18 Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado + Where to Stay

Looking for the best weekend getaways in Colorado? Our guide to planning the perfect weekend includes things to do, where to stay and where to eat!

From having the best ski resorts, scenic mountains, beautiful hot springs, and a plethora of outdoor activities, Colorado is a dream destination to explore! Here are 18 places in Colorado you need to visit.

Best Colorado Weekend Getaways

Telluride

Telluride, Colorado is a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

What to Do in Telluride

Telluride Ski Resort has amazing lift-serviced terrain where you can enjoy hikes too. If you love adventures, Mountain Village Gondola is your place; take a gondola ride and enjoy those spectacular views.

If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to entertain yourself with several festivals like Hot Air Balloon Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Ride Festival.

Where to Eat in Telluride

If you are looking for affordable options, Brown Dog Pizza, Siam, and Floradora Saloon are good options. If you are feeling fancy, Cosmopolitan and Chop House Restaurant are excellent fine dining restaurants.

Best Colorado Weekend Getaways

Read more: Telluride, Colorado Travel Guide & Packing Tips

Breckenridge

If you live and breathe skiing, then Breckenridge is the perfect place for you.

What to Do in Breckenridge

Festivals like the Breckenridge Festival of Film and Ullr Fest are popular things to do in Breckenridge. For families, Breckenridge Gondola is a great place to book a gondola ride to enjoy serene and scenic views.

Where to Eat in Breckenridge

Hearthstone Restaurant and Twist serve fantastic food in a beautiful ambiance.

Read more: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Colorado Springs

What to Do in Colorado Springs

In Colorado springs, you can find numerous outdoor activities or choose to explore the city’s local attractions. Visit Garden of the Gods for beautiful views, rock formations with hiking trails, and much more.

Who doesn’t love the zoo? Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a great place to interact and hand-feed numerous animals.

Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado + Where to Stay

Where to Eat in Colorado Springs

Urban Egg and Mountain Shadows Restaurant are excellent eateries. Marigold Cafe & Bakery and Amy’s Donuts are delicious spots for dessert.

Read more: Best Weekend Getaways in Washington State

Aspen

What to Do in Aspen

Known for its mountain ranges, Aspen has many forests in which you can spend your weekend camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and witnessing spectacular views. Visit the Maroon Bells for its picturesque views, hikes in Aspen highlands, or skiing in winter.

Maroon Bells Colorado Weekend Getaway

Where to Eat in Aspen

Aspen offers plenty of great places to eat. Ellina Restaurant and Acquolina Trattoria & Pizzeria serve Italian, fast food, and vegan food.

Read more: Best Weekend Getaways in Oregon

Durango

Positioned near the San Juan National Forest, Durango is a perfect destination to enjoy skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trails with a view.

What to Do in Durango

Love biking? Durango has many trails for mountain biking, and the experience is worth every penny. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, is a famous all-year tourist attraction offering train rides around this scenic valley.

San Juan Mountains Colorado Weekend Trips

Where to Eat in Durango

Derailed Pour House offers the best food, drinks, bartender vibes, and an amazing atmosphere.

Estes Park

Estes park is one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado.

What to Do in Estes Park

Get a reservation at Lake Estes Marina and enjoy water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boat rides. Hiking and camping in Rocky Mountain National Park should also be at the top of your list.

Or explore Estes Park’s downtown area, wander around doing window shopping, and buy souvenirs.

Where to Eat in Estes Park

Several wineries and restaurants serve different cuisines, like Kind Coffee, Mountain Home Cafe, and Himalayan Curry & Kebob.

Read more: Budget-Friendly USA Winter Vacations

Boulder

Boulder is a city in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It’s known for its many outdoor activities, breweries, excellent dining, a vibrant downtown, and 300 days a year of sunshine!

What to Do in Boulder

Pearl Street Mall, situated in the heart of Boulder, is a lovely outdoor pedestrian-friendly mall with extraordinary sculptures and views of mountains in the distance.

The Flatirons rock formation is Boulder’s prominent visitor attraction. This town is also a rock climber’s hotspot.

Flatirons Rock in Boulder Colorado

Other top things to do include: brewery hopping, visit Chautauqua Park, hike Eldorado Canyon State Park, and stop by Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art.

Where to Eat in Boulder

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is a great spot for breakfast or brunches. Oak at Fourteenth and Buff Restaurant are popular spots as well.

Denver

The Capital of Colorado is a must-visit, full of activities for a weekend of fun!

What to Do in Denver

If you are planning a getaway with your family, spend an afternoon at the Denver Zoo or the Downtown Aquarium. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is another must if you’re traveling with kids.

Union Station Denver Colorado Weekend Trips

The Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Denver Botanic Gardens are worth a visit for museum lovers.

There are tons of hiking trails to offer as well. I also highly recommend planning your trip around a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre!

Where to Eat in Denver

Denver is a foodie hotspot with tons of great restaurants. City, O’ City (vegetarian), Hop Alley and The Black Shirt Brewing Co should be at the top of your list.

Read more: The Best Weekend Getaways in the USA

Vail

Vail is widely known as a ski resort town, but there’s so much more it has to offer!

What to Do in Vail

Visit Vail Mountain, one of the best ski mountains with breathtaking snow-capped mountain views. Can’t ski? Go down a zip line at Epic Discovery.

As a summer destination, it’s the perfect outdoor getaway with river rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Or just explore and smell the beautiful scent of roses at The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Where to Eat in Vail

Try Mountain Standard, Westside Cafe & Market, or Moe’s Original BBQ for some of the best eats in Vail.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a paradise on earth; a perfect getaway for a romantic date or a trip with friends or family.

What to Do Glenwood Springs

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, soak in the hot springs to let go of all your worries, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.

Head to the gorgeous Hanging Lake to view a rare travertine geological formation (make reservations in advance), ride a bike along the Colorado River or explore the downtown area. You can also visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park to explore some caves!

Where to Eat in Glenwood Springs

To enjoy a mix of cuisine, check out Slope & Hatch and The Pullman.

Read more: Must-Know Tips for Taking a Road Trip in the USA

Ouray

Known as the Switzerland of America and situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Ouray is a high alpine small town that’s perfect for a weekend getaway!

What to Do in Ouray

Cute main streets are perfect if you want to stroll around and shop. Other top things to do include: Ouray Ice Park (to learn how to ice climb!), Cascade Falls Park, Ouray Alchemist Museum & Penthouse, and Ouray Hot Springs.

Where to Eat in Ouray

Gold Belt Bar & Grill and Outlaw Restaurant are delectable dine-in options. Go for dessert at Mouses Chocolates & Coffee to end the night.

Read more: Affordable Beach Destinations in the USA

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is a pedestrian-friendly town with historical buildings, stunning mountain views, skiing in the winter, and outdoor activities in the summer.

What to Do in Crested Butte

Take a drive along Kebler Pass, a mountain highway that connects Crested Butte with Paonia. This scenic drive has one of the largest aspen groves! There are also a couple of lakes that offer camping and fishing.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort is your place if you are here for skiing. Other activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking, golfing, and festivals and events like the Crested Butte Arts Festival.

Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado + Where to Stay

Where to Eat in Crested Butte

If you love authentic Italian food, Secret Stash or Brick Oven Pizzeria & Pub are the best ones to visit.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is the perfect Colorado getaway for a weekend of pampering and outdoor activities.

What to Do in ‌Steamboat Springs

Surrounded by mountains, this town is yet another ideal place for skiing; make sure to visit Steamboat Ski Resort. What to do on a summer day? Head to Fish Creek Falls for a perfect hike and witness the most beautiful falls. It’s even more stunning in the fall with the most beautiful colors!

Where to Eat in ‌Steamboat Springs

Have a delicious meal at Creekside Cafe & Grill or Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill. From steaks to vegan food, they have it all.

Read more: 10 Stunning Overwater Bungalows Near the USA

Grand Junction

Grand Junction is the heart of Colorado wine country. If you are fond of sports and want to do something other than hiking, this city hosts several football events, annual bike races, and baseball tournaments.

What to Do in Grand Junction

To watch some exciting performances, head to Avalon Theatre. Want to plan a picnic with kids? Canyon View Park is a must-do; your kids will love it!

For the best wineries and vineyards in Grand Junction, check out Two Rivers Winery, Whitewater Hill Vineyards, Graystone Winery, and Desert Sun Vineyards.

Where to Eat in Grand Junction

Bin 707 Foodbar is a foodie heaven in Grand Junction with excellent service. Other options include 626 on Rood or il Bistro Italiano Restaurant.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is definitely a must-see when you’re in Colorado.

What to Do in Garden of the Gods

Top hiking trails in Garden of the Gods include Siamese Twin Trail, Perkins Central Garden Trail and The Ridge Trail. The beautiful vistas, geologic formations, and the rock formations are enough to keep you coming back.

Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado + Where to Stay

Where to Eat in Garden of the Gods

Garden of the God’s Market & Cafe serves fresh and delicious food in good portions with wonderful service.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs, also known as Dunton, is as unique as it gets; a restored 1800’s ghost town set in a beautiful alpine valley.

What to Do in Dunton Hot Springs

Besides getting pampered at the spa and soaking in the luxurious hot springs, other adventures including hiking, biking, heli-skiing, and onsite ice climbing. If you’re not staying at Dunton Hot Springs overnight, they also offer day passes.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins has a relaxed college-town vibe and a plethora of outdoor activity options.

What to Do in Fort Collins

Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir are great places for mountain biking and hiking. You can also swim, fish, go horseback riding, or just set a camp with your friends to enjoy the vibes. If you love history, with a side of delicious pizza, head to Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum.

Horsetooth Reservoir Fort Collins Colorado Weekend Getaway

Where to Eat in Fort Collins

For homestyle cooking at its best, head to Silver Grill Cafe. In Old Town Fort Collins, check out Social for tapas and cocktails.

Manitou Springs

Situated between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a historic town in El Paso County, Colorado.

What to Do in Manitou Springs

Looking for beautiful vistas and historic buildings? Manitou Springs Historic District has it all. If you are looking for a great workout, head to Manitou Incline, one of Colorado’s most popular hiking trails with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than one mile.

You can also visit local attractions, such as the Miramont Castle Museum for castle tours and tea or Cave of the Winds for cave tours, rides and attractions.

Where to Eat in Manitou Springs

Head to The Sahara Cafe for delicious mediterranean food or Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant for fondue!

 
Plan Your Trip

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Flights: Going is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.

Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which we’ve used for the past 8 years.

The post 18 Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado + Where to Stay appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Share: