Rebecca Treon

Colorado is one of America's most unspoiled—and thereby most drop-dead gorgeous—states. Within its hundreds of thousands of square miles (which, in fact, make it the eighth largest in the union) are cultures and environments aplenty. From the dramatic, towering Rockies to the southwest’s endless desert, Colorado is packed full of incredible landscapes and exciting, adventurous things to do. Fittingly, the state also has no shortage of truly fantastic hotels. After all, once you’ve finished trekking or climbing, there’s nothing quite like putting your feet up in a deluxe pad. From bougie boutique hotels to rustic inns, all the way from Vail and Aspen to Denver, we’ve sorted the best hotels in Colorado for every kind of getaway.  RECOMMENDED: 🫧 The best Airbnbs with hot tubs in Colorado🏠 The best Airbnbs in Colorado Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Colorado Springs occasionally gets overshadowed by its big brother neighbor Denver, but don’t let that kill your chances of experiencing its culinary delights. Once you look, Colorado Springs has a hell of a lot going for it, particularly its food scene. There are iconic chefs here that have been around for decades, serving up fresh takes and fusion cuisine all over the city.  So whether you’re looking for fine dining, hole-in-the-wall tacos, Pueblo green chile stew or vegan delights, there’s something for you in Colorado Springs. Some of the foodie spots that appear on our list are totally new, and others are old-timers from the area. There’s a little bit of everything in this urban oasis, so read on for the best restaurants in Colorado Springs.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Colorado Springs🏨 The best hotels in Colorado Springs🍴 The best restaurants in Denver 🍴 The best restaurants in Boulder🏔 The essential guide to Colorado

With so much natural beauty surrounding Colorado’s capital city, it might seem silly to spend time indoors at the best museums in Denver. But to get a closer look at the city’s cultural crossroads—one that balances the past and present, from Wild West lore to modern-day innovation—you’d be remiss to skip Denver’s renowned, surprisingly packed institutions. Landmark museums like the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are naturally at the top of the list of things to do for tourists and locals alike, and they continue to evolve: both museums recently underwent renovations, with future upgrades in the works. The long-awaited debut of the Meow Wolf Denver arrived in fall of 2021, while long-standing institutions like the Molly Brown House and the Kirkland Museum buttress Colorado's vibrant and ever-changing cultural identity. The exhibits at these Denver museums range from globally collected artifacts and works by artists of renown to contemporary art and unique interpretations of the state's spirited past—it’s a varied sort, with something for everyone. While you’re in town, check out our list of the best museums in Denver while you explore Mile High City. RECOMMENDED: the best things to do in Colorado

Pensacola sits on the edge of the Florida-Alabama state line along Gulf Islands National Seashore, the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the US. The downtown Pensacola area’s history dates to the sixteenth century, when it was under Spanish rule (then later French and British). Though in the past century, the Gulf-facing sugar-white beaches have been the major draw, and with Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, there’s plenty for outdoorsy types to enjoy, including miles of boardwalk paths. Beyond history, flip flops and sunscreen, Pensacola serves some of the best food in the Gulf – you’ll find all the fresh seafood and craft brews you could want. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Alabama is often overlooked – and sometimes given a bad rap – as a tourist destination, but visitors are pleasantly surprised by the variety of things to do. From authentic, bluesy juke joints to civil rights history and one of the country’s best restaurants (according to the two James Beard awards it won in 2018), Alabama is a great place to start getting to know the South. The key to getting the most out of your trip to the Yellowhammer state is to diversify: chill at the beach, visit a museum, follow the barbecue trail, see some art, then get outdoors at a state park. Here’s your guide to ‘Bama culture. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.