Are you looking for something fun to do either this weekend or next? Do you long for an exciting vacation but just don’t seem to have the proper funds? Don’t stress out and/or skip town; take one of these 11 incredible trips in and around the city that are guaranteed to change your life:
1.) Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver Cheesman Park)
Talk about paradise: The Denver Botanic Gardens consists of 50 stunning gardens spanned over 24 beautiful acres that have to be seen to be believed! (Psst... The Denver Botanic Gardens hosts numerous events and special exhibits throughout the year, so make plans to visit more than just once!)
2.) Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms (Littleton)
The colorful and fragrant fun doesn't end at the Denver Botanic Gardens's York Street location! In fact, the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms boasts an additional 700 acres of flowers, native plants, trees, and hands-on exhibits for both children and adults alike.
3.) Argo Gold Mine and Mill (Idaho Springs)
How lucky are we to be a mere 20 miles from the "Best Gold Mine Tour in the Area"? The large Argo Gold Mine and Mill offers group tours of the mine, as well as the opportunity to pan for your own gold or other precious gems!
4.) Adams Falls (Grand Lake)
Sure, it is a bit of a drive to reach this Rocky Mountain National Park gem (2 hours to be exact), but trust us; taking this gentle hike to see these magnificent falls is well worth the day trip!
5.) Nederland
Another treasure nestled in the Rocky Mountains? The small town of Nederland! Just what does this town of 1,500 have to offer? Oh, just the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, an epic music and arts scene, and unique festivals galore!
6.) Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (Commerce City)
Do you like animals? Would you like the opportunity to see one or two (or 330) varying species? Then the 15,000-acres of woods, wetlands, and prairies that make up the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect getaway for you.
7.) Castlewood Canyon State Park (Franktown)
Looking for a hike that will make you say "DAM!"? Yes? Then you are going to LOVE hiking around Castlewood Canyon State Park, which houses not only the historic ruins of the Castlewood Canyon Dam, but also a number of creeks, canyons, waterfalls, and even an above-ground cave.
8.) A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center at The Downtown Aquarium (Denver LoDo)
Itching for a tropical vacation but just don't have the funds? Then you are going to want to check out the Downtown Aquarium, which offers scuba diving certification, snorkeling with fish, diving with fish, and diving with sharks via the A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center!
9.) Blue Lake (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
Located within the Indian Peaks Wilderness lies Blue Lake, which boasts some of the most pristine blue waters in the state! (Seriously; this photo doesn't do the vivid colors justice.)
10.) Georgetown Loop Railroad (Georgetown)
All aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which is located less than an hour from Denver and offers one of the most scenic train rides in the state (from May through December)!
11.) Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort (Nathrop)
Stressed? Need a mini-getaway full of nothing but pampering? Then the relaxing hot springs and spa located at Nathrop's Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is THE spot for you!
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