This quiet waterfront town in Colorado is worth the detour

Dillon is a little-known waterfront town in Colorado that, chances are, if you're a big snowsports person, you've driven by without even noticing. Located 70 miles west of Denver and close to seven world-class ski resorts-Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek-Dillon often gets overlooked as visitors beeline for the powder-covered slopes or, in the summer, epic wildflower hikes and milestone 14ers. But make no mistake: This small waterfront mountain community is absolutely worth stopping for. 

Of all the best small towns in Colorado to visit, Dillon is one of the quaintest, with a population of around 1,100 year-round residents and a footprint just shy of 2.5 square miles. Despite its size, though, there are many things to do in Dillon, Colorado-most of which revolve around the renowned Dillon Reservoir, which, at 9,017 feet above sea level, with a maximum depth of 220 feet, is the world's highest deep-water marina.

What To See and Do in Dillon

The main attraction of Dillon, Colorado, is the reservoir and the many activities offered on and around its 25-mile shoreline. At the Dillon Marina, visitors can rent standup paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pontoons, and even sailboats to explore the frigid waters and take in the spectacular views. You can also book historical tours and sunset sails, as well as enroll in sailing school with ASA-certified instructors. 

If you're not one for water activities, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the Dillon Reservoir and its breathtaking mountain views. The most notable of which is to attend a show at the Dillon Amphitheater, where lakeside concerts-both ticketed and free to the public-fill the calendar all summer long. Looking for something more active? Head to the Lake Dillon Disc Golf Course, where 12- and 18-hole disc golf courses await, or pop over to Dillon Town Park, located just off the reservoir, for pick-up basketball, a picturesque tennis or pickleball match, a round of horseshoes, or a bocce game. There, you'll also find picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, and a walking path. 

After a day of lakeside fun in one of the best hidden waterfront destinations in Colorado, you're bound to have worked up an appetite. You can continue to enjoy the waterfront views and vibes at Pug Ryan's Lakeside Tiki Bar, where chips and salsa, shrimp, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs can be washed down with frozen drinks, margaritas, tiki-inspired cocktails, and plenty of beer. 

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If you prefer rooftop views, head into town for a meal at VUE Rooftop, where the mountains meet the sky, with the reservoir still in sight. The restaurant and bar specialize in flavorful, upscale spins on classics like ribeyes, short rib, burgers, and pork chops, with a wide range of appetizers, salads, and sides for smaller appetites and happy-hour pop-ins.

Meanwhile, if you're so hungry that delicious food trumps a stellar restaurant with panoramic views, Bistro North, Red Mountain Grill, Cala Pub, and Last Chance Pizza offer full lunch and dinner menus in town (Psst: Bistro North does have a great patio and also serves brunch), while Snarf's and Dillon Coffee Lab are solid picks for quick, smaller bites. 

Last but not least, living in Colorado-AKA the land of craft beer-we'd be remiss not to mention Dillon's Exit 205 Brewery Trail, which features five breweries located in Dillon and nearby Silverthorne. After a day on the reservoir, you might consider starting at Pug Ryan's Brewery before making your way to Dillon Dam Brewery, Syndicate Brewing Co., Angry James Brewery, and Thirsty Pika Taproom. 

Best Time to Visit Dillon

Located high above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, Dillon can experience some serious seasonal shifts. The best time to visit Dillon, therefore, depends on your goals. If you hope to really lean into the waterfront reservoir recreation and summer concert series, June through early September, when the weather is milder, is most ideal. The famed Dillon Farmer's Market also takes place during this time, making it even more visit-worthy. 

After September, the temperatures begin to drop-but the stunning Aspen foliage also starts to shift. So, if you plan to embark on any Colorado scenic road trips in the fall, Dillon is a great rest stop or overnight destination. 

And, of course, if you plan to conquer all the pow that (hopefully) falls next ski season, Dillon is a beautiful place to veer off on the way to one of the major resorts. 

What to Know Before You Go

The number-one thing to remember when visiting or planning a trip to Dillon is that, as inviting as the reservoir may seem and as many activities take place on and around it, swimming, scuba diving, and water skiing are strictly prohibited due to ultra-cold water temperatures and the high altitude, which together can be a recipe for disaster. Still, Dillon is one of the most overlooked hidden gems in Colorado, and one most definitely worth visiting while exploring the state.