Just 12 miles from downtown Denver, Golden is a perfect weekend getaway — close to the city yet surrounded by mountain beauty. With ample parking (free for the first two hours!), charming shops, recreation galore and plenty of sunshine, Golden is the ideal place to entertain visiting friends and family.
Here are some can’t-miss ways to show off your Colorado hometown charm:
1. Stroll Along Scenic Clear Creek or Hit the Trails
The Clear Creek Trail has been called one of the prettiest on the Front Range and with bridges, benches, mountain views, and the sound of rushing water, it’s postcard-perfect Colorado. Pick it up downtown near the Golden Welcome Center or at one of two trailheads west of town. For more elevation, you can’t go wrong at North Table Mountain or South Table Mountain, both offer panoramic views and photo ops just minutes from downtown.
2. Take a Thrilling Drive on the Lariat Loop
For a quick adventure, head up Lookout Mountain Road on the historic Lariat Loop Scenic Byway. The winding route delivers hairpin turns, jaw-dropping vistas, and an unforgettable summit view at 7,379 feet. For a taste of the Old West, stop at Buffalo Bill’s Museum & Grave or stretch your legs and explore the nature preserve at Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
3. “Shop Small” in a Big Way
Golden is filled with locally owned shops offering art, fashion, outdoor gear, and unique gifts. Don’t miss Small Business Saturday, when the whole town buzzes with festive energy and special promotions.
4. Discover Golden’s Art & Culture Scene
Explore Golden’s many murals, sculptures, and public art installations along Washington Avenue and the Clear Creek Trail. Check out the Holiday Art Market (HART) at Foothills Art Center Astor House, celebrating 50 years of offering handcrafted creations from Colorado artists. Visit Spirits in the Wind Gallery, a premier fine art gallery featuring original works by Colorado and Native American artists. Then explore the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum to discover an impressive collection of quilting, from 19th-century bed coverings to contemporary textile art.
5. Catch a Show, Enjoy Live Music or Level Up Your Game Night
Enjoy a night out with holiday performances at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. Jam out to live music at Buffalo Rose, Golden Mill, Goosetown Station or Miners Saloon. Catch a family-friendly magic show or an adults-only comedy night at Gnarly’s Theater, where the vintage toys museum lobby with free-play arcade games and nostalgic concessions invites you to linger before the show. The Golden Game Guild board game café is the perfect way to unwind with family — whether you’re into strategy, trivia, or good old-fashioned competition.
6. Toast Colorado’s Beer Capital, Tour a Winery or Distillery or Sip Festive Cocktails
Take your guests to one of Golden’s many outdoor beer gardens, perfect on a sunny day — like Golden City Brewery, Mountain Toad, Golden Mill, or New Terrain. Sip local brews around a fire pit, enjoy a light bite, and raise a glass to the town that brews more beer (thanks to Coors!) than any other in North America! Want more sparkle? Visit the Miracle at the Eddy pop-up bar for festive cocktails. Sample wines at Deep Roots Winery or take the Coors Brewery Tour (reservations required) or a distillery tour and tasting at State 38.
7. See a Moon Rock, Browse Art and Learn about Golden’s History - FOR FREE!
Several Golden attractions offer free admission including the Mines Museum, Foothills Art Center Astor House and the Golden History Museum & Park. Golden offers lots of free fun, check out more ideas at free things to do in Golden.
8. Thrill the Kids (and Adults!) with Trains & Dinosaurs
Get the wiggles out before the holiday with a multi-gen excursion to the Colorado Railroad Museum and Dinosaur Ridge. What’s better than cool old trains and footprints of the dinosaurs?
9. Take a Selfie at the Welcome Arch
No trip to Golden is complete without a photo under the iconic “Howdy Folks!” arch on Washington Avenue.
This winter, show your out-of-state visitors what Colorado hospitality is all about with mountain views, local flavor, and Golden’s warm small-town welcome.
