Things to do in Colorado Springs
What to do in Colorado Springs beyond the trails: the top attractions, downtown and food scene, breweries, family attractions, culture and the events calendar.
Evergreen guide. We write what stays true; prices, hours, rules and venue details change constantly — verify current specifics with official sources before relying on them.
Beyond the trails
The outdoors is the headline (covered here), but Colorado Springs has a real menu of attractions, food and culture for newcomers to explore.
The top attractions
- Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak — the free red-rock park and America's Mountain, the must-sees;
- The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum — a striking downtown museum celebrating the Olympic movement (the city is a Team USA hub);
- The Broadmoor — the famous historic luxury resort, a destination even for a visit;
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — America's highest-altitude zoo, built into the mountainside;
- Manitou Springs — the quirky arts town with mineral springs, the Cog Railway and the Incline;
- Cave of the Winds, the Cripple Creek historic mining/gaming town and other regional draws.
Food, drink & downtown
- A revitalized downtown with a growing restaurant, brewery and bar scene;
- Craft beer: Colorado's beer culture runs strong here — a notable brewery scene;
- Diverse dining growing with the city, from casual to upscale;
- Old Colorado City & Manitou for character shopping and dining.
Culture & events
- Arts & music: the Fine Arts Center, local theater, galleries and live music;
- Events calendar: the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (the famous mountain motorsport race), festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations;
- Family-friendly attractions throughout — a genuinely family-oriented city.
Attractions, hours, prices and events change — verify current details with official sources before visiting.