Colorado is quite the ideal destination if you’re looking to have a quick weekend getaway with family or friends. This beautiful state has no shortage of vacation spots and thrilling activities that you shouldn’t miss. Whether it’s an escape from the city or a simple weekend relaxation that you’re looking for, there’s no place like Colorado.
Why Colorado?
Among the 50 states in the United States, why is Colorado one of the the top tourist choices when thinking about a weekend trip? Perhaps one of the main reasons behind that is how the Centennial State has a little bit of everything—parks, villages, towns, and cities. And of course, the heart-pumping water adventure that you’ll experience only at Royal Gorge rafting. It’s like being away from home without feeling too far away, if that even makes sense.
There are more than enough Colorado vacation spots to experience. Not to mention, of course, the beautiful year-round weather that makes you want to explore everything that the state has to offer. Whether you’re after some outdoor adventure, thrilling watersports, or a fair share of history and culture, Colorado is the place to be.
Feel The Bustle In The Capital City
Being the capital city, Denver can easily be one of your most favorite spots in Colorado. If you don’t feel like conquering rock formations, snowy slopes, or hot springs, you can just settle down in Denver for the weekend and make yourself busy with sporting events, museums, shopping, and concerts. Its trendy and ingenious dining scene isn’t one to miss when you’re in town.
For some outdoor fun, you can check out the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Better yet, bring the kids (if you have any) to the Downtown Aquarium or the Denver Zoo. During summer, another tourist spot to visit is the Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park.
If you want to be at the heartbeat of galleries, shops, and restaurants, book your accommodation near Larimar Square. For the ultimate shopping escapade, don’t forget to stroll along 16th Street Mall.
From Denver, Head Up To Aspen
If you have no plans to stay in Denver the whole weekend, you should consider making a stop in Aspen. Be it the winter or summer, a lot of adventures await you in this beautiful city. It has a plethora of luxurious resorts that you can choose from, not to mention the dining experience that involves top-end restaurants operated by renowned chefs.
Shopping in Aspen is one of its attractions as Main Street is brimming with designer shops and fashionable stores. But one of the main reasons why tourists visit Aspen is because it’s one of the best places to ski. For this reason, the city is home to several ski resorts that offer world-class amenities. If you’re traveling with a group of friends, skiing could be an enjoyable activity to try in Aspen.
Be One With Nature In Glenwood Springs
Sitting at Glenwood Canyon’s western end, Glenwood Springs is also another popular destination in Colorado. If you’ve maximized your stay in Aspen, you should include Glenwood Springs in your weekend itinerary. It’s not going to take much of your limited time going to this historical city since it’ll only take less than an hour to get there if you’re coming from Aspen.
Don’t miss taking a dip in the world’s largest hot springs mineral pool—the Glenwood Hot Springs. After your dip, refresh for a bit and go visit the Glenwood Canyon where you can get a taste of whitewater rafting at the Colorado River. And if rafting wasn’t enough to thrill your bones, there’s a 1,300-foot vertical drop at the Giant Canyon Swing in Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park you could try out.
Fall In Love With The Sweetheart City
To cap off your weekend getaway, you can spend your last day in Colorado’s Sweetheart City, Loveland. Although it’s more or less a three-hour drive from Glenwood Springs, you definitely won’t regret including this romantic city in your trip.
You’re lucky if you happen to end up in this city during Valentine’s Day as you’ll truly love how the locals here go all out in decorating the whole place. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the Coffee Tree or LoCo Artisan Coffee or satisfy your cravings for Southern food at some of their hip and trendy restaurants.
A Weekend To Remember
A quick weekend trip may not be enough to explore everything that Colorado has to offer, but it should at least give you an idea how it is to visit the state. With so many vacation spots and thrilling activities to do, you’ll never get bored each time you’re in town. Aside from Aspen, Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Loveland, there’s more to Colorado than you can ever imagine. So plan your next visit soon and enjoy the state to the fullest.