Things to Do in Colorado
44 curated spots from Colorado itineraries
Activities & Attractions
24 curated experiences
16th Street Mall & Skyline Evening Photos
Ride the free MallRide bus or walk sections of 16th Street, stopping for night shots of the skyline.
1h · Free
America the Beautiful Park & Downtown Creekside Walk
From the park’s sculptural fountain and open lawns, wander along the paths and pedestrian bridges toward downtown for late-afternoon golden hour city-and-mountain shots.[2]
1h 30m · Free
Chautauqua Park Trails
Choose an easy-to-moderate trail like the Bluebell-Baird or Chautauqua Trail with stunning Flatirons views.
2h 30m · Free (parking small fee in season)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Hillside mountain zoo with up-close giraffe feeding and wide views back over Colorado Springs; choose the easier paths for grandparents and strollers.[2]
2h 30m · $25-35 per adult
City Park & Denver Museum of Nature & Science (exterior and viewpoints)
Walk around the lake with Denver skyline and mountain views; optionally pop into the museum if you want exhibits.
2h · Park Free; museum admission extra if entered
Clear Creek Trail Walk
Easy paved path along Clear Creek with views of kayakers, foothills, and historic buildings.
1h · Free
Clear Creek Walk & Downtown Golden Architecture Stroll
Stroll the paved path along Clear Creek for river views and wildlife spotting, then loop back through downtown to admire the classic Western‑style facades, the “Welcome to Golden” arch, and brick storefronts for easy photography.
1h · Free
Confluence Park & South Platte River Trail
Walk the riverside paths where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte, with skyline and bridge views.
1h · Free
Denver Botanic Gardens
Wander themed gardens, greenhouses, and water features, with plenty of benches and photo-friendly corners.
2h · $15-20 per person
Denver Union Station
Explore the restored historic station, grab coffee, and photograph the grand hall and trains outside.
45m · Free (food/drinks extra)
Flagstaff Mountain Overlook Drive
Short scenic drive from town to overlooks like Lost Gulch for sunset views over Boulder and the plains.
1h 30m · Free (parking fee at some overlooks)
Garden of the Gods Park (Central Area & Main Loop)
Start at the main parking near the Central Garden paved loop; take the easy trails under towering red rock fins and pause at overlook pullouts for wide-angle shots of Pikes Peak in the distance.[2]
2h 30m · Free
Golden Historic Downtown Free Explore
Browse shops, grab coffee or ice cream, and check out the ‘Welcome to Golden’ arch for a final photo.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Lair o’ the Bear Park Hike
Stop at this Jefferson County park on your way back down the canyon and take a 2–4 mile out‑and‑back along Bear Creek on the Bear Creek Trail, with gentle elevation, forest shade, creek crossings, and good chances to see birds and deer; bring sturdy shoes and water.
1h 30m · Free
Larimer Square Evening Stroll
Walk under the string lights, browse shops, and grab night photos of the historic block.
45m · Free
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Explore preserved cliff dwellings you can walk through, plus a small museum with artifacts and exhibits on Ancestral Puebloan life.[1][2]
1h 30m · $10-15 per adult
Manitou Springs Historic District & Penny Arcade
Stroll the main streets, taste mineral springs, then let kids (and nostalgic adults) play classic games at the mountain-side Penny Arcade complex.[2]
2h 30m · Free to wander, quarters for games
North Cheyenne Cañon Park (easy viewpoints and short walks)
Drive into the canyon for towering rock walls, creekside stops, and short walks from parking areas; use this as a relaxed scenic drive and photography window if some family members are tired.
2h · Free
Pearl Street Mall
Pedestrian street with street performers, local shops, and mountain backdrops.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (Scenic Drive or Railway)
From the gateway up the Pikes Peak Highway, wind your way to high-alpine views; stop at pullouts for photos and keep an eye on conditions, or use the Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou for a no-driving option.[1][2]
3h 30m · $15-50 per adult depending on option
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre Trails and Photography
Explore the iconic amphitheatre and Visitor Center, then walk one of the short nearby trails like Trading Post Trail for close‑up views of the towering red sandstone formations; arrive late afternoon into sunset for soft light, panoramic photos over the plains, and a chance to watch climbers on nearby rock (climbing is restricted inside the venue but common on legal crags around Morrison).
2h · Free (unless there is a paid event)
RiNo (River North) Art District Murals Walk
Stroll the streets around Larimer and Walnut to see colorful large-scale street art and converted warehouses.
1h 30m · Free
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive (weather permitting)
Drive the high alpine road with multiple pullouts to spot elk, tundra, and sweeping mountain vistas.
2h 30m · Included with park entry
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Striking modern architecture with interactive exhibits telling athletes’ stories; great rainy-day alternative and full of bold interior lines for photography.
2h · $20-30 per adultRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
Famous hot dog joint with creative toppings, including game meats and vegetarian options.
1h · $10-18 per person
Buffalo Rose
Historic‑meets‑modern spot on Washington Avenue; order the huevos rancheros or chicken & waffles with Colorado‑style green chile, plus good coffee to start an active day.
1h · $18-30 per person
Denver Central Market
Trendy food hall with pizza, sandwiches, salads, and coffee, right in the middle of more murals.
1h · $12-22 per person
Denver Milk Market
Food hall with tacos, sandwiches, salads, and pizza; each of you can grab something different.
1h · $12-20 per person
Four by Brother Luck
Contemporary Southwestern-influenced restaurant with a clean, modern dining room; choose the shareable plates or prix fixe and let the table sample a range of dishes.
2h · $35-50 per person
Illegal Pete’s (LoDo)
Laid-back spot for big burritos, bowls, and margaritas; easy to customize and share.
1h · $10-18 per person
Jelly Cafe
Fun breakfast cafe with creative donut bites, hashes, and scrambles.
1h · $12-18 per person
Lake Terrace Dining Room (more casual side of Broadmoor dining)
Elegant yet not overdone, with big windows and lake views; book a slightly early dinner and opt for shared appetizers so everyone can sample.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Loyal Coffee (Downtown Location)
Clean, airy café with lots of white and wood; grab pour-over coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries at communal tables.
1h · $10-18 per person
Lucile’s Creole Cafe (Boulder)
Cozy Creole-style breakfast with beignets, omelets, and strong coffee.
1h · $15-22 per person
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
Casual pub with great veggie and meat burgers, nachos, and house-brewed beers.
1h 15m · $14-22 per person
Natural Epicurean (at The Broadmoor)
Bright, modern café with a clean, health-forward menu; order grain bowls, salads, and flatbreads, and sit on the patio if available.
1h · $18-26 per person
PJ’s Stagecoach Inn
Historic building updated with simple, comfortable interiors; share prime rib, trout, and hearty American plates in a relaxed setting.
1h 30m · $22-35 per person
Sassafras American Eatery (Golden)
Southern-style brunch with biscuits, grits, and hearty plates.
1h · $15-22 per person
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Union Station)
Lively breakfast spot with creative pancakes and hashes; go for a Benny duo or a pancake flight.
1h · $15-22 per person
Switchback Coffee Roasters (Hillside location)
Minimalist, light-filled space with excellent coffee and simple toasts, pastries, and breakfast plates.
1h · $10-18 per person
The Margarita at Pine Creek
Low-slung, contemporary building with simple lines and a leafy patio; choose the seasonal prix fixe menu with Southwestern touches and let the table share starters.
1h 30m · $32-48 per person
The Sink
Quirky student hangout known for pizzas and burgers in a graffiti-covered space.
1h · $12-20 per person
Urban Egg a daytime eatery (Downtown Colorado Springs)
Bright, modern brunch spot with clean lines and big windows; order the avocado toast, breakfast tacos, and pancakes to share across the table.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
Willow Creek Restaurant
Upscale‑casual spot overlooking Evergreen Lake; go for a seasonal salad or elk bolognese, share a charcuterie board, and linger over a glass of wine with lake views.
1h 15m · $28-50 per person