9 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs

The Garden of the Gods Park is one of the most most-visited attractions in Colorado Springs. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, with Pikes Peak as a backdrop, the park offers easy access to the area's famous red sandstone rock formations.

The park has a theater where you can enjoy the Geo-Trekker experience, which takes place every 20 minutes. You can also take part in rock climbing, take a jeep or Segway tour, rent a bike (or an electric bike if you’d rather save your energy), and join adventure programs.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is a unique sporting attraction. This is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center programs.

The facility organizes sports camps throughout the year, offers tours of the center, and even has a Team USA Olympic shop where you can pick up a souvenir after the tour. Make sure to spend some time at the Velodrome, constructed in 1983 and still used for training to this day.

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts is Colorado Springs’ center of culture and entertainment. It’s the official home of the city’s symphony orchestra, but also plays host to other events throughout the year, including concerts, local productions, educational programs, and cultural events.

The Center (as it’s affectionately called by locals) has hosed MasterChef Junior, productions of The Screwtape Letters, Shen Yun: 5,000 Years of Civilization, and many others. The venue is located in the heart of downtown, making it easy to reach from dining, shopping, and additional entertainment choices.

Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the U.S., dubbed “America’s Mountain”. It’s also the most visible landmark in the Colorado Springs area, standing over 14,000 ft tall. Exploring the mountain is a good way to get to know the Rockies, and it’s surprisingly easy to do.

Drivers can take Pikes Peak Highway to enjoy the scenic views up the mountain and from the peak. However, the more adventurous visitors can hike up to the peak via several different trails. Of course, there’s more to do on the mountain and in the surrounding area. Fly fishing is very popular, as is mountain biking. You can also explore several gift shops, or take the Cog Railroad.

Old Colorado City was once a city in its own right, but today, it’s a neighbourhood of Colorado Springs. Still, it offers plenty of things to see and do. Magic Town is a sculpture museum with historically accurate miniature scenes. Bancroft Park offers green space in which to relax, and the Old Colorado City downtown area is replete with over 100 charming shops, dining options, and even nightlife choices.

Depending on the time of year, both Bancroft Park and the downtown area offer access to unique events, including open-air concerts and seasonal festivals.

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum dates back to 1896 when it was founded as a collecting institution. Today, it’s a fully-accredited museum and historic venue offering an in-depth look at the history of the Pikes Peak region through time.

You’ll find around 10 permanent exhibits to enjoy here, such as This Shall be the Land For Women (explores the area’s role in women’s rights), Any Place North & West (dedicated to African Americans in Colorado Springs), From Paris to the Plains (see a vast collection of Van Briggle Art Pottery), and Beads, Blankets, and Buffalo (an interactive children's gallery). Admission to the museum is free, and there is a gift shop to explore, too.

North Tejon Street is a must-visit if you’re looking for shopping, dining, and nightlife options during your stay in Colorado Springs. You’ll find many of the area’s attractions on this street, including the Pioneers Museum and Acacia Park. 

Head to the Rabbit Hole to dine in a subterranean restaurant, or head over to the Skirted Heifer or Bingo Burger for local cuisine. At night, check out Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub, Urban Egg, Oskar Blues Broil & Brew, and Odyssey Gastropub. You’ll find hundreds of shops nearby, ranging from fashion retailers to bike shops and everything in between.

The Acacia Park Farmers Market offers access to a wide range of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other products. Held on Mondays during the warmer months, vendors vary from week to week, offering an ever-evolving range of items.

Acacia Park itself is a lovely green space in downtown, with picnic tables where you can sample what you’ve just purchased. The park has a view of Colorado Springs, as well as the Rockies. Several walking paths offer exploration opportunities, and there’s a playground for the little ones to enjoy.