Located just 12 miles from downtown Denver, historic Golden is easy to reach, has plenty of easy parking, and offers a true Colorado mountain experience. Here are some ideas to introduce your visiting relatives to a great Colorado town:
WALK ALONG A MOUNTAIN CREEK FOR MILES ON A FLAT, PAVED, ALL WEATHER TRAIL.
Pick up the Clear Creek Trail in downtown Golden by the Golden Welcome Center or there are two trailheads with 140 free parking spots just a mile west of Golden on Hwy. 6. You’ll feel like you’re in a Colorado postcard with bridges crossing the creek and scenic views of the beautiful river and rugged Rocky Mountain canyon. The flat, paved trail is easy for people of all ages – and those not accustomed to higher elevations.
GIVE YOUR FLATLANDER RELATIVES A THRILL ON THE LARIAT LOOP.
Give your visitors a taste of classic Colorado mountain driving – hairpin turns, drop-offs, cliffs, and an unsettling absence of guardrails. Ah, but the 360 degree views from the 7,379-foot summit of Lookout Mountain! Don’t miss Buffalo Bill’s museum and grave near the top of Lookout Mountain.
SHOP SMALL "IN A QUAINT, ALL-AMERICAN SMALL TOWN." 
There’s nothing “big box” about shopping in Golden and your friends will enjoy Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) to kick off holiday shopping. The beloved Holiday Art Market at Foothills Art Center’s Astor House location features thousands of unique items made by Colorado artists. Show off ALL of Golden and hit the shops outside downtown, like the Golden Curiosity Shop in South Golden. It’s like a mini Museum of Nature and Science and not to be missed,
GO ON AN ITTY, BITTY ART TOUR & CHECK OUT GOLDEN’S & ARTS & CULTURE SCENE.
Golden is home to a thriving arts scene, with colorful murals, sculptures and even “itty bitty art” installations. You can follow an online map to direct you to public art and the itty, bitty art installations or just walk along and enjoy it on your own.
CATCH A PERFORMANCE OR LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC.
Get your tickets for holiday performances at the new Miners Alley Performing Arts Center. Golden always has great live music – check out the offerings at Buffalo Rose, Goosetown Station, Golden Mill, Over Yonder and more.
DIVE INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT WITH HOLIDAY EVENTS.
Step into the fun and festive Miracle at The Eddy pop-up bar, where seasonal cocktails and merry decorations create a cozy ambiance. At the Golden Welcome Center, join in the heartwarming tradition of writing letters to Santa. Join a Golden History Tours and let Golden's past come alive or go on a lively Golden Hayride tour with stops at Downtown bars and the Outpost. See all the holiday events here.
SHOW OFF COLORADO’S SUNSHINE AT A BEER GARDEN IN COLORADO’S LARGEST BEER TOWN.
Impress your out-of-town friends by taking them for a beer – outdoors! Golden has plenty of craft breweries and taverns with patios and gardens, including Golden City Brewery, Mountain Toad, Cannonball Creek, The Eddy Taproom and Hotel, New Terrain, and more! You can even book a reservation to tour the world’s largest single site brewery, Coors!
GAME ON! CHALLENGE YOUR FAMILY AT GOLDEN GAME GUILD OR CHECK OUT TRIVIA NIGHTS.
Take your game night to a new level at Golden Game Guild, Golden’s board game café! Many Golden bars/restaurants feature fun trivia nights too!
ENJOY A GOLDEN MEAL & WALK UNDER THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS!
Golden restaurants offer everything from sushi to pizza, BBQ, Mexican, Thai and the great specialty of Colorado – buffalo. Dine at the historic first capitol building at the Old Capitol Grill or overlooking Clear Creek on a rooftop patio. Afterward dinner, take a family stroll to take in the city’s festive holiday lights, which illuminate the downtown and also can make for a serene stroll along the Clear Creek path.
Golden is a wonderful place to connect with family and friends visiting for the holidays. There are so many choices with easy parking, mountain views, and all just minutes from home! Check out all the fun things to do on visitgolden.com.