During our visit to Colorado, we didn’t expect to fall in love with Estes Park, Colorado so quickly! It is located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park and an hour & a half from Denver, and after visiting, I (and we, if I may speak for John), highly suggest adding it to your list of places to visit in Colorado.
Estes Park, Colorado
Here are a few suggestions and pieces of advice for your visit to Estes Park, Colorado:
Give yourself a full day
…at least. And if your timing allows, make it two days! While it is a small town, my boyfriend and I both wish that we had more time to explore and visit the shops in town. Also, when you visit, take notice when the shops close – the pandemic has caused a lot of stores (all over!) to change their hours.
Wear comfortable shoes
We visited Estes Park right after hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park and we’re glad we brought a second pair of shoes. Hiking shoes will definitely work, but you’ll be doing more walking as you make your way through Estes Park. To give you an idea of the town, it reminded me of Dunedin, FL or St Augustine, FL – just with a different cityscape… mountains!
Random food suggestion
Visit Himalayan Curry & Kebob for some delicious Indian food. So, incredibly good! We both thought we would be ok with medium spice for our entrees and per the server’s suggestion… but their spice is hot! However, the curry was delicious and we would both visit again. The entire menu was well priced, the portions are of good size, and the quaint, outside seating is perfect for social distancing. The indoor and outdoor space is small, so I’m sure it can get busy!
Coffee Shops
While I cannot speak to them… visit one! We saw so many cute shops that my coffee-loving soul wanted to visit but we just didn’t have the time. So please visit one for me, enjoy their cold brew or iced coffee, and report back. K, thanks.
Souvenir Shops
If you’re wondering if there are souvenir shops in Colorado just like every small beach town with the spray-painted shirts… you are correct! But, there are quite a few in Estes Park that are worth meandering through.
Bookstores
Mr. Boyfriend loves to read and all things books and I love cute & quaint bookstores. Estes Park did not disappoint as there are a few stores for your book-lover to check out.
Crowds
While we visited in July, it was not too crowded then. However, I would suspect that on a weekend, and with more people getting comfortable with travel, it may get busy – it’s such a cute area!
Have you visited Estes Park, CO before? What was your favorite part?
