5 Great Summer Destinations

En espanol | Yes, gas prices still hover at $4 per gallon, but summer travel is officially upon us nonetheless. But when you see the history, activities and family fun at these five U.S. destinations, you just might feel a little pumped after all!

Wildflowers on Mount Elbert, Colorado Rocky Mountains. — Joshua Duplechian

Denver: Mountain majesty and much more

Denver marks the perfect, year-round blend of outdoor recreation, fine arts and shopping. Try Lower Downtown (LoDo) and Larimer Square’s historic brick buildings, thriving restaurants and bars like the Wynkoop Brewing Company. People-watch on the 16th Street Mall. Take in a Rockies game. Later, relax at the Victorian-style Brown Palace Hotel, built in 1892 and host to numerous presidents and the Beatles.

See also: Take a beer-cation!

View uniquely Western culture at the Denver Art Museum, or pick up a classic Western snap shirt from its inventors, Rockmount Ranch Wear. See what’s in bloom at the Botanic Gardens. And the Rockies hold countless outdoor delights, from easy hiking to Class 5 whitewater rafting. Ski resorts offer summer activities for the whole family — photography and cooking classes, ziplining and more, and often for less than in winter. Sample beers at Coors, in nearby Golden, or one of the smaller breweries like New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins.

Meanwhile, nearby Boulder and Colorado Springs offer treasures of their own. Boulder is renowned for its singles, outdoor sports and green living. And Colorado Springs hosts the Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters, Garden of the Gods’ red sandstone columns and the 14,000-foot Pike’s Peak.

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