13 Gorgeous Colorado Towns To Visit In 2023
When tourists think of worthy destinations in the US for travel, places such as San Francisco and New York often seem to top the list. However, for travelers who want to embrace the country’s natural beauty, small towns contain magical sceneries folks could not find elsewhere! Featuring beautiful, varied landscapes, Colorado towns feature a rich history that can convert any tourist into becoming a professional photographer. These places have picturesque communities, from former mining towns to mountain views, must-visit skiing destinations, and cowboy culture. Moreover, tourists can find various exciting activities at each attraction. While each town exudes a mix of rural and urban feels, historic charm, or adorable attractions, these places in Colorado deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list!
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is all about its notable Main Street and legendary skiing destinations; every traveler can experience the best recreational opportunities. The well-preserved Victorian mining town offers a stroll back in time with its historic buildings, including the Barney Ford House Museum and the Edwin Carter Discovery Center, providing insights into the area's mining and cultural history. Travelers can check out the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, an organization that heads various historic sites, including the Rotary Snowplow Park, featuring vintage snow removal equipment.
Outdoor enthusiasts should also stop by Carter Park and Pavilion, named after Edwin Carter, a 19th-century naturalist. A trip to the noted Country Boy Mine offers a firsthand experience of the town’s mining culture, including underground tours and a chance to pan for gold.
Creede
Creede, Colorado’s former hunting space for the Native Americans, boasts history and heritage as a silver-mining town in the San Juan Mountains. The city is a designated National Historic District, featuring well-preserved Victorian architecture from its mining history in the late 19th century. Strolling through its streets provides a glimpse into the past, with buildings like the Creede Hotel and the Basham's Park and Creede Repertory Theatre.
Tourists can discover more of Creede’s old charm by visiting Creede Underground Mining Museum. It is an underground attraction to learn about the town’s mining history through exhibits and artifacts. Travelers with cars can take the Bachelor Loop Scenic Byway, a scenic drive to catch mining sites surrounding Creede. The Las Chance Mine Tour is also a unique, guided tour where visitors can learn about mining by exploring tunnels, necessary equipment, and cabins.
Salida
In the middle of Collegiate Peaks, including the towering Mount Shavano and Mount Princeton, Salida is one of the Arkansas River’s entry points for kayaking and white-water rafting enthusiasts.
The Salida SteamPlant Event Center is housed in a restored 1887 steam power plant. It is a tourist attraction for cultural events, art exhibits, and live performances. Tourists can also appreciate the town’s beautiful culture by visiting the Salida Museum for artifacts, exhibits, and photographs of the town’s former railroad. The F Street Bridge over the Arkansas River is a historical bridge worth visiting where travelers can take a leisurely walk or catch the sunset.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is a charming mountain town in the Upper Arkansas River Valley surrounded by the stunning Collegiate Peaks and San Isabel National Forest. One notable outdoor destination is the Turner Farm, a historic homestead from the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the farmstead and check out the cabin and barn to understand the region’s pioneer area. The town's courthouse square features a park with benches for relaxing and appreciating the historical architecture surrounding it.
While not an attraction, Buena Vista Roastery boasts the town’s old charm, thanks to its historic brick building. Travelers should try the cafe’s roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries. Another iconic landmark boasting Buena Vista’s historical heritage is Depot and Caboose, a museum for the town’s stagecoach history and rail systems.
Crested Butte
Known for being Colorado’s wildflower capital, Crested Butte is admired by tourists for its lush green grasses, colorful wildflowers, and yellow aspens during the fall season and provides one of the best skiing experiences. A notable historical site is the Elk Avenue Historic District, lined with colorful Victorian buildings and home to art galleries. Tourists can also spot the Old Town Hall, a historic location for events that showcase Crested Butte’s community spirit.
Oh Be Joyful Church, one of Crested Butte’s historic churches, features a unique architecture significant to the town’s heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can check out winter activities at Crested Butte Nordic Center, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on trails with beautiful landscapes and rustic charm.
Paonia
Paonia, Colorado’s little agricultural haven, produces the best tree-ripened fruits, including pears, apricots, cherries, and peaches. Downtown Paonia is already historical, with charming storefronts and the famous Grand Avenue. Operating since 1928, the Paradise Theater is an iconic movie theater where tourists can watch classical movies.
A memorable experience awaits at Lamborn Mountain Farmstead, a historic orchard and farmhouse calling all guests to join guided tours to explore the town’s agricultural heritage. Paonia Pioneer Museum is also a must-visit tourist attraction, showcasing artifacts and exhibits about Paonia’s agriculture, mining, and pioneer history.
Keystone
The mountain town of Keystone is a famous skiing destination in Colorado, blending old charm attractions with excellent outdoor activities. Keystone Ranch, a well-known fine dining restaurant, boasts a rustic setting with stunning mountain views and log construction to reminisce about the town’s agricultural past. Moreover, the Ski Tip Lodge is a former stagecoach stop from the 1800s. Today, guests can book this bed and breakfast for a historical getaway.
The Montezuma Road also features a scenic drive that can take travelers to Montezuma, a former mining town. Nature lovers will also appreciate Keystone Bike Park, especially in the summer when it transforms into a mountain biking destination. Tourists can explore the mountains with breathtaking views.
Estes Park
Estes Park features some of the best base campgrounds in Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park, perfect for a memorable mountainside vacation. To start with, MacGregor Ranch Museum, a historical homestead, was established in 1873 and is one of Colorado’s oldest operating cattle ranges. Visitors can learn about the town’s agricultural heritage.
Another old charm beauty is the Historic Park Theater, built in 1913. It is one of America’s oldest movie theaters and features classical films for a nostalgic experience. Housed in a historic building once the town's power plant, the Estes Park Museum showcases exhibits on Native American heritage, early settlement, and Estes Park’s development as a mountain resort town.
Manitou Springs
Eight natural fountains traverse Manitou Springs, home to the historic Miramont Castle. Tourists will love this Victorian museum featuring nine architectural styles. The Penny Arcade features vintage games, mechanical amusements, and slot machines. Since 1964, Iron Springs Chateau has been entertaining audiences through Old West-style performances in a historic building that dates back to the late 1800s.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is also an iconic landmark, established in 1891. It served as the pick-up point for travelers who wish to journey and reach the summit of Pikes Peak. While the railway has been modernized, the depot retains its historic charm and is a hub of activity for visitors.
Telluride
Telluride happens to be one of Colorado’s beautiful mountain getaways. Visitors can witness this quaint town's clear panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. Telluride is also designated a National Historic Landmark District, preserving its Victorian architecture and mining history. Visitors can walk along Colorado Avenue to experience the charm of well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sheridan Opera House is a historic venue built in 1914 that hosts various performances, concerts, films, and theatrical productions. The New Sheridan Hotel is another historic landmark. With its classic Western facade, this hotel combines old-world charm with modern amenities, and its rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Telluride.
Visitors should also check out the Telluride Historical Museum inside an old hospital building. This attraction features the town’s mining days and how famous ski resorts were developed. San Miguel County Courthouse also features an old charm, and tourists can admire its Romanesque Revival architecture.
Georgetown
Georgetown, the Silver Queen of the Rockies, is one of the tiniest Colorado towns. This Victorian village in the Clear Creek Canyon boasts a historic business district. One historic landmark is the Hamill House Museum, where visitors can learn about residential living in Georgetown during the 19th century. The Georgetown Loop Railroad has been operating since 1884. It is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that offers scenic mountainside rides.
Another noteworthy destination is the historic Hotel de Paris Museum, built in 1875, which was restored to its original grandeur. Today, visitors can explore elegant furnishings and well-appointed rooms. Tourists can also visit the Georgetown Gallery, a historic building, featuring regional and local artworks.
Snowmass Village
Snowmass Village features massive ski areas in the winter and the opportunity to hike in the Elk Mountains in the summer. The Snowmass Chapel, established in the 1980s, is a famous place of worship with classical architectural design. Moreover, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center is another cultural gem. It offers various exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies in its historic campus and ranch-style buildings. Tourists can also visit the Snowmass Rodeo, allowing tourists to get a taste of the Old West. Visitors can join rodeo events, listen to live music and create a Western atmosphere in the Rockies.
The Ice Age Discovery Center is also worth mentioning, featuring exhibits about the town’s ancient history. Tourists can explore the Ice Age fossils discovered during the construction of the Snowmass Village reservoir. Lastly, Pokolodi Lodge reflects the ski culture of Snowmass Village with its cozy alpine ambiance.
Ouray
Finally, as Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Capitol, Ouray features massive basecamps for explorations in the Southwest. Built in 1886, the Beaumont Hotel exudes historic charm. The beautifully restored hotel features Victorian-style architecture, allowing tourists to explore Ouray’s mining era. The Ouray County House, the downtown area’s prominent landmark, features a blend of Romanesque, early Classical Revival, Queen Anne, and Italianate architecture that contributes to Ouray’s historic character.
Meanwhile, the scenic Perimeter trail offers tourists leisurely hiking while admiring beautiful mountainside views. Renowned as a premier global ice climbing destination, the Ouray Ice Park features frozen waterfalls and ice-covered cliffs during winter. Visitors can observe the skilled climbers or learn ice climbing through informative tutorials.
Colorado towns have individual charm and appeal that can attract travelers looking for unique vacation destinations. From Georgetown's historic streets to Telluride's alpine beauty, the state offers every traveler a diverse range of experiences. Whether tourists are drawn to the Victorian architecture of Ouray, the outdoor adventures in Buena Vista, or the cultural richness of Estes Park, travelers will never run out of charming ideas to explore Colorado. The state’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy makes it an irresistible destination for those seeking an enriching travel experience.
