Ultimate Fort Collins Weekend Itinerary

Fort Collins is a vibrant, outdoorsy, beer-loving college town that offers a little something for everyone. From foodies to families to nature lovers, Fort Collins is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. This guide covers things to do, where to eat, and where to stay – everything you need to know for the ultimate weekend in Fort Collins.

Saturday
-Coffee and breakfast at Alleycat Coffeehouse
-Head to Horsetooth Reservoir for hiking, biking, or paddleboarding
-Check out Horsetooth Falls
-Lunch at The Exchange
-Check out the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery in the afternoon, or tour some local breweries
-Dinner at Little on Mountain or Avogrado's
-Catch a local band at Washington's or The Aggie

Sunday
-Brunch at Lucille's
-Bike ride along the Poudre River
-Check out the Gardens on Spring Creek, or do a self-guided tour of the public art murals
-Grab a snack at Ginger & Baker or Big Al's Burgers
-Shopping in Old Town
-Head home!

Friday

After arriving in town, check into your vacation rental and get settled in. Mountain Time offers a wide variety of Fort Collins vacation rentals, everything from sleek downtown condos to spacious modern homes, with all the amenities you need to enjoy your time in this Northern Colorado city.

Kick off your weekend with a visit to Old Town to get a feel for the city’s charming and vibrant atmosphere. Take a walk around the historic district to admire the architecture and browse local boutiques before heading to dinner. Here are a few excellent options downtown:

The Regional: This cozy spot serves up American comfort food with a focus on local ingredients.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant: Known for generous portions of classic fare and stellar margaritas, this vibrant restaurant also has a great outdoor patio.

CooperSmith’s Pub & Brewing: Lively tavern vibes, hearty pub fare and award-winning beer make this a local favorite.

After dinner, stroll through Old Town Square, which is lit up with string lights in the evening and hosts frequent live music. Pop into Walrus Ice Cream for a sweet treat before heading back to your vacation rental.

Saturday

For your second day in Fort Collins, explore the outdoors in the morning, and sample some local brews around downtown Fort Collins in the afternoon.

Start your day with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Alley Cat Coffeehouse before heading out to explore Horsetooth Reservoir, a year-round destination with options for hiking, mountain biking, boating, and paddle boarding. Check out Horsetooth Falls Trail for an easy and rewarding hike no matter the season.

For lunch, head back to downtown Fort Collins and check out The Exchange. This unique spot offers a food hall atmosphere with an open central plaza, where you can enjoy food options like tacos, wings and Italian flatbread sandwiches.

For a family-friendly afternoon activity, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery offers interactive exhibits blending science, history and culture that keep everyone entertained. If you’re traveling with adults, a tour of one of the city’s iconic breweries is a must. Start with New Belgium Brewing, where you can take a guided tour and sample seasonal beers in their outdoor beer garden. Fort Collins is a beer city, with more than 20 breweries worth checking out, including standouts like Odell Brewing, Funkwerks, Stodgy Brewing, and Horse & Dragon.

After hiking, exploring, and beer sampling, you've likely worked up quite an appetite. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale for dinner, Little on Mountain is a great option, with a daily rotating menu based on local, seasonal ingredients. For a more casual vibe, Avogrado’s is a well-loved burger joint with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.

Fort Collins is home to a lively music scene – catch a local band at Washington’s or The Aggie Theatre. Or head back to your rental for a game night. Many of our vacation rentals come stocked with games, a hot tub, or a fireplace to make the evening cozy and memorable.

Sunday

Start off your final day with a Cajun-style brunch at Lucile’s Creole Cafe, which is known for its giant biscuits, shrimp and grits, and spicy bloody marys. It’s a popular brunch spot, so plan to arrive early to avoid a long wait.

A mellow bike ride along the scenic Poudre River Trail is a great way to enjoy a laid-back Sunday in Fort Collins. The Gardens on Spring Creek also offer a botanical oasis to explore, complete with a Butterfly House. If you want to enjoy the local culture a bit more, check out the Museum of Art or take yourself on a self-guided tour of the public art murals around Fort Collins.

Grab a mid-afternoon snack at Big Al’s Burgers & Dogs or a coffee and a pastry or light bite at Ginger and Baker. Then browse the boutiques and galleries of Old Town for some last-minute shopping before you wrap up your visit to Fort Collins.

Book Your Fort Collins Rental

For the quintessential Fort Collins experience, choose a vacation rental in one of the city’s most visitor-friendly neighborhoods. Staying in a vacation rental allows you to experience Fort Collins like a local. You’ll have space, privacy and amenities like full kitchens, laundry, fire pits and hot tubs – everything you need for a home away from home.

From breweries to bike rides, mountain views to mouthwatering eats, Fort Collins is a destination that has it all. Book your Fort Collins vacation rental and start planning your perfect weekend escape!

Posted on 05/18/2025

Ultimate Fort Collins Weekend Itinerary

Table of Contents:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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