Best Things To See And Do In Colorado – It is no exaggeration to say that Colorado has hundreds of amazing places to visit. Colorado is an amazing destination in the US with some of the best outdoor activities. You can head to the mountain town and enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Or head to one of Colorado’s amazing towns. Colorado has many cultural activities.
So where are the best places to visit in Colorado? Of course, visit popular destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, but this guide includes both the famous and the lesser known. Introducing the top 29 places in Colorado – let’s get down to it.
Best Things To See And Do In Colorado
Colorado has great cities. If you want to experience culture and events in the city center, this section will give you plenty of options. Whether you want a historic downtown or a stunning backdrop of mountain peaks, Colorado is the city for you.
Of Colorado’s Most Beautiful Places
Most of the places on our list are cities, but there are one or two charming towns that we’ve been to. Beware of them; they are too good not to include.
Colorado Springs is easily one of the most popular places in Colorado. Nestled between Rocky Mountain National Park and Pike National Park, the city is full of exciting things to do and see. I spent the summer there training at the Broadmoor World Arena. What a summer to remember. I have loved visiting Colorado ever since.
You’ll find attractions like the Fine Arts Center and the Penrose Heritage Museum downtown. Outside of Colorado Springs is the Ghost Town Museum, a model of an old mining town and tourist attraction. Outside the city, there are many outdoor and cultural attractions.
When visiting Colorado Springs, don’t miss the Garden of the Gods. This 1,300-acre sandstone property is home to endless miles of trails and rock formations. Located just six miles outside the city center, it’s an entry-level way to enjoy nature without visiting a national park. This open-air jeep tour takes you to the Garden of the Gods, Helen Hunt Falls, Cheyenne, and more.
These 12 Colorado National Parks Will Blow Your Mind (photos)
A sunrise hot air balloon ride is a great way to wake up to the Colorado landscape. Watch the sun rise over Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and other Colorado wonders.
Denver (also known as the Mile High City) is a cultural and historic city to visit in Colorado. The city is the state capital and dates back to the Old West, which means there are plenty of historic buildings and stories to discover. Go on a menu to sample five flavors while learning about Denver’s Wild West history and passing through many of its iconic locations such as Coors Field, Dairy Block, McGregor Square and more.
If you want a traditional city break, Denver is a great choice. Downtown Denver is full of city-style entertainment, including the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. As tempting as it may be, spread your wings beyond downtown Denver. Further south you’ll find attractions like the Stranahan Whiskey Distillery, which makes for a great afternoon activity.
Denver is one of the best places in Colorado. Read more: 24 Best Things to Do in Denver
Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places To Visit In Colorado
These are just a few suggestions for places to stay in Denver. Be sure to check out our complete guide to Where to Stay in Denver – Best Neighborhoods and Areas for a complete overview of all the top places to stay.
Grand Junction is primarily known for one thing – wine. The city is located in western Colorado, right next to the Utah border. It is surrounded by vast, dry green areas that are often used for wine production.
Wine tasting is a must when visiting the city. There are around 20 local wineries that specialize in different grape varieties and are perfect for a cozy weekend with friends or family. However, the city is not just a place to drink. Museum of the West, Eureka! McConnell Museum of Science and the Western Colorado Botanical Garden are great places to visit. The town is a short drive from the pumpkin patch and corn maze, so keep it in mind as a Halloween destination.
Grand Junction is a great place to stay in western Colorado and is perfect for a small regional town experience. The best way to visit Colorado is by car. See RentalCars.com for a price comparison.
Best Places To Visit In Colorado (2023 Travel Guide)
Durango is a city full of culture on the Colorado/New Mexico border. It is an exciting place to visit in Colorado due to its nature reserves and ancient history. Its location on the southern border of Colorado makes it an ideal stop on an interstate trip. Plus, you’re close to the San Juan Forest and many national parks.
You can easily use the city as a base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park, home to over 2,500 archaeological sites. You can book tours that include transfers from the city center or rent a car and explore on your own. The park is only a forty-minute drive from the city center, making it an easy trip.
Durango’s manufacturing and industrial history also means many fun and educational tourism activities. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a beautifully restored steam train that takes visitors on a ride through the countryside. The Powerhouse Science Center is also a fun yet educational attraction in Durango.
Remember we mentioned we included the city in our Best Cities list? Estes Park is the city that made us break the rules.
Must See Places In Colorado
Estes Park is the most romantic of our Colorado attractions. The city is surrounded by mountain peaks and is almost entirely surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park. There are hiking and biking trails that lead in all directions – perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the Colorado outdoors.
As a base for exploring the Rockies, the city rivals even Denver and Boulder. It is only an 8-minute drive from the city center to the national park.
There’s plenty to do in town, including some photogenic ruins, an aerial tramway, and a scenic drive called the Pak to Peak Byway. You can easily spend three or more days in Estes Park, which is impressive for a city this size.
Do you like winter sports? If so, Steamboat Springs is one of the best places in Colorado. Steamboat Springs is easy to get to and the city has its own airport, meaning no long drives or stressful car rentals.
Epic Things To Do In Page, Az
The city is located in northern Colorado, in the Yampa Valley. Famous for cross-country skiing, it’s home to Howellsen Hill Ski Area and (if you want to splurge) Steamboat Ski Resort. The city has incredible snow quality in winter, and visitors rush to try the slopes.
Another attraction of the city is its hot springs. The hot springs at Strawberry Park and Old Town Hot Springs are great for swimming in summer or winter. When you’re not on the slopes, you can relax and soothe tired muscles.
The hot springs in the old town have water slides and man-made pools for a more enjoyable experience. While Strawberry Park has mineral pools in a natural environment surrounded by pine trees and beautiful views.
Pagosa Springs is another city that made our list. Located in southern Colorado, Pagosa Springs is also an amazing destination if you want to visit Colorado hot springs. You can visit the luxury spa or the public hot springs called Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs. Public sources are completely free – perfect for those on a budget or looking for a less commercial experience.
Best Places To Visit In Colorado
Pagosa Springs is also surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, and mountain peaks can be seen on the horizon. It’s a great place to explore the San Juan Mountains and if you rent a car it’s easy to drive into the mountains for a day trip.
Pagosa Springs is a great place to visit in Colorado if you want an experience like no other. The city has all the amenities for a comfortable stay, but all the beauty of the quiet surroundings.
Crested Butte is an exciting yet peaceful destination in Colorado. Like Estes Park, Crested Butte comes into its own each winter. The town is alive with skiers and busy pistes and even Nordic ski trails surrounding the town itself. Submit it as a prime candidate for a Colorado winter adventure.
During the rest of the year, popular ski areas become popular for mountain biking. Also, the melting snow welcomes tourists who want to explore the mountains and alpine meadows. There are also scenic drives, such as the Historic Trail, which passes through areas of natural beauty such as Kebler Pass, which is inaccessible to most vehicles after snowfall. You can also visit the Gunnison National Forest, a stunning area with nearly 1.7 million acres of protected flora and
Ultimate Guide To The Colorado National Parks (+ 10 Day Itinerary)
Things to see in colorado, things to see and do in colorado springs, best things to see in colorado, colorado springs things to see and do, things to see and do in denver colorado, things to do and see in colorado, what to see and do in colorado, things to see and do in colorado springs co, colorado things to see and do, best things to see in denver colorado, best things to see in colorado springs, things to see and do in pueblo colorado