Why would someone who already lives in Boulder travel anywhere else? The answer is easy. Because we can! So where should we go?

Here are seven top travel destinations for those who call Boulder “home.” Will everyone appeal to everybody? Of course! OK, so not really. BUT these ideas are certain to contain a number of destinations that might not have been on your radar and now can be moved from “off the list” to “top of the list.”

For Boulderites looking to travel in 2024, there are seven domestic destinations plus a bonus to consider:

  1. Orlando, Florida: A classic destination known for its world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, Orlando offers a blend of entertainment and adventure for all ages. Beyond the theme parks, the city is also home to cultural attractions like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center, as well as natural wonders like the Everglades National Park. Once you are in the area, the Kennedy Space Center is a very full day (and more) of fantastic exhibits. This includes a real rocket and missile “forest.” If your timing is right and the creek don’t rise, you can witness a space launch.
  2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Renowned for its beautiful beaches, Myrtle Beach is a perfect spot for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade offer stunning views, local food, and shopping opportunities. Golf enthusiasts will also find over 100 courses to choose from in this “Golf Capital of the World.”
  3. Anaheim, California: Best known for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim attracts tourists from all over the world. The city also offers unique experiences like the Anaheim Packing District, a food hall in a former citrus packing warehouse, and the MUZEO, a museum and cultural center.
  4. Washington, DC: The capital city is a treasure trove of American history and culture. The National Mall is a must-visit, with landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the ubiquitous and fantastic Smithsonian museums. The city also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Vietnam War Memorial, The World War II Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and more remind us of parts of our stark and difficult history with exhibits of stunning artistic and emotional power. vietnam memorial, washington, memorialMy first thought on visiting the Vietnam Wall War Memorial was “I did not work hard enough to end the war, this wall is so big and has so many names (about 50,000).” Then I thought “if I had not worked as hard, the wall would have been even bigger. War should be remembered in part to help avoid it in the future and present.
  5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is known for its natural beauty and attractions like Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Dollywood. The town offers a mix of shopping, dinner theaters, and outdoor activities.
  6. Williamsburg, Virginia: For a historical experience, Williamsburg is the place to be. Colonial Williamsburg recreates life in 18th-century America, and the city also hosts Busch Gardens and Water Country USA for more thrilling adventures.
  7. Yellowstone National Park: America’s first national park, Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife viewing. Yellowstone is immediately South of Grand Teton, another breathtaking national park. body of water near mountain under cloudy sky during daytimeTake The “Bear Precautions” VERY Seriously! We shared the famous Jenny Lake Campground with a rather large bear. We were safely in our tent of course. The sound of a large metal cooler being batted around the campground in the middle of the night added serious drama to our camp site. Jenny Lake is known for a base campground for climbers of the Tetons.
  8. BONUS DESTINATION! low angle photography of Statue of LibertyThe Destination of Destinations! It Need Not Be Named.  It Has ALL Destinations in One Place!

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences, catering to a wide range of interests from historical exploration to outdoor adventure and theme park excitement​. Many of the destinations offer literally something for everybody. NYC and Washington DC are outstanding examples of places where a couple of days is enough to barely prick the surface of what is there to experience and to enjoy.

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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