historic theater. |
| Wine Tasting at McPherson Cellars | Sample local wines in a cozy setting. |
| Horseback Riding in Palo Duro Canyon | Scenic horseback rides in a beautiful canyon. |
| Kayaking on Lake Alan Henry | Romantic kayaking in serene waters. |
| Cozy Up at the Overton Hotel | Relax in luxurious accommodations. |
| Arboretum Relaxation | Enjoy nature and tranquility in an arboretum. |
| First Friday Art Trail | Explore local art in a vibrant atmosphere. |
| Hiking at Caprock Canyons State Park | Adventure through stunning landscapes. |
| Cooking Classes at Café Venture | Learn to cook together in a fun environment. |
| Sunset Strolls along Buddy Holly Avenue | Romantic walks at sunset with scenic views. |
| Comedy Nights at Backdoor Comedy Club | Enjoy laughs together at a comedy club. |
From stargazing on the prairie to cozying up by a vineyard firepit, Lubbock delivers on romance with its own special flair. Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do for couples visiting Lubbock:
Take in the Stars at Prairie Dog Town
Name and Location: Prairie Dog Town, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: A preserved prairie dog habitat that offers great stargazing away from light pollution.
What to Expect: Spread a blanket and cozy up with your sweetheart to gaze at stars, planets, and constellations at night.
Visitor Information: Open 24 hours. Free admission. Bring flashlight and bug spray. Located 10 minutes from downtown.
For a magical night under the stars, visit Prairie Dog Town State Park. Located just outside Lubbock, this park offers ideal conditions for stargazing with minimal light pollution. Walk hand-in-hand down the trails and find a secluded spot to stargaze.
As you gaze upward and take in the immense night sky, you’ll gain perspective and feel an intimacy with nature and your partner. Bring a blanket and some hot cocoa or wine to stay warm as you pick out constellations together.
Catch a Show at Cactus Theater
Name and Location: Cactus Theater, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Historic theater in Lubbock’s Depot District hosting concerts, comedy shows, musicals, and more since 1979.
What to Expect: Intimate live performances in a small theater setting. Enjoy music, comedy, or shows side-by-side.
Visitor Information: Showtimes vary. Ticket prices $20-40. Purchase online or at box office.
Dating back to 1938, the Cactus Theater in Lubbock’s Depot District is the city’s premier performing arts venue. Attending a show at this intimate theater makes for a memorable date night. Options range from concerts and comedy shows to musical theater performances.
The beautiful art deco building will already set the mood. Then cozy up together in your seats to enjoy an entertaining show and quality time spent together.
Wine Tasting at Mcpherson Cellars
Name and Location: McPherson Cellars Winery, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Family-owned winery focuing on Texas High Plains wines. Open since 2008.
What to Expect: Sample award-winning Texas wines at the tasting bar. Relax in the elegant tasting room or shaded outdoor patio.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am-7pm. Tastings $10-20 per person. Just minutes from downtown.
Texas wine is on the rise, and McPherson Cellars Winery and Vineyard in Lubbock offers tastings in a gorgeous countryside setting. Sample their award-winning wines side-by-side in the Tuscan-inspired tasting room.
Then head outdoors to stroll through the vineyards or relax by the firepits and soak in the beautiful views. Make your winery date extra special by booking their Wine and Roses package, which includes a romantic fireside picnic.
Horseback Riding Through Palo Duro Canyon
Name and Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, TX
History and Significance: Second largest canyon in the U.S. with scenic trails perfect for horseback riding adventures.
What to Expect: Guided horseback rides through the colorful canyon. Ride side-by-side taking in the panoramic views.
Visitor Information: Book guided rides in advance. Park open daily. Entry fee $8 per person.
Experience the majesty of Palo Duro Canyon on horseback with your sweetheart. Ride through the bright red rock formations and lush greenery of this stunning canyon just outside Lubbock. Most rides are guided tours lasting 1-2 hours.
The horses follow scenic trails down into the canyon where you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. What better way to enjoy quality time together than ambling peacefully through nature on horseback?
Kayaking on Lake Alan Henry
Name and Location: Lake Alan Henry, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Man-made lake just southeast of Lubbock perfect for outdoor adventures like kayaking.
What to Expect: Rent a two-person kayak and paddle across the tranquil waters taking in scenic views together. Pack a picnic!
Visitor Information: Lake access from Lubbock via Hwy 84. Rentals available at Lake Alan Henry Marina. Day pass $5 per car.
Paddle across the tranquil waters of Lake Alan Henry just south of Lubbock while taking in gorgeous hill country views. Rent a two-person kayak or canoe and row in sync as you traverse the nearly 2,900-acre reservoir.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the secluded beaches. Launch at sunset for a breathtaking romantic paddle as the sky lights up in pinks and oranges. With its picture-perfect scenery, Lake Alan Henry offers couples fun on the water with peace and privacy.
Cozy Up at the Overton Hotel
Name and Location: Overton Hotel, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Landmark Art Deco hotel downtown since 1962. Elegant accommodations and amenities.
What to Expect: Stylish rooms, fine dining, lounge with live music, indoor pool, spa services. Ideal for a romantic couples’ getaway.
Visitor Information: Located downtown. Room rates from $150 per night. Book directly online.
Built in 1925, the Overton Hotel in Lubbock provides vintage charm and romance with modern luxuries. Reserve one of their uniquely decorated suites featuring a cozy indoor fireplace. Order champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries to enjoy fireside while you relax after a day exploring the city.
Later, delight in a candlelit fine dining experience at the hotel’s popular restaurant and bar. With its blend of history and luxury, the Overton is Lubbock’s premier place for romantic pampering.
Relax at the Arboretum
Name and Location: The Arboretum, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Public garden space open since 2001 displaying over 2,000 species of plants.
What to Expect: Stroll hand-in-hand along winding paths. See unique plants and flowers together. Peaceful pond and gazebos.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-8pm. Free admission. Located near Texas Tech University.
Escape into natural beauty with a leisurely stroll through the Overton Park & Arboretum. This oasis in the heart of Lubbock encompasses 79 acres filled with gardens, woodland paths, meadows, and over 2,000 tree varieties.
Visit in spring to walk under a canopy of blossoms. In the winter, cozy up on a bench beside the duck pond. Have a romantic picnic in the peaceful surroundings. The Arboretum provides a wonderful setting to slow down and savor quality time together.
Admire Art at First Friday Art Trail
Name and Location: First Friday Art Trail, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Monthly event on the first Friday evening where Lubbock galleries open with special exhibits, music, and more.
What to Expect: Stroll together around downtown appreciating local art, culture, and creativity on display. Festive atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Held monthly 6pm-9pm in Downtown Lubbock Cultural District. Free admission. Artwork for sale.
On the first Friday of every month, Lubbock celebrates local art and culture during the First Friday Art Trail. Downtown galleries and shops stay open late hosting exhibits, live music, receptions, and more.
Stroll from place to place hand-in-hand admiring works from West Texas artists. Stop for a glass of wine and snack along the way. With a lively, festive atmosphere, the self-guided Art Trail makes for a fun and cultured date night.
Hike at Caprock Canyons State Park
Name and Location: Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque, TX
History and Significance: Rugged state park with 100-mile trail system perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.
What to Expect: Scenic trails of varying difficulties. Spot bison, deer, birds and wildflowers. Breathtaking canyon views.
Visitor Information: Park open daily. Entry fee $4-6 per person. 2 hours from Lubbock.
Spend the day surrounded by nature at beautiful Caprock Canyons State Park north of Lubbock. Hike the park’s trails lined with cacti and wildflowers that carve through red rock cliffs and canyons. Look for the official Texas state bison herd roaming the grasslands.
Pack a camera to document the stunning natural landscapes and local wildlife. After working up an appetite, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic overlook. A hike through Caprock’s scenery is sure to bring you and your partner closer.
Cook Up a Feast at Café Venture
Name and Location: Café Venture, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Intimate BYOB restaurant in Lubbock offering unique dining experiences like couples cooking classes.
What to Expect: Take a couples cooking class together, then dine on the meal you created. Bond over food and wine.
Visitor Information: Classes on select evenings, $125 per couple. Reservations required. Located in downtown Lubbock.
Instead of going out to dinner, get playful in the kitchen together at Café Venture’s recreational cooking school. You’ll work side-by-side with an expert chef to prepare either a basic skills class or specialized cuisine like Italian, French, or Southwestern.
Learning to cook together makes for a unique, interactive date. Plus, at the end, you’ll sit down to enjoy the gourmet meal you crafted as an aspiring chef couple.
Take a Sunset Stroll Along Buddy Holly Avenue
Name and Location: Buddy Holly Avenue, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Walkable downtown street paying tribute to Lubbock’s most famous son, rock n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly.
What to Expect: Grab ice cream cones and admire street art and murals dedicated to Buddy Holly at sunset. Relax in the park.
Visitor Information: Located in Lubbock’s Depot District downtown. Free street parking available.
There’s no better place in Lubbock to catch a romantic sunset than along Buddy Holly Avenue in the Depot District. This area pays homage to Lubbock’s famous native son with statues, a museum, and 1950s-themed restaurants and shops.
Stroll down the avenue hand-in-hand, pausing by the giant Buddy Holly glasses statue for a photo-op. Stop for milkshakes at Eddie’s Diner before finding a bench to cuddle up on and watch the sunset light up the Technicolor painted brick buildings.
Share a Night of Laughs at Backdoor Comedy Club
Name and Location: Backdoor Comedy Club, Lubbock, TX
History and Significance: Intimate comedy club hosting standup acts, improv shows, open mic nights, and more since 1984.
What to Expect: Laugh together watching local and nationally touring comedians perform live on the small black box stage. Full bar.
Visitor Information: Showtimes vary, usually Thursday-Saturday nights.
Start your evening out with dinner at one of Lubbock’s many great restaurants. Then head to Backdoor Comedy Club for a lively night of laughter together. This intimate club hosts nationally touring stand-up comedians Thursday through Sunday nights.
Snuggle into a booth in the small venue and get ready to bust a gut laughing. Adding laughter and carefree joy to your date night deepens intimacy and romance. Plus, funny stories bring you closer as a couple.
Conclusion
Lubbock may be better known for cotton farming and Texas Tech than romance, but this West Texas city can delight couples. From outdoor activities like stargazing, hiking, and winery picnics to cultural date nights at comedy clubs and theaters, Lubbock has options.
Pamper yourselves with massages, horseback rides through Palo Duro Canyon, or fireside evenings at The Overton Hotel. Lubbock’s rich arts scene, music heritage, and scenic natural landscapes provide backdrops for connection. Bring the spark back into your relationship with a getaway to one of these romantic spots in good ‘ol Lubbock, Texas.