With summer almost gone, time is running out to squeeze in a last summer trip in Colorado — especially for families with kids in school.
If you are looking for somewhere to go — even just on a day trip — World Atlas has suggestions for the best downtowns in Colorado to visit. It chose eight towns in the mountains or at their bases that offer both an enjoyable time and a taste of Colorado's history.
"Colorado's downtowns tell the story of the state better than anywhere else," the publication said. "Most grew out of the same rough origins (gold rushes, silver strikes, and railroad depots) and many have main streets to show it."
Here are World Atlas' picks for the best downtowns in Colorado.
This ski town was lauded for its history, including about 300 buildings dating to before the 1900s.
Points of interest include Bridal Veil Falls, which is believed to be Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall, the free public gondola connecting the town and Mountain Village and the Telluride Historical Museum, which tells the story of silver and gold mining in the area.
Ouray's Historic District spans 114 acres and includes several historic buildings. The Ouray Ice Festival in January features "elite ice climbers from around the world," according to the site. Points of interest include the Beaumont Hotel, a Victorian landmark, the Ouray Alchemist Museum, which displays historic pharmaceutical artifacts, the Bachelor Syracuse Mine, which offers tours, and the local hot springs.
Salida's downtown historic area, featuring more than 100 Victorian brick buildings built after a series of fires in the late 1800s, is the largest National Historic District in Colorado, according to the publication. The Arkansas River provides rafting, fishing and swimming access at a downtown beach. There are also opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and soaking in hot springs. And Salida is full of public art.
Breckenridge offers activities all year. While that includes dog sledding, sleigh rides, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Breckenridge also has alpine slides, horseback riding, hiking, cycling and whitewater rafting. In the downtown, enjoy craft beers and spirits at any of several bars, tap rooms and distilleries.
The Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District has more than 200 Victorian structures. The Hotel de Paris Museum and the Hamill House Museum display collections of 19th-century furniture and décor. One of Georgetown's most famous experiences is the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which runs from spring through early January through the mountains and connects to mine-park tours.
Durango has a National Historic District consisting of late-19th- and early-20th-century architecture, hotels, restaurants, galleries and shops, according to the site. You can get out of the city and check out the San Juan National Forest and mountains for rock climbing, hiking and biking, or the Animas River and Lake Nighthorse to get on the water.
Often called a gateway to Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs's namesake mineral springs are of course a highlight of a visit, but it is also near Mount Manitou and Garden of the Gods. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is another big attraction, taking about 750,000 visitors a year up to 14,115 feet during a 3.5-hour round trip.
Estes Park sits along the Big Thompson River on the eastern side of Rocky Mountain National Park, about 70 miles north of Denver.
Estes Park is part of the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, giving nature lovers a chance to check out "high-alpine scenery, diverse wildlife, and year-round outdoor access," according to the publication. For those checking out the town, Elkhorn Avenue has more than 200 shops and restaurants. There's also a riverwalk along the Big Thompson River. Hiking, biking, miniature golf and kayaking are popular activities, and many visitors check out the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Steven King's book "The Shining."
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network, with an emphasis on consumer finance, legal issues and state laws.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Planning a trip before summer ends? Here are Colorado's best downtowns