Whether hiking scenic trails, paddling peaceful waters or immersing yourself in the arts, Longmont invites you to explore with breathing room. Here are the top five things to do in Longmont to make your visit unforgettable:
1. Explore Outdoor Activities
Longmont’s more than 300 days of sunshine make it an outdoor lover’s dream. The town is filled with trails, parks and lakes that offer endless opportunities for exploration.
Start with the St. Vrain Greenway, a peaceful multi-use trail that winds through town, connecting parks, natural areas and the scenic St. Vrain Creek. Perfect for biking, walking or jogging, this trail offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, including Longs Peak, which towers at 14,259 feet.
For water enthusiasts, Union Reservoir and McIntosh Lake are local favorites. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and glide along the gentle waters as you take in the majestic mountain backdrop. Union Reservoir even allows for windsurfing and features a sandy beach area ideal for picnics and play.
Animal lovers and birding enthusiasts will love Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, where trails meander through grasslands alive with wildlife. Watch for waterfowl, songbirds and even raptors soaring overhead.
Rocky Mountain National Park is less than an hour away if you're up for a drive. Here, you can experience alpine hikes, breathtaking vistas and the chance to see bighorn sheep, bugling elk or marmots scurrying across the trails.
2. Where to Eat & Drink
Longmont’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious, with a mix of funky coffee houses, hidden gems like Your Butcher, Frank and food trucks — like Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos — and Summit Tacos serving up local favorites. From eclectic eateries like Jefe’s for street tacos and Smokin’ Dave’s for barbeque to exciting spots like Swaylo’s Tiki, the town offers a flavor for every craving.
Longmont’s farm-to-table food scene and craft-beverage culture make it a must-visit destination for foodies. With 12 award-winning breweries, two distilleries and the vibrant St. Vrain Cidery, there’s no shortage of options for sipping and savoring.
Beer lovers can tour local favorites like Left Hand Brewing, known for its smooth Nitro Stout and inviting beer garden or Wibby Brewing, where German-inspired lagers meet Colorado creativity. Want a bit of variety? Hop on the BrewHop Trolley for a tour of Longmont’s breweries, distilleries and cideries.
For something different, head to St. Vrain Cidery, where more than 36 taps offer a variety of locally crafted ciders bursting with flavors like apple, grapefruit and guava. Prefer spirits? Stop by Dry Land Distillers or Abbott & Wallace Distilling, where you can sample handcrafted whiskey, rum and gin while enjoying live music or trivia nights.
Pair your drink with fresh, local bites. The Boulder County Farmers Market is a hub for fresh produce, artisan goods and culinary delights. At Ollin Farms you can pick your own vegetables, take a farm tour or attend special events like farm-to-table dinners. Don’t miss Jack’s Solar Garden, a pioneering agrivoltaic farm where solar panels and crops work together to produce sustainable food and energy.
3. Experience Longmont Museums & Art
Longmont’s creative spirit is fully displayed as a Certified Colorado Creative District. This town offers something to inspire everyone, from galleries and public art to cultural centers.
Begin your artistic exploration at the Longmont Museum, which features rotating exhibits on history, art and science. Highlights include Native American artifacts, more than 27,000 objects and photographs, and kid-friendly activities like Discovery Days and rotating exhibits. The museum hosts movie nights and concerts on the outdoor lawn in the summer.
Wander through downtown Longmont to browse a collection of murals, sculptures and other installations that add a splash of creativity to every corner. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t miss ArtWalk or Summer on the Streets, lively festivals where local artists, musicians and makers showcase their talents.
Feeling hands-on? Visit Crackpots, a whimsical pottery painting studio, where you can create your own masterpiece or enjoy storytime with the little ones. Or, sign up for a workshop at the Firehouse Art Center, where you can learn everything from painting techniques to mixed-media art.
Longmont’s theater scene is just as vibrant. Catch a classic play or musical at the historical Longmont Theatre or enjoy dinner and a show at Jesters Dinner Theatre, which offers family-friendly productions like "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Seussical."
4. Attend Year-Round Festivals & Events
No matter the season, Longmont knows how to throw a celebration.
In the warmer months, the Boulder County Farmers Market comes alive with fresh produce, handmade goods and community spirit. Summer also brings events like Longmont Pride featuring a lively parade and festivities and Independence Day fireworks that light up the night sky.
Fall is a magical time in Longmont, with golden leaves and crisp air setting the stage for events like Oktoberfest. Celebrate Longmont’s agricultural legacy by visiting farms like Ya-Ya Farm & Orchard as the leaves turn color.
The crown jewel of Longmont’s fall calendar is Día de Muertos, the longest-running celebration of its kind in Colorado. Held in mid-October, this vibrant event features dancers adorned with face paint and marigold crowns, cultural exhibits and altars honoring loved ones. Events are held throughout the month at the Longmont Museum and Firehouse Art Center.
As winter sets in, the holiday spirit takes over with the Longmont Lights Festival at Roosevelt Park, featuring dazzling light displays, family-friendly activities and a parade in downtown Longmont. The Longmont Ice Pavilion also offers outdoor skating fun, too.
Check out the full events calendar
5. Explore the History of Longmont
Longmont’s rich history adds depth to your visit, offering insights into the town’s roots as a farming community turned creative hub.
The Longmont Museum is a great place to start, with exhibits that trace the area’s history from Native American cultures to European settlers. For a deeper dive, explore historical Downtown Longmont, where vintage architecture meets modern amenities. Stop by the local shops, grab a coffee or relax with a craft beer as you soak up the town’s welcoming vibe.
Or, step back in time at the Agricultural Heritage Center, where you can experience Colorado’s farming roots firsthand, then explore the Dougherty Museum’s impressive collection of antique cars and machinery that showcase Longmont’s rich agricultural past.
Plan Your Visit
Longmont is more than just a destination — it’s a place where you can slow down, savor every moment and discover something new. Whether you’re hiking the St. Vrain Greenway, sipping a craft brew with mountain views or creating your own art in a vibrant downtown studio, Longmont offers an experience that’s as welcoming as it is unforgettable.
Escape the crowds, embrace the charm and start planning your Longmont adventure today!
