Best Things to Do in Colorado
Colorado doesn’t just give you scenery, it gives you space. Space to breathe, to be small in the best way, and to fall headlong into adventure or stillness depending on the day.
I love how Colorado offers the best mix of breathtaking mountains, vibrant cities, and underrated small towns. No matter the season, there’s always something special to discover, from snow-covered slopes to sunny hiking trails. I’ve been covering Colorado for 25 years, which makes me a true local expert.
During my many trips here, I traveled across the state from canyons to cities, mountaintop gondolas to hidden gardens, and every place felt like a conversation between land and sky.
Denver Color & Contrast
When I spent time in Denver, Colorado, I loved how this city balances urban energy with outdoor adventure. Nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it felt like the perfect mix of culture, history, and fresh air.
I started the day at The Corner Office, tucked just off the bustle of downtown. The vibe was sleek but playful.
From there, I walked off breakfast through the Denver Botanic Gardens. I stood at the edge of a koi pond and thought, “I needed this softness.”
My highlights?
A late lunch at Panzano, where I had the house-made tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. I sat near the window, watching the street shift with lunchtime energy.
Later, I wandered through the Kirkland Museum, rooms of mid-century color and strange, elegant furniture.
Then came the Forney Museum of Transportation, full of rust and chrome and a sense of movement locked in time.
Midafternoon brought a second pause, this time at Syrup, for a quick sweet bite. I ordered their famous banana pudding pancakes.
Evening came as I reached Larimer Square. Strings of lights hung overhead like a canopy, and shops spilled music onto the sidewalk. I stopped at Tacos Tequila Whiskey, carne asada tacos, crisp-edged and bright with lime. Then dinner at ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro, where the French onion soup dumplings came out steaming.
I ended the night at Black Shirt Brewing Co., tucked into a quiet courtyard, the air turning cool, conversation drifting like music.
A downside? The altitude took some adjusting. Even walking a few blocks uphill left me catching my breath, and drinking extra water became a necessity. It wasn’t enough to dim the trip, but it reminded me to slow down.
Denver Travel Tips
- Travel Time: 2.5-hour flight from Austin ($88); 40 minutes from airport to downtown
- Where to Stay: The Crawford Hotel at Union Station ($250), Hotel Teatro ($200), budget options outside the core ($90)
- Vibe: Energetic, creative, mountain-framed
- Must-see: Union Station, Denver Art Museum ($30), Larimer Square
- Cost: Free to explore downtown; attractions $10–$20; meals $15–$30
What I loved most about Denver is how easy it is to pair city fun with outdoor adventure. Whether you’re catching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre nearby, enjoying a museum, or just soaking in mountain views, Denver truly offers a spectacular Colorado experience.
Colorado Springs Stillness
When I visited Colorado Springs, I was amazed by how much natural beauty surrounds the city. Just an hour south of Denver, it felt like a joyful mix of outdoor adventure and cultural highlights, with the Rocky Mountains always in view.
My plan for the day was layered: take in natural beauty at Garden of the Gods, find a moment of history, and sit down for a meal that felt rooted in Colorado Springs. It was a mix of the outdoors, reflection, and comfort.
Colorado Springs felt open and dramatic, the red rocks glowing against snow. A admired dusted peaks, neighborhoods tucked into foothills, the city spreading wide beneath the mountains. The horizon here was never still.
My Highlight:
“This place holds more space than it takes up,” I thought, stepping into the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College ($10). Inside, everything was quiet and deliberate, Southwestern landscapes, bold lines, and sculptures that leaned into shadow. The museum didn’t try to impress loudly. It offered stillness instead, and that felt like enough.
Later in the day, I stood among the sandstone towers at Garden of the Gods (free), the sky blazing blue overhead, and thought, “Nature doesn’t need to be grand to humble you, but here, it chooses to be both.”
I enjoyed the hike through the Central Garden Trail, where every turn brought new angles of red stone, jagged and tall. Families stopped for photos, climbers inched up rock faces, and ravens circled in the sky above.
A downside? The popularity of Garden of the Gods meant parking lots filled quickly, even in the morning. I
Colorado Springs Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Denver: ~1 hour south
- Where to Stay: The Broadmoor ($350), SCP Hotel Colorado Springs ($170), budget motels near I-25 ($69)
- Where to Eat: Phantom Canyon Brewing Company ($18), Edelweiss German Restaurant ($25)
- Vibe: Scenic, adventurous, grounded in history
- Must-see: Garden of the Gods, U.S. Air Force Academy, Pike’s Peak drive or cog railway
- Hidden Gems: Manitou Springs with its mineral springs, Red Rock Canyon Open Space trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall for comfortable weather; winter for fewer crowds
- Cost: Garden of the Gods free; Pike’s Peak railway $67 adults, $57 kids; meals $15–$25
- Hours: Garden of the Gods 5am–9pm; most attractions 9am–5pm
What I loved most was how the city combines nature, history, and inspiration all in one place. To me, Colorado Springs is one of the best destinations in the state, offering a spectacular balance of adventure and culture that makes every visit memorable.
Steamboat Springs History
We drove northwest from Denver, about three and a half hours over mountain passes and winding roads. The scenery kept shifting, high plains giving way to evergreens, and finally the wide Yampa Valley opened, with Steamboat nestled in its fold.
My plan for Steamboat was a balance: explore history at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, linger over a meal, and end the day with something casual and local. I wanted our trip to feel like a mix of past and present, mountain life told in stories and flavors.
Steamboat itself felt like a town with two hearts, one rooted in ranching and history, the other alive with modern ski-town energy. Both pulsed together, giving the streets a mix of grit and polish.
My Highlight:
I stood inside the Tread of Pioneers Museum ($7.14 adult admission, $3.06 child), gazing at photographs of early settlers and Olympians who trained here, and thought, “This place has always belonged to both endurance and imagination.”
I enjoyed walking through exhibits that traced the town’s roots, from Native American heritage to pioneer life to the rise of skiing culture. The creak of the wooden floors made it feel like history was still living here.
Where I Ate Dinner at Aurum Food & Wine was memorable. I ordered the pan-seared scallops with a parsnip puree and roasted vegetables. The restaurant overlooked the Yampa River, the sound of water drifting beneath the conversations around me.
Later that evening I headed to Mountain Tap Brewery, where the atmosphere was relaxed and communal. I ordered a wood-fired pizza with roasted mushrooms and shared a flight of local beers. The pizza came out crisp and smoky, the mushrooms earthy against melted cheese, and the beers carried everything from citrus brightness to malty depth. It felt like a perfect balance to Aurum’s refinement earlier in the night.
A downside? The drive into Steamboat, while beautiful, was long and winding.
Steamboat Springs Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Denver: ~3.5 hours northwest over Rabbit Ears Pass
- Where to Stay: Steamboat Grand Resort ($250), Nordic Lodge ($160)
- Where to Eat: Aurum Food & Wine ($40+), Mountain Tap Brewery ($20), Winona’s ($15, breakfast)
- Vibe: Historic, outdoorsy, upscale-yet-casual
- Must-see: Tread of Pioneers Museum, Yampa River walk, Old Town Hot Springs
- Hidden Gems: Strawberry Park Hot Springs, local art galleries downtown
What I loved most about Steamboat Springs was how it offers adventure year-round—skiing in winter, hiking and biking in summer, and hot springs anytime. To me, it’s one of the best Colorado destinations, where every season brings something joyful and unforgettable.
Fort Collins Blooms
We drove north from Denver, about an hour on I-25.
When I visited Fort Collins, Colorado, I was struck by how it blends college-town energy with small-city charm. Just an hour north of Denver, it felt like a cool mix of outdoor adventure, history, and lively culture.
We started in Old Town Fort Collins, which quickly became my favorite area. The brick-lined streets, historic buildings, and colorful murals created a joyful atmosphere, and I loved stopping into the unique shops, breweries, and cafés that made the district feel so vibrant.
My Highlight:
I stepped into the gardens and thought, “This is what summer looks like when it overflows.”
I enjoyed strolling through the rows of flowers. Thousands of blooms were arranged in careful symmetry, each patch vibrant with reds, purples, and golds. The trial gardens tested new varieties, so every turn was like discovering a secret not yet released to the world.
The sheer scale of the gardens (free entry) was remarkable. I walked between towering sunflowers and delicate petunias, and the fragrance of roses carried on the breeze. It felt both peaceful and exuberant at once.
Where to Eat: Lunch downtown at Ginger and Baker was delightful. The café buzzed with conversation, but my table by the window felt tucked away and calm.
A downside? Summer afternoons in Fort Collins could be hot, and by midday the gardens offered little shade. I found myself darting between patches of shadow to keep cool.
Fort Collins Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Denver: ~1 hour north
- Where to Stay: Armstrong Hotel downtown ($180)
- Where to Eat: Ginger and Baker ($18), The Silver Grill Café ($15, breakfast), Choice City Butcher & Deli ($16)
- Vibe: Colorful, relaxed, college-town energy
- Must-see: CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens, Old Town Square, Horsetooth Reservoir nearby
- Hidden Gems: The Farm at Lee Martinez Park, local breweries (New Belgium, Odell)
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer (July–September) when the gardens are in full bloom
- Cost: Gardens free; meals $15–$20; parking $1/hour downtown
- Hours: Gardens open daily, dawn to dusk
What I loved most about Fort Collins was its balance of laid-back charm and adventurous spirit. To me, it’s one of the best places to visit in Colorado, offering a joyful mix of city fun, outdoor beauty, and community warmth.
Vail Cool Air & Screenlight
When I visited Vail, Colorado, I immediately felt like I had stepped into a European alpine village tucked into the Rockies. About two hours west of Denver, this mountain town is world-famous for skiing but has so much more to offer year-round.
We started in Vail Village, which quickly became my favorite place to wander. The cobblestone streets, Bavarian-style architecture, and cozy cafés created such a joyful atmosphere, and I loved browsing boutiques and stopping for hot chocolate after exploring.
Of course, the skiing here is spectacular. With miles of trails and powdery slopes, Vail is one of the absolute best ski destinations in the world. I spent hours on the mountain, and the views of the surrounding peaks made every run unforgettable.
In the summer, hiking the nearby trails was just as exciting. I especially enjoyed the Booth Falls Trail, where the mix of wildflowers, aspens, and a cascading waterfall felt like discovering a hidden gem in the wilderness.
We also visited the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America. It was peaceful and unusual to see such vibrant plant life flourishing at high altitude, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
My Highlight:
Taking the gondola ride up the mountain ($64 adult and one free child) was unforgettable. From above, the valley spread out like a painting, green slopes rolling into jagged peaks. At the top, the air was cool and thin, and wildflowers dotted the meadows.
A downside? Prices in Vail were high across the board, including meals, lodging, even parking.
Vail Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Denver: ~2 hours west via I-70
- Where to Stay: Sonnenalp ($400), Tivoli Lodge ($250), more affordable options in nearby Avon ($161)
- Where to Eat: Sweet Basil ($45), The Little Diner ($15, breakfast)
- Must-see: Vail Village, gondola ride, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Hidden Gems: Booth Falls Trail, farmers’ market in summer
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing, summer for hiking and wildflowers
- Cost: High; meals $20–$40, lodging premium-priced
- Hours: Gondola 9:30am–4pm in summer; village shops and restaurants vary
What I loved most about Vail was how it perfectly combines luxury, adventure, and charm. To me, it’s one of Colorado’s coolest destinations, offering spectacular mountain experiences in every season.
Delta Time & Riverlight
When I visited Delta, Colorado, I was struck by its quiet charm and welcoming small-town feel. Located in western Colorado along the Gunnison River, about an hour south of Grand Junction, Delta felt like a gateway to both outdoor adventure and local history.
We started at Fort Uncompahgre, a reconstructed fur trading post that gave me a cool glimpse into 19th-century frontier life. Walking through the old-style cabins and hearing stories from interpreters made it one of my favorite stops in town.
I also loved exploring Confluence Park, a hidden gem right in Delta. With its walking trails, lake, and picnic spots, it was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Watching the sunset over the water created a joyful moment I’ll always remember.
For a touch of culture, we visited the Delta County Historical Museum. It was unusual in the best way—filled with artifacts, photographs, and stories that painted a vivid picture of the area’s past. I enjoyed learning how the town grew from its pioneer roots.
One of the highlights nearby was Escalante Canyon, with its red rock cliffs, petroglyphs, and quiet beauty. Hiking there felt like discovering a spectacular slice of Colorado that many travelers overlook.
I spent the night at Riverwood Resort on the Gunnison which had very friendly staff. I noticed that the private, fenced-in patios were a big hit with dog owners.
Plan your Delta family trip
- Drive Time from Grand Junction: ~45 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Peaceful, outdoorsy, local-rooted
- Highlights: Confluence Park, CB’s Tavern, downtown murals, Dominguez-Escalante NCA, Delta County Historical Museum, nearby orchards and farms
- Best Time to Visit: Go in the spring for wildflowers, summer for hiking, fall for apple picking
- Cost: Most attractions free or under $10; meals ~$10–20; easy parking throughout town
- Hours: Parks open daily; restaurants lunch through evening; museum open afternoon hours
What I loved most about Delta was its mix of history, community, and nature. To me, it’s one of Colorado’s underrated destinations, offering both peaceful escapes and cool discoveries for anyone who makes the trip.
Palisade Quiet & Vine-Wrapped Calm
When I visited Palisade, Colorado, I immediately felt the charm of this small town surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Just a few miles east of Grand Junction in the Grand Valley, it’s known as Colorado’s wine country, and the setting was absolutely spectacular with the Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa rising in the background.
We started with a bike ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway, which quickly became my favorite experience. Pedaling past peach orchards, lavender fields, and vineyards was joyful, and stopping at tasting rooms along the way made it even better.
Palisade is famous for its peaches, and I loved sampling them fresh from the farm stands. The sweetness was unlike anything else I’ve tried—it truly felt like a hidden gem of the Colorado harvest.
Another highlight was visiting local wineries. Each stop had its own character, from rustic barns to sleek tasting rooms, and sipping wine while overlooking the vineyards was one of the coolest ways to take in the valley’s beauty.
For outdoor adventure, we explored the Palisade Rim Trail, which offered exciting hikes with views over the Colorado River and valley below. The mix of desert cliffs and green farmland was unforgettable.
My Highlight:
I stood at Carlson Vineyards, looking out over vines heavy with clusters, and thought, “This land feels generous.”
I enjoyed stepping into the tasting room, where sunlight poured through windows onto rustic wood tables. The staff welcomed us with an ease that made the space feel more like a friend’s home than a winery.
The peach wine tasting ($15 flight) was a favorite. Sweet but balanced, it carried the essence of the orchards around us. Each sip reminded me of the summer air, golden and warm, and it felt tied to the land in a way bottled wine rarely does.
A downside? The valley grew hot in the afternoon sun, and shaded spots were limited outside.
Palisade Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Vail: ~3 hours west along I-70
- Where to Stay: Wine Country Inn ($200), Spoke and Vine Motel ($140)
- Where to Eat: Palisade Café 11.0 ($20), Peach Street Distillers food truck ($15)
- Vibe: Relaxed, fruitful, sun-soaked
- Must-see: Carlson Vineyards, local peach orchards, Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway
- Hidden Gems: Riverbend Park, Talbott’s Cider Company
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer (July–September) for peach harvest and full vineyards
- Cost: Wine tastings $10–$20; meals $15–$25; lodging varies seasonally
- Hours: Carlson Vineyards daily 10am–5pm; restaurants vary
What I loved most about Palisade was how it blends agriculture, wine, and community spirit. To me, it’s one of Colorado’s best small-town destinations, offering a joyful mix of flavors, scenery, and authentic experiences.
Loveland Wonder & Easy Joy
We drove north from Denver, about an hour on I-25. The Front Range mountains sat off to the west, steady and blue, while Loveland unfolded in quiet neighborhoods and open fields. By the time we reached Chapungu Sculpture Park, the pace of the city had softened into something more contemplative.
My plan was straightforward: spend time walking among the sculptures, notice how art and landscape worked together, and find a meal nearby that carried a bit of local comfort.
I was struck by how this small city combines natural beauty, art, and a welcoming community vibe. It felt like a joyful mix of mountain charm and creative energy.
I loved exploring downtown Loveland, where historic buildings now hold breweries, boutiques, and cozy cafés. The atmosphere was cool and laid-back, and the murals and galleries gave the area a vibrant creative spirit.
My Highlight:
I stepped into the park, sunlight glinting off stone, and thought, “Art feels different when it belongs to the open air.”
I enjoyed following the winding trails, each turn revealing another Zimbabwean stone carving. Figures of families, animals, and myth carried both weight and grace, blending into the prairie grasses and quiet water features around them.
Standing before the sculpture titled "Mother Protects Child" (free entry) was moving. The smooth stone surface contrasted with the raw emotion it carried, and in the stillness of the park, it felt timeless and deeply human.
Where We Ate: I stopped at Door 222 Food & Drink in downtown Loveland. I ordered Colorado lamb sliders with rosemary aioli and a side of truffle fries. The sliders were tender and savory, with herbs that lingered in each bite.
A downside? The park’s location near a shopping center meant traffic noise occasionally drifted in.
Loveland Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Denver: ~1 hour north via I-25
- Where to Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland ($180), TownePlace Suites ($140)
- Where to Eat: Door 222 Food & Drink ($25), Henry’s Pub ($20)
- Vibe: Reflective, artistic, spacious
- Must-see: Chapungu Sculpture Park, Benson Sculpture Garden, downtown Loveland murals
- Hidden Gems: Devil’s Backbone Open Space, local art galleries
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather; summer evenings for concerts in the park
- Cost: Sculpture park free; meals $15–$25; lodging mid-range
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
What I loved most about Loveland was how it celebrates both nature and creativity. To me, it’s one of Colorado’s underrated destinations, offering a mix of art, outdoor fun, and community warmth that makes every visit memorable.
Canon City Sky & Stone
The wind felt different up there, hot but fast, carrying dust and distance. I stood on the Royal Gorge Bridge, looking down at the Arkansas River cutting deep through the canyon, and thought, “This is what awe feels like without needing words.” The bridge creaked softly beneath my feet, and all I could hear was wind and the call of a raven far below.
What I Loved Most: The space. The quiet that came from standing above something so impossibly wide and deep.
My highlights? A slow afternoon at The Winery At Holy Cross Abbey, where I sat beneath a pergola with a view of the former monastery building. I ordered a small charcuterie plate. The air smelled faintly of sage and sun-warmed brick.
Afterwards I drove through town, windows down. Cañon City had that dry, Western hush.
One downside? I wished I had more time to ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. It's definitely something I plan to do next time when I visit in the summer!
Cañon City Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Colorado Springs: ~1 hour southwest
- Vibe: Dramatic, sunbaked, quiet pride
- Highlights: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, The Abbey Winery, downtown shops, Arkansas Riverwalk Trail
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for milder temps; early summer for full access and golden light
- Cost: Royal Gorge Bridge ~$30 admission; Abbey tasting ~$10–15; free parking at both
- Hours: Royal Gorge Park 10am–7pm in summer; Abbey Winery open late morning to early evening
For outdoor lovers, the area offered so much more—like hiking in Red Canyon Park or rafting down the Arkansas River. Both were thrilling ways to connect with the rugged landscape around town.
What I loved most about Cañon City was how it combined adrenaline-pumping attractions with community charm. To me, it’s one of Colorado’s underrated destinations, perfect for anyone seeking both spectacular scenery and a welcoming atmosphere.
Morrison Sunset & Stone
When I visited Morrison, Colorado, I was struck by how this small foothills town packs in so much charm and history. Just 25 minutes west of Denver, it felt like one of the coolest hidden gems along the Front Range.
We started at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, which was easily my favorite part of the trip. Walking among the massive red sandstone formations during the day was spectacular, but seeing a concert there at night was unforgettable—the natural acoustics and scenery created pure magic.
In town, I loved exploring Morrison’s quaint Main Street, filled with rustic restaurants, antique shops, and cozy cafés. The joyful small-town atmosphere made it the perfect place to relax after hiking or a show.
Another highlight was visiting Dinosaur Ridge just outside Morrison. Walking the trail past real dinosaur tracks and fossils felt unusual and exciting, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the area’s prehistoric history.
For outdoor adventure, we explored nearby trails in Bear Creek Lake Park, where hiking and biking came with spectacular mountain and lake views. It was a peaceful balance to the energy of Red Rocks.
Morrison Travel Tips
- Drive Time from Denver: ~30 minutes southwest
- Vibe: Earthy, historic, tucked-in
- Highlights: The Fort restaurant, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison Natural History Museum, Bear Creek Trail
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for patio dining and Red Rocks events
- Cost: Dinner ~$25–45; free to explore town; Red Rocks and museum tickets vary
- Hours: The Fort open for dinner; local shops and museums generally 10am–5pm
What I loved most about Morrison was how it blends music, history, and nature all in one spot. To me, it’s one of Colorado’s most underrated destinations—small in size but overflowing with cool experiences.
Conclusion:
After exploring these places, I realized just how diverse and spectacular Colorado truly is. Each destination offered its own personality, from big-city culture to hidden mountain gems, making the state feel like a dream for travelers of all kinds.
I loved how Denver and Fort Collins blended vibrant urban life with art, breweries, and cool neighborhoods, while Colorado Springs and Cañon City amazed me with their spectacular natural landmarks like Garden of the Gods and the Royal Gorge. Mountain towns like Steamboat Springs and Vail offered year-round adventure, from skiing to hiking to soaking in hot springs, while places like Palisade and Delta highlighted Colorado’s agricultural side with peaches, wine, and history.
Loveland and Morrison stood out as joyful, creative gems, where art, music, and nature all came together in unique ways. Each stop reminded me that Colorado isn’t just about the Rockies—it’s about the communities and experiences that make the journey unforgettable.
For me, these ten places proved that Colorado is one of the coolest and most exciting states to explore. Whether you’re chasing outdoor adventure, cultural treasures, or small-town charm, every corner offers something special—and every trip leaves you wanting to come back for more.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
