Boulder, Colorado

7 Most Beautiful Cities In Colorado

Colorado is a nature lover's playground and destination for the outdoorsy types, with tons of state parks, mountains, and even waterfront cities. These most beautiful cities show the state's best through immense natural scenery, history, and vibrant attractions. 

Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
Aerial view of Aurora in autumn.

The aptly-named city east of Denver is a real beauty with a broad cityscape wrapped cozily in a natural embrace. Aurora is a popular escape for the state's dwellers who seek boundless nature with comforts and amenities at hand. The atmospheric streets are lined by fantastic eateries, shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. The popular Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum boasts intriguing displays to keep an entire clan on their toes.

There are tons of fresh-air activities and sights in and around the city, like the stately Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre hosting regular exciting events on an outdoor stage. The waterside Cherry Creek State Park offers a real respite on a relaxing stroll, with water activities and other recreational pursuits. It is a great place for picnicking and setting up an atmospheric photoshoot at the forefront of the Rockies.

Boulder

Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado.

The city is one giant natural playground nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, just thirty minutes out of Denver. The state's university emanates a youthful vibe over the laidback streets with attractions that appease any taste and diversify each evening. Boulder is home to one of the finest dining scenes in America, along with the country's top-rated open-air pedestrian Pearl Street Mall. 

The forward-thinking city is home to a mindful crowd of citizens who seriously take outdoor pursuits as part of their progressive values. The active enjoy climbing, mountain biking, and endless hiking trails, including the challenging Flatirons for breathtaking treks. There are also well-worn paths at Chautauqua Park and the less-crowded Doudy Draw south of the city, with easier trails and scenic spots for relaxation. The Boulder Creek dissects the downtown's heart for kayaking and tubing along urban and natural vistas. 

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs at sunset.

Colorado Springs boasts a Russian doll dynamic, having annexed the state's aptly-named former capital of Old Colorado centuries ago. The state's second-largest city is a tourist magnet with lively, laidback streets, enticing attractions, and the backdrop of the majestic Rockies. There are chic art galleries, boutiques, and a historic heart-turned-vibrant thoroughfare with sights and myriad experiences. It is a fun and popular gathering place amidst modern restaurants and shops contrasted by the old buildings and Wild West vibe.

Colorado Springs is veiled in the state's best nature to explore on a getaway and find a new favorite spot, like the nearby Pikes Peak that inspired the 'America the Beautiful' song. Here, Nature keeps on giving, with the Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, and the Cave of the Winds just a short drive off. Some cultural highlights include the Air Force Academy, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, superb museums, and a world-class Olympic Training Center. 

Denver

Denver, Colorado
The skyline of Denver as seen from a park.

Denver is one of the nation's fastest-growing, with fabulous outdoors, two things that don't often go together. The state capital is exciting to visit and explore under year-round blue skies and warm weather, with over 300 sunny days a year. It is a cosmopolitan hub of many personalities where serious economic sectors contrast vibrant cultural neighborhoods. Denver has numerous cultural attractions like the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, sports games, impressive museums, and amazing shows at the giant Denver Performing Arts Complex. 

The "Mile-High City" boasts an eclectic mix of attractions for any group and taste, like diverse shopping, splendid nightlife, and the Latimer Square with the "happening" restaurants scene. Families love visiting the Denver Zoo, strolling to the 16th Street Mall, and cycling through many in-city parks, while the dads adore the popular craft beer scene and catching a game at the Coors Field. The Rocky Mountains at the doorstep offer world-class skiing in winter, summertime hikes, and mountain biking.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins, Colorado
The Town Square in Fort Collins. Editorial credit: Page Light Studios / Shutterstock.com

The most populous city in northern Colorado is home to the state's university. Fort Collins rests scenically amidst the Rockies' foothills, boasting a cityscape within natural surroundings. There are tons of immersing engagements, like exploring the vibrant historic district and strolls along the lively streets with a youthful ring. Fort Collins was found as a military outpost in 1864 and grew around the original Old Town, now laden with delightful old buildings and modern attractions.

One will never run out of scenic content perusing arts and culture along the streets with the mountainous backdrop. The students' rich culture translates into a fabulous entertainment scene with countless bars, breweries, music-filled streets by the day, and great nightlife. The foothills and nearby mountains brim with hiking trails and incredible outdoor adventures for any age, level, and group.

Loveland

Loveland, Colorado
Red Heart, copy of the Statue of Liberty and the American flag in the city park of Loveland. Editorial credit: Victoria Ditkovsky / Shutterstock.com

The 'Sweetheart City' is overrun in February with numerous events held for Valentine's Day. Its largest annual Valentine re-mailing program is not just for the US lovebirds but for all across the globe. People from anywhere can send a post to Loveland, where it is hand-stamped with a cachet and romantic verse and sent to the receiver. The festive streets are full of sights, thematic shopping, and eating establishments that retain a romantic atmosphere, décor, and menu, honoring the city's name throughout the year.

Loveland sits bounded by superb nature at Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park. The active love exploring the immense natural scenery through hikes, biking, and backpacking, while couples enjoy scenic strolls and cozying up with a picnic over a bottle of wine. Loveland brims with splendid attractions, like the Sculpture in the Park show, and an excellent art museum. There is also a day trip to the nearby Boulder for more natural sights and Fort Collins with amenities, entertainment, and nightlife.

Pueblo

Pueblo
Pueblo, Colorado.

The picturesque city at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek boasts a vibrant American and Mexican mix. The trading post established by some of the state's earliest pioneers turned railway hub, and steel manufacturing center is now a flourishing city with a deeply-historic heart. Pueblo is most known as a destination for the annual, colorful and chaotic Colorado State Fair. A festive atmosphere descends onto the "Steel City" every August for two weeks, with the conglomeration of events like carnivals, concerts, and rodeos.

All other days, the streets brim with attractions, showing-off Pueblo's rich heritage through historical sites, cultural venues, and delectable Mexican cuisine restaurants. The historic district and the waterfront plaza are great for scenic strolls amongst beautiful architecture, galleries, museums, and other sights. 

Coloradans are a lucky bunch who get to live in one of the nation's most naturally-beautiful states. Shining from within, these cities offer to enjoy picturesque parks and vibrant streets of arts, culture, and attractions at the fabulous mountainous backdrop. 

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