Fort Collins is known for its natural beauty and charm. From a downtown so eye-popping that it inspired Disneyland’s Main Street USA to plentiful outdoor assets within close proximity, there are plenty of ways to fill a weekend — for any type of traveler.
Pack your bags and get inspired by this three-day itinerary that offers a taste of our walkable city’s incredible blend of food (and beer!), culture and recreation. We encourage you to mix and match activities to suit your interests.
Friday: Arrive, Explore & Unwind
Welcome! Settle at your accommodation of choice and drop your luggage. Fort Collins is located about 60 miles north of Denver and its international airport. We’ve created an easy-to-follow map to help you get oriented. The main neighborhoods and surrounding areas (each with walkable areas to explore) are downtown, Midtown, the River District, City Park and South Fort Collins, as well as the Colorado State University campus.
Stroll Through Old Town Fort Collins
We suggest starting your visit with a leisurely walk through Old Town. As the heart of downtown, it’s dotted with 28 historic buildings, dynamic art installations (don’t miss our unique, redesigned alleyways) and locally owned boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Depending on when you’re visiting, you may also be able to enjoy one of Fort Collins’ signature events, which are concentrated in this area, such as the First Friday Art Walk, FoCoMX, Taste of Fort Collins or Tour de Fat.
Kick Off Your Weekend with Dinner & Drinks
There are more than 100 independent, locally owned eateries in and around Old Town. Among the most popular and longstanding are comfort food at Choice City or Ginger and Baker, housemade pasta and Italian favorites at Maida Trattoria and seasonal American at the Emporium and The Exchange.
Before or after your meal, dive into our buzzing craft brewery scene with stops at CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewery (the oldest brewery in the city) or Gilded Goat Brewing Company. Those more interested in expertly mixed cocktails should head toward Social or Ace Gillett’s. Live entertainment is also plentiful if you want to keep the evening going.
Saturday: Outdoor Adventure & Local Experiences
This is your day to explore all that Fort Collins has to offer. Begin the morning with outdoor fun when the weather is mildest, then choose your adventure based on your interests.
Morning at Horsetooth Reservoir
One of the most beloved spots in Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is a 6.5-mile-long playground with views across the valley and neighboring rocky summits. Water lovers can rent a boat or paddleboard, go for a swim or try their hand at fishing.
Miles of hiking (or snowshoeing) and biking trails surround the reservoir; the moderate “Bay to Bay” Trail and the challenging route to Horsetooth Rock (past a small waterfall) are highly recommended. On the east side, Rotary Park is a hot spot for bouldering.
Afternoon Activities Based on Your Travel Style
Refuel (and perhaps enjoy a well-deserved nap) before suiting up for your afternoon of choice.
For Nature Lovers
Drive along the breathtaking Colorado Highway 14, a Scenic and Historic Byway, as it follows the Cache La Poudre River. Stop to take in views of Poudre Canyon from the top of 10,000-foot Cameron Pass or enjoy a short hike. Plenty of trails are situated along the route.
For Families
Young ones will love getting hands-on at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wandering the gardens and Butterfly House at The Gardens on Spring Creek, playing at Fort Fun or riding the Fort Collins Trolley. We also have plenty of places to enjoy a sweet treat, including the nearly 40-year-old Walrus Ice Cream.
For Arts & Culture Enthusiasts
The Fort Collins Museum of Art (housed in a one-time post office), Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures and Blue Moose Art Gallery (which focuses on Colorado creatives) all provide an opportunity to slow down. The visual arts–inclined can also explore the various public art throughout town with our self-guided mural trail.
For Foodies & Craft Beer Fans
If all you want to do is eat and drink, join a brewery tour, Fort Collins Foodie Walk, Old Town Food Tour or pick and choose from our self-guided foodie itinerary to taste the best of FoCo.
Saturday Night: Events, Entertainment & Local Flavor
If you’ve got energy to spare, peruse our current events calendar to build your evening around seasonal events and festivals. Our live music scene is thriving, so make plans to catch a show (there are many free offerings throughout the year) or nab tickets to a theater production.
Sunday: Slow Down Before Heading Home
Lean into the Colorado way of life by starting your last day in town with a relaxed Sunday brunch. We’ve got options for every kind of diner. Before you hit the road, if you haven’t yet found the right souvenir, walk off your meal by exploring many of our made-in-Fort-Collins shops. Visit the farmers’ market or one of our artisans and holiday markets in the colder months. Cross off whichever museums are still on your list, then enjoy a scenic stroll through City Park or along the trails at Lory State Park.
Customize Your Weekend Getaway
There are so many things to do in Fort Collins that we’ve created additional itineraries for various types of travelers to help make your visit here as easygoing as possible. Check out our guides for families, outdoor enthusiasts, couples or a girlfriend getaway.
Plan Your Stay in Fort Collins
Boutique hotels, mountain cabins, guest ranches and charming bed-and-breakfasts are all available for you to rest after a long day on the town. You’ll find accommodations within every major neighborhood, so you’ll easily be able to walk or bike to many restaurants and activities.
Choose where to stay in Fort Collins using our lodging guide; filter by type or location so you can stay near your trip’s focus area, whether that’s a walkable district, outdoor recreation or an event home base. Peruse our website for even more trip-planning ideas.
