Top Communities to Visit This Summer in the Denver Area

July 21, 20233 min read

Cache la Poudre River | Claud Richmond

During the summer, Denver’s scenic communities offer a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and a plethora of warm-weather activities. Let’s delve into the top towns in the Denver area to visit this season.

Boulder

Boulder, an emerging city in Colorado, is a vibrant community at the base of the Rocky Mountains known for its stunning scenery. Hiking enthusiasts love Boulder for its abundance of trails and public green spaces to explore. It has a chic vibe with superb art galleries, boutique stores, and trendy restaurants. There are countless ways to enjoy a summer in Boulder. Relax on a patio at one of its many craft breweries, enjoy some songs at the Colorado Music Festival, or attend a play at the outdoor Colorado Shakespeare Festival.

Boulder | Logan Moreno Gutierrez

Brighton

Brighton, a small suburb of Denver, beckons those seeking a charming retreat away from bustling crowds. While primarily residential, this welcoming community has a pleasant downtown area with local shops and restaurants. There are many ways to make the most of the season in Brighton, but among the most popular is paying a visit to Barr Lake State Park. This park has miles of trails for visitors to explore and is centered around a scenic lake that attracts bird watchers, anglers, and boating enthusiasts.

Barr Lake State Park | Intricate Explorer

Longmont

Longmont, home to almost 100,000 residents, is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and has many natural destinations ideal for summer exploration. Union Reservoir is a recreational hub, popular among sailors, anglers, and paddleboarders. Also, Longmont’s exceptional golf courses are a major attraction during the summer months, enticing golfers from far and wide. In addition to scenic areas, the city is home to numerous breweries and distilleries, along with the Longmont Creative District, which is a center for dining, nightlife, and entertainment.

Longmont | Kody Goodson

Castle Rock

Nestled south of Denver, Castle Rock is a captivating city that has experienced rapid growth in recent years. It is transforming into a thriving tourist destination that enchants visitors with its lovely downtown and abundant natural scenery. Experience the best of Castle Rock during the summer, when you can enjoy an array of the city’s finest features. Castle Rock has outstanding golf courses, a highly walkable and historic downtown, and scenic hiking areas, including Castlewood Canyon State Park and the Challenge Hill at Philip S. Miller Park. Adventure seekers will find their thrill at Castle Rock, which boasts exhilarating activities such as ziplining, horseback riding, and aerial trekking.

Castlewood Canyon State Park | Yaroslav Muzychenko

Greeley

Located northeast of Denver, Greeley is a major community and one of Colorado’s booming municipalities. This historic city was one of the first planned communities in the country and has a charming atmosphere with museums and preserved architecture. It is surrounded by agriculture, boasts a renowned farm-to-table food scene, and has many excellent breweries and cafes. Venturing to Greeley’s many natural destinations is an idyllic way to spend a summer day. The Poudre River Trail offers mountain views and access to the Cache la Poudre River, which is perfect for fishing, white-water rafting, or kayaking.