The Best Small Town Getaway In Colorado: Best Things To Do In Golden
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Jessica Moore
Author
Colorful Colorado is so named because of its vast, mountainous landscape that is resplendent with brilliant wildflowers in spring and summer, vibrant red, orange, and golden hues in the fall, and skies that light ablaze with tranquil pinks and purples at sunrise and sunset year-round. Visitors come from around the world to gaze upon its towering peaks, fish the peaceful alpine rivers, and hike some of Colorado’s more than 5,000 trails. Simply put, Colorado is a nature lover’s paradise.
But there is one quaint town nestled right up against the Front Range Mountains a short drive west of Denver that is particularly special. It’s charming, full of history, and minutes from all the nature-inspired activities you can think of. Continue reading to learn more about the endless things to do in Golden, Colorado, and what makes it the perfect Small Town Getaway.
Do you love visiting and learning all about America’s small towns? Take our interactive quiz to discover which Small Town Getaway you should take this year.
Table of Contents
Continue reading on as we've prepared the ultimate Golden Travel Guide to make your planning and travel experience a breeze. This guide highlights many of Golden's best restaurants, hotels, attractions, and unique tours, as well as some of the most scenic places in all of Colorado.
Is Golden Worth Visiting?
But what is Golden known for? Perhaps the name is its biggest tell-tale: gold was discovered in Clear Creek, the river that passes through the heart of town, in the mid-19th century, resulting in a Gold Rush in this little corner of the state. Gold miners and other visitors soon discovered that the soils in the area were rich in minerals, leading to rapid growth in farming and agriculture.
Then-named Golden City was nearly designated the capital city of Colorado, but Denver snagged that title; however, this town remains an important cultural staple along the Front Range. Today, the City of Golden thrives with its historic western flair mixed with plentiful modern luxuries and close access to the beautiful mountains for which Colorado is best known.
Then-named Golden City was nearly designated the capital city of Colorado, but Denver snagged that title; however, this town remains an important cultural staple along the Front Range. Today, the City of Golden thrives with its historic western flair mixed with plentiful modern luxuries and close access to the beautiful mountains for which Colorado is best known.
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How To Get To Golden
Then, you'll exit right for Johnson Rd., follow it right until you reach the traffic circle. Take the third exit for S. Golden Rd, then at the next traffic circle exit on Ford Street. Follow Ford Street for about a mile, and you've reached Golden.
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Getting Around Golden
Additional transportation is available free of charge via the Ore Cart Free Transit Service. The "Gold Route" is also known as the Downtown Circulator and includes stops along Clear Creek and Marv Kay Stadium remote parking lots, the downtown parking garages, Washington Ave. and the Colorado School of Mines campus. This is a great opportunity to peruse the Golden Library as well as the Farmer's Market.
Best Time To Visit Golden
That said, fall colors in Golden - particularly along Clear Creek - are quite beautiful to take in. And don't put off winter altogether: there are plenty of exciting outdoor winter activities within close reaches of the town, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and so much more.
Where To Stay In Golden
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, 1640 8th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
The Eddy Taproom and Hotel is a stylish hotel full of rustic allure and an inviting atmosphere. It offers modern amenities, mountain views, an on-site restaurant, a rooftop terrace and firepits, and so much more.
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, 1640 8th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
You'll find the rooms at the Eddy Taproom and Hotel to be warm and inviting, thoughtfully appointed, and quite cozy. You'll have all the comfort and amenities your heart desires. Treat yourself to yoga classes in the fitness room, cocktails in the lounge, and relax by the fire pit, then retreat back to your welcoming abode. You'll feel right at home here.
Morning One: Natural Wonders, A Scenic Hike, And Dinosaurs
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is Colorado's premiere and most iconic outdoor concert venue. This open-air amphitheatre is unique in that it is cut into the red rock formations that surround it. But this natural landmark is not just great for enjoying outdoor concerts (although you're in for a treat if you time your visit with a concert at the venue), visitors also come to jog up its stairs or even do yoga for an invigorating morning workout in between events.
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Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 303-319 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
Music legends such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and countless other legendary artists, musicians, bands, and symphonies from around the world have performed live here at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Red Rocks Trading Post, 17900 Trading Post Rd, Morrison, CO 80465, USA
While exploring Red Rocks Park, you'll want to check out the 1.4-mile Trading Post Trail for some panoramic views you won't forget. Otherworldly red rock formations jut out of the landscape everywhere you look, offering truly awe-inspiring scenes.
The best way to experience Dinosaur Ridge is by purchasing one of the 45-minute guided tours, which includes transportation on a small passenger bus as well as access to the Exhibit Hall. The guides will help explain all the various dinosaur tracks, fossils, and exhibits for a fully-immersive, history-packed experience for the Dinosaur lovers in your family or group.
Afternoon One: Mexican Food And A Wild West Walking Tour
Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, 1310 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, USA
If you have a love of Southwestern Cuisine (and who doesn't?) you'll love this cozy cantina. With vibrant menu items such as the Tableside Flaming Asadero Cheese, Elote Empanadas, Rocky Mountain Ruby Trout, Table Mountain's Carne Asada and so much more, your only challenge will be deciding where to start! Don't pass up one of Table Mountain Grill & Cantina's Signature Margaritas, draft beers, or premiere wines.
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Downtown Golden, Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Downtown Golden, Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Whether you choose the standard Walking Tour or the more lively (and adult-catered) Pub Crawl route, your tour guide will lead you through the streets of downtown Golden as you immerse yourself in its history and culture. There is truly no better way to explore the historic little town of Golden. Try to aim for the 1:30 pm (or the closest available) time slot to allow for the evening's activities.
Evening One: Mineral Museum, Fun At The Park, And Delectable Dining
Mines Museum of Earth Science, 1310 Maple St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Mines Museum of Earth Science, 1310 Maple St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
And one of the best parts about this museum is that admission is free! Or, you can reserve a guided tour (at least one week in advance) for $13 per adult, $7 each for seniors, and $5 per child. The last guided tour of the day typically begins at 3 pm, and they close at 4 pm. Come admire some of the most rare and unique mineral and fossil specimens from Colorado and around the world.
Golden History Museum, 923 10th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
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Abejas, 807 13th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Abejas, 807 13th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Abejas is one of Golden's most highly-rated restaurants due to its inviting atmosphere, top-tier service, and each menu item is crafted to perfection. Choose from mouth-watering Seared Scallops, Caviar Service, Fresh Market Fish, Duck Breast, or Bison New York Strip among many other delectable courses.
If you'd prefer a more casual and affordable dining environment, Rock Rest Lodge is an upbeat bar and grill with traditional American fare in a pub-like setting. You'll find pool tables and a few arcade games if that suits your mood.
If you'd prefer a more casual and affordable dining environment, Rock Rest Lodge is an upbeat bar and grill with traditional American fare in a pub-like setting. You'll find pool tables and a few arcade games if that suits your mood.
Morning Two: Breakfast Cafe And An Iconic Brewery Tour
Cafe 13, 1301 Arapahoe St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Cafe 13, 1301 Arapahoe St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
You won't want to miss out on Cafe 13's Breakfast Burrito, Gold Plate Special, or the Fully Loaded Avocado Toast to start your morning off right. We highly recommend that you arrive early, due to the crowds this delightful cafe can sometimes attract. They are there for good reason: delicious food and a perfectly concocted array of espressos, lattes, and more.
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Coors Brewery Tour, 502 14th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Coors Brewery Tour, 502 14th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
These tours last an hour and a half and you must be 21 years of age or older to sample any of the beers. Coors Brewery was built in 1873 and is the world's largest single-site brewery. The tour explores the brewery's fascinating history and its extensive malting and brewing processes. You can also choose the "Sample Only" option if you're unable to reserve a full-length tour, and this lasts 45 minutes and allows three samples from the Coors brand of beers. Coors Brewery is arguably one of the most iconic breweries in Colorado and its tours are top-rated.
Afternoon Two: Burgers, A Scenic Drive, and Whitewater Rafting
Bob's Atomic Burgers, 1310 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Bob's Atomic Burgers, 1310 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Bob's Atomic Burgers are mouth-watering, juicy, and flavorful, and offer a variety of toppings and options to fully customize your burger to your liking. But pay special attention to their Daily Specials, such as "It's Raining in Minneapolis" shown here, which features blue cheese, smoked bacon, and Prince Sauce. Bob's Atomic Burgers even offers Gluten Free options for those with dietary restrictions so you can still enjoy these delicious eats.
Lookout Mountain Road, Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Be sure to pull off the road and take in these sweeping mountain views as often as you can, such as at the Windy Saddle overlook.
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The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401, USA
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401, USA
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was among the most famous pioneers of his time, and you'll learn why he desired to be buried atop Lookout Mountain, along with other fascinating details about his Wild West shows for which he was well known in those early years.
Lookout Mountain, Colorado 80401, USA
Clear Creek White Water Park, 1201 10th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Clear Creek White Water Park, 1201 10th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Here, you'll find endless recreation opportunities along the beautiful and iconic Clear Creek of Golden. You can bring your own kayaks or tubes, or you can rent either of these from local outfitters found at the bottom of the Clear Creek informational guide. You can also fish or swim in designated areas. Rejuvenate your spirit within the clear, cool waters on a hot summer day.
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Evening Two: Wood-Fired Pizza, A Distillery Tour, And S’mores
Woody's Wood Fired Pizza, 1305 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Woody's Wood Fired Pizza, 1305 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Choose from one of Wood's tantalizing Specialty Pizzas such as their Blue Buffalo Chicken, White Rooster, the Tree Hugger, or Woody's Golden Blackjack Pizzas. Don't see a pizza and topping combination that calls to you? Customize your own! For a budget-friendly option, choose the pizza, soup, & salad bar special for only $15.99, "All Day, Every Day". Woody's Wood Fired Pizza is a Golden staple that your whole family or group is sure to love.
State 38 Distilling, 400 Corporate Cir STE B, Golden, CO 80401, USA
State 38 Distilling, so named after Colorado's status as the 38th state, distills its own vast selection of whiskeys, Hacedor Agave Spirits, Damn Smooth spirits, and more, all while sourcing only the best and most pure ingredients. You'll surely want to bring a bottle home with you to enjoy later.
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel, 1640 8th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Watch the YouTube video below for an in-depth preview of all the highlights of the City of Golden.
You’ll find it easy to fall in love with the charming and historic town of Golden, Colorado, a town full of surprising history. For example, did you know that Jolly Ranchers were invented in Golden? It’s true!
For another kid-friendly attraction in Golden, children and adults alike will love the Colorado Railroad Museum. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Golden, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your travel planning today!
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Things To Do In Golden, Colorado
What are the best restaurants in Golden?
The best restaurants in Golden include the following:
- Table Mountain Grill & Cantina
- Bob's Atomic Burgers
- Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza
- Ali Baba Grill
- Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar
- Abejas Bistro
- Sherpa House Restaurant & Culture Center
Golden offers a wide variety of cuisine options to choose from, and you'll find no shortage of delicious places to eat in this small but thriving town.
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Golden?
The best outdoor activities in (or near) Golden include the following (some activities are season-dependent):
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Tubing
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing
- Ice climbing
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Mountain biking
Golden is a very outdoor-centric community, so you'll find no shortage of opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round.
What are the best things to do in Golden in the summer?
The best things to do in Golden in the summer include the following:
- Attend a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Go tubing or kayaking on Clear Creek
- Flyfish on Clear Creek
- Go for a scenic drive on Lariat Loop to Lookout Mountain
- Hike one of the many nearby hiking trails
- Go for a history-focused walking tour or pub crawl in downtown Golden
- Go for a train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum
- Rock climb in Clear Creek Canyon
Opportunities for outdoor adventures in and near Golden are truly endless in the summertime.
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Golden, CO, USA