Summer Weekend Escapes: 6 Easy Day Trips from Denver You’ll Love

Sometimes, the best way to once again love Colorado is to leave the city for a brief period. Denver’s surrounding small towns with character, charm, and fresh air are there, whether you try to beat the heat, entertain guests, or crave a change. And the best part? Booking a hotel or taking time off from work is unnecessary. These destinations can all be done within a day as well as within two hours of the city.

Let’s start with Evergreen. It is just about far enough away from Denver that it can feel like a getaway, but also close enough to Denver that you can arrive back home in time for dinner. Evergreen Lake is the true treasure here. Sit beside the lake soaking it all in with a cold drink, or kayak or paddleboard across the still waters by beautiful pine trees. Yoga classes near the lake happen many mornings and there is live music at the park in the evening. The cozy cafés and independent shops fill also the adorable downtown area. It feels like stepping into some Hallmark movie with elk sightings coupled with top-tier pizza.

Nederland could suit you if funkier things are what you desire. Locals refer to it as “Ned”, and it does have a reputation for its quirky and artsy nature. The town is also known for its cool offbeat shops, vintage record stores, and the reservoir. Do not miss out on the Carousel of Happiness. This is a true, hand-carved carousel from 1910 it is as joyful as it seems. To get some prime mountain people-watching, grab a pastry at New Moon Bakery as well as sit on the patio. It is Ned's lack of an attempt at impressing that makes the situation so charming.

In Golden, your adventure is yours to choose. Golden is just that kind of place. Want to be active? Tube or kayak down Clear Creek for energizing fun. The water is so refreshingly cold on what is a hot day. Prefer something more mellow? You could grab some lunch within the town or pop into that history museum or walk on the paved path near the creek. Golden receives this uncommon combination of young zest and Old West feels from the Colorado School of Mines plus a busy downtown packed with stores, patios, and breweries. The trip is worth it because of the food and creekside views even if you don’t drink.

Idaho Springs is after all a mountain haven, once a mining town. The drive on I-70 is beautiful on its own, but the wait at the end is much more better. Indian Hot Springs geothermal waters are there for people to soak in at a steamy indoor pool as well as outdoor jacuzzis that are near gardens. St. Mary’s Glacier delivers alpine views and summer snow and it is for a short hike just outside town. No Idaho Springs visit is complete unless you skip something. Beau Jo’s Pizza is of course just that must-have experience. Locals swear by dipping the crust in honey, and their thick-crust “mountain pies” are a Colorado institution. Trust the process.

Palmer Lake should be on your radar though it might not be. It is quiet and is artsy, the kind of place you might like. Go here when you need to recharge yourself. A slow walk as well as a picnic is perfect along with the calm, scenic lake itself. Speedtrap Bistro sits close to the water, a strange place famous for local art upon all walls. It has also strong coffee plus great brunch. Creative types tend to want to hang out there, and someone almost always can be reading poetry or can be playing live music upon the patio. If Speedtrap is busy, try the new Lake & Lantern Café that is down the road; it’s becoming a local favorite now.

Boulder is right there, of course, even then. One of the best of all day trips that are around is still this one, though it is not exactly hidden. Pearl Street Mall is buzzing during the summer. There are street performers and open-air restaurants; people plus dogs are there to admire always. Boulder feels alive. This sensation is ideal. If you go on a Wednesday, stick around for Bands on the Bricks because it is in fact a free concert series that turns the whole mall into a street party. Tea at the Dushanbe Teahouse makes every Boulder visit better. It's colorful and ornate. It is also one of very most unique buildings within Colorado.

Each of these places has a rhythm of its own. Personality is unique also to each of these places. They are just about far enough away to feel as if you have escaped from the everyday, but they are also close enough that they keep your weekend low-effort. These simple summer getaways are pure Colorado magic when you paddle on a lake. Enjoy eating of pizza in a historic mining town or enjoy the watching of a banjo player on a street corner.

If it is possible, take the back roads, as well as leave early enough to beat the traffic, so pack a cooler. Adventure that is complicated is not a requirement. Sometimes it's a tank of gas, the mountains calling, also a good playlist.