28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Golden (CO)

In search of what to do in Golden, Colorado, for fun? There are quite some fun things to do in Golden, CO, for a memorable stay.

Golden, an independent city in the state of Colorado, is the county seat of Jefferson County, United States.

According to the United States 2020 Census, the city had a population of twenty thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine.

The city was founded on June 16, 1859, during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush era, and was named after Thomas L. Golden.

Golden City was a mining town before evolving into what it is today, with a diverse selection of industries and people from different faces of life.

There are unique attractions like Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, Golden History Museum and Park, Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Moon Distillery, and more.

Are you planning to explore Golden? Here are the top things to do in Golden, CO.

Things to Do in Golden, CO

1. Apex Park

Apex Park features a trail running alongside a stream on one part, including a thick woodland area that offers shades.

The Park is popular for mountain bikers as it features highly technical routes and a steep climb high up Lookout Mountain.

The directional-use trails are Magic Mountain and Enchanted Forest, while smelter, rocker, poco calle, and paydirt are multi-directional.

Apex Park is also perfect for horseback riding and hiking, with dog-friendly trails as long as they are on a leash.

There are well-maintained restrooms and picnic tables where groups or individuals can enjoy a nice lunch within the Park.

Address:121 Co Rd 93, Golden, CO 80401, United States

2. Golden Visitors & Information Center

One of the top things to do in Golden, CO, is to explore Golden Visitors & Information Center if you’re visiting for the first time.

Golden Visitors & Information Center features an outdoor brochure rack with information and guidelines about where to dine, stay, shop or play.

The spacious conference center is an excellent choice for retreats, presentations, meetings, and receptions.

The Center offers details relating to walking trails & paths, outdoor seating, decks, creek-side location, and more.

Address: 1010 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, United States

3. Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve

No list of best things to do in Golden, CO, would be complete without a visit to Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is a fraction of the foothills of the great Rocky Mountains, located just about 12 miles from downtown Denver.

This Nature Center is one of the best places to begin your excursion as you will glance through interactive exhibits with a 360-degree view of the Lookout Mountain Preserve.

The Preserve stretches for one hundred and ten acres with a chain of hiking trails that goes through gorgeous meadows and pine forests featuring mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, elk, and bobcats.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve features numerous beautiful spots ideal for picnics. The Preserve trail is perfect for winter cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

 Address: 910 Colorow Rd, Golden, CO 80401, United States

4. Clear Creek White Water Park

On a summer day, visiting Clear Creek White Water Park is one of the best things to do in Golden, CO. The Park offers numerous outdoor activities.

Clear Creek White Water Park is a standard Park where visitors test and master their kayaking skills.

The Park offers visitors not interested in kayaking exciting rides on a tube; you can easily avoid the mighty rapids by sticking to the Center of the Park.

The third section of the course offers severe drops and rapids, making it the most exciting part.

Clear Creek White Water Park is open to both locals and visitors free of charge with a complimentary parking lot.

Address: 1201 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401, United States

5. Golden History Museum and Park

Golden History Museum and Park are found not far from Central Golden, taking you on an exceptional journey back to the 1800s.

The historical Park is a component of the Golden History Museum, showcasing several original cabins from the 1800s and other farm structures.

These structures were obtained from different parts of Colorado before being brought to their current location. Taking a walk around the Park offers you a better understanding of the people’s lifestyle during the era of homesteading.

Golden History Museum and Park feature a chicken house, barn, original school, and outhouse. Occasionally, visitors can watch blacksmithing and cooking exhibitions by selected guides.

Address 11th and Arapahoe Streets, Golden, CO 80401, United States

6. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a perfect gateway from all the hustling and bustling in Golden City.

The beautiful natural scenery is one of the best in the state, making it an excellent choice when you want to commune with nature.

The Park stretches for more than twelve thousand acres of meadows, forests, and mountains, making it a venue for numerous recreational activities.

You can engage in any activity, including picnicking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park features campgrounds where you can set up your tent if you want to stay for a while.

Address: 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403, United States

7. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Golden city honors and displays the life and achievements of the iconic Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody).

Born in 1846, William became popular for his special Buffalo hunting skills, which is how he got his name, Buffalo Bill.

He later became an actor and produced his award-winning show, “the Wild. William was laid to rest on Lookout Mountain.

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is home to his tomb, which is visited by numerous people from different parts of the world annually.

When you visit the Museum, you get to watch a directional video before setting out for a self-guided tour.

 Address: 987 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401, United States

8. Boettcher Mansion

Boettcher Mansion is one of the best places to visit in Golden, CO if you’re a history enthusiast. The Mansion is a one hundred years old historic building located in a peaceful and serene environment in the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve.

It was constructed in 1917 using stone and timber majorly sourced on-site to be the summer escape point for Charles Boettcher, a well-known businessman.

The building is beautiful, with an excellent luxury show combining American and English arts and crafts components.

Boettcher Mansion is available for rentals as a great event space since many of the rooms have been restored to their original pattern.

Address: 900 Colorow Rd, Golden, CO 80401, United States

9. Holidaily Brewing

That moment when you want to go out with your friends to chat and laugh over some delightful beers, visiting Holidaily Brewing is recommended.

Holidaily Brewing is dedicated to producing the highest quality gluten-free beers using only gluten-free ingredients.

They ensure no cross-contamination by using buckwheat and millet than the usual beer ingredients like barely.

Visit the tasting room and try out some of their delicious brews from their large collection of brews.

Address: 801 Brickyard Circle, Unit B, Golden, CO 80403, United States

10. State 38 Distilling

A boutique artisan distillery, State 38 Distilling is another destination in Golden. You get to learn everything about the hand-crafted methodology in producing the finest liquor from scratch.

State 38 Distilling uses the best locally grown ingredients and pure water from Rocky Mountain.

During the distillery tour, you will be taught the whole process, from sourcing the raw materials to the last bottling cycle.

They produce five drinks refined using organically grown blue agave, including peat-smoked Scottish whisky and bourbon.

Address: 400 Corporate Circle, Golden, CO 80401, United States

Are you considering more exploration of Colorado, here is our list of things to do in Cripple Creek, things to do in Telluride, and things to do in Cortez,  for a fun vacation

11. Colorado Railroad Museum

Colorado Railroad Museum is a favorite place for train fans in Golden. It houses an enormous collection of vintage railroad-related items.

There is a rail yard of exactly fifteen acres within the Museum, allowing you to browse through more than one hundred passenger seats, locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses.

The Museum also features a massive G-scale garden railway which always catches the attention of little children.

Colorado Railroad Museum offers a tour of the roundhouse, the spot where maintenance was previously done.

Make sure you visit the Depot Museum, rebuilt as a replica of a small 1800s railway town station featuring hands-on exhibits and videos.

Address: 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80401, United States

12. Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum

Aside from having fun, you will surely learn new things whenever you visit a city like Golden.

Quilting was an essential skill back in the 1800s. It has been passed down to other generations, and housewives used this skill to produce beautiful bed covers.

The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum talks about the quilting history and the advancement of the skill from its ancient days to today.

The Museum houses an enormous permanent collection, including antique pieces and modern exhibitions by contemporary quilters, in addition to hosting competitions, talks, tours, and workshops.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum also showcases gorgeous traditional family relics and contemporary artworks.

Address: 200 Violet Street, Unit 140, Golden, CO 80401, United States

13. Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum

Another exciting activity you should consider is touring the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum, an educational center.

Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum is the brainchild of the American Alpine Club and the Colorado Mountain Club partnership.

The Museum was founded to enlighten the public about mountaineering history and everything related to it to encourage people to try out the sports.

You will find artifacts like the tools used by Jim Whitaker, who was the first American to soar Mountain Everest in 1963, and more.

Address: 710 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401, United States

14. Golden Moon Distillery

Visiting Golden Moon Distillery is one of the top places every liquor lover should visit in Golden. It is a standard craft distillery in the city, founded by Karen Knight and Stephen Gould in 2008.

Golden Moon Distillery is popular for producing hand-crafted herbal liqueurs and liquors made with the best herbs, botanicals, and spices using artisan production techniques from the 19th century.

The company offers grappa, absinthe, and gin for tasting and sale, plus apple jack and signature liqueurs such as crème de violette and Amer dit picon. 

You also get to enjoy delightful craft cocktails. At the distillery’s Golden Moon Speakeasy, you will enjoy numerous bar bites like charcuterie plates and cheeses.

Address: 412 Violet St, Golden, CO 80401, United States

15. Coors Brewery

On a cool day when you don’t know what to do in Golden, CO, stop by the fantastic Coors Brewery.

Coors Brewery is one of the major attractions in the city, offering a tour of the entire company.

The Brewery features one of America’s most distinguished beer manufacturers, who has been in the industry since 1873.

It is the World’s biggest single-site Brewery; as you move around the facility, you get to see first-hand the processes involved in producing a bottle of beer.

Coors Brewery allows you to watch the whole production process, from malting, mashing, and fermentation to aging.

 Address: 13th Street & Ford Street, Golden, CO 80401, United States

16. Golden Puzzle Room

Have you been looking for an adventure that will send an adrenaline rush through your veins? Golden Puzzle Room offers such an experience. Therefore visiting Golden Puzzle Room is one of the fun things to do in Golden, CO.

Golden Puzzle Room is a family fun center where visitors and locals can visit for an adventure with friends and family.

This escape room facility involves small teams of families or friends working hand in hand, searching for riddles and clues to help them escape before the time offered elapses.

The facility offers two themed rooms for guests to pick from, including the Nightingale and the Stuke it Rich Goldmine.

Golden Puzzle Room is great for everyone, irrespective of age, and different events like team building parties, birthday parties, and date nights.

Address: 1110 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401, United States

17. Bonfire Burritos

Bonfire Burritos is a restaurant that has been serving the people in Golden for numerous decades. It has become a trustworthy location.

The restaurant offers delectable burritos, including various breakfast burritos well crafted to ensure the guests have a great time.

Whenever you feel like enjoying a mouth-watering Mexican meal, Bonfire Burritos is always ready to serve you.

Bonfire Burritos is rumored to offer the most delicious green chili and catering services for your special parties.

Address: 2221 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401, United States

18. Higher Grounds Cafe

One of the best places to visit in Golden, CO, for an amazing dining experience is Higher Grounds Cafe, located in the historic downtown Golden.

Higher Grounds Cafe is the best place to chill and hang out with friends as you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee plus a nice meal.

Students usually stop by the restaurant due to its proximity to the Colorado School of Mines and the Foothills Art Center.

You also get to enjoy a complimentary high-speed wifi network as you sip from your cup of delicious latte or espresso; what a great way to spend your day!

Higher Grounds Cafe offers breakfast burritos and many more to go with your favorite beverage as you prepare for your journey.

Address: 803 14th St B, Golden, CO 80401, United States

19. The Splash at Fossil Trace

The Splash at Fossil Trace, beside the Fossil Trace Golf Course, is a place for the entire family in Golden, CO, especially on a hot summer day.

This aquatic Park, of at least ten acres, offers numerous fun activities for people of different ages.

There are slides to explore and a play area, including a pool for those interested in intensive training.

The Splash at Fossil Trace features an 8 Lane lap training pool and diving area, including body and two tube slides. Visiting The Splash at Fossil Trace is one of the fun things to do in Golden, CO.

Address: 3151 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, United States

Check out the top things to do in Westminster, things to do in Lakewood, and things to do in Greeley for a memorable exploration of Colorado.

20. Spinster Sisters

Spinster Sisters is a boutique apothecary, skin care, and microsoapery brand founded by Kelly Perkins in 2011.

The organization offers over thirty different kinds of hand-crafted soaps, shaving products, salves, lotions, scrubs & salt soaks.

They also offer hair, facial, and skin care products for men and women, including various travel items and scented lotion candles.

Spinster Sisters offer natural alternatives and items with almost no waste packaging, including bulk marketed items.

These products are made with herbs, essential oils, botanicals, locally sourced shea butter, and palm oil.

Address: 1116 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, United States

21. Windy Saddle Cafe

Windy Saddle Cafe is a popular meeting place for many residents and tourists, where they get to enjoy the best services.

The cafeteria offers a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere with nicely decorated interiors furnished with cozy tables and chairs.

They offer an impressive menu of meals made only from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, including pastries, breakfast, lunches, and snacks.

Windy Saddle Cafe offers a wide array of quality wines and craft beers. There is also a menu for kids and a playground.

The Cafe consists of a nice log fire where visitors can dine and drink on a chilly day. Meanwhile, the deck is perfect for the summer season.

Address: 1110 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, United States

22. Lariat Loop – National Scenic Byway

Lariat Loop is a spectacular 40-mile drive that takes users on an unforgettable journey back to the early era of the Motorcar Age.

The Loop inculcates features of Colorado’s first scenic drives, the Bear Creek Canyon Scenic Mountain Drive and the Lariat Trail Scenic Mountain Drive, facilitated from 1912 to 1920.

It offers visitors access to remarkable views, captivating sharp curves, and long meandering paths with waysides which are great for pictures.

Along the Lariat Loop, you can stop by fantastic locations such as The Red Rocks Park Amphitheatre and Buffalo Bill Grave &Museum.

Address: Golden, CO 80401, United States

23. Mines Museum of Earth Science

Mines Museum of Earth Science is a favorite place for professional and emerging gemologists in Golden.

This Museum attracts over thirty thousand persons annually through its impressive collection of over forty thousand items.

The exhibits on display are rotated, so there is always something new to view anytime you visit.

The major highlight at the Museum is the Goodwill moon rock, one of the two rocks recovered through the Apollo 17 Moon Landing.

Mines Museum of Earth Science’s indoor cave features an enormous collection of gemstones, such as the Miss Colorado Crown.

Address: 1310 Maple Street, Golden, CO 80401, United States

24. North Table Mountain Park

Known for offering gorgeous views, North Table Mountain Park features over 15 miles of trails and incredible climb rock.

North Table Mountain Park features an access trail that takes visitors on foot to the mesa without a vehicle from the north and east points.

While the Fairmount trail extends for about three miles, it links to the Ralston Creek Trail of 14 miles at Long lake park.

Address: 4788 CO-93, Golden, CO 80403, United States

25. Foothills Art Center

The Foothills Art Center was originally founded in 1968 in a building formerly the First Presbyterian Church.

In 1991, the Center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It houses three galleries that show the rotating collection of modern art made by regional and national artists.

The Center is also a venue for classes and workshops for youth, adults, and school children. An Open Studio interval allows artists of different levels to paint for hours with their counterparts while also gaining motivation.

The Foothills Art Center hosts the annual Plein Air Event, one of the major highlights. It is open to everyone.

Address: 809 15th St, Golden, CO 80401, United States

26. Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center

Another must-visit attraction in Golden is the fascinating Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center.

Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center demonstrates the original sherpa-style home. It is located within nicely landscaped gardens.

The Center teaches visitors about the intriguing cultural heritage of the Sherpa people, including the sampling of exotic blends of flavors.

The menu features numerous traditional Himalaya dishes for guests, including Shyakpa, a delicious vegetable stew & Thukpa, and authentic Sherpa-style noodle soup.

Sherpa House Restaurant and Cultural Center features mulberry tree shades where you can dine on a calm day.

 Address: 1518 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401, United States

27. Bob’s Atomic Burgers

If you’re searching for what to do in Golden, CO, with your family and friends, consider grabbing lunch at Bob’s Atomic Burgers.

Bob’s Atomic Burgers offers meals that tickle the taste buds of its patrons. It is a family-owned and operated restaurant.

They are known for offering the tastiest and freshest all-American treat prepared with local ingredients; visitors are allowed to pick their toppings and sides.

As you take a bite from your delicious burger, order a soda, milkshake, or specialty bottled beverage.

Bob’s Atomic Burgers also offer a wide range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Students are provided whopping discounts of 20% on Wednesdays.

Address: 1310 Ford Street, Golden, CO 80401, United States

28. Matthews/Winters Park

Matthews/Winters Park features the beginning point to get into the Red Rocks of Denver City through a trail.

The Hogback offers visitors exceptional leisure time through a steep obstacle between foothills and plains up the hulking ridge.

On the eastern part of the Hogback, there are inscribed interpretations of the dinosaur due to the closeness of the Dinosaur Ridge Visitor Center.

Address: 1103 County Rd 93, Golden, CO 80401, United States

Explore more cities in Colorado, check out our list of things to do in Crested Butte, things to do in Buena Vista, and things to do in Castle Rock for a fun time

Plan Your Trip to Golden

Golden city, just like its name, is magnificent, charming, and graced with many natural resources that glorify mother nature’s magnificence

Golden City’s attractions encompass different areas, including educational, historical, natural, and entertaining, ensuring you have a memorable time. Remember to bring a camera to capture lovely moments and views.

Start planning a trip to Golden, CO.