Planning a Loveland to Denver day trip?
Denver, Colorado’s capital city, is a prime destination for many travelers due to its amazing attractions.
However, if you’re looking to take a day trip from Denver, Loveland should be on your list.
Loveland is a charming city located to the north of Denver, Colorado.
A day trip to Loveland from Denver is perfect for visitors looking for a peaceful, scenic, and adventurous experience.
Here is an ultimate guide to planning a day trip from Denver to Loveland.
Where is Loveland, Colorado?
Loveland is settled in the foothills of the Rockies in Northern Colorado.
It is 50 miles away from Denver and takes about 1 hour to drive.
To get to Loveland, the quickest way is getting on I-25 N for a driving distance of about 45 miles until you reach Exit 255.
Follow CO-402 and stay along it for another 5 miles until reaching Loveland.
The total journey time is around an hour in ideal traffic conditions, with a few stops along the way for stunning mountain views of the Rockies and occasional wild animal crossings.
You can also plan a bus trip from Denver to Loveland. Shittle is another great option but interesting bus drivers can make the trip quite fun.
Why visit Loveland, Colorado?
Loveland is a beautiful place to explore.
The Denver to Loveland Road Trip is a scenic adventure in Northern Colorado.
This day trip is perfect for anyone looking to explore Colorado’s charming towns and stunning mountain scenery.
The town is known for its art culture, internationally recognized sculptures, and breathtaking mountain views.
Loveland is also an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing opportunities.
Whether you are a Denver local or tourist flying into Denver International Airport, we are certain you will love Loveland!
Things to do in Loveland, Colorado
To make the most of your day trip, plan to leave Denver early and reach Loveland by 9 a.m.
Start the day with breakfast from local cafes and take a stroll in downtown Loveland.
Take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s numerous art galleries, parks, and museums to learn more about the city’s culture and history.
If you have more time, explore some of the amazing natural areas outside of Loveland, CO.
Here are the best things in Loveland, Colorado to enjoy now.
Tie a love lock in Loveland
Loveland is one of the most romantic cities in Colorado.
The heart of the city provides art lovers with a perfect view of the art scene.
The city’s most famous attraction is the Love Lock Sculpture in downtown Loveland.
Tourists and locals alike can write a personal message on a lock and hang it on the sculpture to share your love with someone special, while also taking in amazing views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
See the sculptures in Loveland
Loveland is an amazing place to visit for art lovers.
In the city, you will find 3 sprawling sculpture gardens as well as annual sculpture festivals.
The Benson Sculpture Garden in Downtown Loveland is home to over 100 sculptures created by artists from around the world.
Take a self-guided tour of this outdoor museum and admire unique works crafted from various materials like bronze, steel, and stone.
Other sculpture parks in Loveland include the Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra and the McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park.
See the exhibits at Loveland Museum
Next, head to the Loveland Museum Gallery located on the corner of 5th street and Washington Avenue.
The museum has over 17,000 fascinating objects that highlight Loveland history.
From fossils, unique exhibits, art collections to custom galleries, the museum features something for everyone.
Adjacent to the Loveland Museum Gallery is Rialto’s Theatre, which has a rich history as the oldest theater in Loveland and is an excellent spot to catch live entertainment.
Enjoy wine tasting at Sweet Heart Winery
Head over to the Loveland Sweetheart Winery for a romantic and memorable wine-tasting experience.
This winery has an extensive selection of Colorado wines, delicious cheese platters, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
It is perfect for a romantic date or relaxing day with the family.
Visit the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail
A trip to Loveland is not complete without a visit to the Devil’s Backbone Open Space.
The trail winds through stunning formations of massive rock formations and offers breathtaking views of the Front Range.
This hiking trail is about six miles long, and it takes approximately two to three hours to complete.
The trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and nature enthusiasts.
The trail offers perfect views of the valley, with several stops where you can explore the magnificent rock formations in detail.
Bike Along the Big Thompson River
The Big Thompson River offers cyclists over seventeen miles of bike path in Loveland.
The bike path runs through the charming downtown and offers stunning scenery that makes the ride even more enjoyable.
The bike path is family-friendly and relatively flat, making it ideal for novices and experienced cyclists.
For adventurous travelers, rent a bike from one of the bike shops in Loveland and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river.
Explore Boyd Lake State Park
If you want to spend time in the water during your day trip, Boyd Lake State Park is the perfect spot.
The park offers a beautiful lake where visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Set up a picnic on one of the parks’ picnic areas and enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains and lake.
The park also has a range of hiking and biking trails if you’re looking for a bit more adventure on your day trip.
Satisfy Your Cravings with Local Treats
Before leaving Loveland, make sure to indulge in some of the local treats.
Loveland has several local shops offering unique and delicious treats such as artisan chocolates, coffee cake, fudge, and ice cream.
Take a break from exploring the city and enjoy a cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry, or have some of the delicious ice-cream from one of the local creameries.
You will also find several excellent restaurants in Loveland offering international cuisine as well as a range of traditional American favorites.
End your day trip with a delicious meal and some shopping in downtown Loveland before heading back to Denver for the evening.
To read more about attractions such as Foote Lagoon Amphitheater and murals in downtown, read our post on 28 Best Things to do in Loveland, Colorado.
Extend your trip north to Fort Collins
Fort Collins is a busy and exciting college town.
If you want a longer day trip, head north to Fort Collins and explore the city’s vibrant Old Town Fort Collins area.
The city has plenty of cultural attractions such as galleries, museums, and theaters where you can get a glimpse into its rich history.
You can also explore the famous Horsetooth Reservoir and take in stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
Where to Stay in Loveland, Colorado
If you plan on staying overnight in Loveland, there are a number of accommodation options available to choose from.
The TownePlace Suites by Marriott offers comfortable suites and an on-site restaurant for your convenience.
Another option is the Best Western Plus Loveland which provides modern rooms with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Quality Inn & Suites in Loveland has basic yet comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
Be sure to book your Loveland hotels in advance in peak season on your next trip.
Loveland to Denver Road Trip
Living in Loveland? You can use this post to plan a day trip or weekend getaway from Loveland to Denver, Colorado.
On the way, stop at Longmont and tour the breweries.
Explore the historical exhibits at the Longmont Museum before continuing on your way to Denver.
Once in Denver, take a tour of the city’s top attractions including the Denver Zoo, Denver Art Museum, and Colorado State Capitol.
If you’re up for more adventure, check out one of the city’s many parks or take a stroll along the iconic 16th Street Mall.
Finally, cap off your road trip with dinner at one of Denver’s delicious restaurants before heading back to Loveland.
Loveland Denver day trip is great for summer when school is out or in the holiday season to see Christmas lights in the capital.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an art enthusiast, Loveland is the perfect day trip destination from Denver.
With beautiful hiking trails, scenic bike paths, and a range of outdoor activities, Loveland is great for couples as well as families.
We hope this guide helps you plan your day trip to Loveland and provides ideas for activities to include on your Loveland Denver itinerary.
So what are you waiting for?
Pack your day backpack, and get ready to explore the beauty of Loveland on your next Denver to Loveland day trip.