Things to Do in Colorado Springs: Neighborhoods, Food, Museums, and Outdoor Activities
Sep 9, 2026 / Public Storage
Colorado Springs, Colorado, rests at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains and offers stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant city life. From towering peaks and sparkling waterfalls to charming neighborhoods and unique attractions, Colorado Springs delivers experiences for every traveler. Visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, the city promises a blend of history, nature, culture, and entertainment that is hard to match.
With a population approaching half a million, Colorado Springs has grown into a lively city with accessible highways, a regional airport, and an expanding public transportation system. The city’s compact layout allows visitors to enjoy scenic drives, walking trails, and easily reach major attractions in a single day. Colorado Springs is not just a destination; it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families alike.
Plan your visit around Downtown, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and North Cheyenne Cañon to combine nearby attractions in one day.
Colorado Springs Travel Essentials:
- Visit Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Seven Falls, and North Cheyenne Cañon for outdoor activities and mountain views.
- Explore Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Tejon Street for food, local shopping, and arts.
- Visit the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and Space Foundation Discovery Center.
- Tour Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for family activities.
- Hike, bike, climb, paddle, or picnic at Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Memorial Park, and regional trails.
- Try local restaurants, breweries, cafés, New American dining, Mexican food, and international cuisine.
- Use walking, buses, rideshare, or a car based on your route, with a car useful for mountain attractions and parks.
Colorado Springs Travel at a Glance:
What Are the Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs?
The best things to do in Colorado Springs include visiting Garden of the Gods, exploring Pikes Peak, hiking in North Cheyenne Cañon, touring museums, and spending time in Manitou Springs. Visitors can also explore Old Colorado City, visit local parks, try regional food, and attend seasonal events.
Plan each day by area. Combine Downtown museums, Tejon Street, and Old Colorado City in one itinerary, then schedule Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, or Manitou Springs for another day.
What Can You Do in Downtown Colorado Springs?
Downtown Colorado Springs offers museums, galleries, restaurants, local shops, live performances, and seasonal events. Tejon Street is a central area for dining, shopping, public art, and community programming.
Downtown Colorado Springs attractions include:
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum: Regional history, local stories, and historic exhibits
- Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College: Art exhibitions, performances, and cultural programs
- Space Foundation Discovery Center: Space exploration and technology exhibits
- Ent Center for the Arts: Concerts, theater, dance, and live performances
- Tejon Street: Restaurants, shops, bars, and Downtown events
- Acacia Park: Public space, seasonal events, and outdoor gatherings
What Museums and Cultural Attractions Are in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs museums and cultural attractions include the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Space Foundation Discovery Center, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and local galleries. These destinations provide art, regional history, science, space exploration, and cultural exhibits.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs outdoor activities include hiking, biking, climbing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, paddling, and park visits. Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, North Cheyenne Cañon, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and Memorial Park provide common starting points.
Popular outdoor activities include:
- Hiking or biking at Garden of the Gods
- Driving or taking the cog railway to Pikes Peak
- Visiting Seven Falls and North Cheyenne Cañon
- Hiking, biking, or horseback riding at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Visiting Prospect Lake at Memorial Park
- Rock climbing on approved local routes
- Exploring regional trails and mountain overlooks
Bring water, sun protection, layers, and suitable footwear. Colorado Springs elevation, changing weather, and afternoon storms can affect outdoor plans.
What Can You Do at Garden of the Gods?
Garden of the Gods offers red rock formations, hiking, biking, climbing, scenic drives, and views of Pikes Peak. The visitor center provides exhibits and information about the park’s geology, ecology, and history.
Choose a route based on your available time and activity level. Check trail conditions, parking availability, and weather before visiting.
What Can You Do at Pikes Peak?
Pikes Peak offers mountain views, hiking, scenic travel, and access to the summit by highway or cog railway. The summit rises above 14,000 feet, so visitors should prepare for colder conditions and changing weather.
Bring water, warm layers, and sun protection even during summer. Check current road, railway, and weather conditions before traveling to Pikes Peak.
What Can You Do in Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs offers local shops, restaurants, galleries, mineral springs, and access to nearby mountain attractions. It is a common starting point for visitors heading to Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and hiking areas.
Popular Manitou Springs activities include:
- Exploring local boutiques and galleries
- Trying local restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries
- Visiting mineral-spring fountains
- Touring Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Visiting Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
- Using nearby hiking and mountain routes
What Food Is Colorado Springs Known For?
Colorado Springs offers local breweries, farm-focused restaurants, New American dining, casual cafés, Mexican food, barbecue, and international cuisine. Downtown, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and the Ivywild area provide varied dining options.
Common Colorado Springs food experiences include:
- Local breweries and taprooms
- New American and farm-focused restaurants
- Burgers, sandwiches, and casual diners
- Mexican food and street tacos
- International restaurants
- Coffee shops, bakeries, and brunch spots
- Food festivals and seasonal market food
Plan meal stops around your route. Pair a Downtown museum visit with Tejon Street dining, or combine an Old Colorado City walk with local cafés and restaurants.
Which Colorado Springs Neighborhoods Should Visitors Explore?
Colorado Springs neighborhoods offer different options for food, historic architecture, art, shopping, mountain access, and local events. Downtown, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Briargate, Northgate, and Ivywild are practical places to start.
Consider these areas:
- Downtown: Museums, restaurants, local shops, public art, and entertainment
- Old Colorado City: Historic streets, galleries, boutiques, cafés, and markets
- Manitou Springs: Local shops, mineral springs, restaurants, and mountain access
- Briargate: Shopping, restaurants, parks, and suburban access
- Northgate: Dining, shopping, outdoor attractions, and nearby mountain views
- Ivywild: Local food, breweries, community events, and creative businesses
- Broadmoor area: Resort amenities, dining, parks, and Cheyenne Mountain access
What Family Activities Can You Find in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs family activities include Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Space Foundation Discovery Center, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and local parks. Families can also visit museums, explore trails, and attend seasonal events.
What Events Can You Attend in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs hosts events focused on hot air balloons, motorsports, art, music, food, and seasonal celebrations. The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off features hot air balloons, while the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb draws motorsports fans.
Check event websites before visiting for current dates, ticket requirements, parking, and schedule details. Outdoor events can change because of weather conditions.
How Should You Get Around Colorado Springs?
Use walking, buses, rideshare, biking, or a car to get around Colorado Springs. Downtown, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs are easier to explore on foot once you arrive.
A car or rideshare is useful for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Seven Falls, and destinations outside central Colorado Springs. Check parking, road conditions, trail access, and weather before traveling.
Plan Your Colorado Springs Visit or Move.
Explore Colorado Springs by combining Downtown culture, historic neighborhoods, mountain attractions, local food, and outdoor recreation into a clear daily route. Public Storage can help you put away permitted, clean, dry household items while you organize a move or settle into a Colorado Springs home.
Start at the foothills. Keep climbing.
Colorado Springs Travel FAQs
What Are the Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs?
Popular Colorado Springs activities include visiting Garden of the Gods, exploring Pikes Peak, hiking in North Cheyenne Cañon, touring museums, and visiting Manitou Springs. Visitors can also explore Old Colorado City, Cave of the Winds, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and local parks.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs offers hiking, biking, climbing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, paddling, and park visits. Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, North Cheyenne Cañon, and Memorial Park provide common outdoor options.
What Food Is Colorado Springs Known For?
Colorado Springs offers local breweries, New American restaurants, farm-focused dining, casual diners, Mexican food, street tacos, coffee shops, and bakeries. Downtown, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and Ivywild offer varied dining options.
What Neighborhoods Should First-Time Visitors Explore in Colorado Springs?
First-time visitors can explore Downtown, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Briargate, Northgate, Ivywild, and the Broadmoor area. These areas offer restaurants, shopping, museums, historic streets, parks, and outdoor access.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Colorado Springs?
You can walk, bike, use buses, or take rideshare services for many Downtown attractions. A car or rideshare is useful for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, mountain trails, parks, and destinations outside central Colorado Springs.
