Best Places to Travel to in Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide for Families, Seasons, and Adventures

Colorado, the Centennial State, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and family-friendly adventures. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to charming small towns, it’s no wonder Colorado is a top destination for travelers seeking outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a trip with young children, looking for the best places to visit in Colorado with a toddler, or wondering about the best place to visit in Colorado in February.

This guide covers the best places to travel to in Colorado for every type of traveler. We’ll explore destinations perfect for families, seasonal highlights like the best place to visit in Colorado in spring or September, and even touch on the best place to move to from Colorado for those considering a change. Drawing from 2025 travel insights, this guide ensures you find the best place to vacation in Colorado with kids, the best city to visit in Colorado with kids, and the best place to visit in Colorado right now.

Why Colorado is a Top Travel Destination

Colorado’s diverse landscape snow-capped peaks, arid deserts, hot springs, and vibrant urban hubs makes it a year-round destination. With over 300 days of sunshine, four national parks, and 28 ski resorts, it caters to adventurers, families, and culture enthusiasts alike. Denver, the Mile High City, offers urban attractions, while mountain towns like Telluride and Steamboat Springs provide outdoor escapes. For families, the best places to visit in Colorado with a toddler include interactive museums and gentle trails, while winter visitors will find the best place to visit in Colorado in February among ski resorts and hot springs. Let’s dive into the top destinations, tailored to various interests and seasons.

Top 10 Best Places to Travel to in Colorado

Based on 2025 travel guides from sources like Travel + Leisure, U.S. News, and TripAdvisor, here are the best places to travel to in Colorado, with a focus on family-friendly spots, seasonal highlights, and unique experiences.

1. Denver: The Urban Gateway

Denver, the state capital, is the best place to visit in Colorado Denver for its mix of urban vibrancy and proximity to nature. Known as the Mile High City (5,280 feet above sea level), Denver boasts kid-friendly attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with its Discovery Zone for toddlers, and the Denver Zoo. Larimer Square’s historic charm and the immersive Meow Wolf Convergence Station make it a hit for families. In September, the city hosts festivals like the Tour de Fat, perfect for a lively visit.

What to Do: Visit the Denver Art Museum, stroll the pedestrian-only 16th Street Mall, or take kids to the Children’s Museum. For outdoor fun, City Park offers playgrounds and lakes.
Why Visit: A best city to visit in Colorado with kids due to its museums, parks, and budget-friendly options like CityPASS discounts.
Average Cost: Meals $10-30/person; museum tickets $5-20.
Best Time: September for mild weather and festivals; spring for fewer crowds.

Pro Tip: Stay in a HomeExchange to save on accommodations, especially for families.

2. Colorado Springs: Family-Friendly Adventure Hub

Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, is the best place to vacation in Colorado with kids and a top pick for the best city to visit in Colorado with kids. The Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark with towering red rock formations, offers easy trails suitable for toddlers. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where kids can feed giraffes, and the North Pole theme park are toddler-friendly highlights. In February, the city’s mild winter makes it ideal for indoor attractions like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

What to Do: Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, explore Seven Falls, or visit the Penny Arcade in nearby Manitou Springs.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado for families with diverse attractions and no ski resort crowds.
Average Cost: Attraction tickets $10-25; meals $15-35/person.
Best Time: Spring for blooming trails; February for indoor museums.

Pro Tip: Book a day pass for Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park for toddler fun.

3. Glenwood Springs: Hot Springs Haven

Glenwood Springs, located along the Colorado Hot Springs Loop, is a best place to visit in Colorado right now for relaxation and family adventures. Home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, it’s ideal for soothing winter aches in February. The Sopris Splash Zone and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offer kid-friendly thrills.

What to Do: Soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, hike Hanging Lake (permit required), or raft the Colorado River.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado for families with affordable outdoor activities.
Average Cost: Hot springs entry $20-40; meals $10-25/person.
Best Time: February for hot springs in snowy settings; spring for hiking.

Pro Tip: Visit midweek to avoid crowds at hot springs.

4. Estes Park: Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, a charming town near Rocky Mountain National Park, is a best place to visit in Colorado with a toddler for its gentle trails and wildlife viewing. The park’s Bear Lake walk and Junior Ranger program are perfect for young kids. The town’s Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring The Shining, adds a quirky cultural touch.

What to Do: Ride the aerial tramway, explore the Peak to Peak Byway, or visit the Estes Park Museum.
Why Visit: A best place to vacation in Colorado with kids for nature and small-town charm.
Average Cost: Park entry $25/vehicle; meals $10-20/person.
Best Time: September for fall foliage; spring for wildflowers.

Pro Tip: Book park entry permits early for summer visits.

5. Steamboat Springs: Ski Town USA

Steamboat Springs, dubbed Ski Town USA, is a best place to visit in Colorado in February for its Champagne Powder snow and family-friendly ski slopes. In summer, it’s a haven for hiking and biking, with the Yampa River offering tubing for kids. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a relaxing retreat.

What to Do: Ski at Steamboat Resort, visit Fish Creek Falls, or attend the Winter Carnival.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado for families with year-round activities.
Average Cost: Ski lift tickets $50-150; meals $15-30/person.
Best Time: February for skiing; September for outdoor festivals.

Pro Tip: Kids under 12 ski free with a parent’s multi-day pass at Steamboat Resort.

6. Boulder: College Town Charm

Boulder, just 30 miles from Denver, is a best city to visit in Colorado with kids for its vibrant Pearl Street Mall and outdoor adventures. The Flatirons offer easy hikes like Chautauqua Park, suitable for toddlers, while the University of Colorado’s planetarium captivates young minds.

What to Do: Stroll Pearl Street, visit Boulder Falls, or explore the Museum of Boulder.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado with a toddler for its walkable downtown and kid-friendly attractions.
Average Cost: Meals $10-25/person; museum tickets $5-15.
Best Time: Spring for blooming trails; September for farmers markets.

Pro Tip: Check out Local Table Tours for kid-friendly food experiences.

7. Telluride: Scenic Mountain Escape

Telluride, a remote mountain town, is a best place to visit in Colorado in September for its stunning fall colors and festivals like the Telluride Film Festival. The free gondola ride offers breathtaking views, and kid-friendly trails like Bear Creek are manageable for families.

What to Do: Hike Bridal Veil Falls, bike the Galloping Goose trail, or visit the Telluride Historical Museum.
Why Visit: A best place to vacation in Colorado with kids for its scenic beauty and uncrowded vibe.
Average Cost: Meals $15-35/person; gondola free.
Best Time: September for festivals; spring for quieter visits.

Pro Tip: Fly into Montrose for easier access than Denver.

8. Durango: Southwest Adventure

Durango, set where mountains meet desert, is a best place to visit in Colorado for families with its mix of history and outdoor fun. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a 19th-century steam train, is a hit with kids. The Animas River offers rafting, and nearby Mesa Verde National Park features ancient cliff dwellings.

What to Do: Ride the train, explore Mesa Verde, or fish in local rivers.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado right now for its blend of culture and adventure.
Average Cost: Train tickets $50-100; meals $10-25/person.
Best Time: Spring for mild weather; September for fewer crowds.

Pro Tip: Book train tickets early for summer rides.

9. Pagosa Springs: Hot Springs Retreat

Pagosa Springs, home to the world’s deepest hot spring, is a best place to visit in Colorado in February for its therapeutic waters and snowy ambiance. The Springs Resort & Spa offers terraced tubs along the San Juan River, ideal for families. Nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area is great for beginners.

What to Do: Soak at Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring (free), ski at Wolf Creek, or hike Piedra Falls.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado for families seeking relaxation and affordability.
Average Cost: Hot springs entry $20-50; meals $10-20/person.
Best Time: February for winter soaking; spring for outdoor exploration.

Pro Tip: Visit Nathan’s Hippy Dip for a budget-friendly soak.

10. Fort Collins: Breweries and Bikes

Fort Collins, a northern college town, is a best city to visit in Colorado with kids for its laid-back vibe and outdoor activities. The Cache la Poudre River offers rafting, and the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park is a hit with kids. Downtown’s historic charm, modeled after Disneyland’s Main Street, adds a nostalgic touch.

What to Do: Visit New Belgium Brewing, bike the Poudre Trail, or explore Horsetooth Reservoir.
Why Visit: A best place to visit in Colorado with a toddler for its flat trails and family-friendly breweries.
Average Cost: Meals $10-25/person; bike rentals $15-30/day.
Best Time: Spring for biking; September for craft beer festivals.

Pro Tip: Check out Spring Canyon Park’s inclusive playground for kids of all abilities.

Best Place to Move to from Colorado

For those considering leaving Colorado, Boise, Idaho, is often cited as the best place to move to from Colorado. Boise offers a similar outdoor lifestyle with hiking, skiing, and a vibrant downtown, but with lower housing costs (median home price $450,000 vs. Denver’s $650,000 in 2025). Its family-friendly vibe, with attractions like the Boise Zoo and Greenbelt trails, mirrors Colorado’s appeal. Other options include Bend, Oregon, for its outdoor recreation, or Asheville, North Carolina, for a mountain-town feel with a milder climate.

Seasonal Highlights: When to Visit

Spring (April-May): The best place to visit in Colorado in spring is Boulder, with blooming wildflowers and uncrowded trails like the Flatirons. It’s also budget-friendly as ski season winds down.
February: Steamboat Springs and Pagosa Springs are top picks for winter sports and hot springs.
September: Telluride and Estes Park shine with fall foliage and festivals, ideal for families and photographers.
Right Now (August 2025): Durango offers warm weather, uncrowded trails, and the train ride, making it a best place to visit in Colorado right now.

Family-Friendly Tips for Colorado Travel

For Toddlers: Choose destinations like Colorado Springs or Estes Park with flat trails and interactive museums. Pack layers for unpredictable weather.
Budget Travel: Use HomeExchange or camp at state parks to save on lodging. Denver’s CityPASS and free attractions like Garden of the Gods keep costs low.
Avoiding Crowds: Visit smaller towns like Buena Vista or Salida instead of Breckenridge or Estes Park in summer.
Car Rentals: Essential for exploring national parks; companies like Enterprise offer deals for extended rentals.

Colorado’s blend of natural wonders, family-friendly attractions, and seasonal charm makes it a top travel destination. Whether you’re exploring the best place to visit in Colorado Denver for urban fun, soaking in Pagosa Springs in February, or hiking Telluride in September, there’s a perfect spot for every traveler. Families will love the best places to vacation in Colorado with kids, like Colorado Springs and Estes Park, while those seeking a new home might consider Boise as the best place to move to from Colorado.

Plan your trip with these insights, pack for adventure, and discover why Colorado is a bucket-list destination.