Best summer vacation towns in colorado
Summer is here, and if you’re like me, you’re thinking about going on a road trip to somewhere new. Me personally, I’ve been thinking of visiting a few of the best summer vacation towns in Colorado. Have you ever been to that state? It’s gorgeous! And there are so many fun things to do with the whole family — if you have one, that is! (And they are always cool places to visit with friends too!)
When most people plan a summer vacation, they think of someplace warm and relaxing to forget about work for a couple weeks. The problem is when you’re trying to decide where in the US to go. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the list to the best places in Colorado to spend your summer vacation.
Colorado is a mountainous state of the United States that has become a popular tourist destination. Due to its local attractions, picturesque natural environment and a wide range of ski resorts, people come in flocks to visit this state. Each year, thousands of people visit Colorado for various reasons – be it for a family vacation, business trip or official errand. If you’re planning to join the crowd and visit Colorado soon, you might be interested in seeing some popular vacation towns in Colorado.
Colorado is a great place to visit, and it’s even better when you know where to go. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best summer vacation towns in Colorado.
Vail
Vail is an iconic Colorado mountain town that, although it can get crowded during the summer, is still one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world. The town offers skiing, hiking, and biking opportunities for everyone from beginners to professional athletes. It also has some great shopping spots for those who want to pick up some souvenirs!
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is another popular summer vacation spot for tourists and locals alike. Situated along the Yampa River in northwest Colorado (about a 3-hour drive from Denver), Steamboat Springs offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and rafting. The town also has several museums that house historical artifacts from early settlers who first came to this area in 1876.
Summer is on its way, and that means it’s time to start thinking about vacation. If you’re looking for a place with gorgeous weather, a ton of outdoor activities, and a little bit of history, Colorado is the place for you.
Here are our top three picks for best summer vacation towns in Colorado:
- Estes Park – Estes Park is a town at the base of the Rocky Mountains with plenty of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. You can also visit the Stanley Hotel, which was where Stephen King wrote The Shining while staying there as an aspiring writer.
- Boulder – Boulder is known for its outdoor activities like hiking and biking (and also as one of America’s most educated cities). It’s also home to Chautauqua Auditorium, which hosts some great concerts every year!
- Denver – Denver is home to the famous Coors Brewery, along with many other breweries that offer tours throughout the city during their peak season (May-September). The city also has an extensive network of trails that makes it easy to explore nature up close.
1. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is the ideal destination for those who love fishing and mountain biking. Even though these are the most popular outdoor adventures, there are a lot more activities you can explore. From hiking, golfing, boating, and horseback riding, your family will never run out of ideas to try during your Colorado summer vacation.
Breckenridge Stables have over one hundred horses to choose from when you want to go horseback riding. Of course, safety is a priority during these horse rides.
For all your boating needs, Lake Dillon has you covered. While at it, you can stop to eat and enjoy some great music at the Tiki Bar or Island Bar and Grill. Also, you can head straight to the 27-hole course if you’re a golf-loving family.
Your Breckenridge family summer vacation can never be complete without exploring the Discovery Fun Park. This place takes you right on top of the mountain, and all your family members can go. With all the fun activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and mini-golfing piled up for you, your day will surely end on a higher note.
On the days you want a little quiet and alone time, you can always drop the kids at the Mountain Top Children’s Museum. Here, they can indulge in several hands-on activities such as building and crafts. Take advantage of the kid’s night out on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as you perhaps go out clubbing and dancing in town to wind off.
2. Colorado Springs
Going on a vacation with kids is never an easy thing. Ideally, you want to go to places where both you and the kids will have fun, a place that can comfortably accommodate your different needs.
Why not try Colorado Springs? It’s one place that offers lots of activities, from biking, golfing, hiking to driving adventures.
Your kids will love visiting the attraction sites in this spot. Take them to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Seven Falls, to mention a few.
Entry to some of these excellent sites is free. You can have fun riding your bikes, watching the circus, ziplining, feeding giraffes, and watching other animals at the zoo.
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While staying in Colorado Springs, you can also take your family to Canon City, a one-hour drive from Colorado Springs. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must-visit amusement park in Canon City. Here, you’ll ride the gondola, go to the theater, and walk the bridge.
3. Beaver Creek
In the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain lies another must-visit family spot, Beaver Creek.
Visiting Beaver Creek in one of your Colorado summer family vacations could be one of your best decisions. It’s the perfect place for reconnecting with nature and bonding with your family members.
The best activity to indulge in during the summer is hiking in the town’s mountains. The Rocky Mountains have several challenging trails, especially for experienced hikers. That said, novices have some access routes they can follow to keep the fun up.
While ascending mountain paths, your family can enjoy spectacular views, mostly dotted with Aspen trees.
Don’t leave without unwinding in the Beaver Creek Village. This cultural village offers plenty, from art performances to exquisite desserts.
4. Aspen/Snowmass Village
Aspen, Colorado, has some of the most attractive sites you can visit with your whole family. Although Aspen is a ski town, it also offers many activities to explore and enjoy as a family in summer.
Do you enjoy biking as a family? Why not go on a biking adventure along the Rio Grande Trail that follows the Roaring Fork River. This trail suits people of all ages, regardless of their biking experience. Even if your family is full of novice bikers, you can still create epic memories.
Aspen has several hiking trails for your family’s hiking adventures. Whether you’re just learning to hike, an intermediate hiker, or an expert, you’ll find trails that befit your level.
From the Snowmass village, you can follow the Ditch Trail all the way to Snowmass Mountain for the novice hike family. The Smuggler Trail is perfect for intermediate hikers, while expert hikers can explore the Ute Trail.
Besides biking and hiking, you can take your family for a ride on the Silver Queen Gondola, looking at those breathtaking views of Aspen town. The free Thursday night concerts at the Snowmass Village should also be on your list.
This town will surely make your Colorado family vacation memorable. Don’t end your vacation without trying the different cuisines from the various restaurants available.
5. Palisade
Palisade is a small town in Colorado, widely known for its vineyards, wineries, and farms, thanks to its mild weather. These are the primary attractions in this town, bringing people from all corners of the world, especially the wineries.
That said, this tiny town also offers a ton of other family fun activities. You can go hiking, climbing, biking, and even fishing here. At the end of the day, when you’re tired and want to relax, you end your day with a glass of freshly brewed wine.
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For your family biking adventures, Palisade town offers a variety of mountain biking trails for riders with different skills. The Palisade Bike Skills Park, for instance, is an ideal location for beginner riders to have some fun. But if you’re used to those adrenaline-pumping descents from mountain biking, take your adventure to the Palisade Rim Trail.
Those who love hiking can visit the Grand Mesa National Forest for all the hiking fun. Mount Garfield is also an excellent spot in Palisade for hiking during the summer season.
Pay to go on a trip to the many wineries available there, orchards to pick your peaches, and to lavender farms for fresh lavenders.
Overall, Palisade is a great summer destination for a family that loves agriculture and being on the farms.