Last updated on June 28th, 2020 at 05:48 pm
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Estes Park: The town where it’s always Christmas and salt water taffy is abundant. If you’re looking for a weekend away in a cute mountain town, Estes Park is the place for you. Check out these 14 things to do in Estes Park.
I have been to Estes Park several times, but I had never spent a weekend there until recently. Whether you want to get away for the weekend or the day, Estes Park has so much to offer.
Only an hour and a half outside of Denver, it offers an adorable town, a haunted hotel, and all the nature and wildlife you could need.
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the best things about Estes Park is its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are looking to visit the National Park, Estes is a great place to stay. Camping, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and scenic driving are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy here! Currently it is 25 dollars for a day pass per vehicle, but it is worth it. The views are beautiful! Make sure you are prepared to hike in Colorado’s ever changing weather with my hiking guide.
After you work off some calories playing around in Rocky Mountain National Park, have lunch at one of the many picnic spots.
Click here for More hiking trails near denver
Eat Way Too Much Taffy
There are only two taffy shops in Estes Park, but it feels like a lot for a small mountain town. Taffy will always be a staple Estes Park treat for me. Just beware how much you put in your bag, the first time I visited I got so much it lasted me over a year!
If taffy isn’t your thing, there are also many ice cream and candy shops to curb your sweet tooth.
Eat Rocky Mountain Oysters
I definitely decided at one point in my life I would never eat Rocky Mountain Oysters. Over the weekend I saw them on the menu and I thought, why not?
So we tried them and they weren’t bad! If you’re brave you can find them at The Wapiti Pub.
Get Pictures of Elk
If you are in Estes Park, you will likely see elk at some point. It is one of my favorite parts of visiting. We saw four different herds all over town, but you have to keep an eye out!
Play Shuffle Board at The Wheel Bar
Darts, pool, and arcade games are also an option. Open and family owned since 1945, The Wheel Bar is full of history and a great place to spend the night drinking, chatting, and playing games.
Eat a Giant Cinnamon Roll
Cinnamon’s Bakery was a gem that we found while searching for breakfast. Located just outside of town in a little house, Cinnamon’s Bakery serves up homemade cinnamon rolls that are delicious. Classic, Pecan, Salted Caramel, Raisin, and a Fruit flavor that varies daily are the choices, so good luck deciding! They also put frosting on per each order, either light, medium, or heavy. Beware, I ordered medium thinking it would be prefect but it was way too much for me.
Keep Your Eye Out for Birds
Over 270 types of birds have been spotted in Estes Park. On our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park we saw some beautiful Blue Jays. There was also several Wild Turkeys roaming around near our Airbnb.
Visit a Christmas Shop (or Three) Year Around
Estes Park has three Christmas shops, another one of its amazing quirks. My favorite is The Spruce House, although I have never visited The Christmas Shoppe because it’s farther from downtown Estes. The Spruce House is in a little house and offers all kinds of Christmas ornaments from the beautifully crafted to funny. They even have some Halloween themed ones.
Sample Some Really Hot Hot Sauce
Head to Pepper Palace to sample some hot sauce, barbecue and wing sauce, seasonings, salsa and more. They even have one sauce they keep behind the desk which requires signing a waiver to sample.
Visit a Distillery, Winery, or Brewery
We used to visit Dancing Pines Distillery, but unfortunately they have permanently closed. Instead, check out Elkins Colorado Whiskey Distillery, Snowy Peaks Winery, Rock Cut Brewing Company, or Estes Park Brewery. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Eat Some Barbecue
Smokin’ Daves Barbecue, a Colorado chain, is a good place to grab some classic barbecue food. It was some of the best barbecue I’ve had and that’s not usually my favorite type of food.
Sip Lattes at Inkwell & Brew
I am always searching out coffee during my travels, and Inkwell & Brew did not disappoint! They have cozy couches in an upstairs loft, yummy drinks and pastries, and unique gifts to take home. My favorite drink is The Provençal, a latte made with honey and lavender.
Visit The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel, the hotel that helped create Estes Park as we know it. Opened by Freelan Oscar Stanley in 1909, The Stanley Hotel is full of history and rumored to be haunted. It was the inspiration of the novel, The Shinning, by Stephen King and also used as the filming location for the hotel in Dumb and Dumber. Tours of the hotel are available during the day for 23 dollars and at the night for 28 dollars. Whatever your interest in the hotel, The Stanley Hotel is a sight to see.
Stay in a Cabin with a View
While staying at the Stanley Hotel is a dream for some, I like to avoid staying in places known to be haunted, plus it can be expensive. For our trip to Estes Park, we found a lovely cabin on AirBnB with nice views of the mountains. This was the perfect place to sip coffee on the patio in the morning or hideaway inside playing board games. For something similar, check out this cabin.
There is something for everyone in this cute mountain town!
Shop My Essentials for Estes Park
I love this Osprey Backpack
Have you ever visited Estes Park? What was your favorite thing to do?
Looking for more mountain getaways? Check out my guide to exploring Black Hawk.
