Fort Collins, a great place to live and visit.

Welcome to Fort Collins: The Choice City

Welcome to Fort Collins, consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, work, and play in America. Known affectionately by locals as the “Choice City,” Fort Collins is a vibrant community of 143,000 residents—ranging from Colorado State University students and ambitious professionals to families and active retirees.

What makes us different? It’s our “friendly-first” attitude. Whether you are grabbing a latte in a historic alleyway or hiking the foothills, you’ll find a casual, welcoming spirit that defines the Northern Colorado lifestyle.

The Heart of the City: Historic Old Town

Did you know that our downtown served as the inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland? When you wander through Old Town, you are stepping into a beautifully preserved piece of Americana.

The Vibe: Red-brick streets, flower-filled planters, and twinkling lights overhead create a magical atmosphere year-round.
The Experience: Explore remarkable local history, ride a meticulously restored 1919 trolley car, or discover hands-on science at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
Arts & Culture: From first-class theatrical performances and symphony concerts to the “Pianos about Town” program, the city is a living canvas. Visit during one of our many festivals to see local bands that often move from our small stages to national tours.

A World-Class Craft Beer Capital

You cannot talk about Fort Collins without mentioning the “liquid gold.” As the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado, we produce 70% of the state’s craft beer.

The Giants: Take a tour of the world-famous New Belgium Brewing or visit the iconic Odell Brewing Co. * The Boutique Scene: If you prefer something smaller, the city is dotted with dozens of neighborhood nanobreweries where you can chat with the brewmaster while sampling a flight.
Distilleries & More: Not a beer fan? The city has seen a recent boom in local distilleries and cideries, ensuring there is a “choice” for every palate.

Sports & Outdoor Recreation: Our Playground

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Fort Collins is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. We are a “Platinum Level” Bicycle Friendly Community, boasting over 280 miles of bike lanes and paved trails.

From the River to the Peaks

The Poudre River: Colorado’s only “National Wild and Scenic River” flows right through our backyard. It’s the perfect spot for whitewater rafting, fly fishing, or a peaceful riverside picnic.
Horsetooth Reservoir: Just minutes from downtown, this 6.5-mile long reservoir is the hub for boating, paddleboarding, and rock climbing.
Hiking & Biking: Hike the iconic Horsetooth Rock for a panoramic view of the city and the Front Range, or explore the miles of multi-use trails through our pristine City and State Parks.
CSU Spirit: Join the sea of green and gold to cheer on the CSU Rams at the state-of-the-art Canvas Stadium.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

When the sun goes down, the Choice City really shines. Our culinary scene ranges from “farm-to-table” fine dining to “college-town” fast-casual staples.

Diverse Flavors

Whether you are craving authentic international cuisine, award-winning steaks, or a late-night salsa dancing session, the options are endless. The city offers everything from opera and ballroom dancing to underground jazz clubs and indie rock venues.

Retail Therapy

Shopping in Fort Collins offers a mix of local charm and major brands:

Downtown Boutiques: Find one-of-a-kind gifts, local art, and specialized outdoor gear in the historic district.
Front Range Village: Located in the southern part of the city, this sprawling lifestyle center offers major retailers and convenient dining.
The Foothills: A revitalized shopping destination featuring a mix of fashion, home goods, and entertainment.

Why Visit Fort Collins?

There is a unique rhythm here—a balance between the energy of a major university town and the serenity of the Rocky Mountains. You can spend your morning soaring in a hot air balloon over the plains and your evening enjoying a world-class symphony performance.

Fort Collins isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. We invite you to explore our galleries, wander through our museums, and discover for yourself why so many people choose to call this corner of Colorado home.

Durango

Discover Durango: Southwest Colorado’s Escape from the Ordinary

Located at the foot of the jagged San Juan Mountains, Durango is a place where the Wild West meets world-class adventure. Originally founded as a railroad hub in 1880, Durango has transformed into a vibrant mountain destination that serves as the perfect base camp for exploring the "four corners" region. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled weekend or a laid-back family retreat, Durango offers an escape from the ordinary with a flavor all its own.

The Adventure Hub: Biking and Whitewater

Durango has earned its reputation as a mountain bike mecca. From the technical terrain of the Colorado Trail’s southern terminus to the accessible family paths of the Animas River Trail, the region offers hundreds of miles of singletrack.

The heart of the town is defined by the Animas River, which flows directly through its center. Known as one of the best water towns in the West, Durango features a world-class whitewater park on the west side of town, where paddlers and rafters test their mettle against the famous Smelter rapid. For a slower pace, visitors can tube the milder stretches of the river or fly-fish for trophy trout in the sapphire-blue waters.

The Living Legend: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

No trip to Durango is complete without a journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This vintage, coal-fired steam train has been in continuous operation since 1882. The unforgettable trip takes passengers 45 miles deep into the San Juan National Forest—territory inaccessible by car—to the historic mining town of Silverton. The route hugs sheer canyon walls over the Animas River, offering views that have remained unchanged for over a century.

Mountain Majesty: Purgatory Resort

Located just 25 miles north of town, Purgatory Resort is a local favorite. In the winter, it offers over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain with a "family-first" vibe and top-notch views of the Needles Mountains. During the summer, the resort pivots to an alpine playground featuring a mountain coaster, alpine slide, and a premier downhill mountain bike park.

Downtown Charm: A National Historic District

Downtown Durango offers a casual and walkable shopping and dining experience. As a National Historic District, the area is lined with perfectly restored 19th-century architecture.

Shopping: Discover numerous antique shops, boutique clothing stores, and a thriving arts scene showcased in local galleries.
Dining: From the historic Strater Hotel (where Louis L'Amour wrote his Western novels) to innovative farm-to-table bistros and world-class breweries like Ska Brewing, Durango is a culinary destination in its own right.
Dog-Friendly Vibes: Reflecting the town's laid-back energy, Durango is one of Colorado’s most dog-friendly destinations. You’ll find water bowls outside many shops and plenty of outdoor patios where your four-legged companion is treated like a VIP.

All Seasons in Durango: A Year-Round Playground

Durango's unique southwest location ensures a true four-season experience. Because the town sits at 6,512 feet but is surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, visitors can often experience two seasons in a single day.

Seasonal Transitions

Spring & Summer: As the snow melts, the landscape explodes with wildflowers. This is the peak time for rafting the Animas and hiking the high country.
Autumn: Late September brings a "gold rush" of changing aspens. A drive along the San Juan Skyway or a seat on the train offers some of the best leaf-peeping in the country.
Winter: Beyond skiing, Durango hosts Snowdown, a quirky annual winter festival featuring costume contests and parades that capture the town's unique sense of humor.

Discover for yourself what makes this area a unique and unforgettable destination. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on 2026 events, train schedules, and seasonal deals for your ultimate Colorado summer vacation guide.

Silverthorne

Things to Do in Silverthorne, Colorado

Nestled along the Blue River in a lush valley with amazing views and access to the Gore Range Mountains, Silverthorne offers the perfect balance of nature and nurture. With gold medal fly fishing on the famed Blue River, hundreds of brands to shop at the Outlets at Silverthorne, a full-service recreation center and performances at the Pavilion, Silverthorne has an activity for everyone. Whether you like to relax and recharge or take on a new adventure, you can always set your own pace in Silverthorne. Silverthorne’s location provides access to 25 miles of National Forest and State Trailheads and 35 acres of open space and parks. Paved riverfront trails provide an up-close and personal way to experience the Blue River. You can walk to your favorite shopping destination, or to sneak away to fish our Gold Medal waters.

Located on the shoreline of Lake Dillion at the headwaters of the Blue River Silverthorne provides great access to all that Summit County has to offer. While I-70 runs through town and is the quickest transportation option there is an excellent bike path that runs along the shore of Lake Dillion and can take you up to Keystone or along the I-70 corridor all the way to Vail.

With year round activities to keep you entertained check out our Summit County Summer Guide for what to do after the snow melts, and our list of Free Things to do in Summit County is a great way to experience what Silverthorne has to offer without breaking the bank!

Dillon

Things to Do in Dillon, Colorado

The town of Dillon lies in the heart of Summit County, Colorado, with easy access from I-70 at Exit 205. The town and the surrounding communities of Silverthorne and Frisco make for an outdoor adventure mecca year-round. In the summer, the Reservoir (known by locals as Lake Dillon) is the crown jewel, beckoning with inviting watersports that are unique in this landlocked state. The alpine lake is an inviting attraction for boating, rafting, and fishing—and simply enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of a water community. Check out of Guide to Summer in Summit County for a guide to exploring everything that Dillion and the surrounding area has to offer.

History

Like so much Colorado history, Dillon’s story dates back to the Gold Rush. Prospectors discovered gold near the headwaters of the Blue River in 1859, and modern-day Summit County’s population skyrocketed as hopeful miners flocked to the area to make their fortunes. The town was incorporated in the early 1880s, but the idea to dam the Blue River didn’t take shape until the early 20th century. The earth-filled dam wasn’t actually completed until 60 years later.

Lake Dillon Attractions

In the summer, Dillon becomes one of the country’s most unique lake towns. The 26 miles of shoreline along the reservoir give the destination a decidedly beach-like feel. At the Dillon Marina—the highest deep-water marina in North America—you can rent water toys galore, from personal watercraft to sailboats. Visitors can rent fishing and pontoon boats in addition to waterski-ready craft.

Themed boat tours include Women and Wine on the Water and Historic Boat Tours, which tells the fascinating story of the area’s rich history. It’s possible to book a charter cruise. The marina even has a sailing school, where you can take an introduction to sailing course or get basic keelboat instruction. A water shuttle that takes people (and their bikes) back and forth between the marinas in Dillon and Frisco. It’s a great way to spend some time on the water and enjoy a one-way bike ride back to your home base.

The Lakeside Amphitheatre

Catch a free lakeside concert at the newly renovated Lakeside Amphitheatre every Friday and Saturday night from June through early September. Taking place each weekend, the concerts feature a wide variety of acts, including national headliners like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, in addition to local favorites. You’ll find rock, jazz, folk, and orchestral offerings throughout the summer. Movies on the Water are offered on Sundays in July and August, and classic films are shown at the amphitheater weekly. Behind the amphitheater, you’ll find a sandy beach known as Dillon’s North Shore, which is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the lake.

Farmers Markets

The Farmers Market features a wide variety of Colorado-grown produce, artisan goods, and crafts, with live music giving it a festive flair. This Market runs every Friday from June through September, making it the perfect place to grab something to go for a picnic on the reservoir. Visitors will find one of the state’s best-known farmers markets with lots of Colorado-grown produce in addition to locally produced cheeses, meats, honey, confections, and bread, just to name a few.

Local artists exhibit unique clothes and jewelry, handmade pottery and crafts, health/beauty products, and even home goods. Live music gives the market a festival-like atmosphere and a kid’s area with games, entertainment, and live performances. It’s a family-friendly way to spend the morning. You can even start the day right with Yoga in the Park, which is available just as the market opens at 9 a.m.

Dillon for Kids

Bring the kiddos to Marina Park, a great spot to play and have lunch with the family. You can also learn and observe at Dillon’s Nature Preserve or relax at the Town Park. If the Wild West has you hungry for knowledge, check out the Summit Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum. Don’t forget to check out the numerous tennis, basketball, and bocce ball courts. If the Wild West has you hungry for knowledge, check out the Summit Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum.

Delta County

Visit Delta County, Colorado

Rich in culture and history with bountiful orchards, lake-strewn mountains, vast forests and desert canyons. Delta County includes the communities of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia.

Salida

Find Adventure in Salida, Colorado

Visitors are lured to Salida by the abundance of outdoor activities, art galleries and shops, local history and the natural scenic beauty of the area. Bordered on the west by the Continental Divide and on the east by the Arkansas River, Salida’s location is ideal for both adventure and relaxation. The Arkansas River runs through downtown Salida and is a playground for rafters, kayakers, paddle-boarders and “beach lovers.” For over 70 years Salida has been the site of FIBArk, the nation’s longest-running whitewater-rafting competition held annually in mid-June. Check out more river festivals here and be a part of the river community. The fishing along the Arkansas River is recognized as a Gold Medal designation with the highest quality cold-water habitat for fish.

Salida is the closest town to the Monarch Ski Area which sits directly west of Salida near the top of Monarch Pass on U.S. Highway 50. While in the winter Monarch Pass offers the closest lift served skiing to Salida in the summer both Monarch and Poncho Pass to the south of town offer access to great cycling and hiking trails once the snow has melted off. The famous Monarch Crest trail starts from the top of Monarch pass and finishes in Salida for a full day of epic mountain bike riding and Marshall Pass to the south of town hosts the Great Divide mountain bike route for people who want to tour from Canada to Mexico. The area around Salida has good gravel and road riding opportunities as well.

Salida is also a great place to relax, with spas, wellness centers, and hot springs. The historic downtown Creative District is packed with art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, antique shops and all types of boutique shopping, all in easy walking distance. Treat the kids and yourself to the adventures awaiting in family-friendly Salida.

Buena Vista

Explore Buena Vista, Colorado

Meaning “Good View” in Spanish the town of Buena Vista lives up to its name. Sitting next to the Arkansas River and surrounded by high mountains it is the epitome of the Colorado experience. Buena Vista is a mix of a quiet mountain community and a vital tourist town known for its friendly people bound together by a love of the outdoors, clean-air and small-town living.

Located in central Colorado on the Arkansas River, Buena Vista has great Colorado white water rafting and kayaking that draw people to the area. The whitewater park at the end of East Main provides great family fun. Cross the footbridge in the park and you can mountain bike or hike right from town. Like to fish? Recently this part of the river has been designated a Gold Medal fishing area.

Over ten 14,000′ mountains within 30 minutes provide wonderful, scenic hiking and mountain bike trails. Hot springs are open all year.

Quaint shops, galleries, museums, a variety of restaurants, historic re-enactments, concerts in the park, farmer’s markets, and a full calendar of events make Buena Vista a fun place to vacation.

Breckenridge

Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado: Where Gold Rush History Meets High-Alpine Adventure.
Breckenridge is widely recognized as a world-class ski and snowboard destination, but to describe it merely as a “resort” does a disservice to its depth. While many mountain destinations are built specifically for tourism, “Breck” is different. It is a genuine town with a genuine soul—a place where the adrenaline of high-altitude adventure seamlessly blends with the charm of a 19th-century Victorian village. It is this unique duality that draws millions to the Ten Mile Range every year, seeking not just the perfect run, but the perfect mountain experience.

World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding on Five Peaks

For winter enthusiasts, the draw is undeniable. The Breckenridge Ski Resort is a titan of the Rockies, spanning a massive footprint that covers nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across five distinct peaks (Peaks 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). The geography here caters to every level of ambition. Beginners can glide down the wide, manicured groomers of Peak 9, while thrill-seekers can test their mettle in one of the five award-winning terrain parks or two half-pipes. For those chasing the ultimate high, the Imperial Express SuperChair awaits. As the highest chairlift in North America, it whisks riders up to 12,840 feet, offering access to high-alpine bowls and steep, diverse chutes that feel like the top of the world.

A Historic Victorian Town with Modern Charm

However, the magic of Breckenridge extends far beyond the powder. When the lifts close, the town comes alive. The heartbeat of the community is its historic Main Street, a bustling corridor that looks much like it did during the gold rush of 1859. Prospectors first founded this settlement with dreams of striking it rich, and that pioneering spirit remains etched into the architecture. Today, Breckenridge boasts one of the largest National Historic Districts in Colorado, preserving 249 historic structures. Walking past the colorful Victorian facades, you aren’t just walking to dinner; you are strolling through a living museum.

Arts, Culture, and Culinary Excellence

This history provides the backdrop for a thoroughly modern culture. The town has reinvented itself as a hub for creativity and culinary excellence. The Breckenridge Arts District—a campus of renovated historic structures—offers everything from ceramics workshops to indie art installations, proving that mountain culture is about more than just sports.

The culinary scene is equally robust. “Locally-made” is a way of life here. Visitors can tour the world’s highest distillery to sample award-winning bourbon or relax at the legendary Breckenridge Brewery. Indie shopping boutiques offer goods you won’t find in big-box stores, and the town’s calendar is packed with signature events, from the rowdy viking-themed Ullr Fest to international snow sculpture championships.

Ultimately, Breckenridge delivers on diversity. It is a place where you can spend the morning knee-deep in fresh powder in a high-alpine bowl, the afternoon touring a gold mine from the 1880s, and the evening enjoying fine dining in a restored Victorian home. It is quaint yet expansive, historical yet hip—a mountain town that truly offers it all.

Summer in Breckenridge: Hiking, Biking, and Festivals

While winter put Breckenridge on the map, many locals will tell you they came for the skiing but stayed for the summer. When the snow recedes, the Ten Mile Range transforms into a high-alpine playground where wildflowers replace powder stashes and hiking boots replace ski boots. The same peaks that offer world-class skiing in January become a haven for hikers and mountain bikers from June to September, with hundreds of miles of trails winding through national forests and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Continental Divide. Our guide to summer in Summit County is a great way to explore everything that Breckenridge and the surrounding area has to offer.

Epic Discovery and Alpine Adventures

The epicenter of summer action is Epic Discovery at Peak 8, where the mountain’s adventurous spirit remains fully intact. Here, the thrill of the slopes is reimagined through the Gold Runner Coaster, an elevated alpine coaster that races through the forest, and the legendary alpine slides. Visitors can test their agility on high-ropes courses, scale climbing walls, or simply take a scenic chairlift ride to 11,000 feet to experience the crisp, thin air and expansive vistas without the frostbite.

Fly Fishing and Water Activities on the Blue River

For those drawn to the water, the Blue River cuts right through the heart of town, offering gold-medal fly fishing waters just steps from Main Street. Whether you are casting a line for trout, paddleboarding on the calm waters of Maggie Pond, or seeking the rush of whitewater rafting in nearby canyons, the region is defined by its pristine waterways.

Summer Festivals and Events

Culturally, summer is arguably Breckenridge’s busiest season. The town’s calendar is packed with festivals that celebrate everything from fine art to craft fermentation. Highlights include the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA), which turns trails and public spaces into open-air galleries, and the renowned Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival. It is a season of al fresco dining on sun-drenched patios, vibrant farmers markets, and endless daylight—proof that this historic mining town shines just as brightly in green as it does in white. Summit county has a thriving arts scene that visitors should be sure to check out.

Plan Your Trip: Lodging and Transportation

Planning the perfect Breckenridge vacation is straightforward, thanks to a robust infrastructure designed for visitors. Whether you are flying in from across the globe or driving from the Front Range, getting to the mountains is the first step in your adventure.

Getting to Breckenridge from DIA

Most visitors fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), located approximately two hours east of the resort. While car rentals are available, many travelers prefer to book a Breckenridge airport shuttle service like Epic Mountain Express. These shuttles offer door-to-door service, eliminating the stress of navigating snowy mountain passes like I-70 and Hoosier Pass. Once you arrive, a car is rarely necessary; the town operates the “Breck Free Ride,” a comprehensive and complimentary bus system that connects lodging, the ski slopes, and Main Street.

Where to Stay: Hotels and Vacation Rentals

When it comes to Breckenridge lodging, the options are as diverse as the terrain. For maximum convenience, many skiers opt for ski-in/ski-out condos at the base of Peak 8 or Peak 9, allowing for instant access to the lifts. For those who prefer the vibrant nightlife and dining scene, historic hotels and boutique inns along Main Street place you in the center of the action. Large families and groups often look to the surrounding neighborhoods for spacious luxury vacation rentals that offer hot tubs, mountain views, and privacy, ensuring a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.

Beaver Creek

Things to Do in Beaver Creek, Colorado

With heated walkways, escalators to the slopes and immaculate grooming, slope-side accommodations, warm après-ski cookies and the Ivy League of ski schools, you really are “not exactly roughing it” in Beaver Creek. Despite 300 days of sunshine and 1,805 acres of Colorado grandeur, Beaver Creek also boasts the intimacy of an alpine village, featuring mouthwatering cuisine, blissful spas and captivating performing arts.

Aspen

Vacation in Aspen, Colorado

Ahhh, Aspen, Colorado, where do we start? The name alone conjures images of majestic mountains, outdoor adventure, healthy living, divine dining, music festivals, and exceptional shopping. To the world, Aspen means “The Good Life.” And yes, this town has everything the good life has to offer. But there is even more—Aspen’s got soul.

It is a world-class destination with outdoor adventures from skiing to biking, with a flair for arts and culture, but still maintains enough small-town charm for year-round residents to call it home. Aspen truly is a unique diamond nestled in the rough of the Rocky Mountains that has a knack for bringing big city features to you in a way that defies the ordinary. Learn more about Aspen via the Aspen Chamber and Resort Association or sign up and stay informed about what’s going on in Aspen and other resort towns.

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