Things To Do in Golden

There’s so much more to do in Golden than hike trails and climb rock formations — although it is part of our allure. Here, you’ll find that we live life with an appreciation for enjoying every day. Golden’s quaint downtown and gold-rush-era atmosphere set the backdrop for a long list of possibilities for every visit. In Golden, you never have to go too far for fun.

For those looking for things to do in Golden, Colorado, both indoors and outdoors, check out the countless historic attractions, scenic drives around the city, and family activities that’ll keep the whole group laughing and playing until the sun goes down.

Uniquely Golden Experiences

A trip to Golden wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Coors landmark, so grab your friends and head over for an interactive Coors Brewery tour that includes a tasting. 

Another popular attraction is the Colorado School of Mines. Stroll around the historical grounds, go on a guided tour, or cheer for the home team at a football game. Or, stop in at the Mines Museum of Earth Science which also hosts various events throughout the year.

Golden is home to fun shops, including unique boutiques, jewelry purveyors, home decor stores, and art galleries. In addition to local galleries, you can browse a variety of mediums at Artsweek Golden in July and the Fine Arts Festival in August. The Golden Farmers Market, established in 2001, is a great place to find fresh produce and locally made goods, arts, and crafts. 

If music is your thing, Red Rocks Amphitheatre draws in top international talent each year, providing incredible acoustics and scenery for a live show. While Red Rocks concerts are the venue’s main draw, you can tour the arena and visitor’s center most days of the week. Many restaurants, breweries, and bars host local and touring live music year-round. The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1953 is the biggest and oldest community orchestra in the county, their performances are always a symphonic treat. 

For a more theatrical experience, check out Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, which features six annual stage shows like musicals, plays, concerts, and improv and five children’s theater shows each year. 

Outdoor Things to Do in Golden

Our 7,377-foot Lookout Mountain highlights Golden’s outdoor attractions, offering many hiking and mountain biking trails. The Nature Center at Lookout Mountain offers free naturalist-led programs every season for individuals and groups alike and a playroom for children. At the summit, you’ll even find the gravesite of Old West’s “Buffalo Bill” Cody and a museum dedicated to his career at the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave.

Nearby, Windy Saddle Park offers various trailheads and a gorgeous lookout. Across Golden, you’ll also find many parks and green spaces, perfect for cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, golfing, fishing, and camping!

If you’re not outdoorsy but enjoy being outdoors, consider taking a Golden History Tour. This tour brings the fascinating stories of Golden’s pioneers to life and offers the option to visit three local microbreweries along the way.

Whichever uniquely Golden attractions you choose, your time here will be time well spent.

Live Local History

Since before its founding in 1859, Golden has won over the hearts of gold rushers, miners, and agriculturalists alike. Our ideal location as the “last flat place” before the start of the Rockies has made it a city rich in history.

Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave to enjoy exhibits showcasing the legends of the old American West. Fans of museums and history can also get their fix at the Golden History Park, which features original cabins and buildings dating from the 1800s. The Colorado Railroad Museum keeps automotive enthusiasts entertained with its 15-acre rail yard. 

All of Golden’s historical neighborhoods, mansions, and landmarks add to its charm, each bringing a piece of our intriguing past to the present day.

Hang Around Town

Downtown Golden is a destination all its own. Its charming old-Western-style buildings house plenty of shopping opportunities, from outdoor gear to artisan gifts to local brands. Plus, day spas and hair salons, ice cream and coffee shops, and other spots designed for relaxed afternoons. 

With family-friendly restaurants on every block, fine dining options, and breweries to choose from, there’s something for everyone here. 

Golden’s arts and entertainment options keep visitors and locals busy all year long. Local art galleries and the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center bring the cultural spirit of this town to life.

Fun for the Whole Family

There are plenty of kids activities in Golden for children of all ages. The Colorado Railroad Museum is home to historic locomotives, railroad cars, model trains, and more. The Mines Museum of Earth Science is another top designation for kids, as they can see a real moon rock and explore over 15,000 square feet of rare minerals and fossils–up close and in person! 

Take the kids for a hike along Dinosaur Ridge to discover 100-million-year-old fossils or spend the entire day bouncing between water slides at the Splash Aquatic Park at Fossil Trace. Golden is full of attractions perfect for everyone in the family.

However you spend your time here, you and your crew will feel blissfully spent after a jam-packed trip full of fun and activity that goes well beyond the outdoors, although you’ll want to enjoy that too. 

Free Things to Do

Golden offers a variety of free activities for visitors to enjoy. Drive the scenic Lariat Loop Byway, explore Golden’s public art collection, and tour the historic Boettcher Mansion at the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve. Annual festivals and public events are always being announced, so stay tuned for the latest free events across town!

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