The Best Way to Spend Summer in Longmont

Cover Photo: Paul Marcotte

Are you looking to make the most of your summer in Longmont? This vibrant itinerary offers something for everyone! Start your day exploring the stunning Union Reservoir, where you can paddleboard or kayak with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. As the sun heats up, cool down with a float down the St. Vrain River, a local favorite for tubing. For those craving a mix of adventure and relaxation, a visit to Golden Ponds Park provides serene trails perfect for a leisurely walk or birdwatching. Cap off your day with a visit to one of Longmont’s renowned craft breweries or dine al fresco at one of the charming downtown eateries. Whether seeking outdoor thrills or a laid-back day surrounded by natural beauty, Longmont's summer itinerary has you covered!

 

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Day 1 begins at Tangerine on Main Street in downtown Longmont. Tangerine creates innovative takes on traditional morning fare. The menu is rich with natural quality and focused on fresh products, with many vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s an American brunch/lunch format with a healthy and Mediterranean twist.

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Photo: Andrew Olson @superhoii

After your morning fuel, we recommend the short drive to the stunning views of Longs Peak at McIntosh Lake to start your summer day off right. McIntosh Lake offers 3.5 miles of easy walking trails and beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, most notably Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker. It’s also a great area to see prairie dogs, bald eagles, pelicans and other wildlife. McIntosh Lake is a reservoir and, as such, is part of the statewide ditch and reservoir system. You can also use wake-less boats like kayaks and paddle-boards here!

When you have worked up an appetite, head back downtown for a rooftop patio lunch at The Roost. Whipping up delicious food with a modern twist, The Roost has something for everyone. Our recommendation: try out their Bangin' Cauliflower! Fun fact: They were featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!

 

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Want to cool off in the heat of the day? Head on over to Sunset Pool in Longmont to splish and splash! Sunset Pool is a heated outdoor pool with six 25-meter lap lanes, a large wading area, three diving boards (including a 3-meter!), and two fast and fun water slides. The pool is surrounded by grass and sand areas with magnificent mountain views - a complete attraction for the entire family! Check out the city of Longmont's website for hours.

 

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For dinner, walk over to Pumphouse Brewery located in historic downtown. It is a great place to enjoy a craft beer and seasonal entree. Plan to sit out on the patio and enjoy the summer evening. Perfect for the whole family!

A locals favorite since 1996! A Longmont original microbrewery offering the best American pub food with craft beers. We have something for everyone!
 

Head downtown and visit Quarter's Bar + Arcade. Featuring retro arcade games, pinball and skeeball, there is fun for everyone! For the adults, Quarter's features a self-service tap wall that boasts local craft beer, cider and wine options!

 

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Turn in for the night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. One of the newer hotel properties in Longmont, this hotel features modern amenities and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.  Browse all of our lodging options.

Day 2 begins at Babettes Artisan Bakery. They produce an array of fresh-baked bread and artisan pastries daily. Known for their dark crusts and flaky dough, pair your pastry with a cup of hot Boxcar Coffee to start your day in Longmont off right! They also have a pizza restaurant that is open in the evenings, and they offer a variety of craft spirits to pair with your pie.

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Cheese is a staple in the city of Longmont. Visit Cheese Importers for a French-inspired store with over 400 cheeses, or try making cheese at  The Art of Cheese. They teach a wide variety of classes for any age and skill level—a tasty souvenir for your trip to Longmont.

 

Outdoor adventure is a must in Longmont. Longmont is home to the St. Vrain Greenway, which has over 17 miles of walkable and bikeable trails. The new Dickens Farm Nature Area is along the greenway and is popular for tubing and water play.

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Relax and unwind from an afternoon full of adventure with dinner at Summit Tacos. This restaurant serves delicious authentic Mexican food and has lots of outdoor seating.

Start your Saturday off right by visiting the Boulder County Fairgrounds for the longest-running market season in the state of Colorado! The Longmont Farmers Market features farm-fresh foods, delectable gifts, kids' activities, live music and local produce. There is something for everyone at the market. Here, you can find the perfect ingredients for a summer brunch, picnic and more! 

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Learn how to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) on Longmont’s Union Reservoir. Photo: Rocky Mountain Paddleboard
 

Union Reservoir was carved out during the last glacial age and is one of only a few natural lakes in Colorado. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, letting your furry friend swim at the dog beach or try your hand at windsurfing, paddleboarding or sailing! The reservoir is located approximately 3 miles from Downtown Longmont, which will make it a hub for water activities on your next trip to Longmont!  There is a fee to enter.

Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals: Rocky Mountain Paddleboard offers paddleboard and kayak rentals at Union Reservoir. 

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For the evening, we highly recommend a farm-to-table dinner experience. Local farms host visitors throughout the summer and early fall, serving up farm-fresh food prepared by locally renowned chefs. Farm-to-table dinners are a unique, unforgettable experience that allows visitors to working farms to learn more about the food on our tables. Dinners are multi-course, and dress is casual.

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Prepare yourself for a day of adventure starting at Luna Cafe for a coffee and muffin or pastry.

Proudly serving OZO coffee and a variety of homemade pastries including gluten-free offerings, muffins, scones, and cakes, along with a full lunch...
 

Next, wander the 50-acre Sunflower Farm in southeast Longmont and explore the farm’s animals, giant shade trees with tire swings, treehouses and a zipline. A day at Sunflower Farm allows you and your family to move and explore in ways they don’t in modern, urbanized life. Be sure to find your way to a Sky Chair or hammock and discover your piece of relaxation and reconnection to nature as you watch free-roaming chickens, guineas, turkeys or peacocks spreading their feathers. The possibilities are endless. The farm is open throughout the year (hours vary), and tickets must be purchased in advance.

 

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Head downtown to Flavor of India and enjoy their rooftop dining and authentic Indian cuisine.

Experience all that Longmont has to offer for the afternoon through our craft libations and beers. Since you are already downtown, try  Dry Land Distillery300 Suns, Abbot and Wallace,  Wibby BrewingBootstrap Brewing, and Longs Peak Pub

 

Head to the West Side Tavern for Sunday dinner. With its unique ambiance, exciting seasonal menus and an impressive array of crafted cocktails, uncommon beers, whiskeys and fine wines, the West Side Tavern serves up world-class culinary delights in a quaint neighborhood setting.

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