The Beaches Go to Denver, Colorado
When our coastal-loving family wanted a change of scenery, we headed to Colorado for a “peak experience.”
Courtesy Lisa A. Beach
AS OUR RENTAL CAR ascended the winding roads of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), which towers up to 14,259 feet, our family of four quickly pulled over. The majestic mountains delivered jaw-dropping scenery, but that’s not what warranted a pitstop. We found ourselves in the midst of a well-timed snowstorm—a first for our adult sons (ages 23 and 26) who had never touched snow. It was magical!\
Courtesy Lisa A. Beach
Though we visited in May, the higher elevations were still prone to snowfalls. In fact, Trail Ridge Road—the park’s highest driving trail at 12,183 feet and the country’s highest continuous paved road—was closed due to three feet of snow blocking the path. Fortunately, plenty of white stuff still covered the grounds throughout the park, providing the perfect chance to engage in a snowball fight, feel snow crunching beneath our ill-equipped feet, and explore a snow- fringed lake.
With the last name of Beach (yep, really), it’s a happy coincidence that we love taking beach vacations. And living in Florida the past 25 years has allowed us to explore coastal areas from Jacksonville to Key West. But my family yearned for something different. So, we all agreed on a trip to Colorado. It proved to be one of our most memorable family vacations.
Feeding Our Nature Cravings
Our main reason for traveling—mountains! rock formations!—put several must-see spots on our itinerary. We ventured to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, 30 minutes west of Denver, to experience this breathtaking marvel of cinnamon-colored sandstone. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Red Rocks garners a global reputation as a one-of-a- kind outdoor concert venue. While we didn’t time our visit to see a show, the destination was buzzing with activity—hikers, tourists, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts swarmed every level of the amphitheater.
Then we fell in love with the picturesque Boulder Falls, tucked within Boulder Canyon. (We unknowingly drove right by and had to do a U-turn.) After walking a short-but-uneven path, the trail opened up to showcase the stunning 70-foot waterfall— something I’ve never seen (yet!) in Florida, though I know they exist.
Next up: the Flatirons. Formed roughly 300 million years ago, these sandstone formations lie at Boulder’s foothills. While this iconic landmark lures serious hikers, we opted for the easier two-mile Flatiron Loop Trail. It’s deceivingly sloped, which made the downhill trek more enjoyable.
To cap off our peak experiences, we headed north to Estes Park—the gateway to the incomparable Rocky Mountains. Well worth the one-hour drive from Boulder, this postcard-perfect region beckoned us to explore mountains, lakes, and forests. We lucked out by visiting in early May—RMNP requires a timed-entry permit reservation to visit between May 26-October 22.
Courtesy Lisa A. Beach
Getting Cultured
While we loved strolling along the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street in historic downtown Boulder, we got our culture fix in Denver. Nicknamed The Mile-High City (with an elevation of 5,280 feet), Denver bursts with museums, historical sites, restaurants, craft breweries, and shops.
Not wanting to stay in the bustling business district, we chose The ART Hotel Denver in the city’s Golden Triangle neighborhood. Nestled within the arts district, this put us within walking distance of several museums, the U.S. Mint, and the State Capitol. Plus, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant provided lovely city views, especially when we curled up by the firepit at night.
For a great value, we bought the 3-Day Mile High Culture Pass ($37/person), giving us entry into seven attractions. One day we visited History Colorado Center, immersing ourselves in Native American culture, followed by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to explore three levels of exhibits. Afterwards, we meandered through the gorgeous Denver Botanic Gardens, stumbling upon a wedding party photo session near the Water Gardens.
Another day we took a free tour of the U.S. Mint (make advance reservations!), then headed downtown to see the legendary Union Station brimming with eateries and boutiques. We skipped the popular 16th Street Mall (much of it under construction) and instead roamed the streets, snapping pics in front of Coors Field, walking through McGregor Square, shopping in Tattered Cover Book Store, and soaking in the architectural wonders around Larimer Square. We waited until evening to explore the Denver Art Museum, which meant fewer crowds and zero school field trips.
Finally, Denver’s culinary and craft beer scene did not disappoint. In the mornings, we walked to Cherry Bean Coffee, glimpsing colorful murals along the way. While downtown, we lingered over lunch at the historic Wynkoop Brewing Company, opting for a Roasted Chestnut Brown Ale. In between museum-hopping, we popped into Alpine Dog Brewery, sporting a great vibe of brick walls, beautiful arches, and cozy couches. For dinners, we noshed on brick-oven pizza at LowDown Brewery, indulged in a fabulous Vietnamese dinner at Anise, and got our street taco fix at 100% de Agave.
After a week filled with “peak experiences” in Colorado, we vowed to return soon. It’s official—the Beaches love the mountains.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO MAKE PL ANNING YOUR COLORADO TRIP EASIER:
• You can get direct flights (roughly four hours) from Orlando to Denver, making Boulder accessible too. It’s just 35 miles northwest of Denver International Airport.
• Be careful in this higher elevation. Load up on sunscreen, increase your water intake, and drink alcohol in moderation as your body adjusts.
• When you visit Colorado impacts what you can do there. While you’ll find plenty of year-round activities (think museum-hopping, dining, and shopping), visiting in late fall, winter and early spring opens up more wintery experiences (like skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling). Plus, with dozens of events on the calendar, you might want to plan your visit during one of the area’s popular food festivals, concerts, marathons, art fairs, beer fests, and holiday markets.
• For free visitor’s guides to help you plan your trip, visit denver.org and bouldercoloradousa.com.
