7 Top Cities To Visit in Colorado

If you’ve ever lived in or visited Colorado, you know that this state has everything. It’s easy to get caught up in the natural beauty of mountain ranges, rolling prairies, and sprawling deserts, but what about the rich and diverse cities of Colorado? From quaint and historic mountain towns to urban wonderlands bursting with culture, the cities of Colorado have something for every traveler. If you’re planning a visit to Colorado soon, make sure you take the time to explore the fantastic museums, festivals, eateries, and shopping opportunities in the cities you pass through. If you have the privilege of living in the great Centennial State, get to know your home a little better by taking a day trip to one of these top cities to visit in Colorado.

Golden

When you’re in Colorado, you’re never far from a gorgeous mountain town. That said, there are many reasons why Golden stands out among others of its kind. With a historic downtown that dates back to the gold rush and stunning mountain views in every direction, Golden is a picturesque mountain town. Its relatively low elevation and proximity to Denver make Golden wonderfully accessible to visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts will love rafting or kayaking on the river that flows through downtown, history buffs will get their kicks at Buffalo Bill’s Grave, and everyone can enjoy the shops, eateries, and friendly faces that fill the town. Did we mention you can also take the Coors Tour to experience the city and the Coors Brewery? The city of Golden truly has something for everybody.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is one of the most iconic locations in the entire state. As the second largest city in Colorado, the Springs is overflowing with attractions and activities for every visitor. Even locals who have lived here for years can still find something new to do on a sunny day off. If it’s your first time, you can start by visiting the summit of the iconic Pikes Peak or exploring the intriguing sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods. Families will love spending a day in the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Colorado Springs is also home to several fascinating historical and cultural attractions, including the Pioneer Museum, the Olympic Training Center, and the Air Force Academy.

Denver

Of course, no list of the top cities to visit in Colorado would be complete without our fun and fashionable capital city. The Mile High City is a colorful urban sprawl of art galleries, museums, shopping opportunities, restaurants, and thrilling nightlife. Set against a beautiful backdrop of the Front Range, Denver also has plenty of fun in store for nature lovers. One of the best ways to spend a sunny day is to explore the scenic parks and paths across the city by bike or on foot. Dive into the city’s cultural center by spending a day in the Golden Triangle Museum District, where you’ll find eight of the city’s best museums as well as the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Denver also acts as the perfect jumping-off point for the rest of the Rocky Mountains. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the metropolis, it’s a short drive to several nearby access points to the Rockies.

Telluride

If you’re looking for a luxurious, picturesque, world-class getaway, Telluride is the place to go. No matter what time of year it is, this top-rated ski town is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. During the winter ski season, visitors flock to Telluride to spend time on the surrounding slopes. With over 2000 skiable acres, beginners and experts alike can enjoy themselves out on the snow-covered mountainsides. When skiing isn’t an option, Telluride still shines as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and art aficionados alike. You can explore endless trails throughout the gorgeous landscape. If you’re looking for something more thrilling than hiking, check out the area’s rafting, rock climbing, and paragliding opportunities. Meanwhile, the town itself hosts myriad food, music, and film events throughout the year, including the iconic Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Film Festival.

Grand Junction

Grand Junction sits at the grand junction of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. It’s the largest city in Colorado’s Western Slope region, and it has the beautiful views, bustling downtown, and brilliant attractions to prove it. The area is full of incredible places that locals and visitors alike will enjoy, including Colorado National Monument, which preserves a stunning and iconic landscape of the Old West. Adventure lovers can spend their time in Grand Junction exploring hiking and biking trails, soaring down rivers in rafts and kayaks, and climbing the area’s marvelous red rock formations. The city itself is a hub of commerce and transportation, which means business is booming. Take a stroll down Main Street to explore the endless shops and restaurants. Wine lovers can also take a tour of the 22 wineries spread throughout the city.

Durango

This jewel of southwestern Colorado is a year-round attraction. Durango is home to the iconic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where visitors can take a scenic journey through the surrounding mountains and forests. The city also has an incredible art scene with myriad galleries, live theater venues, and more. Durango is also conveniently located near some of the most incredible natural and cultural destinations in the state, including breathtaking parks, historical attractions, and thousands of preserved archaeological sites. The city is a great jumping-off point to visit famous attractions like Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Canyon, Chimney Rock, and the Weminuche Wilderness.

Fort Collins

Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies in the northern part of the state, Fort Collins combines fascinating history with the vibrance of a student population. The city offers a diverse range of attractions to suit any visitor. Live music venues, lively bars, and delicious eateries make for an incredible night out on the town. Meanwhile, the quaint charm of Old Town is a great way to experience the area’s history and legacy. The surrounding region is full of outdoor paradises, including the breathtaking Horsetooth Reservoir and Cache la Poudre River Canyon. If you want a more domestic glimpse of the natural beauty of the area, check out the colorful Gardens on Spring Creek, where you can explore botanic and butterfly gardens at your leisure.

What will you see first when you start touring Colorado’s greatest cities? No matter where you travel in our incredible state, make sure you’re repping your Colorado pride with our fun and fabulous Colorado flag t-shirts. Pick up a souvenir or stock up on your favorite accessories by browsing the collections at YoColorado today.