Madison, Wisconsin is a charming city with many romantic things to do for couples. From scenic walks around lakes to cozy restaurants and fun activities, Madison has something for every couple looking for a romantic getaway or date night.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroll Around the Lakes | Lakeside walks with scenic views, canoeing, and picnicking opportunities. |
| Visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Wander through 16 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens. |
| Enjoy a Show at the Overture Center | Watch Broadway shows, concerts at Madison’s premier performing arts venue. |
| Pedal a Bike Ride for Two | Tandem bike rides through natural areas and downtown. |
| Pamper Yourselves at a Couples Massage | Relax with side-by-side massages at local spas. |
| Ice Skate at Vilas Park Zoo | Ice skating at the zoo, especially magical during the Christmas season. |
| Cozy Up Next to a Fireplace | Dine or relax by the fireplace in restaurants or hotels. |
| Catch a Show at the Majestic Theatre | Enjoy comedy, music, and other performances in an intimate setting. |
| Cozy Up at Colectivo Coffee | Enjoy hot drinks and cozy conversations in local coffee shops. |
| Take a Master Class Together | Participate in couple-friendly classes like cooking or craft workshops. |
| Go Wine Tasting | Taste wines at local wineries in the Driftless Region. |
| Dine by Candlelight | Romantic dinners in restaurants with cozy atmospheres. |
| Gaze at the Stars | Stargaze at locations with less light pollution, like the university observatory or Ice Age Trail. |
Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do in Madison:
Take a Stroll Around the Lakes
Name and Location: Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison, WI
History and Significance: These scenic lakes border downtown Madison and are popular recreation spots. Surrounded by parks, trails, and beaches.
What to Expect: Relaxing and romantic walks along the tree-lined shorelines and paths. Beautiful views of the water and city skyline.
Visitor Information: Lakes and trails are open daily. Free access to walk, bike, picnic. Rentals available for boats and bikes.
Madison is home to several beautiful lakes, making it the perfect place for romantic lakeside strolls. Walk hand-in-hand along the shore of Lake Mendota as the sun sets over the water. Meander down the tree-lined paths surrounding Lake Monona. Rent a canoe or kayak from one of the nearby rental shops and paddle across Lake Wingra with your sweetheart. Stop along the way on one of the small beaches or grassy parks for a picnic or just to take in the lovely views.
The lakes in Madison provide plenty of opportunities for intimate, relaxing moments with your significant other. Bring a blanket and bottle of wine and sit lakeside while you watch the boats go by and the rippling water reflects the sunset. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
Visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Name and Location: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI
History and Significance: A 16-acre garden open since 1952 featuring outdoor gardens and a tropical conservatory.
What to Expect: Stroll through beautiful floral and herb gardens and the serene Thai Pavilion. See exotic plants in the conservatory.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission $3, free on Tuesdays. Extra fee for conservatory.
What could be more romantic than wandering through gorgeous gardens filled with flowers and greenery together? Visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 16 acres of both indoor and outdoor gardens perfect for a romantic date.
Stroll through the outdoor gardens hand-in-hand, admiring the roses, hostas, and lilies. Pause to smell the flowers and take in the tranquil settings. Pop into the tropical Bolz Conservatory and be transported to exotic locales filled with orchids, vines, and palms. At the end of your visit, grab a bite to eat or coffee at the onsite cafe.
With amazing gardens and peaceful surroundings, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens is one of the best places in Madison for romance to bloom.
Enjoy a Show at the Overture Center
Name and Location: Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI
History and Significance: This large performing arts center opened in 2004 in downtown Madison. Hosts concerts, theater, and other events.
What to Expect: Attend a Broadway musical, concert, comedy show, or other performing arts event together in a beautiful theater.
Visitor Information: Box office hours M-F 11am-5:30pm. Ticket prices vary by show. Parking garages nearby.
The Overture Center for the Arts is Madison’s premier performing arts venue, home to Broadway shows, concerts, and more. Taking in a show together makes for a sophisticated, cultured date night.
Dress up in your finest attire and enjoy a musical or play in one of the Overture Center’s elegant theaters. For more intimate performances, visit the smaller Capitol Theater or Rotunda Studio. If you prefer music, attend a Madison Symphony Orchestra concert in Overture Hall.
Whatever performance you choose, the Overture Center provides a beautiful backdrop for a romantic arts outing. Share the experience of live entertainment together as you hold hands and sneak glances at one another during all of the dramatic or musical high notes.
Pedal a Bike Ride for Two
Name and Location: Madison, WI area bike paths and trails
History and Significance: Madison has over 120 miles of scenic bike paths, trails and bike-friendly streets.
What to Expect: Rent a tandem bike or ride side-by-side along the lakes, parks or countryside. Stop for a romantic picnic.
Visitor Information: Rentals available. Trail maps online. Open year-round. Free biking on paths/trails.
Pedal through Madison’s picturesque natural areas and neighborhoods on a bike ride designed for two. Several local shops rent tandem bikes and surreys perfect for couples looking for an active, romantic experience.
Ride a tandem along the Lakeshore Path for gorgeous views of the water as you work together to pedal in sync. Explore downtown Madison on a two-person surrey, ringing your bell and waving to pedestrians. For a longer ride, cycle across the Tenney Locks into the nearby countryside.
You’ll enjoy the scenery and fresh air while also getting some exercise on a unique, intimate bicycle adventure. Stop for a romantic picnic in a park along your route.
Pamper Yourselves at a Couples Massage
Name and Location: Spas and salons in Madison, WI
History and Significance: Madison has many spas offering relaxing couples massage packages in a calming environment.
What to Expect: Unwind together with side-by-side massages, often followed by time in the steam room or hot tub.
Visitor Information: Call ahead to book appointments. Typical prices $80-200 per person. Add-ons like facials available.
What’s more luxurious than a relaxing, rejuvenating couples massage? Madison has several spas that offer massages for two, allowing you and your sweetheart to enjoy this pampering experience together.
Melt away stress and tension as you receive massages side-by-side, making this a therapeutic and romantic date. Some spas even offer packages that include extra treats like champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, rose petal foot soaks, and more.
After your massages, lounge in the relaxation room or take a dip in the hot tub for the ultimate in romance and relaxation. A couples massage is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just reconnecting.
Ice Skate Hand-in-Hand at the Vilas Park Zoo
Name and Location: Vilas Park Zoo, Madison, WI
History and Significance: This small free zoo has an ice skating rink that operates in winter. Family activity since 1968.
What to Expect: Outdoor skating holding hands surrounded by the zoo’s animals and nature. Rentals available. Concessions on-site.
Visitor Information: Open daily weather permitting. Small fee for skating. Skate rentals available.
In the winter months when the park lagoon is frozen over, lace up your skates for romantic ice skating at the Henry Vilas Zoo. Glide and twirl across the ice hand-in-hand with your date as you enjoy stunning views of the Vilas Park area.
Skating during the day offers nice scenery, but skating in the evening during the Christmas season is extra magical with the zoo lights twinkling. Stop for warming drinks like hot chocolate or apple cider in the nearby warming house.
Ice skating at the Vilas Park Zoo gives you outdoor winter fun and cozy moments with your sweetie all in one place. The laidback, charming setting makes for romantic memories.
Cozy Up Next to a Fireplace
Name and Location: Restaurants, hotels, wineries with fireplaces in Madison area
History and Significance: The Madison area offers many venues with romantic, cozy fireplaces perfect for couples to curl up next to.
What to Expect: Cuddle and gaze into flickering flames over dinner, wine, or relaxation. Fireplaces indoors and out.
Visitor Information: Call ahead for reservations. Available at restaurants, wineries, hotels, and more.
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing cozier than snuggling up next to a warm, flickering fire with your love. Madison offers many options for relaxing by the fireplace, from hotels to restaurants.
Reserve a fireside table at a romantic restaurant like Delaney’s Steak House, Tornado Room Steak House, or The Edgewater hotel restaurant. Order rich food, fine wine, and gaze into each other’s eyes in the firelight.
Or, book a suite at a local hotel featuring an in-room fireplace like The Madison Concourse Hotel or AC Hotel Madison Downtown. Order room service and spend a lazy evening talking, sipping champagne by the fire, and enjoying each other’s company in your own private oasis.
Catch a Show at the Majestic Theatre
Name and Location: Majestic Theatre, Madison, WI
History and Significance: A historic theater in downtown Madison offering Broadway musicals, concerts, comedy, and other performing arts.
What to Expect: Take in a show together in an intimate, ornate theater setting perfect for a date night.
Visitor Information: Box office hours M-F 11am-5:30pm. Ticket prices vary. Validated parking available.
The Majestic Theatre, located on historic State Street downtown, hosts comedy shows, concerts, and other performances in an intimate, ornate venue. Catching a show here makes for a memorable night out.
See a rising stand-up comedian and laugh together until your cheeks hurt. Listen to jazz or folk artists as you sway gently to the music. Any show you choose provides entertainment along with quality time spent together in this cozy, romantic theater.
Arrive early to walk hand-in-hand down State Street and grab a bite to eat before the performance. End the night stargazing on Union Terrace overlooking Lake Mendota.
Cozy Up at Colectivo Coffee
Name and Location: Colectivo Coffee cafes, Madison, WI
History and Significance: Colectivo serves specialty coffees and teas in a cozy, romantic cafe setting. Popular local chain.
What to Expect: Relax by the fireplace with warm drinks, pastries, or light fare. Intimate tables for two and comfortable chairs.
Visitor Information: Several locations. Open daily. $3-$6 for drinks and food. Wifi available.
On chilly days, step into a Colectivo Coffee location for hot beverages and cozy conversation. This local coffee shop chain has numerous Madison area cafes, many with romantic fireplaces and comfy couches or armchairs.
Warm up with a cup of tea or specialty coffee drink. Share a cheese plate or baked good while you relax in oversized armchairs, listen to soft music, and have intimate conversations. Gaze out bay windows overlooking theCapitol building or Lake Monona.
With its locally roasted coffee, comfy seats, and chill vibe, Colectivo makes an ideal date spot for couples seeking laid-back romance.
Take a Master Class Together
Name and Location: Various venues in Madison, WI
History and Significance: Madison offers many unique classes for couples to take together and try something new.
What to Expect: Options like cooking, cocktail mixing, wine tasting, pottery painting, dance lessons, and more. Bond over shared interests.
Visitor Information: Classes held at venues throughout Madison. Pricing varies. Check individual websites to sign up.
Engage in hands-on learning while spending quality time together during a couple-friendly master class. Madison’s restaurants and other venues offer all sorts of options for two, from cooking classes to craft workshops.
Book a romantic cooking class at the Kitchen Table or L’eft Bank Bistro, where you’ll work side-by-side to create a gourmet meal. Learn how to arrange flowers for one another at a floral design class. Paint pottery together at one of Madison’s paint-your-own-pottery studios.
Trying something new and creative together gets the sparks flying. And at the end, you have a new shared skill or work of art as a couple.
Go Wine Tasting
Name and Location: Wineries near Madison, WI
History and Significance: The Madison area has over 40 wineries offering tastings and tours surrounded by scenic countryside.
What to Expect: Sample local wines together at indoor and outdoor tasting bars. Enjoy wine and cheese pairings. Relaxing, romantic ambiance.
Visitor Information: Wisconsin winery trail maps online. Free or discounted tastings. Open on weekends.
Spend a day tasting wines together at local wineries just outside Madison in the Driftless Region. Verona, Mount Horeb, and Barneveld are all home to charming wine tasting rooms perfect for romantic winery dates.
Enjoy flights of wine side-by-side as you gaze out over the rolling vineyards. Relax with a cheese board pairing. Many wineries offer walking trails through the vineyards, allowing you to work up an appetite before your next tasting. Cap off your day with a sunset picnic overlooking the vines.
Wine tasting allows you to sample delicious wines while enjoying beautiful views and each other’s company. Discover new favorite wineries and varietals together.
Dine by Candlelight
Name and Location: Fine dining restaurants in Madison, WI such as L’Etoile, Tornado Steakhouse, Delmonico’s Steakhouse, and more.
History and Significance: Madison has many upscale yet cozy restaurants perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Low lighting and candles set the mood.
What to Expect: White tablecloths, floral centerpieces, dim lighting, and candlelight create an intimate ambiance. Enjoy gourmet food and conversation.
Visitor Information: Make reservations in advance. Located downtown or nearby. Entrees $20-$50 per person.
For an intimate dinner just for two, book a table at one of Madison’s restaurants with a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Relax, enjoy gourmet food, and toast to your love by flickering candlelight.
Make reservations at spots like Delaney’s Steak House, where you’ll dine in a historic mansion by candlelight. Savor French cuisine in the intimate dining room at Marigold Kitchen. Tucked away on the Capitol square, The Old Fashioned offers Wisconsin suppers and candlelit booths upstairs.
With amazing food, dim lighting, and time devoted to just the two of you, a candlelit dinner makes for dining at its most romantic. Treat yourselves to a special meal out and make memories over exquisite cuisine.
Gaze at the Stars
Name and Location: Star gazing spots outside Madison like Devil’s Lake State Park or Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area.
History and Significance: Wisconsin state parks offer beautiful stargazing opportunities away from city lights with someone special.
What to Expect: Lay a blanket down and cozy up to stargaze holding hands. See constellations, planets, shooting stars and the Milky Way.
Visitor Information: Best on clear nights. Some parks open 24 hours. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. Free access.
End a romantic day on a starry note by gazings at the night sky together. You can admire the stars anywhere, but for optimal stargazing, head just outside the city where there is less light pollution.
Spread out a blanket at the University of Wisconsin Observatory or in a clearing at the Ice Age Trail and take in the wonders of the sky. Snuggle close as you pick out constellations like Orion’s Belt or the Big Dipper. Download an astronomy app to help identify stars. Bring a thermos of cocoa or wine to stay warm.
Stargazing appeals to our sense of wonder and provides perspective. Do something that humanity has done for centuries – marvel at stars together.
Conclusion
With stunning natural beauty, world-class dining, arts and culture, cozy cafes and fireplaces, Madison offers endless options for romantic dates, special occasions, or just quality time as a couple. From active adventures like biking or ice skating to indulgent experiences like massages and wine tasting, you’re sure to find activities that appeal to both of your unique interests and affection for one another.
Bring the spark back into your relationship by whisking your loved one away to one of these romantic spots in the lovely, livable city of Madison, Wisconsin. Make memories strolling the tree-lined lake paths, cheering on a show at Overture Center, or relaxing by a fireplace that will last a lifetime.