Things To Do
in Longmont

Longmont, Colorado sits at the foothills of the Front Range and blends small-town charm with a vibrant craft beverage and farm-to-table scene. The city offers scenic parks along the St. Vrain Creek, a lively Old Town with shops and eateries, and close proximity to mountain trails. Visitors can explore farms, markets, and museums, then unwind with a brewery tour or a family-friendly outdoor activity.

With four-season outdoor beauty and a friendly community vibe, Longmont serves as a great base for Front Range adventures.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in Longmont's Historic Downtown. After enjoying a hearty meal, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture and quaint shops. Don’t forget to stop by the Longmont Museum to learn about the city’s rich history.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the local breweries and sample some of Longmont's finest craft beers. Enjoy a light lunch at one of the nearby restaurants that feature farm-to-table options. Spend some time exploring the vibrant art scene by visiting galleries and public art installations scattered throughout the area.

evening
:

As the sun sets, choose a cozy spot for dinner, perhaps a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a relaxing walk along the St. Vrain Greenway, where you can take in the serene views of the river and surrounding nature. Conclude your evening with a local theater performance or live music at a nearby venue.

day 2
Biking the Longmont Loop
morning
:

Rent a bike at a local shop and start your morning with a ride on the Longmont Loop, a scenic trail that showcases the area's natural beauty. With stunning views of the mountains and vibrant landscapes, this ride promises an invigorating start to your day. Stop at one of the parks along the way for a quick snack and to take in the views.

afternoon
:

Continue your bike adventure by exploring the local parks, such as Golden Ponds Park, which offers beautiful trails and a chance to observe wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the serene ponds, surrounded by nature. After lunch, consider visiting the nearby Longmont Farmers Market, where you can pick up fresh produce and handmade goods.

evening
:

After a day of biking and exploring, head back to downtown Longmont for a delicious dinner at a local eatery known for its comfort food. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you dine al fresco or inside with friends. End your evening with a visit to a nearby ice cream shop for a sweet treat.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Cup of coffee$3-5
Gasoline (per gallon)$3-4
🩺Basic medical visit$100-200
🏨1-night hotel$120-250

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strong craft beer scene and farm-to-table dining options
  • Close access to Front Range hiking and outdoor recreation
  • Can be busy in peak tourist seasons
  • Summer afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms

Places to Visit in Longmont

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Longmont

Historic brick storefronts, murals, and cobblestone sidewalks provide classic urban photography with a Western small-town vibe.

St. Vrain Creek at Roosevelt Park

Water reflections and shaded banks ideal for golden-hour landscape and family portraits.

Union Reservoir

Sunset skies over water with mountain silhouettes; great for wide-angle and horizon shots.

Heil Ranch Open Space overlook

Open vistas of foothills and rolling meadows, perfect for panoramic mountain photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Longmont

Longmont embraces a farm-to-table ethos with a growing craft beer scene, welcoming eateries ranging from casual pubs to family-owned restaurants.

Longmont Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Colorado Green Chile

A spicy pork-based sauce with green chiles, a Colorado staple often served smothering burritos or alongside breakfast; widely available in Old Town eateries.

Must-Try!

Bison Burger

Lean bison patty with cheddar and caramelized onions; a common, flavorful option at local pubs and casual spots.

Rocky Mountain Trout

Fresh trout prepared grilled or pan-seared during fishing season; featured at farm-to-table restaurants and seafood-friendly menus.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Longmont Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering locally grown produce, dairy, baked goods, and ready-to-eat foods; a great place to taste regional specialties and chat with growers.

Climate Guide

Weather

Longmont experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, winters are cold with occasional heavy snow, and spring/fall offer mild temperatures with variable precipitation. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, with significant diurnal temperature variation between day and night.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

General Courtesy

Be respectful of residential areas, yield to pedestrians on sidewalks, and seek permission before photographing people, especially in neighborhoods.

Outdoor Etiquette

Stay on designated trails, pack out trash, and observe wildlife guidelines in open spaces and parks.

Safety Guide

Safety

Longmont is generally safe for visitors, with standard city precautions. Be mindful of weather changes in the mountains, secure valuables in vehicles, and stay on marked trails. Daylight hours and well-lit areas are recommended for evening strolls in downtown.

Tipping in Longmont

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurant servers typically receive 15-20% of the pre-tax bill; bartenders and delivery drivers also rely on tips. Rounding up the bill is common in casual spots.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; cash is always an option at smaller or older establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, dry days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; bring sun protection and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Fall

Crisp air and colorful foliage; ideal for scenic hikes and outdoor photography; wildlife activity increases.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; expect clear, sunny days interspersed with snowfall; layering is key.

Spring

Mild temperatures with variable conditions; rainy periods refresh trails and markets as wildlife returns.

Nightlife Guide

Longmont at Night

Longmont’s nightlife centers on a growing craft beer scene with several breweries and casual venues in Old Town. Most evenings feature tasting rooms, live music, and food trucks, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere without the intensity of bigger cities.

Hiking in Longmont

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mason Gulch Trail (Heil Ranch Open Space)

Forested terrain with ridges and alpine views about 20-30 minutes from Longmont.

Button Rock Preserve Trail (Ward)

Scenic canyon trail with river views and seasonal waterfalls; a popular Front Range hike.

Hall Ranch Open Space Trail

Rolling foothill trails offering foothill and meadow vistas suitable for a moderate hike.

Airports

How to reach Longmont by plane.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Major international hub about 45-60 miles to the southeast; accessible by car, rideshare, or express transit connections.

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC)

General aviation airport near Boulder/Westminster; convenient for private flights and regional travel.

Loveland/Fort Collins Regional Airport (FNL)

Regional airport about 25-30 miles north; useful for shorter regional trips with some commercial service.

Getting Around

Walkability

Downtown Old Town Longmont is walkable with shops, eateries, and parks. Outside the core, many neighborhoods require a car, though bike lanes and paths are common and bike-friendly.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families are drawn to parks, schools, and a safe, community-minded environment.

Young Professionals

Proximity to Boulder/Denver job markets and a thriving craft beverage scene attract early-career residents.

Students and Retirees

A balanced mix of students from nearby colleges and retirees seeking a relaxed locale with outdoor access.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A strong local culture with nearby road and mountain routes appealing to enthusiasts.

Hiking and Trail Running

Immediate access to Front Range trails from town; popular year-round activity.

Snow Sports

Winter access to nearby ski areas via Denver/Boulder routes makes skiing and snowboarding a common seasonal pursuit.

Transportation

Traffic

I-25 and US-287 are the main corridors; expect typical urban congestion during commute hours. Public transit connects to Boulder and Denver, and the town supports bike travel with dedicated lanes and trails.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Longmont.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Longmont restaurants offer vegetarian options—look for veggie bowls, salads, and build-your-own dishes; ask for dairy-free or gluten-free accommodations when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

The area has multiple clinics and pharmacies; for major care, options include UCHealth facilities in nearby Boulder and Loveland/Fort Collins; emergency services are available in Longmont with regional hospital networks nearby.

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