29 Best Places to Visit in Colorado - The Planet D
It is no exaggeration to say that there are hundreds of amazing places to visit in Colorado. Colorado is an incredible US destination, with some of the best outdoor activities. You could head to a mountain town and enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Or, head to one of Colorado's amazing cities. Colorado has plenty of cultural activities as well.
Places to Visit in Colorado
So, where are the best places to visit in Colorado? Sure, visit famous destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, but this guide includes a mix of the popular and lesser-known. We'll introduce you to the top 29 places to visit in Colorado – let's dive straight in.
Best Cities to Visit in Colorado
Colorado has some fantastic cities. If you want a taste of culture and inner-city action, this section will provide you with many choices. Colorado has a city for you, whether you want a historic downtown or a stunning backdrop of mountain peaks.
Most of the places on our list are cities, but there is a charming town or two that we've snuck in. Keep an eye out for them; they were just too beautiful to not include.
1. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is easily one of the most popular places to visit in Colorado. The city lies between Rocky Mountain National Park and Pike National Park, and it is full of exciting things to do and see. I spent a summer there training at the Broadmoor World Arena. What a summer that was to remember. I have loved visiting Colorado ever since.
You'll find attractions like the Fine Arts Center and Penrose Heritage Museum in the city center. On the outskirts of Colorado Springs is the Ghost Town Museum which is a modeled old mining town, and tourist attraction. While just outside the city, there are plenty of outdoor and cultural attractions.
When visiting Colorado Springs, don't miss out on the Garden of the Gods. This 1,300-acre sandstone reserve is home to endless miles of trails and rock formations. Located just six miles outside the city center, it is an entry-level way to experience the great outdoors without visiting a national park. This tour takes you in an open air jeep to the Garden of the Gods, Helen Hunt Falls, Cheyenne and more.
A hot air balloon ride at sunrise is a beautiful way to wake up to the Colorado landscape. See the sun rise over views of Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and other Colorado wonders. 
2. Denver
Denver (aka Mile High City) is the most cultural and historical city to visit in Colorado. The city is the state capital and dates back to the Old West era, meaning there are plenty of historic buildings and stories to discover. Take a food tour to sample five tastings as you learn of Denver's wild west history and pass many of its iconic sites like 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 – the home ground of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. As tempting as it is, spread your wings further than Downtown Denver. Further south, you'll find attractions like Stranahan's Whiskey Distillery, which makes a great afternoon activity.
Denver is one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Read more: 24 Best Things to do in Denver
Where to Stay in Denver
These are just a few suggestions for where to stay in Denver. Make sure to check out our full guide on Where to Stay in Denver – Best Neighborhoods and areas for a full breakdown of all the top areas to base yourself.
3. Grand Junction
Grand Junction is primarily known for one thing – wine. The city sits in Western Colorado, right next to the Utah border. It is surrounded by vast, dry green space, utilized mostly for wine production.
Wine tasting is a must when visiting the city. There are around 20 local wineries specializing in different grape varieties, perfect for a boozy weekend with friends or family. However, the city is not just a place to drink. Museum of the West, Eureka! McConnell Science Museum and Western Colorado Botanical Gardens are all brilliant attractions. The city is a short drive away from a pumpkin patch and corn maze, so keep it in mind as a Halloween destination.
Grand Junction is an excellent base in Western Colorado and ideal if you want a small, regional city experience. The best way to visit Colorado is on a road trip. Check RentalCars.com for price comparisons.
4. Durango
Durango is a culture-packed city on the Colorado/New Mexico border. It is a fascinating place to visit in Colorado, thanks to its nature preserves, and ancient history. Its location on the Southern Colorado border makes it a perfect stopover on an interstate road trip. Plus, you'll be within driving distance of San Juan Forest and multiple national parks.
You can easily use the city as a base to explore Mesa Verde National Park, which is home to over 2,500 archeological sites. You can book tours that include transfers from the city center or rent a car and explore independently. The park is only a forty-minute drive from the city center, so it is a straightforward journey.
Durango's history of production and industrial activity also means lots of fun and educational tourist activities. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a beautifully restored steam train that visitors can take a scenic ride on through the surrounding countryside. The Powerhouse Science Center is also a fun but educational attraction in Durango.
5. Estes Park
Remember us mentioning that we've included a town in our list of best cities? Well, Estes Park is the town that made us bend the rules.
Estes Park is the most romantic of our places to visit in Colorado. The town is surrounded by mountain peaks and almost enveloped by Rocky Mountain National Park. It has hiking and biking trails heading in all directions – perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Colorado's nature.
As a base to explore the Rocky Mountains as well, the town rivals even Denver and Boulder. It is just an 8-minute drive from the town center to the national park.
The town has lots to do, including a number of photogenic ruins, an aerial tramway, and a scenic drive called the Peak to Peak Byway. You could very easily spend three or more days in Estes Park, which is impressive for a town of its size.
6. Steamboat Springs
Do you love winter sports? If so, Steamboat Springs is one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Steamboat Springs is also highly accessible, and the city has its own airport, meaning no long transfers or stressful car rentals.
The city sits in Northern Colorado, in Yampa Valley. It is famous for cross-country skiing and is home to Howelsen Hill Ski Area and (if you want to splash out) Steamboat Ski Resort. The city has incredible snow quality in the winter, and visitors rush to try out the slopes.
Another draw of the city is its hot springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs are perfect for bathing – come summer or winter. When you aren't zipping down ski slopes, you can relax and soothe those worn-out muscles.
Old Town Hot Springs has slides and artificially treated pools for a more enjoyable experience. While Strawberry Park has mineral pools in a natural setting surrounded by pine trees and beautiful scenery.
7. Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is another town that has wriggled its way onto our list. Located in Southern Colorado, Pagosa Springs is also a fantastic destination if you want to visit hot springs in Colorado. You can visit an upscale spa or the public springs named Nathan's Hippy Dip Hot Springs. The public springs are entirely free – perfect for those on a budget or wanting a less commercialized experience.
Pagosa Springs is also surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, and you can see the mountain peaks on the horizon. It is an excellent base for exploring the San Juan Mountains, and if you rent a car, it is easy to drive to the mountains on a day trip.
Pagosa Springs is a great place to visit in Colorado if you want an off-the-beaten-track experience. The town has all the facilities for a comfortable stay but all the charm of a quiet atmosphere.
8. Crested Butte
Crested Butte is an exciting yet peaceful destination in Colorado. Like Estes Park, Crested Butte comes into its own every winter. The town comes alive with skiers and busy slopes, and even Nordic ski routes dotted around the town itself. Jot it down as a top contender for a winter adventure in Colorado.
Throughout the rest of the year, the popular skiing areas become popular for mountain biking instead. Similarly, the snow melting welcomes hikers looking to explore the mountains and alpine-like meadows. There are also scenic drives like the Historic Byway, which passes areas of natural beauty like Kebler Pass, which is not accessible to most vehicles after a snowfall. You can even visit Gunnison National Forest, a stunning area of nearly 1.7 million acres of protected flora and fauna.
Crested Butte is a place to visit for a quiet atmosphere, surrounded by nature. And in winter, it is the perfect destination for snow sports.
9. Aspen
Aspen is famous for many reasons. The city is home to film festivals, winter sports, and more hiking and biking trails than you've had hot dinners. Aspen also attracts an elite crowd. It is Aspen that you'll see celebrities posting videos and holiday pictures on Instagram. If you want to join the crowds, Aspen is a cool, trendy place to be.
Aspen is a charming mountain town mostly made up of a very successful ski resort. It has a resort town feel, and in winter, Aspen is overrun with skiers wearing all the latest gear. While much busier than Crested Butte or Estes Park, Aspen has an addictive buzz. If you want a party atmosphere and excellent hospitality, look no further.
Aspen is one of the best places to visit in Colorado for a busy resort feel. Aspen is where to visit if you want to splash out on expensive meals and fancy drinks. Read more at 16 Best Things to do in Aspen, Colorado
Where to Stay in Aspen
If you are looking for accommodation, here are a few suggestions for different budgets.
10. Fort Collins
Photo by Citycommunications at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fancy exploring Northern Colorado? Fort Collins is the city to choose. The city is located just under the border with Wyoming – great for an interstate road trip or just a chance to explore the most Northern areas of Colorado.
Fort Collins is a historical destination with a wonderful Old Town that still features houses from the 1800s. Around the Old Town, you'll also find a few quality attractions, including the Global Village Museum of Arts and Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Otherwise, Fort Collins has plenty of city-typical activities like Lee Martinez Community Park and an urban trampoline park.
Fort Collins is an exciting city with a balanced variety of things to do.
11. Boulder
Boulder is a major city. Chances are, you've heard of it already. But, if not, know that it is a reasonably large city surrounded by mountains. Thanks to its fantastic location, it is one of the best bases to explore the Rocky Mountains and indulge in Colorado's outdoor activities. Yet Boulder also has that big city vibe, with plenty of character and buzz to keep you entertained day and night.
If you are lucky, you'll find accommodation with mountain views. The Flatiron Mountains make up the long ridge you see from various points in the city. The Rockies are on the opposite side of Boulder and harder to spot, but you might get lucky with a Rockies view depending on where you stay.
Boulder Creek cuts through the city, and you can easily venture for a day of fly fishing on the river. Alternatively, head to Pearl Street Mall for a shopping day or one of Boulder's many museums. Fiske Planetarium is another fun attraction and has live talks and concerts about stars, space, and NASA-related events.
This guided e-biking ride takes you through the highlights of Boulder in safety and comfort. See Wonderland Lake, historic Pearl Street, CU Boulder's campus, the iconic Flatirons, Boulder Creek and more.
12. Grand Lake
Grand Lake is a small town on the shores of a freshwater lake. When we say tiny, we mean it, and the population hovers at around 400 permanent residents. Grand Lake is a great candidate for a quaint holiday in the wilderness. It is packed with water activities, and you can spend your day kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming.
Grand Lake is one of the best places to visit in Colorado for peace and quiet. It is also only a short drive down Trail Ridge Road to reach busier towns like Granby if you begin to crave more buzz. The town also has lots of history, and the Kauffman House Museum is a testament to Grand Lake's past life as an old mining town.
Grand Lake isn't touristy and still has an untouched, relaxing atmosphere. If you want to unwind and relax, it is easily one of the most peaceful places to visit in Colorado.
Best National Parks to Visit in Colorado
National parks are some of the best places to visit in Colorado. If your idea of a day well spent is outdoors, you should choose one of Colorado's national parks. The parks have fantastic hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities.
Colorado's national parks are excellent places for outdoor activities. Ready for some outdoor adventures and natural beauty? Grab your hiking boots and take a look at these best places to visit in Colorado.
13. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sand Dunes National Park is exactly what you are picturing. The great sand dunes tower in waves across the center of the national park, and they are the tallest sand dunes in North America. The effect is dramatic, and Sand Dunes National Park is easily one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Make sure to find Medano Creek too, which cuts through the dunes and is perfect for paddling.
Of course, the national park isn't just made up of great sand dunes. You'll find the great sand dunes surrounded by alpine scenery and flora-covered mountains. When you've seen the dunes, you can continue your adventure on the many mountain bike trails and scenic hikes. The contrasting scenery makes the park even more impressive.
14. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Colorado. Not only is the scenery beautiful enough to impress even the most seasoned travelers, but it is also exceptionally historically significant.
Mesa Verde is the site of many Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and protected archaeological sights. The most famous dwelling is Cliff Palace. Experts estimate that Cliff Palace was constructed between 1190 and 1260, making it an incredible historical trip when visiting Colorado. The sight of Cliff Palace is something to be in awe of, and the ruins are sunk into a dramatic cliff face. Definitely remember to bring a camera.
If you love history and want a national park that offers more than just nature, Mesa Verde National Park is a fabulous option. The historical and archaeological attractions make visiting Mesa Verde even more rewarding.