Explore Colorado Springs Like a Local - Visit Colorado Springs

Hillary's Hidden Gems

"So many great restaurants, night life, sporting events (go Switchbacks!), and coffee shops... It’s a great place to raise kids too!"

- Hillary

Friday Night

Start your weekend with a speakeasy hop around Downtown Colorado Springs! Allusions, The Rabbit Hole*, Shame & Regret and The Archives are four speakeasies only a 5-10 minute walk apart.
To access The Archives, you'll get to cut through AdAmAn Alley, an alley full of murals, local history and awesome digital firework displays.

AdAmAn Alley mural by El Mac

Saturday

Start the day at Frankly Coffee. This tiny cafe pouring up specialty coffee in Old Colorado City is hidden in plain sight, so keep an eye out! Soak up the sun on the patio as you mentally prepare for your exciting day.
Make your way to Garden of the Gods Park* to explore its many trails.
Brunch it up at Denver Biscuit Company. Hearty breakfast sandwiches on buttermilk biscuits are sure to satisfy everyone in your group!
Just a few blocks away, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is your gateway to all-things Team USA. Interactive exhibits tell the thrilling history, fascinating science and riveting politics of the Olympic & Paralympic games.
Head to The Broadmoor to explore the gorgeous property. Don't forget to stop at the hotel's fine art gallery to see some stunning pieces!
Dinner at Red Gravy Italian Bistro* is the perfect way to finish off this jam-packed day. Brussel sprouts, anyone?

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Sunday

Wake up early for a hike at Mt. Muscoco in North Cheyenne Cañon Park*. Take in 360 degrees of beautiful views!
Refuel with brunch at Sacred Ground Cafe, just a short drive from the park.
Relax and recover with a mid-morning soak in one of the SunWater Spa tubs in Manitou Springs.
Delicious dumplings with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Yellow Mountain Tea House are the perfect way to close out this Colorado Springs adventure.

Unwind in a soaking tub at SunWater Spa!

Following this itinerary? Hillary recommends staying at Kinship Landing, a locally owned boutique hotel in Downtown Colorado Springs.

Beers and Biking by Brie

"It’s so nice to have so many outdoor options ANY time of the year. That and I love how walkable and bike-able everything is."

- Brie

Friday night

Begin your Colorado Springs adventure with a hearty meal at Red Gravy Italian Bistro*, you'll need the energy for the excitement ahead!
Walk a few blocks down Tejon Street to find Supernova Arcade Bar. Classic arcade games, great drinks and bangin' bar food are the perfect way to end the night.

multiple plates of food on a table. one dish has a pasta with red sauce, one ahs a salad with colorful vegetables, one has thick pieces of bread, and the last one has a handful of cherry tomatoes

Enjoy St. Louis-style Italian food at Red Gravy

Saturday

Get an early start to the day and ride with the Buffalo Lodge Bike Tribe, a biking club based out of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort in Manitou Springs.
Enjoy lunch at the Burrowing Owl, a 100% vegan restaurant and bar in the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain neighborhood. Indulge in plant-based treats like loaded nachos, baked goods and Brie's favorite, the Crunchwrap.
Take a mid-afternoon hike in Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This local favorite is home to hiking trails of all levels, rock climbing and multiple off-leash dog loops!
Grab an afternoon pint and snack at OCC Brewing. The rooftop patio is the perfect spot to recharge and look over charming Old Colorado City.
Catch some live entertainment at Lulu's Downtown* – a funky upstairs venue that showcases local musicians, touring bands, comedians, DJs and more.
Sit down for post-show cocktails at Bar Thirty Three. This stylish space serves up award-winning cocktails late into the evening.
Need a late-night snack? Pick up a pizza at Slice420 on the way back to your hotel.

a lake below a blue sky and in front of a large red rock formation. three grey ducks swim int he foreground.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Sunday

Take a morning hike at Garden of the Gods Park*. Bonus points if you catch the gorgeous sunrise!
Have lunch at Monse's Pupusaria, where you'll delight in fresh pupusas and other traditional Salvadoran bites. The menu is also 100% gluten free.
Step right outside and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Old Colorado City. This historic shopping district is full of fun shops and art galleries – don't leave without grabbing a souvenir.
Before you say goodbye to the Springs, grab an early dinner at Jack Quinn's Irish Pub & Restaurant. It's hard to be too sad with a belly full of shepherd's pie!

Old Colorado City

Following this itinerary? We recommend staying at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort – a bicyclist's dream hotel, it's also located close to the featured west-side attractions.

Cocktails and Canyon-crawling with Colleen

"My favorite thing about the Springs is being able to escape to beautiful nature just 15 minutes from town!"

- Colleen

FRIDAY NIGHT

Hit up Shuga's* for happy hour. This cozy, hip restaurant has an eclectic menu and incredible cocktails. A reservation in the yurt is an absolute must (if you know, you know)!
After dinner you can walk and explore the south end of Downtown Colorado Springs. You'll find great places to grab a nightcap, like COATI, Streetcar 520 and Louie Louie's Piano Bar!

Streetcar 520 Featuring two special cocktails during happy hour in downtown Colorado Springs CO

Start your weekend off right with great drinks!

SATURDAY

Start the day at Provision Bakery. Artisan bread, pastries and a great cup of coffee make this an ideal morning pit stop.
Drive up North Cheyenne Canyon Road and hike Mt. Kineo. Looking for a challenge? This trail also connects to Seven Bridges. The view will make it worth your while!
Eat your packed lunch at the top while you take in the beautiful canyon views before heading back down.
As a reward for your hard work, head to the Ivywild School for happy hour! This food hall is in a gorgeous historic school building and offers great cocktails, beer and eats.
Make sure you saved some room – you're going to Evergreen Restaurant for dinner! Their upscale menu features Turkish coffee, Eastern European-inspired fare and unbelievable desserts.

Evergreen Restaurant

SUNDAY MORNING

Pack some snacks and book a ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. This train chugs to the top of Pikes Peak – America's Mountain, and you'll have a blast with your knowledgable tour guide on the way up.
Take in incredible views from over 14,000 feet in the air! Don't forget to stop into the Summit Visitor Center to see the fascinating exhibits and grab a world-famous high altitude donut: the perfect cap to your COS weekend.

the red Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway train follows the tracks with scenic views of Colorado

The Cog Railway

Following this itinerary? We recommend staying somewhere close to Downtown and easy to access from i25, like The Antlers.

* = Local Hotspots

Over 40 Colorado Springs residents responded to this prompt. All of the starred locations above were mentioned several times over. Below are even more activities that were shouted out by dozens of other locals: