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Denver is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, historical towns, and unique attractions that make every escape feel like a brand-new venture. From alpine peaks to cultural sites, there are numerous places to visit near Denver that cater to every kind of traveller. Whether you feel like a scenic drive through the mountains, checking out bustling historic downtowns, or taking a refreshing hike through unblemished wilderness, you can easily find it close to the city. The region has so many adventures to offer while still giving you a sense of relaxation, so these places are perfect for weekend getaways or spur-of-the-moment day trips just outside of the city.
10 Places To Visit Near Denver
There are plenty of places to visit near Denver, and they all offer a variety of attractions, from beautiful scenery and history to adventure.
1. Boulder
Photo: Intricate Explorer / Unsplash
Boulder is an active, adventurous city drawing the advantages of both outdoor and urban life on the edge of the dramatic Flatirons. People who love nature can go hiking through the scenic trails that cover miles at Chautauqua Park. Besides, individuals who like culture have an opportunity to visit street performers, and art galleries and have gourmet food along Pearl Street Mall. The University of Colorado located in the town adds youthful energy and its culture all year round. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of finely produced coffee, attend your local market, or trek across some saved wild lands, Boulder is just the right combination of rest and adventure.
Distance From Denver: 48 km
Major Attractions: Flatirons, Pearl Street Mall, hiking trails
2. Estes Park
Photo: Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons
Estes Park is a picturesque mountain town located at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. With breathtaking alpine views, crisp mountain air, and plenty of wildlife, it’s a veritable paradise for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Visitors are free to explore the endless hiking trails or drive the spectacular and fascinating Trail Ridge Road. You could simply stroll downtown by the river and stop into all the quaint shops and cute cafés. For those familiar with the movie “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel may add a little intrigue and wonder to your visit.
Distance From Denver: 105.5 km
Major Attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park, elk sightings
3. Golden
Photo: Gennady Zakharin / Unsplash
Golden offers the romanticism of the Old West combined with present-day experiences and natural beauty just minutes from Denver. Located right along Clear Creek and nestled between the mesas and the mountains, this town has a lot of history – once the capital of the Colorado territory, Golden still retains a preserved downtown and more locations of saloons, galleries, and museums than you can count. Golden is home to the famous Coors Brewery, where you can take free brewery tours with tastings year-round.. Golden contains areas that are easily walkable and attractive, a cultural past, and charm that is worthy of the best places to visit near Denver.
Distance From Denver: 24 km
Major Attractions: Coors Brewery, Clear Creek, historic downtown
4. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Photo: Liveit or livewithit / Wikimedia Commons
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is one of the most recognisable tourist attractions near Denver that combines the natural splendour and the history of music. Located between giant red sandstone rocks, this outdoor arena is the site of many legendary shows and remains on many bucket lists of music enthusiasts. However, Red Rocks is worth a visit even when there is no show on the agenda. One can settle in Heavenly scenic trails, such as Trading Post and Red Rocks Loop, visit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, or just enjoy sites in the plains and mountains.
Distance From Denver: 24.8 km
Major Attractions: Natural amphitheatre, hiking, music history
5. Colorado Springs
Photo: Alexis Gethin / Unsplash
The city of Colorado Springs has a vibrant combination of nature and culture, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit near Denver. Its most-visited attraction, Garden of the Gods, presents towering red rock mountains together with a backdrop picture of Pikes Peak with a snow cap. To climb Pikes Peak, adventure seekers have the option to hike, drive, or ride on the cog railway that offers a scenic view. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will become one of the world’s zoos at high altitude, with families having a good time visiting it.
Distance From Denver: 113.1 km
Major Attractions: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak
6. Georgetown
Photo: Larry George II / Unsplash
Set on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Georgetown is a well-maintained 19th-century mining town that provides a picturesque view of how Colorado used to be. It has Victorian architecture, antique stores, and quaint cafes that run adjacent to downtown and have a gold rush history. One of the greatest attractions near Denver is the Georgetown Loop Railroad, an atmospheric narrow-gauge train ride that meanders through wild mountain vistas and over trestle bridges. During winter, the town turns into a holiday wonder city with lighting during the festival anda race over the frozen lake.
Distance From Denver: 72.4 km
Major Attractions: Georgetown Loop Railroad, mining history
7. Nederland
Photo: Tim McErston / Unsplash
Located at the foothills of the mountains, near the western coast of Boulder is Nederland, a small, wacky town surrounded by incredibly beautiful nature and frequented by free-spirited citizens. It is located alongside Barker Reservoir and is surrounded by forests, making it an ideal getaway unit, especially for people who want to escape the city and adopt a slow life. Each spring the town is home to the much-loved Frozen Dead Guy Days celebration of charmingly bizarre local history. Having a creative atmosphere and harmonious environment, the town of Nederland is one of the most striking and unorthodox places to see near Denver.
Distance From Denver: 74 km
Major Attractions: Frozen Dead Guy Days, mountain scenery
8. Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is an old mountain town which mixes outdoor success, unwind, and a past rich in gold mining. It is where the first gold was discovered in Colorado in the year 1859 and the current tourists are able to visit the renowned Argo gold Mine and know what it was like in the gold rush era. Once you have adventured, relax in the naturally heated Hot Mineral Pools at Indian Hot Springs, or take a hike to St. Mary’s Glacier, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and snow year-round.
Distance From Denver: 51.7 km
Major Attractions: Hot springs, gold mining tours
9. Fort Collins
Photo: Wusel007 / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Collins, nicknamed Colorado’s craft beer capital, is an exuberant college town, teeming with culture, creativity, and outdoor activity. Its charming Old Town features red-brick buildings, local shops, and a lively street scene, and it is said to be the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. In front of the downtown area, there are bike trails, parks, and the Cache la Poudre River, which is suitable for rafting, kayaking, and picnics! It is home to Colorado State University and dozens of breweries, including New Belgium and Odell, making Fort Collins youthful and innovative.
Distance From Denver: 104.8 km
Major Attractions: Craft beer, Old Town, CSU
10. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD / Wikimedia Commons
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway provides one of the most stunning high-altitude routes in North America. Reaching an altitude of more than 14,000 feet in elevation, it is the tallest paved roadway on the continent and offers scenic viewing, alpine lakes, and an opportunity to sight mountain goats and bighorns. There are also picnic stops along the way at Echo Lake and some short hikes into wildflower-filled meadows and sharp tussocks. When you get to the top, a reward awaits you as you get to enjoy the scenery that extends miles away.
Distance From Denver: 58.3 km
Major Attractions: High-altitude drive, mountain views
Places to visit near Denver combine a little natural beauty, history, culture, and unique sites that create lasting escapes. From the mountains to the colourful small towns, and everything in between, with stunning landscapes, local charm, and simple access, it has been easier to turbo-charge your adventures in Colorado and explore beyond the Mile High City. Looking for more travel ideas? Check out TripXL and begin discovering your next Colorado escape.
Cover Photo: Matt Deaton / Pexels
