Historic Downtown Golden
Historic downtown Golden is the heartbeat of the city, with its vibrant streets nestled between several mountainscapes, including North Table, and alongside them, the rocky banks of Clear Creek.
Downtown is more than a former gold-rush-era town from the 1850s. Today, shoppers visit outdoor gear stores to pick up supplies for their next adventures while curious visitors stroll the streets to enjoy Golden’s public art, and friends gather to drink locally-crafted beer at the end of a day of fun and sun.
Golden’s historical architecture, Western-style atmosphere, and mountainous landscape give it the charm of a town that has learned to slow down life a little bit and enjoy every moment while embracing the future as a growing hub of community, culture, and innovation.
Shop Downtown Golden
Historic downtown Golden is a center of activity. View the “Welcome to Golden” Arch, one of the most photographed items in Colorado. Stroll the historic 12th Street Neighborhood with over 50 historic buildings including where Colorado legislators met when Golden was the territorial capital.
Get to Know Us
Walk under the “Welcome to Golden” arch, before strolling along Washington Avenue, past ice cream shops, cafés, and boutiques. The shopping experience in downtown Golden is as varied as our interests, with plenty of health and wellness stores, gear shops, and local art to keep anyone happy.
Enjoy a picnic or a game with friends at Parfet Park or hike along the banks of the water on the Clear Creek trail. There are over a dozen parks — and more than 250 acres — to choose from, all within the city of Golden.
Keep busy all day long as you explore downtown’s variety of attractions and museums. Discover Golden History Museum and Park, which takes you back in time to imagine traditional mountain life with its original 1870s homestead cabins. The Foothills Art Center lets you engage with local and global art exhibitions and dynamic programming. Or, if you want culture and fresh air together, take in Golden’s murals and statues that present storied scenes of the Old West on the public art walk.
Since 2001, the Golden Farmers Market has been a staple in the community, sharing locally-grown produce, handcrafted artisan goods, and friendly neighborhood connections on a weekly basis. Visit the farmers market at the Golden Library on Saturdays from June to October.
When it's time to rest up for the next day, sink into your plush bed at one of the many Golden, Colorado hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Attractions in Downtown Golden
Coors Brewery Tours
- 13th and Ford Streets
- (800) 642-6116
See and taste traditional brewing at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in the largest single-site brewery in the world! Since 1873 the Coors Brewery has thrived on a legacy of quality, innovation, and customer service. Learn about their history and passion for brewing by visiting…
Golden History Museum & Park
- 923 10th Street
- (303) 278-3557
Golden History Museum & Park is a vibrant public space for uncovering Golden's past. Featuring historical Coors objects, a hands-on gallery for families, a gift shop, and displays that highlight the City’s collection of 15K historic objects. Open and Free Tuesday - Saturday 10…
Mines Museum of Earth Science
- 1310 Maple Street
- (303) 273-3815
Mines Museum, home to one of Colorado’s two Goodwill moon rocks collected during the Apollo 17 mission, had its beginnings in 1874 with the collection of geologist, Arthur Lakes, and includes the historic Colorado State Mineral Collection created by the Bureau of Mines in the…
Foothills Art Center at Astor House
- 822 12th Street
- (303) 279-3922
The Foothills Art Center at Astor House is now open in their new space! Come and visit for free! Free admission is generously sponsored by The Colorado Gives Foundation. Their exhibits are open to the public so everyone can find inspiration, gain a fresh perspective, and make new…
Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum
- 710 10th Street
- (303) 996-2755
The American Mountaineering Center (AMC) has been sold and will close on September 20, 2024. The American Alpine Club (AAC) and its library will close on Sept. 20 to allow for cataloging and inventorying. The Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum (BWAMM) will close on…
Eat, Drink & Enjoy
You won’t go hungry here. Golden has a variety of dining options for groups of all sorts. Enjoy fine dining and farm-to-table restaurant experiences that tap into locally-sourced ingredients, world-class chefs, and creative cocktail menus. Taste flavors from all over the world or find a cozy nook in an intimate restaurant for a romantic night out, just the two of you.
Get the group together for some post-hike beers at one of the laid-back and renowned Golden, CO, breweries. You can plan a chic evening with elevated cocktails and a mellow atmosphere or aim for a lively night out at a Golden tavern or bar once the sun goes down.
If you have the whole family in tow, there are so many dining options to please everyone, whether it’s pizza, sandwiches, bar-b-que, or burgers. For an alfresco dining experience, choose from one of the idyllic outdoor patios in town.
Come for the outdoors and stay for the vibrant downtown that’ll add a bit of culture, fun, and variety to any trip. Stop into the Golden Visitors & Information Center at 10th Street & Washington Avenue for more information.
Downtown Restaurants
Parking
Visitor Parking in Downtown Golden