Memorial Day Weekend Getaway: Discover Colorado's Natural Beauty from Dallas

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Denver, Colorado on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Dallas to Denver

Fly from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Denver International Airport, approximately a 2-hour flight. This allows for a full day in Denver.
USD150, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy creative pancakes and hearty breakfast fare in downtown Denver. Open from 6:30am to 2:30pm.
USD15, 1h0m

12:00pm

Walk around Denver Union Station

Explore this beautifully restored transit hub featuring shops, cafes, and street art, perfect for soaking in Denver's vibe.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Savor seasonal and locally sourced farm-to-table dishes. Open daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Denver Art Museum

Explore a wide range of American Indian, contemporary, and Western art. Open 10:00am - 5:00pm on Fridays.
USD14, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rioja

Experience innovative Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy downtown setting. Dinner service begins at 5:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mountain Adventure

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lucile's Creole Cafe

Enjoy a spicy New Orleans-inspired breakfast to fuel your day. Open from 7:00am to 2:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park

A 1-hour scenic drive from Estes Park to the park entrance. Arrive early to beat crowds during the holiday weekend.
USD30 (Vehicle Entry Fee), 1h0m

9:00am

Hike Bear Lake Trail

Enjoy an easy 0.6-mile loop with stunning lake and mountain views, ideal for a relaxed memorial day hike.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Alberta Falls

Take a moderate hike to picturesque Alberta Falls, approximately 1.6 miles round trip.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Picnic lunch at Sprague Lake

Relax by the lake with a packed lunch, surrounded by the national park's serene landscape.
Cost of groceries approx. USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive back to Estes Park for coffee

Stop at Kind Coffee for a quality afternoon pick-me-up. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
USD5, 0h45m

3:00pm

Visit Downtown Estes Park

Browse shops and galleries in the quaint mountain town, perfect for souvenirs and local art.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Enjoy hearty mountain fare and live music. Open from 12:00pm to 9:00pm on the holiday weekend.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural and Campus Tour

Boulder, Colorado on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Buff Restaurant

Popular spot for American breakfast classics, open 7:00am to 2:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk the Pearl Street Mall

A vibrant pedestrian street full of shops, street performers, and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Enjoy craft beer and hearty pub fare in a lively atmosphere. Open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tour University of Colorado Boulder Campus

Stroll this beautiful campus with notable architecture and museum options like the CU Art Museum.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Relax at this unique hand-crafted teahouse offering teas and light snacks. Open until 6:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

5:00pm

Scenic drive along Flagstaff Mountain

Enjoy sunset views of Boulder and the foothills with a short hike option at the top.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Frasca Food and Wine

Indulge in upscale Italian cuisine focusing on regional Friuli-Venezia Giulia wines. Dinner 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic and Nature Sights

Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam Coffee Bar

Grab fresh pastries and coffee before the day. Open from 6:30am.
USD10, 0h45m

8:00am

Garden of the Gods Park

Explore striking red rock formations with hiking and scenic drives. Open from 5:00am to 10:00pm.
Free, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade

Check out a unique collection of vintage arcade games in a quirky mountain town.
Entry Free; game fees vary USD0.25-USD1, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Adams Mountain Cafe

Enjoy healthy and fresh menu options with vegetarian and local ingredients. Open 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Pikes Peak Summit via Pikes Peak Highway

Take a scenic 2-hour round trip drive with panoramic mountain vistas. Open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
USD15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive back to Denver or airport for return flight

Approximately 1.5-hour drive from Colorado Springs to Denver, preparing for flight back to Dallas.
USD50 (rental car fuel/tolls approx.), 1h30m
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