Manitou Springs is a charming and eclectic town tucked into the foothills of Pike’s Peak near Colorado Springs.
Manitou Springs is a hidden gem of unique experiences and history and a must-see for a Colorado vacation. My husband and I live in Colorado Springs and we come to Manitou Springs about once a month because there are many cool things to do here.
The population of Manitou Springs is around 5,000 which is a lot considering the condensed size it takes up on the map. It also gives it the small-town vibes that we like without having to travel far.
Manitou Springs’ Downtown area is one of the few walkable areas with a lot to do in proximity. There is a free bus with many stops and parking to accommodate visitors.
Our goal in this post is to share things we love about Manitou Springs and give you ideas of the best things for you to do as a couple here. You could spend a day doing some of the famous things in this area or consider making Manitou Springs your home base because of its ideal location for exploring the Colorado Springs area.
1. Sun Water Spa in Manitou Springs for Couples
In 2024, we set a goal to prioritize our self-care and enjoy time together by soaking in the hot springs once per month. We went here for the first time on our 1st wedding anniversary in January and decided to make it a regular thing. In the winter considering travel and schedules, it has been easiest for us to stay local by visiting Sunwater Spa. Sunwater Spa is the closest hot springs to Colorado Springs and Denver.
Sunwater Spa is a rejuvenating place for couples to relax and have quality time together. A great option for celebrating an anniversary or special occasion or just because. You can soak in a private cedar tub overlooking the mountains and the Memorial Park nearby, and get a massage, facial, or body treatment.
There are three levels with a full or partial mountain view. The second level has shaded tub options in the summer if you are concerned about sunburn which happens quickly at high elevations. You can view a map and read the descriptions from the website when booking.
Red Mountain on the top level has nice views of the mountains. We soaked here our first time and booked at 8 am so we were the first ones there along with two other couples on the top level. We soaked on the first level in Garden of the Gods the second time and Raspberry Mountain the third.
Mary’s Mountain tub offers more privacy, away from the other tubs, and also includes a private sauna. It’s positioned high up away from the other cedar tubs with the best views. You’ll need to book about a month in advance or more if possible for Mary’s Mountain if you want a specific date or time.
As part of your 90-minute reservation time, you’ll have access to the pool, sauna, and cold plunges on the bottom level. If you like to cycle between these options and the tub with convenience, you may want a tub on the lower level.
The views aren’t the same as the top, but it is still a great experience, and you get the mountain and spa relaxation vibes with relaxing music in the background. Sunwater Spa is ADA accessible, those with mobility concerns can soak in the tub on the lower level and will have access to the pool.
There are so many benefits to soaking in the hot springs, once you try it, you’ll be back. The water to the spa comes from nearby 7-Minute Spring. You’ll get the full benefit if you rotate soaking in the cedar tubs, then a short cold plunge, followed by a rest period, and then repeat the cycle.
We highly recommend Sunwater Spa! It is our favorite destination in Manitou Springs! More information and to book a tub at Sunwater Spa here:
2. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs Date for Couples
The Cog Railway is a great date idea for couples to experience Pike’s Peak Mountain. It takes the pressure off one person having to drive and eliminates concerns of altitude sickness while driving. You can both enjoy the scenic ride on the railway.
The Cog Railway experience takes about three and a half hours round trip. You’ll spend about 40 minutes at the Summit House at the top for photos and refreshments. You can enjoy the views and get lots of amazing photos. Bring a jacket or sweater even in the summer, it is significantly colder at the summit!
The train conductor details the history and fun facts about Pikes Peak and the area on the way up the mountain. On the way down, the conductor meanders down both cars and personally answers questions for all the passengers in each row. The views from the windows are incredible and it’s a great way to experience America’s Mountain.
Book your tickets for the Cog Rail here:
3. Hike the Manitou Incline or “The Incline” as a Couple
For couples who enjoy hiking, or want to take on a fitness challenge together, this is an epic hike that should be on your Colorado Bucket List!
The Manitou Incline is an iconic hiking trail of stairs built over the remains of a former railway located in Manitou Springs on the eastern side of Pikes Peak. You’ll climb 2,768 stairs built into the mountain with an average grade of 45% at high elevation. The hike starts around 6,500 feet and you’ll gain 2,011 feet in .88 of a mile. The steepest part of the hike is after 2,400 steps with an 86% grade.
You need to be prepared and plan for this hike. Reservations are required or strongly recommended, although many locals do this hike regularly without reservations and there is a distaste for the system, it does help regulate the amount of people in this area. The entrance to the incline is monitored by a reservation system and is located across the street from the Cog Railway.
Plan for about 3 hours total on average. It could take an hour to 90 minutes for average hikers to reach the summit and then an hour or so on the Barr Trail return. It might be faster (under an hour) for athletes or experienced hikers.
A significant factor is adjusting to the elevation, even if you are in athletic shape. Do this on the latter half of your trip so you can acclimate a few days first.
We’ve done the Incline a few times and wrote a separate blog post on how to prepare and expectations for the hike. Read our Complete Guide to Hiking the Manitou Incline from a Local here:
4. Couples Romantic Walk along Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs
If hiking isn’t your thing, take a more leisurely pace and walk along Fountain Creek. Manitou Springs is a charming, walkable town with Fountain Creek peacefully running through the downtown area by all the shops. There are bench areas you can sit down on.
The creek holds its charm even in the winter, although it slows down some. You can see it partially frozen in the background in the second photo taken in mid-January.
5. Mineral Water Tasting in Manitou Springs
There are 8 springs in Manitou Springs with different mineral content for you to try. They are hidden like a scavenger hunt through Manitou Avenue and nearby streets you might miss them if you aren’t aware they are there!
The easiest spring to locate is 7-Minute Spring right outside Sun Water Spa.
If you want to try them all and follow a map with more information, stop by the Manitou Heritage Center (517 Manitou Avenue) for an informational brochure with a map and a cup with a $2 donation.
6. Olive Oil Tasting at The Olive Tap in Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs has many unique souvenir shops, but one that you must check out if you like cooking is The Olive Tap. Here you can taste olive oil and balsamic vinegar imported from around the world.
We visited after soaking at Sunwater Spa and tasted several oils and used them for our dinner later that evening. If you are staying at an Airbnb and looking to do some cooking or to take back home, this is a worthwhile stop.
There are lots of unique flavors to try that have been intentionally sourced. Some seasonal varieties change so there is always something new to try!
The Olive Tap: 906 Manitou Ave., #103; Manitou Springs, CO 80829
7. Enjoy the Arts: Attend a Concert or Festival in Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a cultural haven for couples seeking a blend of music, art, and festivities. Each event in Manitou Springs promises a unique and memorable experience for lovebirds looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. You are likely to find something interesting all year round in Manitou Springs.
Coming up, the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival invites couples to indulge in the finest local wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of Memorial Park on June 1, 2024.
In August, the Commonwheel Artist Festival celebrates local artists’ creativity and showcases their art.
The Saturday before Halloween is the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival. This unique festival is held in humor and honor of the story of Emma’s coffin and remains sliding down the mountain due to flooding in 1924. Groups race carrying coffins. You can do ghost tours around Manitou Springs throughout October.
Lulu’s Downstairs holds live performance music, art, and comedy in a relaxed vibe near the Greenlight District.
You won’t have to deal with the long lines or crowds at Lulu’s Downstairs but still get a great show. Our friends from Austin, Texas took us here for a concert. We were surprised that we still got great seating arriving a half hour early. Compared to attending concerns in bigger cities like Phoenix we conclude this was a very chill experience. Another reason we love the size of living in the Colorado Springs area!
Visit lulusdownstairs.com for current showings and tickets.
Iron Springs Chateau is another great option for dinner and melodrama. It is located near the Cog Railway and also has parking here for the Manitou Incline.
To check out the latest live music event in Manitou Springs visit: https://manitousprings.org/live-music
8. Old Fashioned Photos in Manitou Springs for Couples
Make a memory on your trip with an old-fashioned photo from Olde Tyme Photography on Manitou Avenue. Black and white photos with vintage historical clothing to take you back to the Gold Rush era, saloon bar fights, and the railroad days…
After taking photos, treat yourself to some ice cream! Nearby is one of our favorite local places to get ice cream at Josh & John’s. Be prepared for a long line but it is worth it!
9. Happy Hour and Dining in Manitou Springs for Couples
Manitou Springs offers a variety of unique date venues whether you are looking for something more intimate and romantic or a casual meal with your partner.
Red Mountain Bar Grill at Cliff House: 306 Canon Ave; Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Red Mountain Grill is a casual but high-end dining experience within the historical Cliff House at Pikes Peak. You don’t need to stay in the hotel to dine in.
Try the Rocky Mountain Oysters and locally sourced Yak. We love yak! If you haven’t ever had it, yak is similar to beef. If you come in the summer, you can buy yak from PBJ Cattle at the Old Colorado City farmer’s market. They raise grass-fed beef and yak grown at high altitudes outside Divide, CO.
Happy Hour is from 3-5 pm daily.
Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant and Mona’s Cellar 733 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
If you love cheese and chocolate as much as I do, you’ll love the experience at the Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant! A centrally located venue located right on Manitou Avenue.
Mona Lisa Fondue specializes in a signature 4-course fondue dining experience including salad, cheese fondue, an entrée platter grilled for you at the table, complete with chocolate fondue for dessert. You’ll have options to customize the flavors of your meal. They serve a variety of wines, beer, and signature cocktails.
The dining experience lasts about 2 hours on average and you will want to make a reservation if possible. Walk-ins are welcome if there is availability.
Mona’s Cellar, the downstairs bar, hosts a Happy Hour from 4-5:30 & 8-9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Select appetizers are also available.
Swirl Wine Bar & Restaurant 717 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
A family-owned wine bar and restaurant with unique and traditional finds in wine and locally sourced food.
Swirl is located on Manitou Avenue and is open daily. It is an artsy venue in a historic building with an outdoor back patio when the weather is nice.
The Loop: 965 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Mexican food and world-famous margaritas in a cozy setting. We are pretty selective with Mexican food so this is on not our personal list for dining, however, we like to enjoy a margarita from time to time so we recommend this place for drinks!
Norbu’s Himilayan Hut: 915 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Premier Indian food. Norbu’s offers an authentic taste of Himalayan traditions, passed down through Sherpa families, subtly tailored for Western palates. Located in Manitou Springs, Colorado, the restaurant captures the essence of Nepal’s high-altitude landscapes.
And a few more casual options…..
Manitou Brewing Company
Casual, great food and beer. We have eaten here many times and sampled many of their beers and have not been disappointed. They are usually busy and are very popular.
This place is great if you like beer and American food, although they also have wine and other cocktails. If you are looking for an intimate and romantic setting, try one of the options above.
The “I just did the Incline” Burger and Incline IPA is very good. I also really like the mac and cheese with pulled pork. This is a great place to celebrate after finishing the Manitou Incline hike.
Savelli’s Pizza 301 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
A local pizza place that has been thriving for 25 years in Manitou Springs making pies fresh daily with homemade sauces and hand-tossed crust.
Toasted Bistro 718 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
A local scratch kitchen using 100% natural ingredients. A lovely place for coffee & breakfast, lunch, or afternoon cocktails. They have a wide variety of options on the menu including pizza, appetizers, and some amazing desserts!
Mate Factor Cafe: 966 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Mate Factor specializes in fresh, organic yerba mate sourced from their partnership with growers in Brazil. Their products are known for their purity standards, ethical fair trade, and environmental practices. Stop by for a cup of tea and some local food in the cafe. You can also order their products online.
10. Marimont Castle in Manitou Springs for Couples
If you and your partner are looking for a romantic and mysterious adventure, visit Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. This historic building dates back to the 19th century and has many secrets waiting to be discovered. Miramount Castle is rumored to be haunted but much of the history is unclear.
Decide yourself what you think of this historic place and learn more on a self-guided tour. You can explore the castle’s different rooms and styles at your leisure, and enjoy a cozy tea time and snack in the elegant dining hall. Miramont Castle is a must-see attraction for couples who love history, mystery, and romance.
Reservations are required for High Tea or Light Victorian Tea. Tea Reservations and more info:
Another castle built in the 1800’s nearby is Glenwood Eyrie Castle. Read more here: Things for Couples to do In Colorado: Day Trip Ideas
11. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park in Manitou Springs
In Native American culture the word “manitou” means spirit. This area has historical significance as it was traveled through as part of the Ute Valley Pass.
If you are looking for a light-hearted, educational tour of the caves, the Discovery Tour is the best option. If you like hearing ghost stories and want a little more adventure, the Haunted Lantern Tour goes into the frightening folklore, and unexplained phenomena. On this tour, you’ll be walking a mile in a darker area into the original areas of the cave.
More: Info on Cave of the Winds:
12. Manitou Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a great place for explorers and history lovers to experience the past and appreciate the Native American heritage.
Ancient people lived in cliffs and pueblos in Colorado and New Mexico. These old stone buildings were moved from their original location near the Four Corners (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona) to Manitou Springs to preserve them for the public. You can explore and learn about the culture and history of the Ancestral Puebloans and their descendants who lived in the structure.
The tour is self-guided with many interactive features. Connected to the dwellings is a museum and gift shop that takes up about as much room as the size of the dwelling
More Info on Manitou Cliff Dwellings:
13. Unique Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs in Manitou Springs for Couples
Manitou Springs is a great home base for visiting the Colorado Springs area. There is lots to do here and you are close to the Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City, and places like the Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The base of Pike’s Peak isn’t too far off either.
Manitou Springs is a very condensed space tucked into the side of the mountain. While parking is not ideal and there are fewer wide open spaces or big yards, Manitou Springs makes up for it in charm and culture.
Romantic Getaway at Cliff House at Pike’s Peak
The Cliff House is a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel at the base of Pike’s Peak with AAA Four Diamond status. The Cliff House’s historical design combined with modern glamour and amenities awakens an atmosphere of Victorian romance for couples.
Cliff House features 54 individually styled guest rooms and suites modeling the late 1800s era.
Dine in style with the dining room or veranda dining or more contemporary style at Red Mountain Bar & Grill. The Cliff House Wine Cellar has over 800 wines with many award-winning flavors.
The Cliff House is also an elegant and unique option for a mountain wedding venue in Colorado. Imagine a sunset reception on the Veranda with views of Pike’s Peak on your wedding day! You can work with the Cliff House’s award-winning chef and a wedding planner to make your day magical.
More info on Cliff House at Pike’s Peak here:
Blue Sky Inn Bed & Breakfast in Manitou Springs
The Blue Skies Inn Bed & Breakfast is a charming 2.5-acre property with 10 whimsical bed and breakfast suites where breakfast is delivered to your door in a picnic basket each morning. Each suite has a fireplace, heating, air conditioning, and a different artistic theme. Some have jetted or soaking tubs for 2 plus showers.
You’ll recognize the turn-in with the blue archway off Manitou Avenue.
The Inn is central to many activities but in a tranquil setting where you can rejuvenate in nature and encounter wildlife. Enjoy the outdoors Secret Garden and walk to a waterfall, making memories on this historic property.
The carriage house, now the current home of the innkeepers, was built in 1871 by the founder of Manitou Springs and is the oldest standing structure in Manitou Springs. You can purchase add-ons to your stay such as a photo shoot.
More info on Blue Sky Inn & Bed & Breakfast here:
Manitou Springs View House Airbnb
One place on my bucket list of vacation rentals in Manitou Springs is Manitou Springs View House.
View House is an architectural wonder perched above Downtown Manitou Springs with a three-story picture window, open concept, and abundant natural lighting. It’s just a short walk into Downtown Manitou Springs and is a great destination for your home base.
More unique Airbnb and VRBO in Manitou Springs for couples here:
14. Historical Rainbow Falls (summer and fall only) in Manitou Springs
I’ve been curious about seeing Rainbow Falls, as we’ve driven by the eye-catching arch entrance multiple times. It closed in 2022 due to flooding and upkeep and briefly opened in 2024. Rainbow Falls is now closed for winter, and we hope to visit next spring.
Rainbow Falls is a geological mystery with ties to the Grand Canyon. Fountain Creek flows from the top of Pike’s Peak down to this waterfall and eventually into the Arkansas River. This waterfall was a marker for those traveling out to Cripple Creek during the mining days before Manitou Springs was incorporated and also held spiritual significance for the Ute Indians.
More info on Rainbow Falls here:
15. Garden of the Gods near Manitou Springs for Couples
The Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural wonder where majestic red rock formations rise from the green landscape. It is a romantic place for couples to spend quality time admiring the beauty of nature. Garden of the Gods is located just outside Manitou Springs within a five-minute drive.
Since we live in Colorado Springs, we have the luxury of being able to go to the Garden of the Gods whenever we choose. We love taking our friends and family to visit but also it’s a good place for a date.
You can drive through the park enjoying coffee or hot chocolate or plan a picnic. Sunrise is a great time for this, especially in the winter Colorado has amazing sunrises. You also can hike, bike, rock climb, or take an equestrian ride, or segway tour to explore the park.
Garden of the Gods is an ecosystem for many wildlife. From the graceful mule deer to the agile bighorn sheep, from the cunning fox to the elusive bear, from the colorful birds to the mysterious bats, you can witness the amazing creatures that inhabit this park.
Garden of the Gods makes a great place for engagement pictures or a nice backdrop for a Christmas card photo to show off your travels.
One of the best things other than the beauty itself is that visiting the Garden of the Gods is free. You can learn more about the history and geology of the Garden of the Gods and eat in the Gateway Cafe at The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
Coming from the south side entrance in Manitou Springs, near the Balanced Rock you can also shop for gifts and use the restrooms at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post at 324 Beckers Ln, Manitou Springs, CO 80829.
Parking Guide for Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a small area for the amount of famous things to do here, and unless you are staying at an Airbnb or hotel in Manitou Springs, you will have to pay for parking. We don’t love that, but the city has done a lot of planning to help the traffic flow and the free bus is very helpful to get around, especially to the Incline and Cog Railway.
We’ve learned from experience the hard way: Manitou Springs parking police are very serious about their jobs! Do not try to get by by exceeding your parking time because they check frequently and give tickets freely. Also, we want to be respectful of locals who live in this mountainside community and only park where designated.
Hiwatha Gardens is the largest lot in Manitou Springs with a stop for the bus to go to the Incline or the Cograil. There are EV charging stations here and port-o-potties. It’s a short walk to Manitou Avenue and shopping from here.
The Wichita and Canon lots are the most convenient to the shops on Manitou Avenue but have less capacity.
The Smischny lot is further away and is the smallest but it is a lot less trafficked and less known. Here you can pay a flat daily rate so you don’t have to worry about how long you’ll be gone. It’s a relaxing 5-minute walk near Fountain Creek to the nearest bus stop.
A link to real time parking lot occupancy and details:
Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, and VRBO Stays in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs Area Ideas:
Manitou Springs is a great location to stay as you explore the Colorado Springs area but there are many options depending on what you are looking for in a vacation rental. We have researched and narrowed down special lists with our best finds as locals to give you insight and suggestions to plan your best Colorado Springs vacation!
Vacation Rentals for Couples in Manitou Springs
Vacation Rentals for Couples Near Garden of the Gods
Romantic Cabins in Colorado Springs
Airbnbs for Couples Hiking and Relaxing in Colorado Springs
Unique Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs
Airbnbs in Colorado Springs with Mountain Views
Airbnbs in Colorado Springs with Hot Tub
Conclusion :
Writing this article made me realize everything I love about Manitou Springs! I’m excited to explore more in our local area and am grateful to live in such a beautiful state here in Colorado.
We hope this content helps you plan an amazing couples trip to Manitou Springs!
Cheers! Leah & Jorge
