13 Best Colorado Cities Near Denver, Colorado (+ Some Towns!)
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Looking for the best Colorado cities near Denver? You’re in the right place!
Discover Denver and the rest of beautiful Colorado! From soaring Rocky Mountain peaks to picturesque prairies, Colorado is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures.
But don’t overlook some of the most charming cities near Denver, such as Boulder, Fort Collins, and Golden.
After living in Denver for three years, we’ve visited so many great cities (and towns) in the Denver area.
We used to make a weekend trip every Saturday to go out and visit at least one new city and town when we first moved here, which allowed us to compile such a list!
With endless miles of trails, stunning sunsets, delicious restaurants, and local breweries – these cities offer plenty to explore and enjoy.
So, if you’re looking for a fun getaway close to Denver, consider visiting one of these amazing Colorado gems – keep reading to learn more about the best Colorado cities near Denver.
🚗 Click here to rent a car for your trip to Denver!
Colorado Cities Near Denver
Boulder
Boulder is one of the best cities near Denver, Colorado, and it’s easy to see why. This college town is home to great mountain views, and there’s always something going on.
From the world-famous Pearl Street Mall to the iconic Flatirons, Boulder offers something for everyone. There’s truly no better place than this vibrant city to spend an afternoon with friends or family!
Oh, and if you find yourself planning a day trip here, be sure to make a reservation at Foolish Craig’s Cafe. This is our favorite cafe in all of the Denver area, and it has some of the best crepes we’ve ever had.
Aurora
I used to live right on the cusp of Aurora and spent a lot of time there. It’s one of Colorado’s biggest cities, located right on the skirts of Denver.
If you visit, you’ll be able to explore one of the best parks in all of Colorado; Cherry Creek State Park is especially stunning. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is also worth checking out to see some bison.
Don’t forget to also stop by Stanley Marketplace. This food hall is inside an old airport hangar.
Castle Rock
This is such a great day trip from Denver, Colorado. Castle Rock is a gem and offers an excellent variety of activities for its visitors. One of the best spots here is the Outlets at Castle Rock. This was our go-to spot for Black Friday shopping.
There’s also BURLY Brewing Company, a great place to enjoy food trucks and drinks in a conversational atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for some outdoor adventure or just want to relax and take in your surroundings, Castle Rock provides something for everyone.
Loveland
Loveland, Colorado, is a great place to visit, located just 45 minutes from Denver.
It makes a great stop on your way up to Estes Park, or if you’re looking for some outdoor fun of your own, Boyd Lake State Park and Devil’s Backbone Open Space both offer plenty of trails and activities.
If you’re looking for some good food in Loveland, be sure to stop by Betta Gumbo, a great place for Cajun-Creole cuisine.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the biggest cities in the Denver area. It’s located right next to Pike Peak, a famous mountain that you can take the cog railway up to the top of for beautiful views of the area.
But perhaps even just as impressive are the hikes and trails in Garden of the Gods, which is filled with spectacular rock formations that have been around since prehistoric times.
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or an all-day adventure, Colorado Springs is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Englewood
Englewood, Colorado is located in the south of the Denver metropolitan area, and it’s a great place to visit with plenty of parks, a relaxed atmosphere, and lots of things to do.
It’s also home to the Gothic Theatre, which is our favorite concert venue in the Denver area. This theatre hosts some amazing shows throughout the year, and its comfy seating makes for a great night out.
Estes Park
Estes Park is one of the most popular Colorado cities near Denver, nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It’s a great destination for visitors to Colorado, especially those looking to explore nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
But Estes Park has much more to offer than just outdoor activities! The town center often holds epic events throughout the year, from beer festivals to summer activities and everything in between.
Greeley
Greeley is a town in northern Colorado that is often overlooked as a great place to visit. It’s home to WeldWerks Brewing Co., so craft beer fans can get their fix while they’re there!
History and train buffs can explore the Colorado Model Railroad Museum and learn about the history of railroads in the area.
Plus, there are so many great parks like Bittersweet Park and Glenmere Park to take a scenic stroll or play some games with friends.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins, located just over an hour north of Denver, is a great city to explore. As a college town, it has an array of attractions that are perfect for students and visitors alike.
From hiking and camping at Lory State Park to experiencing the retro nostalgia of Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum, there’s something for everyone in Fort Collins.
And with its convenient location just outside of Denver, it makes the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for those looking to get out of the city.
Morrison
Morrison, Colorado, is a small town located on the western side of Denver.
It’s home to some of the most incredible natural attractions in the state, including Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – one of the top concert venues in the USA! This stunning outdoor amphitheater offers breathtaking views of the beautiful red rocks around it.
In addition, Morrison has its own park called Bear Creek Lake Park. This is a great place to spend time exploring nature.
Nederland
Nederland is a small, picturesque mountain town that everyone should visit! With its incredible scenery and unique attractions, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.
This charming town offers something for everyone – take a ride on the historic Carousel of Happiness (a 1910 merry-go-round), hop onto the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway for some breathtaking sights, or ski at beautiful Eldora Mountain.
Whether you’re visiting with family and friends or as a solo traveler, Nederland has plenty of activities to keep you busy all day long. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and explore this quaint mountain retreat.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is only a short drive away from Denver and makes for the perfect day trip. It’s popular for skiing in the winter, but don’t forget about the Breckenridge Gondola – it’s totally free to ride, even in the summer months!
Plus, you can take a hike to the famous Breckenridge Troll if you’re looking to get closer to nature. It’s an easy, family-friendly trail that won’t take more than 30 minutes maximum… including picture time at the troll.
Silverthorne
Silverthorne, Colorado, is a stunning destination for any mountain vacation! Located near both Breckenridge and Dillon, it’s home to epic cafes and markets like Bluebird Market food hall.
With so much delicious food, unique sights, and plenty of outdoor activities, you’ll have no shortage of things to do! We didn’t make it out to Silverthorne until we had lived in Denver for a while, and we absolutely fell in love with it.
🚗 Click here to rent a car for your trip to Denver!
Final Thoughts: Cities Near Denver
Colorado cities near Denver are full of activity and interesting attractions. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you can find plenty of options in these areas.
We hope you enjoyed this post about the best Colorado cities near Denver!
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