If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, you’ll be pleased to know that the Centennial State is home to some of the best sights, activities and experiences in the country.
Tourist Attractions And Places To See In Colorado
It’s not just about skiing, snowboarding and soaking up the outdoors though, this state is also known for its thriving art and culture scene, vibrant nightlife and delicious food.
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A Hiker’s Paradise
Located in the mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s most popular destinations. With stunning peaks, alpine lakes and diverse wildlife, this park is an outdoor lovers’ dream.
The most popular way to experience the park is to hike it on a variety of trails from easy walks to challenging treks. You can explore a number of different areas and see some amazing sights, including glacier-fed waterfalls and ancient ruins.
You can go sand sledding in North America’s tallest dunes, enjoy waterfall hiking, camp under the stars or ride a bike across the sand dunes. There are lots of options for families, so there’s something for everyone!
An Underrated Canyon
Black Canyon of the Gunnison may look similar to Grand Canyon, but it’s not as crowded. With two rims and lots of incredible views, it’s an underrated national park that you shouldn’t miss.
A Brewery in a Repurposed Space
Colorado is famous for its craft beer, and there’s no better way to sample local brews than at a brewery in a historic building. You’ll find plenty of trendy options here, like Ivywild School, which is a repurposed elementary school.
With such a diverse landscape, it’s no surprise that Colorado is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. And for good reason: It’s packed with awe-inspiring sights.
Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing or white water rafting, there’s plenty of outdoor-y fun to be had in this stunning state. We’ve put together our pick of the most popular places to see in Colorado so you can plan your ultimate vacation here.
Garden of the Gods #1
Located about an hour from Denver, Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s National Natural Landmarks. It’s a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.
Visitors can explore the park by car, bicycle or on foot, and there are 15 miles of trails in Garden of the Gods to choose from. The Perkins Central Trail is a 1.5 mile loop, while the Ridge and Siamese Twins trails are moderate half-mile loops that offer stunning views of the surrounding red rock formations.
The park’s Visitor Center is also a great place to start your trip, with interactive exhibits about the geology and history of the area (including a dinosaur fossil). There’s even a movie every twenty minutes called GeoTrekker that takes you on an adventure in the garden and features some of the park’s most famous formations.
Garden of the Gods is a stunning attraction that’s free to visit. It’s a popular destination for photographers and offers spectacular views of its famous red rock formations. The park is open year-round, but it’s best to visit during the shoulder season when parking and crowds are less.
Denver Botanic Gardens #2
The Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. They offer a variety of attractions including themed gardens, a conservatory, and a sunken amphitheater that hosts various concerts throughout the summer.
The main garden, located at York Street in east-central Denver, represents a variety of flora from around the world. There are also seven themed gardens that focus on different plants from Colorado and the surrounding states.
If you are interested in learning more about the plants that grow at the Denver Botanic Gardens, consider booking a guided tour. These tours are led by knowledgeable staff and will give you an opportunity to learn about the different varieties of plants that you may have otherwise overlooked.
The Denver Zoo is another must-visit attraction in Colorado. It is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of visitors to provide a fun and educational experience as well as help fund conservation efforts. The zoo is home to over 3,000 animals and is a great way for families to learn more about the animal world while also helping to protect wildlife.
| Address | 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USA |
| Phone | +1 720-865-3500 |
| Area | 9.7 ha |
| Founded | 1951 |
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre #3
Tucked in the foothills of Morrison, Colorado, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a must-see destination for music lovers. The open-air venue is built into a large rock formation and has a rich history of hosting concerts from some of the world’s biggest musicians.
Visitors can take in the scenic landscape and enjoy the incredible hiking trails around Red Rocks. The park is over 6,000 feet high and offers views of pines, wildflowers, wildlife and more. Another draw to this natural wonder is the acoustics at the amphitheater.
Thanks to the geologically formed rock structure, shows at Red Rocks have unmatched acoustics that echo off the rocks. The Amphitheater has hosted many music legends over the years, including the Beatles and U2. It also attracts adventurous locals who run up and down the amphitheater’s steep steps for a real thigh-burner.
The amphitheater is open to the public seven days a week in the spring and summer. Tickets to concerts can be purchased online or at the Park’s Visitor Center. Located at the top level of the amphitheater, the Center details the history of the park as well as highlights from past performances.
| Address | 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, USA |
| Phone | +1 720-865-2494 |
| Capacity | 9,545 |
| Function | Amphitheatre |
| Opened | 1906 |
| Architect | Burnham Hoyt |
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park #4
One of the earliest visitor attractions in the state, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is an unforgettable combination of natural beauty, history and outdoor adventure. Located near Manitou Springs, this top attraction has been welcoming travelers since 1881.
Discover the stunning stalactites, stalagmites and other formations that formed hundreds of millions of years ago as water drips onto the limestone walls and ceilings at Cave of the Winds. The cave is famous for its display of boxwork, a calcite formation resembling honeycomb.
There are three different cave tours to choose from, plus a variety of thrilling outdoor activities. From a lantern-light tour of the caverns to a Bat-A-Pult or Terror-Dactyl ride overlooking the canyon rim, Cave of the Winds has something for everyone!
For younger visitors, the 45-minute Discovery Tour is the ideal choice. This family-friendly tour allows children to explore 15 rooms, 196 stairs and half a mile of concrete walkways. It’s recommended that parents bring a front baby carrier because the cave has low ceilings and narrow passages.
| Address | 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA |
| Phone | +1 719-685-5444 |
Coors Field #5
If you’re a sports fan, you might want to consider visiting the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. This 76-acre stadium, located in downtown Denver’s Lower Downtown neighborhood, can accommodate over 50,000 spectators.
It’s retro-classic in design, with red brick walls reminiscent of old-fashioned ballparks. Its downtown location has made it a popular venue with Denverites and tourists alike. There are a number of parking options around the stadium, including street, metered, and paid lots, as well as garages.
Independent parking can range from $5 to $30 on a typical day. Another interesting feature at Coors Field is the water features in the outfield. Seven fountains shoot water almost 40 feet into the air and three waterfalls run into a recycled pond.
If you’re a foodie, there are plenty of dining options within walking distance from Coors Field. Try Breckenridge Brewery for microbrews and burgers or Lodo’s Bar and Grill for pre-game food and rooftop views of the stadium.
| Address | 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA |
| Phone | +1 303-292-0200 |
| Architectural style | Postmodern Architecture |
| Opened | 26 April 1995 |
| Capacity | 50,398 |
Denver Museum of Nature & Science #6
Located near Downtown Denver next to City Park, the 500,000-square-foot Denver Museum of Nature & Science houses more than 1 million specimens related to natural history. The museum also hosts a variety of exhibitions and programs for visitors.
The museum was founded in 1900 and is dedicated to preserving the natural history of Colorado, Earth, and the universe. It has a vast collection of exhibits for visitors to explore, as well as an IMAX theater and planetarium.
It’s also home to an extensive collection of Western art that reflects the wild west past and the current culture of Denver. This makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in art and culture.
The museum is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to provide educational programming, tours, and other public events. Its mission is to inspire people to respect the wildlife and protect the natural environment. It is open to the public 365 days a year.
| Located in | City Park |
| Address | 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, USA |
| Departments | Denver Museum of Nature and Science Parking |
| Phone | +1 303-370-6000 |
| Number of visitors | 9,85,830 (2021) |
| Founded | 1900 |
Mount Evans #7
Mount Evans, one of Colorado’s 58 “Fourteeners,” rises to 14,260 feet (4,348 meters) above the plains. It’s one of the few peaks that can be reached by road and is easily accessible from Denver.
The scenic byway leading to the summit of Mount Evans begins south of Idaho Springs, gaining more than 7,000 feet (2,000 meters) in elevation. As you ascend, you’ll see wildflowers and wildlife, such as Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and mountain goats, depending on the time of year.
When you arrive at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of alpine lakes and valleys. You can take a walk along the summit trails, but bear in mind that the thin air at this elevation may cause altitude sickness in some visitors.
If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring experience, consider booking a tour that includes both Red Rocks Park and the summit of Mount Evans. It’s an easy combination tour from Denver that lets you explore both destinations without having to worry about driving or hiking.
Denver Union Station #8
Denver Union Station is a popular place to visit in Denver, Colorado. It’s a landmark that is known for being a transportation hub and is also home to a variety of different restaurants, bars, and shops.
It was originally built in 1914 and has been a part of the downtown LoDo community ever since. It is currently a major transportation hub that allows rail and bus connections to all of the areas of Denver as well as to the airport.
After a fire destroyed the original station in 1894, it was rebuilt in a Romanesque Revival style. Then in 1914, it was remodeled into a Beaux Arts style building.
After many years of being abandoned, the historic Union Station recently underwent a large renovation and reopened as an inter-modal facility for Amtrak trains, light rail and buses. It is also home to a luxury hotel and numerous restaurants and bars.
| Address | 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202, United States |
| Phone | +1 303-592-6712 |
FAQs about Places To See In Colorado
What do I need to know when traveling to Colorado?
Colorado is a beautiful state with stunning natural scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions, as the climate can vary greatly depending on the region. Also, be aware of the altitude and take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
Why is Colorado a good place to visit?
Colorado is a popular tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Rocky Mountains, ski on world-class slopes, hike through national parks, and experience the vibrant culture of cities like Denver and Boulder. Colorado is also known for its craft beer scene, hot springs, and delicious food.
