Colorado offers endless places to explore. Discover stunning national parks, charming mountain towns, historic sites, and outdoor adventures year-round. Whether you love hiking, skiing, or sightseeing, Colorado has a destination for every traveler.

For Art, Culture and Many Tour Options

Enjoy urban adventures and stroll down Main Streets on an easy weekend trip.

For Art, Culture and Many Tour Options

© Aaron/stock.adobe.com

Boulder:
Just 30 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder is a super walkable, outdoorsy town known for its Flatirons rock formations, scenic hikes, and a fun, laid-back vibe on Pearl Street.

Denver:
Colorado’s capital and biggest city, Denver blends urban energy with mountain views. Known as the "Mile High City", it’s packed with breweries, museums, and easy access to nature.

Colorado Springs:
About 70 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs is your base for iconic spots like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, with a nice mix of city comforts and outdoor adventures.

For Skiers, Hikers and Outdoor Lovers

Ski snowy slopes and savor fine dining on a romantic winter getaway.

For Skiers, Hikers and Outdoor Lovers

© jdross75/stock.adobe.com

Aspen:
Famous for its world-class skiing, Aspen also shines in summer with hiking, festivals, and luxe mountain vibes. It’s a beautiful mix of outdoor adventure and upscale charm.

Vail:
Known for its European-inspired village and epic slopes, Vail offers year-round alpine fun—from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and mountain biking in summer.

Telluride:
Tucked deep in a box canyon, Telluride feels like a hidden gem with jaw-dropping views, festivals, and a charming, walkable downtown. It’s a dream for both adventurers and chill-seekers.

Breckenridge:
A laid-back mountain town with a rich mining history, Breckenridge offers great skiing, hiking, and a fun Main Street full of shops and breweries. Perfect for year-round exploring.

For Romance in Colorado

Couples have many romantic options: shopping, spas, tours and museums.

For Romance in Colorado

© arinahabich/stock.adobe.com

Littleton:
With its quaint historic downtown, riverfront trails, and cozy restaurants, Littleton is a sweet romantic escape just outside Denver—ideal for strolls, wine nights, and scenic views.

Durango:
Ride the Durango & Silverton train through the mountains, explore charming downtown shops, and cozy up after a day of adventure. Durango blends Old West vibes with romantic mountain magic.

Gunnison:
A peaceful mountain town with wide-open skies, Gunnison is perfect for couples who love quiet hikes, stargazing, and crisp air. Don’t miss a sunset by the Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Greeley:
A quieter city with small-town charm, Greeley offers live music, local wineries, and peaceful parks—ideal for a low-key weekend with someone special.

Creede:
Hidden in the San Juans, Creede is a storybook mountain village with dramatic cliffs, art galleries, and romantic B&Bs. Feels like your own little world.

Ouray:
Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is tailor-made for couples—hot springs, waterfalls, scenic drives, and cozy inns surrounded by rugged peaks.

For a Laid-Back Small Town Adventure

Explore museums and enjoy craft breweries on an affordable small town adventure.

For a Laid-Back Small Town Adventure

© Courtesy of eunikas - Fotolia.com

Glenwood Springs:
Whether you’re soaking in the hot springs or hiking to Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs is perfect for both couples and families—with adventure, relaxation, and riverfront fun all in one place.

Cripple Creek:
This historic mining town offers old-fashioned charm with scenic train rides, gold mine tours, and cozy hotels. Great for a family day trip or a quiet romantic weekend with a Wild West vibe.

Georgetown:
Nestled in the mountains, Georgetown is ideal for a romantic stroll or a fun family ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Its Victorian architecture and lake views seal the charm.

Crested Butte:
Quaint and colorful, Crested Butte is a paradise for outdoor-loving couples and families—wildflowers in summer, skiing in winter, and a downtown full of cozy cafes and local shops.

Trinidad:
An artsy town with historic buildings, galleries, and scenic drives. Trinidad is peaceful and off the beaten path—great for reconnecting, whether you're with kids or just each other.

Buena Vista:
With the Arkansas River, mountain views, and plenty of outdoor activities, Buena Vista is perfect for families and couples alike—whether you're rafting, hiking, or soaking in nearby hot springs.

Thornton:
Just outside Denver, Thornton offers family parks, hiking trails, and convenient access to city and mountains—ideal for relaxed getaways or quick romantic escapes.

Granby:
Near Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby is a cozy base for skiing, fishing, and hiking—a perfect four-season retreat for couples and families alike.

Cortez:
Gateway to Mesa Verde, Cortez blends archaeological sites, desert hikes, and Native American history—great for curious families or couples craving culture and adventure.

Snowmass:
Known for world-class skiing and mountain biking, Snowmass is packed with year-round fun—perfect for active couples and families seeking alpine thrills and scenic relaxation.

Fruita:
A mountain biking mecca, Fruita draws outdoor lovers with red rock trails, rafting, and a friendly downtown vibe—great for families or adventurous couples.

Salida:
Artistic and outdoorsy, Salida offers rafting, hot springs, and a vibrant downtown—perfect for romantic strolls or fun-filled family adventures in the Arkansas River Valley.

For a Family Vacation

Let kids run around in the parks and walk downtown streets on a fun spring weekend.

For a Family Vacation

© Courtesy of Marek - Fotolia.com

Fort Collins:
A college town with a friendly vibe, Fort Collins is great for families—think bike trails, splash parks, hands-on museums, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and breweries with outdoor space.

Colorado Springs:
Perfect for family fun, Colorado Springs has easy access to Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Pikes Peak. Plenty of adventure mixed with relaxing spots for all ages.

Estes Park:
Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is full of wildlife, scenic drives, and easy nature trails. Ride the aerial tramway or explore the shops along the riverwalk.

Grand Junction:
Known for its red rock landscapes and fruit orchards, Grand Junction offers family-friendly hikes in Colorado National Monument and hands-on fun at the children’s museum and botanical gardens.

Golden:
Just west of Denver, Golden is a fun mix of history and nature. Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum, hike along Clear Creek, or tour the Coors Brewery—parents and kids both win.

Montrose:
Close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Montrose invites exploration with hiking, fishing, and small-town charm—great for couples and families seeking hidden gems.

Brighton:
Home to farms, festivals, and wildlife refuges, Brighton offers a relaxing escape for couples and families—just minutes from Denver, but a world apart.

Copper Mountain:
A skier’s dream in winter and a playground in summer, Copper Mountain delivers year-round fun for couples and families—think slopes, bike paths, and alpine lakes.

For a Relaxing Hot Springs Break

Relax in geothermal hot springs after you ski or hike.

For a Relaxing Hot Springs Break

© Courtesy of Carbonbrain - Fotolia.com

Pagosa Springs:
Tucked in the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is perfect for couples—relax in the geothermal hot springs along the river, explore nearby waterfalls, or cozy up in a mountain lodge.

Manitou Springs:
A charming and artsy town at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs offers a romantic mix of natural mineral springs, cute shops, and intimate spa experiences.

Glenwood Springs:
Soak in the famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or the cliffside Iron Mountain Hot Springs. With riverfront dining and canyon views, Glenwood Springs is made for unwinding together.

Discover great Hot Springs in Colorado.

For an Active Adventure Year-Round

Ski powder runs and explore historic streets on a fun winter escape.

For an Active Adventure Year-Round

© Courtesy of Evan Meyer - Fotolia.com

Mesa Verde:
Step into history at Mesa Verde, where families and couples can explore ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and panoramic mesas. A fascinating blend of adventure and cultural discovery.

Morrison:
Charming and close to Denver, Morrison offers Red Rocks concerts, dinosaur trails, and scenic eateries—perfect for a romantic date night or an easy family escape into nature.

Palisade:
Famous for its peach orchards and vineyards, Palisade is a dreamy retreat for couples and families—offering wine tasting, fruit picking, and scenic bike rides through wine country.

Edwards:
Tucked in the Vail Valley, Edwards mixes mountain charm with modern comforts—trails, fly fishing, and riverside dining make it a go-to for adventurous couples and relaxed family getaways.

Longmont:
A mix of charm and creativity, Longmont invites couples and families to explore craft breweries, art galleries, and scenic parks—with mountain views and a relaxed vibe.

Castle Rock:
From outlet shopping and hiking trails to family-friendly parks, Castle Rock blends adventure and comfort—perfect for a weekend getaway or romantic retail escape.

Cañon City:
Home to the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge, Cañon City thrills with ziplining, rafting, and sweeping views—great for adventurous couples and memory-making family trips.

Central City:
Rich in gold rush history, Central City offers casinos, historic tours, and mountain charm—ideal for a nostalgic couples’ escape or a fun-filled family day.

Westminster:
With lakeside trails, butterfly pavilions, and nearby mountain access, Westminster is a suburban gem for families and couples wanting nature, convenience, and relaxation in one spot.

FAQ:

  • Why do people visit Colorado?
    • Outdoor adventurers, skiers, nature lovers, and history buffs return to Colorado year after year for memorable vacations surrounded by spectacular scenery.
  • What are some of the top ski resorts in Colorado?
    • Colorado is famous for its first-class ski resorts, including Aspen, Telluride, and Crested Butte.
  • What cities in Colorado offer cultural attractions?
    • Elegant cities like Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park are packed with museums, galleries, theaters, and dining experiences.
  • Where can I experience Colorado’s natural beauty?
    • You can get back to nature in beautiful state parks, where you can admire everything from towering sand dunes and waterfalls to gushing white water rapids and historic scenic railways.
  • Where can I find a list of the best places to visit in Colorado?

Best Time to Visit Colorado

  • May to October – Warm weather, wildflowers, and ideal conditions for hiking, biking, and mountain adventures.
  • June to August – Peak summer with sunny skies, alpine lakes, and bustling outdoor towns.
  • September to October – Stunning fall foliage in the Rockies with crisp air and fewer crowds.
  • November to April – Snowy season perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain lodge stays.
  • Late September – A beautiful time to catch golden aspens glowing across high-altitude landscapes.


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures with wildflowers blooming at lower elevations. The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs) – A luxurious stay with stunning mountain views. Visit Garden of the Gods – Hike through unique red rock formations.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for hiking, rafting, and festivals. Hotel Jerome (Aspen) – A historic and stylish retreat in the heart of the Rockies. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park – Hike scenic trails and spot wildlife.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning golden aspens. The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park) – A historic and possibly haunted stay near national parks. Drive the Million Dollar Highway – Enjoy breathtaking fall foliage along this iconic route.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and hot springs. The Little Nell (Aspen) – A ski-in/ski-out luxury resort. Ski at Vail, Breckenridge, or Telluride – Experience world-class slopes and après-ski activities.

Map:


Plan Your Trip


Table of Contents: