Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a scenic mountain town. It is brimming with incredible adventures, historical landmarks, and abundant wildlife. Estes Park is the gateway to spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park. This charming mountain town beckons you to come explore.
From scenic hikes and drives to interesting museums and delectable dining, there are so many amazing things to see and do in Estes Park. I’ll share my picks for the top 5 must-do activities and attractions to make the most out of your visit.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, these Estes Park offers something for everyone. With its majestic mountain vistas, an array of wildlife, it has so many ways to immerse yourself in natural beauty. Get ready for the Rocky Mountain vacation of a lifetime.
Amazing Places to Visit
Here are some recommendations of places to go if you have a couple of days in Estes Park. They are in no particular order.
1. Estes Park Museum
Kickstart your adventure in Estes Park by stopping into the Estes Park Museum to gain insight into the area’s fascinating history and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of downtown, this informative museum houses a collection of historic artifacts, photographs, archives, and exhibits that trace Estes Park’s development from early Native American inhabitation to a bustling tourist town.
Browse interactive displays highlighting the indigenous Ute and Arapaho people who first traveled this alpine valley seasonally. Marvel at an original Stanley Steamer that once chauffeured guests to the opulent Stanley Hotel. Learn how early settlers and entrepreneurs helped shape Estes Park in the late 19th century.
From its humble beginnings as a hunting and fishing destination to becoming the robust tourist hub it is today, soak in the captivating evolution of this iconic Colorado town at the Estes Park Museum.
2. The Stanley Hotel
No trip to Estes Park is complete without a visit to the legendary Stanley Hotel. Perched regally on a hill overlooking town, this historic hotel sets the stage for a truly iconic Colorado experience. Originally built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame, the Georgian-style hotel is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s spine-chilling novel, The Shining.
Take a guided tour to explore the hotel’s elaborate architecture and learn about its haunted history, or book a room to stay overnight like Jack Nicholson’s character in the 1980 film adaptation. Guests and visitors alike can dine at the hotel’s restaurant, have a drink at the lively whiskey bar, and revel in the old-world charm of this establishment that put Estes Park on the map.
With its storied past, picturesque setting, and aura of the supernatural, the Stanley Hotel is a must-visit attraction to delight history buffs, pop culture enthusiasts, and paranormal fanatics alike.
3. Lake Estes
Nestled at the eastern edge of Estes Park, the sparkling waters of Lake Estes offer both scenic hiking and refreshing water sports. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the lake is by hiking the easy 3.8 mile trail along the shoreline. It offers picture-perfect views of the water bordered by evergreen forests and dramatic mountain peaks. It is simply gorgeous.
Stop at fishing access points along the route to try your hand at catching trout, or have a picnic along the path. Once you’ve hiked the Lake Estes Trail, head to Lake Estes Marina where you can rent boats, canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddle boards. Check with the Marina for dates that they rent these.
With its variety of recreational options, Lake Estes promises a rejuvenating experience for hikers and boaters alike. We stayed at Murphy’s Resort – which is really close to Lake Estes. Our resort had bicycles we could borrow to ride around the lake. It truly is an amazing spot to walk, bike, canoe, or simply sit and enjoy God’s beautiful creations.
4. Antonio’s Real New York Pizza
I can’t tell you how much pizza we eat. Like seriously, I could probably buy a car with the money we have spent on pizza over the years. Antonio’s Real NY Pizza was one of the best pizzas we have ever eaten. They know what they are doing. Although we could not possibly eat it all, we got both the deep dish and the thin crust because we wanted to try both. Both are awesome!
Antonio’s brings an authentic taste of New York pizza culture to this Colorado mountain town. The owner is even a member of the World Pizza Champions. Antonio’s was recently named the Best New York Pizza in the state of Colorado by the Washington Post.
This beloved local pizza joint has been serving up mouthwatering pies since 2014 using recipes made by real New Yorkers. Dine in or order takeout to enjoy their generously-sized and loaded specialty pizzas. On the other hand, if you order takeout, you will miss the cool experience of having a robot deliver your pizza right to your table.That was fun!
5. Elkhorn Avenue
The heart of downtown Estes Park offers local shops, galleries, and restaurants to discover. The lively downtown shopping district is along Elkhorn Avenue. This pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is packed with locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants and more that let you soak in Estes Park’s unique culture.
Pop into quaint stores to find that perfect Colorado souvenir. When browsing the shops along Elkhorn Avenue, whether it’s handcrafted jewelry, nature-inspired artwork, or a cozy alpaca sweater to combat the mountain chill, you will find something to love. Outdoor outfitters have everything needed for a successful hike or climbing adventure.
Pick up a sticker, spoon, or other miscellaneous item to remind you of your trip. And of course, if you are like me, you will find a Christmas ornament. I love thinking about our trips every year as I hang them on the tree.
My personal favorite place to buy souvenirs was Brownsfield’s. They were a little farther up the road away from the more congested area. (honest disclaimer: I do not personally like shopping in crowded areas) Brownsfield’s had an amazing selection and very fair prices. While some of the places we visited were on the expensive side, however, we found Brownsfield’s to be very reasonable and the owners were so friendly. We will definitely shop there again.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite strolling past old-fashioned candy shops and boutiques, settle in for a meal at a cafe or pub on the riverfront. With its myriad of shops and eateries in a walkable area, Elkhorn Avenue offers the perfect opportunity to mingle with locals and take a piece of Estes Park home with you.
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