One of the best lifestyle aspects of living in the Denver metro area is being only a short trip away from several staycation destinations.
Whether you’re looking to escape into the Rocky Mountains and enjoy the abundant outdoor recreational activities Colorado has to offer or relax and unwind, Colorado has something for everyone.
With the summer quickly approaching and Memorial Day Weekend only days away, now is a great time to start planning a trip in the state. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let Colorado enchant you with its endless possibilities. Here are a few of our recommendations for unforgettable experiences in Colorado.
Estes Park
Estes Park has an abundance of activities to make for a perfect getaway.
Among its most popular offerings include Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers 415 square miles of beautiful mountain views and hiking trails. The area is also home to the iconic Stanley Hotel which famously served as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” The hotel includes a bar, tours, and stays.
Other places to explore in Estes Park include the area’s downtown that features local stores, restaurants, and much more.
Keystone
While we are at the end for ski season, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family in Keystone.
The area is perfect for mountain biking during the summer, horseback riding on Soda Ridge, and scenic gondola rides to the top of Keystone Mountain for views. Golfers can also find joy in Keystone at Keystone Resort, one of the country’s most respected golf destinations.
In general, Keystone Resort is a fun place to stay for families with children and is a short drive from Lake Dillon, a perfect place for kayaking, sailing, and other water activities.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a great destination for those who love the outdoors. Known for the Manitou Incline, which offers 2,744 steps of elevation, Manitou Springs is a charming small town.
Manitou Springs offers cold-water mineral springs all throughout the town, giving visitors the chance to enjoy fresh mountain water. You can also enjoy time at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and two museums that showcase cultural displays overlooking the town of Manitou Springs.
The area is nestled between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak and offers dozens of locally owned restaurants and cabins for a mountain getaway.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is more than just a ski town. It’s a place where families can make memorable summer memories in an area of Colorado where the temperature is just right.
There are several family friendly hiking trails in the area like at Trollstigen Trail, Sallie Barber Mine Trail, Spruce Creek Loop, and other options. Breckenridge also offers hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails and Epic Discovery, a mountain top fun park that hosts families all summer.
Outside of food and breweries, Breckenridge also offers indoor fun at escape rooms, Breckenridge Creative Arts, which offers classes, and more to residents, and Eclipse Theater, the area’s only movie theater.
Alamosa and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Located near Alamosa, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers the highest mountains of sand in the country. While offering worthwhile views, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is nestled in between the San Juan Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering picnicking, hiking and camping opportunities.
Alamosa’s downtown area is home to 35 different restaurants that offer diverse types of food, including authentic Mexican, Thai and classic American dishes. For those who love history, the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center showcase the town’s original adobe buildings.
Alamosa is also home to hot springs like the Splashland Hot Springs, Sand Dunes Recreation, Joyful Journey Hot Springs, and Valley View Hot Springs.
