Planning a trip to Golden, Colorado? Famously known as the Home of the Coors Brewery, Golden is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Thousands of visitors come to Golden every month to tour the famous brewery and sample their brews.
But visiting Golden just to see Coors? Don’t sell this city short! Golden has plenty of attractions besides Coors that will delight and entertain you. Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Golden, Colorado.
Fun fact: Did you know Golden was the capital of the Colorado territory in the 1860s?
Best Things to do in Golden, Colorado
Golden is located in Northern Colorado, 30 minutes west of Denver.
It is a popular tourist destination known for its historic downtown area, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities.
Some of the must-see attractions include the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, and Lookout Mountain.
Here are the best things to do in Golden, Colorado the next time you crave a Coors beer.
Explore the buildings and shops in Historic Downtown Golden
Golden was originally settled as a Gold Rush town at the base of the Colorado Rockies.
The historic downtown district is where the city began and this area still looks as it did in the 1950s.
Clear Creek runs through the town and offers a peaceful setting.
On a visit, you will be amazed by the vintage beautiful look of this mountain town.
Many of the historic buildings are now home to businesses, shops, eateries, and bars.
Take a stroll, take a photo of the murals, shop on Main Street, and eat delicious food to enjoy the day.
The riverwalk is a great place to go for a stroll and enjoy the views of the mountains.
In the 12th Street neighborhood, you can see vintage homes built by pioneers and earliest settlers.
Be sure to see the Old Capitol Grille & Smokehouse building which served as the first capitol of Colorado.
Downtown Golden is home to several festivals and events, especially during the summer months.
Take a photo with the ‘Welcome to Golden’ Arch
A prominent feature of historic Golden downtown is the ‘Welcome to Golden’ arch.
This is an icon of the city and a popular Instagram spot.
The arch was erected in 1849 at the peak of Golden’s glory to span over Washington Avenue.
It welcomed visitors to the city with the tagline ‘Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden. Where the West Lives’
The arch is located at 1110 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401.
See the murals and public art in downtown
Golden, CO has several colorful murals, statues, and public art work that narrates the story of this intriguing city.
Take a stroll to see these and learn about the Old West history of this beautiful town as well as life in the days of the Gold Rush.
Some of the popular art work includes statue of Adolph Coors, the founder of Coors Brewery and the Howdy Folks Buffalo Bill Cody statue.
You will also see several of the sculptures on Clear Creek Trail.
The most popular mural is the ‘Greetings from Golden’ mural located on the side of the Golden History Museum.
Attend a concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
The Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is one of the most popular entertainment venues in Colorado.
This open air venue has hosted some of the biggest artists and events in the country.
When you attend a concert here, you will not only experience outstanding natural acoustics but also get to see the beautiful red rock formations.
It is an incredible experience.
The area surrounding the amphitheater has several excellent hiking trails.
The park looks stunning in winter after a fresh snowfall on the vibrant red landscape.
The amphitheater is located at 18300 W Alameda Pkwy in Morrison, Colorado.
Go on an epic Coors Brewery Tour
Seeing the legendary Coors Brewery is an incredible experience, even for those who are not fans of Coors.
The brewery tours are free and take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Advance reservations are necessary and release at 12 am at midnight, so be sure to plan your visit well in advance.
The tours start at the parking lot and a tram takes visitors to the brewery.
You learn all about the history of Coors and see how the beers are made.
You can also see old photos and memorabilia on the tour.
At the end, you can try free samples as well as buy beers to take home.
The tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly and make the tour super fun.
Check out the other breweries in Golden
Besides Coors, Golden is home to several other breweries.
These include the New Terrain Brewing Company, Barrels & Bottles Brewery, and Golden City Brewery.
Each has its own unique atmosphere and brews.
At New Terrain Brewing, you can enjoy a flight of beer while admiring the mountain views from their outdoor patio.
You can also sip on sours at Barrels & Bottles or try the award-winning beers at Golden City Brewery.
These breweries are perfect for a weekend afternoon of fun and relaxation.
Step back in time at the Golden History Museum
Golden History Museum, located just a short walk away from downtown, is the best place to learn about Golden’s history.
The museum has numerous artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays to explore the past and present of this incredible city.
You can also learn about the development of Coors brewery as well as other stories such as Buffalo Bill’s stay in Golden.
Surrounding the museum, you will find Golden History Park. This was previously known as Clear Creek history park.
It has several restored buildings including an old school house, livery stable, and many more.
This is a great place to take in some local history and culture.
See the trains at the Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Golden, CO with kids.
At the museum, you can see several vintage trains cars and locomotive engines from the 1900s, admire them from the inside, as well as see railroad equipment like the turn table.
The museum also has several model railroads in the basement.
If you happen to visit on a steam engine rides weekend, you can go on a 20 minutes long train ride of the sprawling facility and learn about the history of the trains.
Be sure to stop at the gift shop for a variety of train themed souvenirs.
Learn about the earth at the Mines Museum of Earth Science
The Mines Museum of Earth Science is one of the most unique museums in Colorado.
The museum was previously known as the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum.
It is home to a vast collection of minerals that can be found in Colorado.
Along with the minerals, the museum galleries also include fossils, rocks, meteorites, and more.
Some of the popular exhibits include moon rocks from the Apollo Mission, Miss Colorado Crown featuring several precious gemstones, and the triceratops tracks on Bob Weimar trail.
However, the highlight of a visit is the indoor mine through which you can walk to see fluorescent minerals.
We definitely recommend a visit to this Golden gem for everyone!
Hike the Triceratops trail
Starting at the Mines museum, you will find the Triceratops Trail.
This trail honors the very first discovery of dinosaur fossils in the world near Golden, Colorado.
It is a part of the trails at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, CO.
The trails is 1.5 miles long, gravel trail that is very popular with families.
On the trail, you can see dinosaur tracks as well as fossils.
One of the unique things about the tracks here are that many of them are negative tracks or the undertracks.
The trail ends at Fossil Trace Golf Course where many holes are adjacent to dinosaur footprints.
Enjoy dinner at the amazing restaurants in Golden
Golden has some amazing restaurants that serve a variety of dishes.
One of the most popular spots is D’Deli which serves traditional deli fare with a modern twist.
For a touch of Mexican flavor, visit Table Mountain Grill and Cantina.
This cozy spot serves tasty burritos and quesadillas.
If you’re after Nepalese, Indian, and Tibetan cuisines, head to Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center.
For a more upscale dinner out, visit the Buffalo Rose which serves up delicious burgers and seafood.
Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is an interesting place to visit in Golden.
The museum houses artifacts and memorabilia of the famous showman, Buffalo Bill Cody, who lived in Golden for several years.
You can explore his life through photographs, letters, guns as well as other objects.
After visiting the museum, be sure to take a scenic drive up Lookout Mountain to visit the beautifully preserved Buffalo Bill grave.
The incredibly scenic Lariat Loop Trail is a 40 miles long drive that takes you to the top of Lookout Mountain and to the grave.
The grave is located in a beautiful spot with stunning views of the city and plains below.
It is definitely worth a visit!
Be amazed by the exhibits at Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum is dedicated to preserving quilting history and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about this rich art form.
You can view a variety of traditional and contemporary quilts from different parts of the world.
You will learn all about different quilt making processes as well as buy quilting supplies and kits at the museum store.
The beautiful handmade quilts are breathtaking and the museum is equally fun for those who love to quilt as well as non-quilters.
Go hiking at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve is one of the best free things to do in Golden, Colorado.
It is home to over 100 acres of amazing nature and wildlife.
The preserve has numerous trails that are perfect for hikes or simply just relaxing strolls.
To reach the summit, you can either hike up from the lower parking lot or take the twisting scenic drive of Lariat Loop all the way to the top.
You can explore several scenic spots along the Chimney Gulch trail which takes you up winding paths surrounded by wildflowers and stunning views of the city below.
Be sure to visit Buffalo Bill’s grave at the top of the mountain, it’s an amazing experience.
The Boettcher Mansion at the top can be toured by appointments only and offers a fascinating glimpse of life in the past.
Lookout Mountain is also great for wildlife sightings including bears, deer, elks, rabbits, bobcats, and more.
The preserve is also a habitat for mountain lions so be cautious on the trails.
Admire art work at Foothills Art Center
The Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO is a great place to admire works of art.
The center offers many interesting exhibits throughout the year featuring different mediums, styles, and artists from around the region.
You can also find a variety of art classes and workshops that will help you learn more about art and express yourself creatively.
Foothills Art Center is an excellent place for both children and adults to explore their creative side.
Climb up high at the American Mountaineering Museum
…or understand how mountaineers do it!
The American Mountaineering Museum in Golden, Colorado is a must-visit for those interested in the history of mountaineering and outdoor exploration.
It is located in the old Golden High School.
The museum features interactive exhibits that allow you to experience climbing up a mountain without ever having to leave the ground.
You can also learn about famous climbers such as Edmund Hillary, who was the first mountaineer to climb Mt Everest.
The museum also houses a library filled with detailed information on the history of mountain climbing and outdoor exploration, as well as an extensive collection of artifacts.
You can also see videos of mountaineers scaling famous peaks and learn about the world’s most impressive climbing expeditions.
The museum also has a rock wall outside where you can try your hand at climbing.
Hike or bike the Clear Creek Trail
While there are many hiking trails in Golden, the popular Clear Creek Trail is best for families with kids.
This is an easy 2 mile long paved trail along the Clear Creek.
The trail is perfect for biking, running or simply taking a leisurely stroll.
The path meanders through parks and neighborhoods with plenty of scenic spots to enjoy the natural beauty.
Many sculptures about the history of Golden are located along the trail.
You can also spot some wildlife along the way including birds, deer, turtles and other animals.
The trail is very well-maintained and is a great way to get some exercise in the outdoors while taking in the scenery.
The trail also offers several access points so you can easily pick up or end your journey at any point.
This is a great activity for families with kids who want to enjoy nature without getting too far from town.
The trail look simply stunning in the fall.
Also Read: 19 Best hiking trails in Golden, Colorado
Enjoy kayaking or rafting at Clear Creek White Water Park
The Clear Creek White Water Park is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy some outdoor activities.
The park offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, rafting, and tubing.
It is located near downtown Golden and has several access points so you can easily get on the river.
The rapids vary from class I to IV so the park is suitable for all skill levels.
The paddling trails have many entry and exit points so you can plan a trip suitable for your skill level.
The Clear Creek White Water Park also offers lessons for beginners.
You can also camp along the creek at designated spots.
See the dinosaurs at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison
Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, Colorado, is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or the majestic creatures that once roamed the Earth.
This ridge is known for its countless dinosaur fossils, tracks, and bones, making it one of the most important geological sites in the world.
The area is renowned for its peculiar landscape, featuring an array of dinosaur footprints and bones naturally preserved in the rocks.
Visitors can follow the Dinosaur Ridge Trail to explore the area, or hop on a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating geological history of the region.
The visitor center has a dino dig pit where kids can search for their own fossils.
With its impressive collection of fossils, beautiful scenery, and fascinating history, Dinosaur Ridge is truly a gem that deserves to be explored.
Shop at the Golden Farmers Market
The Golden Farmers Market is one of the best free things to do in Golden, Colorado.
The market is held outside the Golden Library every Saturday from summer to fall.
The market features several vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheese, meats, and more.
You will also find many handmade items such as jewelry and pottery.
The farmers market is a great way to explore the local scene while supporting small businesses in Golden, CO.
The Golden Farmers Market is a great way to spend your Saturday morning!
Spend time outdoors at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of the prettiest state parks in Colorado.
The park offers plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.
There are over 40 miles of trails with stunning views that will make you feel like you’re in a postcard.
Many of the parks trails can also be used for mountain biking and horseback riding.
You can also explore the Visitor Center which houses exhibits on local wildlife and history.
The park looks most stunning in fall when the Front Range of the Rocky mountains turns fiery yellow and gold.
Go rock climbing at North Table Mountain
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, North Table Mountain in Golden is the perfect place to go rock climbing.
The mountain offers plenty of great climbs for all skill levels.
North Table Mountain is also popular for hiking and mountain biking.
There are also a few campsites located near the mountain if you want to spend a night or two near the area.
The area also has stunning views of the Denver skyline and the hills beyond.
Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen with you for your climb.
Celebrate Christmas in Golden, Colorado
Golden, Colorado knows how to celebrate Christmas with plenty of activities and events throughout the holiday season.
The Golden Christmas Parade is a popular annual event that attracts thousands of spectators every year.
The parade features floats, marching bands, and other attractions.
You can also check out the city’s historic downtown area which is lit up with decorations and holiday lights.
The Golden Christmas Market is also a great place to find unique gifts for the holiday season.
There are also plenty of activities to do such as ice skating, sledding, and hot chocolate runs.
Golden, Colorado is a great destination for history buffs, adventure seekers, and beer lovers alike.
It is just 20 minutes away from Downtown Denver and makes a fun trip for visitors of all ages.
Be sure to visit Golden and grab a cold beer at Coors when you are in the Denver area next time.
What are your favorite things to do in Golden, Colorado? Let us know below.