Things to Do in Colorado Springs
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Colorado Springs

36 curated spots from Colorado Springs itineraries

Activities & Attractions

16 curated experiences

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Do
late_morning

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Mountain‑side zoo with unique exhibits and famous giraffe feeding, plus views over Colorado Springs.[9]

2h 30m · $30-40
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Do
morning

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
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Do
late_morning

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Striking contemporary building with interactive exhibits celebrating Team USA athletes, including accessible ramps throughout.

2h · $20-30
America the Beautiful Park & Downtown Creekside Walk
Do
afternoon

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
America the Beautiful Park & Pedestrian Bridge
Do
afternoon

America the Beautiful Park & Pedestrian Bridge

Open green space with a playground, fountain sculpture, and a photogenic modern pedestrian bridge connecting to downtown.

1h 15m · Free
Downtown Tejon Street Evening Walk
Do
evening

Downtown Tejon Street Evening Walk

Stroll the main downtown corridor with mountain views down the cross streets and a mix of murals, shops, and bars.

45m · Free
Garden of the Gods Park (Central Area & Main Loop)
Do
afternoon

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
Garden of the Gods Scenic Drive & Central Garden Trails
Do
evening

Garden of the Gods Scenic Drive & Central Garden Trails

Drive the loop road, stopping at pull‑outs, then walk the paved Central Garden loop for close‑up views and sunset‑friendly photos.[2]

2h · Free
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Do
late_morning

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center

Start at the visitor center for viewpoints, exhibits, and an orientation, then move into the park for short, paved walks among towering sandstone formations.[2]

2h · Free
Manitou Springs Historic District & Penny Arcade
Do
afternoon

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
Monument Valley Park Riverside Paths
Do
late_morning

Monument Valley Park Riverside Paths

Shaded walking and biking paths along the creek with mountain views, gardens, and playgrounds.

1h 30m · Free
North Cheyenne Cañon Park (easy viewpoints and short walks)
Do
afternoon

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
Old Colorado City Historic District Stroll
Do
late_afternoon

Old Colorado City Historic District Stroll

Wander tree‑lined streets with boutiques, art galleries, and cafés in the original Colorado City downtown.[9]

1h · Free (shopping extra)
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (Scenic Drive or Railway)
Do
afternoon

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 Rock Canyon Open Space Sunset Viewpoints
Do
evening

Red Rock Canyon Open Space Sunset Viewpoints

Walk one of the easier lower loops near the main parking area for sunset views over layered red rock and distant city lights.[2]

1h 30m · Free
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Do
late_afternoon

The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Series of cascading waterfalls in a narrow canyon accessed by shuttle from the Broadmoor area; elevators and stairs lead to viewpoints.[9]

2h · $20-30

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Four by Brother Luck
Eat
evening

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
Crystal Park Cantina
Eat
evening

Crystal Park Cantina

Southwestern‑Mexican dishes in a colorful but streamlined space perched above Manitou with valley views.

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Good Neighbors Meeting House
Eat
morning

Good Neighbors Meeting House

Laid‑back neighborhood café in a modernized house with strong coffee, toasts, and breakfast plates.

1h · $10-20 per person
Lake Terrace Dining Room (more casual side of Broadmoor dining)
Eat
evening

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
Loaf ‘n Jug Manitou Springs (grab‑and‑go picnic supplies)
Eat
morning

Loaf ‘n Jug Manitou Springs (grab‑and‑go picnic supplies)

Simple but convenient stop to stock up on drinks, snacks, and easy breakfast items before heading up Ute Pass.

30m · $8-15 per person
Loyal Coffee (Downtown Location)
Eat
morning

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
Manitou Brewing Company
Eat
afternoon

Manitou Brewing Company

Casual brewpub with a clean, modern feel, burgers, salads, and a kids’‑friendly menu plus outdoor seating.

1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Natural Epicurean (at The Broadmoor)
Eat
afternoon

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
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew (Downtown)
Eat
afternoon

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew (Downtown)

Brewpub with straightforward burgers, tacos, and salads that’s easy with a big group and kids.

1h · $18-30 per person
PJ’s Stagecoach Inn
Eat
evening

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
Shuga’s
Eat
evening

Shuga’s

Eclectic but clean‑lined café with globally inspired small plates, soups, and cocktails in a bright, modernized bungalow.

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Switchback Coffee Roasters (Hillside location)
Eat
morning

Switchback Coffee Roasters (Hillside location)

Minimalist, light-filled space with excellent coffee and simple toasts, pastries, and breakfast plates.

1h · $10-18 per person
Switchback Coffee Roasters (Hillside)
Eat
morning

Switchback Coffee Roasters (Hillside)

Bright, minimalist café with specialty coffee and light pastries and toasts.

45m · $8-15 per person
TAPAteria
Eat
evening

TAPAteria

Cozy, modern tapas bar with a long gluten‑free menu; order a spread of small plates to share across the family.

1h 30m · $25-45 per person
The Broadmoor Cafe Julie’s or Natural Epicurean
Eat
afternoon

The Broadmoor Cafe Julie’s or Natural Epicurean

Light lunch and pastries (Cafe Julie’s) or health‑forward, minimalist plates (Natural Epicurean) at the historic Broadmoor resort complex.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
The Margarita at Pine Creek
Eat
evening

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 Trading Post at Garden of the Gods
Eat
afternoon

The Trading Post at Garden of the Gods

Casual cafeteria‑style eats, snacks, and ice cream in a historic trading post just south of the main formations.

1h · $15-20 per person
Trainwreck Colorado
Eat
afternoon

Trainwreck Colorado

Casual spot with sandwiches, bowls, and kid‑friendly options a short walk from the Olympic Museum area.

1h · $15-25 per person
Urban Egg (Downtown)
Eat
morning

Urban Egg (Downtown)

Central downtown branch of the local breakfast favorite with consistent, crowd‑pleasing menus.

1h · $15-25 per person
Urban Egg a daytime eatery (Downtown Colorado Springs)
Eat
morning

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

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