The Best of Estes Park
Only an hour and a half away from downtown Denver, Estes Park is the quintessential summer mountain town. Nestled in the base of a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do, sights to see, and food to eat. Estes hosts any summer mountain activity you could ask for, including shopping, drinking, exploring, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, boating, horseback riding, fishing, camping, and glamping. This is in addition to a plethora of events, live music shows, get-togethers, and tours. I’ve been visiting Estes Park once or twice a year for over 13 years and know this town like the back of my hand, so here’s my Estes Park tourism crash course for your enjoyment.
Elkhorn Avenue
The ‘Mainstreet’ of Estes, Elkhorn Avenue is home to all of the town’s local shoppes, ice cream & candy stores, and a few of their best restaurants with the Big Thompson River offering a peaceful scenic walk down the backside.
One of my absolute favorites, Ed’s features a bright Mexican menu with a modern twist. With creative dishes like fried green beans, plantain tostadas, and falafel tacos, it’s a foodie’s delight. Enjoy with a margarita on their rooftop or backyard patios.
This cozy coffee shop overlooks a small duck pond at the base of a mountain. Grab a specialty latte, smoothie, frappe, or pastry and enjoy the lovely scenery.
My favorite rock shop ever, this beautiful store offers a large collection of pretty rocks, crystals, fossils, and other artifacts, you can also break open your own geodes here.
A small family-owned & operated winery that uses 100% Colorado-grown grapes from Palisade & offers locally made charcuterie items. It’s only $9 to taste 5 of their 20 different handcrafted wines, making for a perfect wine-tasting date spot.
This is my favorite weekend brunch spot, and it’s everyone else’s too. Be sure to make a reservation at this landmark cafe overlooking the park with the best brunch dishes & drinks.
Two amusement parks which host activities like go-carts, bumper cars, bumper boats, bungee jumping, mini golfing, the giant slide, and more.
This popular Estes mainstay serves tasty traditional Italian dishes and a curated wine list in a in a cozy riverside cottage.
The pinnacle of Estes Park tourism comes in the form of the Stanley Hotel, the location upon which Steven King’s The Shining is based. The Stanley Hotel is a beautiful victorian-style set of buildings with a rich history, plethora of activities, and lovely views of Estes Park’s mountains.
Historical & Ghost Tours- Offering a historical tour by day and a “spirited” tour by night, you can immerse yourself in the lore of the Stanley Hotel.
Events- Aiden Sinclair’s Underground Magic Show, 13: The Midnight Seance, and live music shows.
Dining- Cascades Restaurant, Brunch & Co., and The Colorado Cherry Co.
This colorful glass shop features live glass blowing demonstrations all day every summer as well as some of the best locally made artwork in town.
Nothing like any other store on Elkhorn Avenue, you’ll find skateboards, stickers, posters, funny life-size cardboard cutouts, and locally blown glass pieces.
This quaint breakfast nook just off the avenue features tasty breakfast classics and cozy cabin vibes.
The go-to dive bar of Estes Park residents with pool tables, a dart board, shuffleboard, foosball, arcade games and a digital jukebox. Good vibes, cheap drinks, and a social setting make for a great night out away from home.
Rent pontoon boats, kayaks, bikes, pedal carts, or paddleboards for some lake day fun with beautiful 360° scenery.
This casual Italian eatery right behind Fun City has great riverside views, authentic cuisine, and excellent wine.
A gourmet American restaurant with charcuterie, eclectic dishes, and a full bar for lunch & dinner.
A dog & family friendly beer garden with 64 rotating taps of local craft beers. They also carry locally made meads, ciders, wines, and spirits.
Estes Park is home to the oldest operating movie theater in the country. This vintage landmark has one screen, old fashioned seating, and updated technology to ensure an authentic and optimal viewing experience.
A gigantic toy, game, antique, & stuffed animal emporium built like Noah’s Ark.
Colorado’s go-to destination for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives with several lakes, falls, streams, and valley views to enjoy.
Estes hosts multiple companies who can take you and your friends or family horseback riding, fishing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, bus tours around town, and more.
On your way in or out of Estes, be sure to pull over to the quaint cottage-style pie shop on the side of the road just 20 minutes outside of town. Established in 1960, the Colorado Cherry Company has been passed down four generations to offer the best pies, jams, jellies, juices, and ciders the state has to offer.
And that concludes my ultimate Estes Park tour guide! So rent a riverside cabin or book a room at the Stanley Hotel, pack your sunglasses, and hit the short 90 minute drive from downtown to this very special summer mountain oasis. With excellent dining and drinking options, more shopping than you could ask for, countless indoor and outdoor activities, and wonderful hospitality, there’s no other town quite like Estes Park.
Stay Mile High✌️
