10 Best Things to do in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the best cities to visit in Colorado if you love adventure, nature, and good food. As someone who grew up in Colorado, Colorado Springs is always one of my favorite cities to visit in the state.
Colorado Springs is situated in the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains and is an epic city to add to your Colorado bucket list. Located about one hour south of Denver, it’s the perfect city to visit if you are planning a Colorado trip.
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.
Visit the Garden of the Gods
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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
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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.
Visit the Olympic Training Center
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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!
Go on a Hike
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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
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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.
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,
How to Get to Colorado Springs

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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
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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
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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!
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!
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