Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Lakewood, CO
Lakewood sits west of Denver with access to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Green Mountain trails, and the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Red Rocks Park and Mount Falcon offer iconic Colorado hiking within the metro area.
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or browse all12 destinations near Lakewood
Garden of the Gods
CO 80904, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 57.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 9 min from Lakewood · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Mesa Overlook
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 1.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 9 min from Lakewood · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rocky Mountain National Park
USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 27.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 27 min from Lakewood · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Benson Sculpture Garden
Loveland, CO 80538
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 3.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 3 min from Lakewood · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Balanced Rock
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 3.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 18 min from Lakewood · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Kissing Camels
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 13 min from Lakewood · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 18 min from Lakewood · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 9 min from Lakewood · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 17.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 18 min from Lakewood · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Manitou Springs Colorado
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 17 min from Lakewood · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
The Birch Ruins
Estes Park, CO 80517
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 28 min from Lakewood · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Bishop Castle
Rye, CO 81069
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 8.2k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 32 min from Lakewood · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Lakewood, CO?
The best day trips from Lakewood include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Lakewood?
Most great day trips from Lakewood are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Lakewood?
Many of the best day trips near Lakewood are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Lakewood?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Lakewood, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Lakewood?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Lakewood make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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