🚗 10 Easy Day Trips from Longmont (No PTO Required)
Where to Go When You Need a Mini Escape
Happy Wednesday, Longmont!🧡
Feeling that midweek itch to get out of town — but not too far out of town? One of the best parts about living here is how many adventures are sitting within an easy drive. Let’s zoom out on the map for a second.
Here are some of the best day trips, all close enough to be home by dinner.
If you had to pick one this weekend, where are you headed?
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🚗 10 Easy Day Trips from Longmont (No PTO Required)
Here are some of the best day trips, all close enough to be home by dinner.
🦁 The Wild Animal Sanctuary – Keenesburg (36 miles)
A 720-acre refuge for rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and more. The “Mile Into the Wild” elevated walkway lets you observe animals in wide-open habitats — no zoo vibes here. It’s powerful, peaceful, and surprisingly moving.
🎭 Boulder (16 miles)
Pearl Street stroll? Yes. Flatirons views at Chautauqua Park? Always. Add in the University of Colorado Boulder campus energy and a stop at NCAR Mesa Laboratory for sweeping views, and you’ve got a perfectly packed day.
🎿 Nederland & Eldora Mountain Resort (32 miles)
Quirky mountain-town energy along the Peak to Peak Byway. Ski or ride at Eldora in winter, paddle Barker Reservoir in summer, and absolutely pop into the Carousel of Happiness — trust us.
🛍️ Niwot (7 miles)
Seven miles. Zero stoplights. Historic storefronts, local restaurants, and summer concerts that feel like a movie scene. It’s the easiest “getaway” you’ll ever take.
🎶 Lyons (12 miles)
Home to Planet Bluegrass and the original Oskar Blues Grill & Brew. Float the river at Lavern M. Johnson Park, grab a burger, and soak in that tiny-mountain-town charm.
👻 Estes Park (33 miles)
Tour the iconic Stanley Hotel (yes, that one), stroll the Riverwalk, grab homemade fudge, and ride the aerial tramway for big mountain views.
🏔️ Rocky Mountain National Park (33 miles)
Longs Peak’s backyard. 415 square miles of hiking, wildlife spotting, and that iconic drive along Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. Elk sightings included.
🎨 Denver (35 miles)
Museums, pro sports, theatre, and landmarks like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Botanic Gardens. City energy when you want it — peace and quiet back home when you don’t.
🚲 Fort Collins (30 miles)
Charming Old Town streets, views from Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, and scenic drives along the Cache La Poudre Scenic Byway. Bonus points for whitewater rafting or catching a show at Mishawaka.
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What’s Happenin’ is 100% free and independently run (yep, it’s just us). If this newsletter helps you discover cool things around town, your support helps keep it going and growing. We truly appreciate any and all love. Thank you for being part of the community.
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💘 Date Spot in Longmont
Longmont dates are relaxed, local, and full of charm. Take a scenic walk along the St. Vrain Greenway, wander through Downtown Longmont for coffee and shops, or plan a picnic at Golden Ponds Park. For an easygoing night out, grab a pint at Left Hand Brewing Company and let the conversation flow.
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We’re opening voting for the bakeries and cafés serving pastries worth the detour (and the drive home snack).
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Back Before Dinner
That’s the beauty of Longmont — you can be in the mountains, on Pearl Street, or watching rescued lions roam… and still sleep in your own bed.
Where are we road-tripping next?
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Longmont even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
See you Friday!
— Ben
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