10+ Romantic Things to Do in Boston for Valentine's Day

Cobblestone sidewalks, beautiful parks, historic buildings – the city of Boston provides the perfect setting for couples looking for a Valentine's getaway. Whether you’re a visitor from out of town for Valentine's Day, or a couple of locals looking for some weekend romance, these romantic things to do in Boston are sure to be a memorable experience for you and your special someone.

Explore Art Museums

If you’re the kind of couple that just adores the art world, then Boston is an ideal destination for your romancing. From big-name museums to local institutions, there are plenty of options for art lovers.

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), for example, often puts on special programming for Valentine’s Day each year and features a number of romantic paintings and sculptures year-round, such as Renoir’s touching Dance at Bougival and Adolphe Braun’s photograph Cupid and Psyche. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), veering more towards the very contemporary, has less in the way of traditional romantic scenes and more in the way of really cool, inspiring art that will get your imagination going.

For those couples truly looking for something special, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is filled to the brim with romance. A gorgeous mansion, bedecked with stunning antique furnishings and inspiring classical art, organized around a breathtaking garden with something to see even in the winter, the Gardner is worth the visit. Trust me, your date will love it.

If you’re interested in popping outside of the city for a bit, the Harvard Art Museums or the Peabody Essex Museum (which also includes some natural history and other nifty artifacts) are also fun artsy options that make for great dates.

Meet the Critters at the New England Aquarium

If you and your love have a passion for animals, then you simply must visit the famed New England Aquarium. This waterfront mainstay in Boston has been fascinating and educating visitors for generations, and has much to offer interested couples. Come here to see the busy penguin colony, snap photos of the lush, four-story Caribbean reef, and interact with real sea creatures in the Shark & Ray Touch Tank exhibit.

Be sure to check the Aquarium calendar before your visit, too, because there are animal feedings, keeper talks, and IMAX films throughout the day the enjoy.

Take in a Show

If you love theatre of all types, Boston has plenty to offer. While it doesn't have the big-name reputation of cities like New York or Chicago, there is still a lot of indie theatre and traveling shows that get their start on Broadway. An exciting show this year is the Blue Man Group Show, which is an engaging and immensely popular performance that fans all over the country have adored.

Visit the Boston Common

A leisurely walk through these beautiful public spaces is worth a little bit of chill in February. You’ll get striking views of the capitol dome, the Tremont Street corridor, and some beautiful vistas over towards the river. Then, the Public Gardens are still pretty impressive even with most of the flowers dormant – there are plenty of evergreens to enjoy.

Of course, if you’re looking for romance in the springtime, there is no place in Boston quite so abundantly colorful and fragrant. Just don’t pick the flowers! You could also opt to paddle the Swan Boat around for a bit – an attraction inspired by the romantic opera Lohengrin. The Swan Boats are the perfect way for lovebirds to relax and enjoy the scenery while meandering along the peaceful lagoon.

If you’re lucky, you might even see Boston’s favorite swan duo, Romeo and Juliet, who return every spring after spending the chilly months at the Franklin Park Zoo.

Skate at Frog Pond

Ever since the movie Serendipity, ice-skating has been a hallmark of romantic encounters. Take your partner to the charming Frog Pond for a few rounds on the ice. It will be fun for amateurs and experienced skaters alike. Bring skates, or rent them for a few bucks when you're there. Grab some hot cocoa afterward to break the chill. If you're looking for something a little bit stronger after your skating excursion, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants in the vicinity.

Indulge in a Romantic Dinner

This is a classic idea that never goes out of style. Head out on the town for a romantic meal at one of the city’s many fabulous restaurants and we know you’ll have a great time. Check out our recommendations for the best brunches in Boston if you wish to gaze into each other's eyes over breakfast food

If you and your loved one prefer Italian, then pick a place (any place) in the North End for some classic and sumptuous Italian fare. Don’t forget to stop by Mike’s Pastry for some dessert! Interested in creative American fare? Harvard Square is where you want to be. Looking for a good steak? Downtown and the Seaport area have excellent choices.

Go on a Brewery Tour

If one of your favorite shared activities is trying new beers, then Boston has some pretty fantastic breweries to scope out. Explore the vibrant craft beer scene that’s spreading across America with a visit to the place that started it all – Sam Adams Brewery. You could also try Harpoon Brewing (with its own beer hall in the Seaport District), Night Shift Brewing (in Everett) or Idle Hands (in Malden).

See the Sights in a Horse-Drawn Carriage

Try taking a ride in one of Boston’s charming horse-drawn carriages for a classically romantic night out. Visitors can select a 15, 30, or 60 minute tour of downtown Boston, all of which leave from the main carriage stand located near Faneuil Hall. Your driver will lead the horse (and you in tow) through some of the city’s most well-known areas such as Copley Square, the Theatre District, Newbury Street, and the Public Garden. Don’t miss out on this romantic, exciting tour of the city.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

For those couples looking to indulge in something sweet, stop by Colette Bakery – a little slice of Paris in Medford. You can pick up delightful little viennoiseries and enjoy them on a stroll in this lovely neighborhood pretending you've been transported to the City of Love for just a moment.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Boston, just in time for Valentine's Day. We hope you can find something inspiring on this list to lead you towards that perfect romantic date – whether it’s a conventional dinner and a show, or something more adventurous.

Regular admission to a number of these activities is included with a Go City® pass for Bosoton. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special events may be separately ticketed and not included on the pass.