Looking for the best things to do in Colorado Springs? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding it to a larger Colorado itinerary, Colorado Springs offers outdoor adventure, scenic mountain views, family-friendly attractions, and unique dining experiences. From hiking at Garden of the Gods to riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, here are the top attractions and activities you shouldn’t miss.

Visiting Denver, too? Click here to read my local guide on the best things to do in Denver. In Colorado Springs you’ll find an array of outdoor adventure activities, cultural attractions, breathtaking views, and delicious food. 

Whether you love nature, and history, or are simply looking for somewhere beautiful to spend a few days, Colorado Springs has it all. I’m excited to share my comprehensive Colorado Springs Travel Guide that will give you all the information you need to know from how to get to the city, what to do, and why it’s a must-visit destination. 

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Colorado Springs

Visit the Garden of the Gods 

If you’re visiting Colorado Springs you definitely have to make a stop at the Garden of the Gods. This park is known for its beautiful backdrop of stunning red rock formations that will simply take your breath away. Garden of the Gods has paved walking trails so it’s very accessible for everyone, you can also go hiking, rock climbing, or biking in the park. 

The park also puts on a variety of activities, which are always worth checking out, such as guided hikes, guided bike and e-bike rides, segway tours, jeep tours, and yoga in the park. They also have a free shuttle in the summer. This is one park that I highly recommend you don’t skip on your trip to Colorado Springs!

Go Up Pikes Peak 

Pikes Peak, one of the most well-known mountains in Colorado, is the highest mountain you can drive to the top of in the southern region of the Rocky Mountains. This mountain is what we call a “fourteener” in Colorado which means the mountain has an elevation of at least 14,000 feet of elevation. Colorado actually has the most fourteeners of any state. I recommend if you are not from Colorado and are not familiar with hiking fourteeners that you take an alternative route up Pikes Peak. 

Another way to get to the top of the summit is via car. If you are renting a vehicle, Pikes Peak has a highway that you can take to the top. It’s the highest paved road in North America. You can easily take your car up the 19 miles of road it takes to the top, grab yourself a donut from the visitor center, and enjoy the gorgeous views you get from being on top of a fourteener. 

Another way to get to the top is via the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The train boards in the foothills of Pikes Peak and will take you through Pikes Peak National Forest to the top of the mountain. If this is the route you want to take to the top, you should book early in advance. 

Regardless of which way you choose to get to the top, this is one special attraction that is well-known for a reason with its breathtaking views that are normally reserved for those willing and able to hike up other fourteeners. 

Go on a Hike

If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors on your visit to Colorado Springs, you definitely need to go on a hike or two. Although a lot of Colorado is known for its beautiful hiking trails, Colorado Springs is no exception.

There are tons of hiking you can do in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Royal Gorge Park, Helen Hunt Falls, and much more. You’ll be able to find hikes for all skill levels, ranging from easy to difficult.

Manitou Incline

If you are athletic or looking for a challenge, then the Manitou Incline is the perfect activity for you. The Manitou Incline is a hike that will take you up 2,744 stairs that are carved into the rock of the mountain. You’ll climb over 2,000 vertical feet over the course of 0.9 miles to the top.

It’s a very steep hike but it’s a popular attraction to those visiting Colorado Springs. If you are new to Colorado and aren’t already used to the thin air or don’t consider yourself athletic or fit, this may be one attraction you want to skip.

However, if you are up for the challenge I highly recommend going early, pacing yourself, wearing the right footwear, and bringing plenty of water and one or two snacks.

You should plan for the incline to take you about 3 hours round trip. It takes the average hiker about 90 minutes to get to the top. Also, please note, that you are required to book a free reservation prior to going, this is just for crowd control during popular times.

Best Places to Eat in Colorado Springs

The Airplane Restaurant

Dine inside a 1950s fully intact Boeing KC-97 at the Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs. You can pick from a variety of lunch and dinner options, enjoy the memorabilia around the restaurant, and learn a bit of aviation history. This restaurant is very unique and worth a visit on your Colorado Springs trip!

Ivywild School

The Ivywild School was originally an elementary school that was built in 1916 and closed its doors in 2009. It was then repurposed and holds a variety of restaurants, a bar, a brewery, and lots of seating. Each business housed in the Ivywild School is uniquely different and each has it’s own vibe. This is a great place to grab some food and a cocktail and do some exploring of the old elementary school.

The Rabbit Hole

This Alice in Wonderland-inspired restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, brings a fresh and unique atmosphere, interesting drinks, and overall a fun place to grab some food. You’ll find The Rabbit Hole located at the end of stairs that appear to be leading to an underground subway and is housed in what used to be a city morgue. This interesting restaurant is one you definitely need to add to your Colorado Springs itinerary.

Atmosphere Gastropub

Atmosphere Gastropub is an affordable yet elevated restaurant located in the north end of town. This restaurant is perfect for anyone who considers themself a foodie or is interested in trying unique and tasty dishes. The menu is definitely high-end, although your wallet won’t feel it since they have really affordable prices for what they are serving!

Marigold Cafe & Bakery

The Marigold Cafe & Bakery is a well-known staple in Colorado Springs. You can find French cuisine for lunch or dinner in the cafe, and after your meal, you can take home one of their delicious desserts, like a pastry, tarte, slice of cake, or tiramisu from their bakery,

Visit the Olympic Training Center 

The Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs offers 1-hour guided tours of the facility. If you’re in a group of less than 10 people then you don’t need to register or book a reservation ahead of time. Tours are given every hour on the hour and are a really fun way to see the Olympic Training Center where so many great athletes have previously trained!

Best Museums in Colorado Springs

If you need a break from hiking or want something to do on a colder or rainy day, Colorado Springs has several excellent museums that highlight art, history, aviation, and the American West. Adding one of these stops to your itinerary gives your trip a little more balance beyond the outdoor adventures.

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Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Located in a beautiful historic courthouse downtown, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum tells the story of the city and the Pikes Peak region. Exhibits focus on local history, Native American heritage, early settlers, and how Colorado Springs developed into the city it is today.

One of the best parts? Admission is free, making this one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs.

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U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is one of the city’s most impressive modern attractions. The museum features interactive exhibits, athlete stories, and immersive experiences that highlight Team USA’s history and achievements.

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, this museum is engaging, high-tech, and surprisingly inspiring. It’s a great indoor option for families visiting Colorado Springs.

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National Museum of World War II Aviation

If you’re interested in aviation history, the National Museum of World War II Aviation is a hidden gem in Colorado Springs. The museum houses fully restored aircraft, exhibits on wartime innovation, and personal stories from veterans.

It’s one of the more unique things to do in Colorado Springs, especially for history buffs or anyone traveling with teens.

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Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College

For art lovers, the Fine Arts Center blends regional history with contemporary art. You’ll find rotating exhibitions, Southwestern art collections, and even live performances. It’s a quieter, cultural contrast to the city’s rugged outdoor attractions.

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Why Add Museums to Your Colorado Springs Itinerary?

While Colorado Springs is best known for outdoor activities like hiking Garden of the Gods or driving up Pikes Peak, its museums offer a deeper look at the city’s history and culture. If you’re visiting for more than a day, mixing in one or two museums makes your trip feel more well-rounded.

 

How to Get to Colorado Springs

By Plane

Colorado Springs has it’s own airport which makes it the easiest choice for those taking a flight. Sometimes this airport can be pricy to fly into, so another great option would be flying into Denver International Airport and renting a car or taking a bus. If you’re spending time in Denver on your trip, check out the top things to do in Denver by clicking here!

Often times flying into smaller airports can actually be the cheapest option.

By Car

If you prefer to take a road trip to Colorado Springs, this major city is easily accessible by car. Colorado’s main highway, Interstate 25 runs north-south through the city, making it super easy to get to.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time of year to visit Colorado Springs is in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Since Colorado Springs is an outdoorsy city, and as someone who is from Colorado, I think this is the time of year when the weather is best. 

Although Colorado has gotten snow up until May in the past, it’s not as common. It generally stops snowing in late March and although you may get hit with the occasional snowstorm, it generally doesn’t snow again until October. 

The weather is really nice in the late spring and early fall, and months like July can be hot, with temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Colorado doesn’t have humidity, so it’s not a sticky hot summer, but it definitely can get hot in the sun. 

Wrapping Up 

Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a destination that has so much to offer and is a wonderful city to add to your vacation bucket list, from beautiful nature and views to explore, to a large variety of cultural attractions. 

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a unique city to explore, or simply enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery, Colorado Springs has it all. From the Iconic Garden of the Gods to the breathtaking views at the top of Pikes Peak, to delicious food to eat downtown, every trip to Colorado Springs has the potential to be truly unique and memorable. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Colorado Springs

How many days do you need in Colorado Springs?

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days in Colorado Springs. That gives you enough time to explore Garden of the Gods, drive or ride up Pikes Peak, hike one or two trails, and enjoy some of the city’s unique restaurants or museums. If you love outdoor adventure, you could easily spend 4–5 days exploring the surrounding parks and scenic areas.

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What is Colorado Springs best known for?

Colorado Springs is best known for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and its stunning Rocky Mountain scenery. The city is also home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and offers incredible hiking, rock formations, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

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Is Colorado Springs worth visiting?

Yes, Colorado Springs is absolutely worth visiting — especially if you enjoy nature and mountain views. It offers many of the same dramatic landscapes as other Colorado destinations but often with fewer crowds than places like Rocky Mountain National Park.

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What are the best free things to do in Colorado Springs?

Some of the best free things to do in Colorado Springs include:

• Visiting Garden of the Gods

• Hiking in Red Rock Canyon Open Space

• Exploring downtown Colorado Springs

• Visiting the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

• Driving scenic roads with mountain views

Many of the city’s top attractions are outdoors and free to enjoy.

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What are the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids?

Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. Kids especially love:

• Garden of the Gods (easy paved trails)

• The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

• The Pikes Peak Cog Railway

• The Airplane Restaurant

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The combination of outdoor adventure and interactive attractions makes it an easy destination for families.

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What is the best time of year to visit Colorado Springs?

The best time to visit Colorado Springs is late spring through early fall (May through October). Summer offers warm weather and ideal hiking conditions, while September and early October provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winters can be beautiful but snowy, especially at higher elevations like Pikes Peak.

Author Bio

Ali is the travel blogger behind Inspired Lifestyle Blog. She loves to share her travels, itineraries, tips and tricks, and life living abroad. She is originally from Colorado but has since moved to South Yorkshire, England. Follow her along with her travels, get tips and tricks, and travel inspiration by following her on Instagram @inspiredlifestyleblog or by clicking here!