Loveland

Day Trips

Start your day with a fresh brew at a cozy local café on Railroad Avenue. Wander along the charming brick sidewalks and admire the colorful murals that tell Loveland’s story. Pop into quirky boutiques and vintage shops to discover unique souvenirs.

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a downtown bistro featuring seasonal Colorado ingredients. Browse the local art galleries showcasing works by the Loveland Artists Association. Pause at the Big Thompson River promenade to listen to the gentle murmur of the water.

Dine under twinkling string lights at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city center. Catch live music at a lively downtown venue or street performance if available. Savor the cool evening breeze as you stroll back through illuminated streets.

Grab a takeaway coffee and head to Benson Sculpture Garden for a peaceful morning among over 150 bronze sculptures. Follow winding pathways framed by maples and cottonwoods as the early light casts soft shadows. Pause by the reflecting pool to admire the mirrored art pieces against the sky.

Unpack a picnic lunch on the manicured lawns beside the south pond while local ducks glide by. Amble over to the adjacent Promenade Park to enjoy interactive fountains and public art installations. Snap photos of towering sculptures that blend nature with creative expression.

Stay after hours for a serene sunset stroll through the garden as the sculptures are bathed in golden hues. Dine at a nearby riverside restaurant to watch the Big Thompson River flow past. Toast to the day with a locally brewed craft beer on an outdoor patio.

Fuel up with hearty breakfast tacos at a popular breakfast joint before heading out to Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Park at the trailhead and follow the ridgeline trail as dawn breaks, revealing panoramic views of the Mummy Range and plains. Listen for birdsong and keep an eye out for mule deer grazing on the tall grasses.

Stop at one of the rocky ledges for a packed lunch with sweeping vistas beneath the signature sandstone fins. Explore side trails that wind through juniper and ponderosa stands, discovering hidden rock formations. Capture dramatic photos of the rugged landscape contrasting against the open sky.

Return to Loveland for a casual dinner at a family-owned American grill near the foothills. Unwind with a refreshing mountain-inspired cocktail on a shaded patio. Relish the sunset colors fading behind the distant peaks.

Begin with a sunrise paddleboard or kayak rental on the calm waters of Boyd Lake. Drift past cattails and watch great blue herons take flight in the crisp morning air. Pause at a sandy beach for a waterside snack and soak in the peaceful lakeside scenery.

Cycle along the park’s multi-use trails that hug the shoreline, stopping occasionally to dip your toes in the refreshing water. Spread out a picnic blanket in the shady picnic area and enjoy fresh fruits and sandwiches. Spend time at the beachfront swimming area, cooling off under the warm Colorado sun.

Grill your own dinner at one of the park’s barbecue pits while listening to the laughter of families gathered nearby. After dusk, stargaze along the lake’s edge where light pollution is minimal. Wind down with a cozy fireside chat and the tranquil lap of waves against the shore.

Meet your pilot before dawn at a local airfield for a pre-flight briefing over hot coffee and pastries. Ascend gently in a colorful balloon basket as the sun’s first rays illuminate the Front Range. Drift above rolling farmland and glimpse Loveland’s rooftops from a breathtaking vantage point.

Celebrate your landing with a traditional champagne toast and hearty brunch back at the launch site. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring nearby Chapungu Sculpture Park, marveling at hand-carved Zimbabwean stone figures. Wander through the open-air gallery and learn about the sculptor’s rich cultural heritage.

Head back into Loveland for a riverside dinner at an upscale eatery overlooking the Big Thompson River. Sample local trout or Colorado lamb while reflecting on your morning flight. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the lit pathways of Promenade Park.

Start at the Loveland Museum/Gallery to explore rotating exhibits on regional art and history. Trace the town’s railroad heritage through interactive displays featuring historic locomotives and artifacts. Engage with knowledgeable docents who share little-known stories of Loveland’s early days.

Grab lunch at the museum café before making your way to the nearby Railroad Exhibit for a closer look at vintage rail cars. Climb aboard restored boxcars and passenger coaches to imagine life on the iron rail corridor of the 1900s. Take photos beside authentic train signals and whistle towers scattered around the grounds.

Enjoy dinner at a nearby gastropub that pays homage to the town’s railroad roots with train-themed décor. Order a craft brew or local cider and sample inventive shareable plates. Cap off the evening by catching a classic film screening at the historic Rialto Theater down the street.

Drive to a scenic winery on the Front Range for a morning tasting of estate-grown Rieslings and pinot noirs. Savor panoramic views of the foothills as you learn about high-altitude grape cultivation. Participate in a behind-the-scenes cellar tour to see barrels aging quietly.

Return to downtown Loveland for lunch at a farm-focused bistro before heading to Soulcraft Brewing for artisanal beer sampling. Engage with the head brewer to learn about the brewing process and unique local ingredients. Test flight boards of seasonal IPAs and rich barrel-aged stouts in the tasting room.

Dine at a cozy brewpub featuring rotating taps and pub fare with a gourmet twist. Pair your meal with a flight of sour ales or fruit-infused beers for a true Colorado craft experience. End the night chatting with friendly locals in the warm glow of the outdoor firepit.

Depart early for the scenic drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, aiming to arrive at Bear Lake at sunrise. Hike the gentle Bear Lake Loop trail as pastel light dances across alpine waters and towering peaks. Spot marmots scurrying near the trail’s edges and listen for distant elk bugling.

Wind your way along Trail Ridge Road, ascending above tree line to the Alpine Visitor Center. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch with views that stretch across five mountain ranges on a clear day. Explore short trails near the visitor center to marvel at dramatic rock outcrops kissed by high-altitude breezes.

Return to Loveland and treat yourself to dinner at an Italian trattoria in the Centerra shopping district. Indulge in hand-tossed pizza or fresh pasta while recounting your mountain adventures. Finish with gelato on the patio, basking in memories of towering summits and alpine lakes.

Begin with a hearty breakfast at a local donut shop before wandering the Roosevelt Park District. Pop into working art studios to watch potters shape clay and painters apply vivid brushstrokes to canvas. Chat with artists during open-studio hours to learn about their inspirations and techniques.

Join a guided public art walking tour to uncover vibrant murals and hidden sculptures tucked around the neighborhood. Pause at a café for lunch and watch the parade of creative locals on their way to workshops. Visit independent galleries showcasing jewelry, textiles and mixed-media art by regional talents.

Reserve tickets for a live performance at the historic Rialto Theater, from indie films to live music shows. Dine beforehand at a nearby tapas bar, sampling small plates with Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Exit into the evening air with an unforgettable blend of culture and night sky above.

Savor your last breakfast in Loveland at a popular brunch spot known for handcrafted omelets and mimosas. Take one final stroll through Promenade Park to bid farewell to riverside art and fountains. Visit a farmers’ market stall to pick up local honey or artwork as a keepsake.

Indulge in a final lunch at a steakhouse that sources prime Colorado beef, celebrating your time in the Rockies. Pop into a nearby chocolatier for sweet truffle samples or handmade caramels. Browse the gift shop for locally made crafts and souvenirs to bring home to friends and family.

End your trip with a celebratory dinner at a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the Big Thompson River. Toast to ten days of adventure with a glass of Colorado wine or hand-crafted cocktail. Stroll past illuminated sculptures in Benson Sculpture Garden one last time before saying goodbye to Loveland.